I slipped into the corridor, following the golden eyes that flickered in the shadows ahead. They blinked once—this way—then vanished around a corner. Golden light streamed through the windows—the sun hanging low, painting everything in shades of orange and red. Sunset was coming. Fast.
The hallways twisted and turned, narrowing as I descended deeper into the stone. Chester's eyes flickered ahead—always just out of reach, always showing the way. The walls were rougher here, older. No tapestries. No gilded frames. Just cold gray stone and the distant sound of music drifting from the throne room.
The wedding would start soon.
My heart pounded. We had to hurry.
More guards patrolled these corridors—the armory held weapons, power, things Alanna wanted locked away.
I pressed against the wall as two guards marched past. I held my breath.
Chester’s grin appeared in front of them. Just the grin. Floating. Gleaming.
“What the?—“
The grin drifted down the corridor. “This way, boys.”
Three guards took off after it, their shouts echoing off the stone.
Chester reappeared beside me, golden eyes dancing. “Fools chase smiles. Wise men run from them.”
We hurried on. Twice more Chester led guards on a merry chase.
Each time, the light through the windows grew more golden. More red.
The sun was sinking.
Finally we reached a heavy iron door. The armory.
A familiar scent curled through the air. Sweet. Earthy. Smoke.
I turned.
Caterpillar emerged from the shadows, a trail of blue-gray smoke drifting from his lips. His dark eyes studied me with that unnerving calm.
“Curious... most curious.” He tilted his head. “The caged bird... flies free.”
Behind him, a massive figure stepped forward.
Grump.
My father.
A sob caught in my throat. After everything—the dungeon, the torture, Darius—they were here. I wasn't alone.
Grump looked like he hadn’t slept in days. His face was haggard, his eyes red rimmed, his clothes torn and dirty. But when he saw me, he froze.
“Alice?” His voice cracked on my name. “You’re... You’re alive?”
Tears burned my eyes. All the walls I’d built, all the armor I’d wrapped around my heart—it crumbled.
“Papa.” The word slipped out before I could stop it. A word I’d never called anyone. A word I didn’t know I needed to say.
He crossed the distance between us in three strides and pulled me into his arms. I buried my face in his chest, inhaling the scent of pine and earth and something that felt like home.
“I thought I’d lost you.” He pulled me tighter, like he was afraid I’d disappear. “When Rabbit told us what happened—when Chester said Alanna had you—” He released me. Then he cupped my face in his massive hands. Tears streamed down his weathered cheeks. “I failed you. Again. I should have protected you.”
“You didn’t fail me.” I gripped his wrists. “I’m here. I’m alive.”
