Alice opened her eyes and found herself in a dimly lit room. Candles formed a circle around her, their blue flames dancing wildly and the pleasant scent wafting from them drifting into her nose. Outside the circle of burning candles, a tall and slim man with silver hair stood in front of her. He was dressed in a black tuxedo and slacks. His hazel eyes were wide open as he stared at Alice, dumbfounded.

Alice, on the other hand, was nothing more than a dark shape. Until a contract was signed, her appearance would remain hidden from him.

"I . . . I did it. I summoned the most powerful spirit," the man uttered, still in shock.

Alice, too, was taken aback. The man in front of him had white rabbit ears.

"You're a half-beast," Alice stated in an amused voice, her red eyes glinting.

The man tightened his jaw. "Yes, that's why I need your help."

Alice snorted and crossed her arms over her chest. "Well then, state your wish, Mr. Rabbit, and I'll decide whether or not to accept your proposal."

The man's eyes constricted. "What do you mean? Do you intend to deny my request? And don't call me that. I have a name. It's Lucas."

"I'm the most powerful spirit, as you have already known, young man," Alice said, emphasizing each word. "Of course, I'd pick someone deserving of a contract. I will choose those who are equally capable to be my master. So now, young man, let me hear your wish."

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Silence descended upon them. After a few minutes, Lucas finally answered.

"I want to overthrow the Queen of Hearts."

A heavy silence reigned once again. Then Alice broke into roaring laughter.

"Elaborate, young man. I'm afraid I'll get caught up in a childish game," Alice said.

Lucas's expression hardened. "The Queen of Hearts is a corrupt and evil monarch. She murdered many people, some of whom are innocent! Many people are suffering because of her selfishness."

"Including you," Alice supplied.

"She treats beasts and half-beasts as if we are monsters. And she wants to either exterminate us or make us slaves."

Alice stared at him in silence. She could sense his intense emotions radiating from him. His strong desire set him apart from the other summoners. He proved his worthiness of her service right from the start when he was able to get her out of that cursed place.

And Alice wouldn't want to waste her one and only chance to achieve her goal. She was finally back in Wonderland after years of waiting. She did, however, return as a demon this time.

She didn't mind being someone's servant if it meant she could win in the end.

However, she could sense something from Lucas. There was more he wasn't saying.

"Tell me everything I need to know to consider your wish," Alice urged, and Lucas gritted his teeth.

"My father was the late King of Hearts. He had an affair with a half-beast woman and I was the seed of their love. When the Queen found out, she gave the order to execute them both. And now everyone was after me, the White Rabbit of Hearts Kingdom. She even threatened the beast race that if they did not obey her, she would wipe us out!"

Alice grinned. The scent of revenge wafting from him gave her a rush of pleasure.

She was after revenge, too.