Page 44 of Edge of Wonder

“Oh good! You got the box. I wasn’t sure if it could get here in time.”

“What is it?” I asked, taking the case from Sebastian. My last name was carved into the lid, and I faltered, unable to make myself reach for the gold clasp on the side.

“Go ahead, open it,” Shire murmured from right beside me.

I lifted the lid to reveal a black velvet cushion holding a gold ring. The band was inlaid with a royal blue stone etched with the raised outline of a gryphon.

“It’s your family’s signet ring. Your mother always wanted you to wear it when it was your time to compete. She hoped it would bring you courage. We saved it for you.”

“We?”

“You have lots of allies here, Alice. We’ve been waiting for you.”

The tips of my fingers traced over the stone’s symbol. I had vague memories of seeing the gryphon before as a child and knew its meaning to be a protector from evil. It represented strength and leadership, traits I hoped were inside me and would make my parents proud. As well as all the others counting on me.

I released the ring from its velvet confines and slipped it onto my finger. It was a perfect fit.

Shire clapped her hands together. “This is so exciting! We should hurry to make it in time for the ceremony. I’m sure the crowds are gathering.”

“The crowds?” Sebastian said through gritted teeth. “You said it was going to be a private ceremony.”

“I did? I don’t remember saying that. Ghosts and their memories, am I right?” Shire chuckled. “Let’s go, Alice. It’s time to take back Wonderland.”

***

The streets were lined with people, and so many other surprising creatures, I lost count. Dodo birds flapped their feathered wings, mice scurried through the streets, and even an oversized caterpillar sat on top of a mushroom cap.

Sebastian walked by my side, his gaze endlessly scanning the crowd. A group of rebel guards surrounded us. Shire had hand selected them, and even though nerves ate at my insides, I held my head high and forced a confident smile.

A cheer went up as we passed, heading toward a monument in the center square. Far off in the distance, nestled high in a mountain range, I spied the queen’s castle. A gray mist obscured the towers and their menacing spires. Below the rocky ledges, a vast undergrowth of twisting thorns encroached on the edge of town.

Was she watching from a distant balcony? Shire had assured me the queen wouldn’t attack us during the ceremony. According to realm law, it was forbidden to bring harm to the players while they took part in rituals or for the duration of a challenge. Not that Shire’s promise brought much comfort considering the challenges themselves were designed to cull the players.

Still, I remained vigilant, doubting the queen would follow the law. After all, she’d murdered players before they reached their majority, though I suppose there weren’t any rules about that. Which had made us fair game.

“You okay, Alice?” Sebastian asked as we neared the square.

“I wanted to be seen for a long time, but this is a little much.”

He laughed, pressing a hand against the small of my back. “Yeah, fame is a double-edged sword.”

“How do you deal with it?”

“You get used to it and learn who to trust.”

“Are you saying you trust someone besides yourself?” I teased. “What happened to the lone wolf?”

“He’s reluctantly starting to see the appeal of having a partner.”

“Oh, there’s an appeal now? Like what?”

“Sleep, for one thing. Though, I’m on to your game. I know you hovered that first night in the cottage, and you were doing it again last night. For whatever reason, it seems to help. But don’t think a few restful hours will have me down on one knee.”

“Ha! I’m not that naïve. If you’re down on your knee, it’s because your leg is broken, not because of a romantic gesture. Trust me, I’m not holding my breath—I’d wind up dead again.”

He smirked. “As long as you know it.”

I gave him the side eye. “I’m on to your game too, you know. You’re trying to distract me from the crowd, aren’t you?”

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