Page 88 of Madness Becomes Her

“I, Eleanor of Earth, promise that if you fight beside me against the Red Queen, you’ll have your freedom. Now and always.”

The cat seems satisfied, lifting onto all fours and walking closer.

“I accept your blood vow and will walk beside you now and always.” Dropping its head toward my palm, it licks up the blood.

The wound closes before my eyes. It’s like magic, and it’s not the most unusual thing I’ve seen in Wonderland, but I still gape in awe.

“Now that’s settled, will you accompany me to the Red Queen’s palace to save Hatter and the March Hare?” I ask it, feeling silly having the power of a magical creature.

“No.”

I sigh.

Well, at least I’m alive.

“I will take you to them directly, though,” it answers.

Lowering down into a crouch, it says, “Get on.”

Looking toward the trees, I search for Prospero, but he’s nowhere to be found. I sigh and climb on the cat’s back, holding handfuls of fur tightly, but not too tightly.

I don’t want this beast as an enemy again.

“Might I ask your name?”

“Sable.”

“Sable. I like that. What are you, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“I am the Fettersnatch,” she coos with pride, taking off at a run and forcing me to grip tighter onto her fur.

Flattening myself against her back, I’m too fearful of falling off to ask why she’s headed back toward the Bog when Hatter and Lewis are at the Red Queen’s palace.

My looming question is answered when Sable slows to a walk as we step off the path and out into the Bog beside the tea table, where Hatter is sitting with Lewis, worrying over him.

Hatter spies me and stands, knocking Lewis backward.

“Tiger Lily,” he warns, his eyes widening as he watches me slide off Sable’s back.

“It’s fine. She’s with us now.”

Sable bows. “She speaks true.”

Finlo scoops me into his arms, holding me tightly.

It’s been over two weeks since I’ve seen him, since I’ve smelled him. His hug feels like the comfort of the sun after weeks of rain.

“You tamed the Fettersnatch?” he whispers, pushing me back by my shoulders to look at me.

And that’s when I get a good look at him, gasping. “Hatter,” I whisper, lifting my fingertips over his face.

“I’m alright. Now.”

“What did she do to you?” Tears well in my eyes.

“Nothing I wouldn’t endure again to keep you safe, Tiger Lily.”

His words hit me dead center, and my tears overflow over my bottom lids, tracing paths down my cheeks. “I’m so sorry. This is all my fault.”