Page 39 of Wonder

“Okay.” She stirs. “Chess. If we get out of this—,”

“Not if,” I say harshly. Grip her a little tighter. “When, Lyss. Have a little faith.”

“When,” she whispers.

I wonder if either of us truly believe it.

That damn static sounds again as I let her go.

“Stand beside your beds.”

I relinquish her reluctantly, watching to make sure she gets to her bed without any of the others harassing her before I move to my own.

The guards enter the room fully this time. Three of them cross to the body on the floor and drag him out, a smear of scarlet trailing along the concrete behind him. The other two walk down the cell, tossing a parcel to each of us.

“Get dressed.You have ten minutes.”

The door slams closed behind them.

16 – Alyss

There is no mirror in this shitty excuse for a communal bathroom.

Only a row of open shower heads and stainless-steel drains built into the floor. Even the toilets are open.

“Lyss.” Chess sounds even more irritated than he did five minutes ago. “You still in there? I’m gonna count to five—,”

My cheeks are a vibrant shade of crimson as I stride out. Chess takes one look at me and audibly chokes, his head swinging around as he physically moves in front of me to block me from the view of the others. “Absolutely fuckingnot.”

“Yes,” I deadpan, shoving him out of the way. “Because out of the giant walk-in wardrobe back there, I picked this out myself.”

The sky-blue dress barely covers my ass, the white petticoat beneath fluffing up the frilly skirt so it stands out in a circle around my hips.

I stalk past Chess, face flaming as I approach my bed. Hatter and Buck both turn to look at the same time, and… I have to pause. “Uh. You look…,”

Hot. They look hot as fuck, the pair of them. Buck slides his thumbs beneath his black braces. They highlight a surprisingly chiseled chest over a crisp white shirt and black trousers. But his eyes are on me.

“Well,” he says slowly. His dark gaze sweeps me up and down, taking in the blue corset, the white pinafore and matching stockings, the black patent shoes. “Thereisan upside to this little situation after all. Don’t you look like an absolutely delicious snack, trouble?”

I snort, but my stomach flips at the heat that lingers in his eyes. “Hopefully nobody plans on eating me.”

“Never say never,” Buck murmurs, wiggling his eyebrows. “Wouldn’t be the first time it’s been requested.”

I swallow down the nausea that threatens at the implication. “Well. That’s disgusting.”

Chess gives him a filthy look as he steps up behind me. “Shut up.”

As for Hatter… I swallow. “Nice coat. And… hat.”

He glances down at the deep green tailcoat. It fits him perfectly, cinching at the waist and flaring out. He twists the black velvet top hat between his hands. “It’s all part of the game.”

“To make us look like fucking idiots?” Chess mutters. I cast him a side glance, taking in the navy-blue silk shirt that contrasts perfectly with his blond hair, the cream waistcoat and matching bowtie.

My mouth dries as he catches me looking and raises his eyebrow. Quickly, I snap it shut. “What do you think’s going to happen now?”

Buck and Hatter exchange grim glances. Hatter places the hat on his head. “They’ll take us to the game location. We’re probably below it somewhere.”

“And then?” My heart starts to pound.