Two weeks had passed since the Queen of Hearts' assassination. Because she was no longer alive, her contract with a spirit was voided, and the Cheshire Cat vanished as a result.

He was dragged back into that cursed place, a place Alice didn't want to return to.

But Alice had a problem.

Her contractor.

Lucas had become quite preoccupied since the Queen's death. And, of course, so was Alice. He asked her to do a variety of things, including murder. Contrary to what he had previously told her, Lucas was determined to seize the throne for himself. He even told Alice to assassinate the princess.

As he stated, he wished to change the Hearts Kingdom--to bring peace to the country and to put an end to prejudice and discrimination against the beast race. But Lucas's approach was flawed.

Lucas, who had now ascended to the throne, compelled people to obey him and submit to beasts and half-beasts. He wished to elevate his race above humans, making him no different from the late Queen.

His greed got the best of him.

He didn't do anything to track down the Mad Hatter's whereabouts.

But Alice had predicted this. Of course, this was her plan all along, to lead her contractor down the wrong path. To shove him into his grave. Nonetheless, Alice was still disappointed at how easily humans could be corrupted.

"At the very least, I get to eat his soul and grow stronger," Alice thought to herself as she pierced the poor man's chest with her sword.

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A man who refused to bow to the new ruler of the Hearts Kingdom, Lucas.

The White Rabbit instructed her to execute any human who chose to disobey him.

"At the very least, I get to try different blood. And . . .the Mad Hatter will soon find out about me. I gave my contractor a nation for himself. Of course, anyone would want a demon as powerful and as smart as me. The Mad Hatter would want me."

Alice grinned as she licked the blood from her blade, humming. "I know that you're now keeping an eye on me. Wait until I devour my contractor's soul. Perhaps you'd like the throne for yourself?"

Alice laughed before going back inside the castle.

***

"Tick tock, master, time is flying by. When do you intend to start working on my wish?" Alice stated. She was sitting on a couch, staring at her pocket watch.

The long hand was now pointing to the number seven in Roman numerals.

"Don't put too much pressure on me, Alice; you know how busy I am right now! Why don't you go find him yourself? You're a powerful demon, aren't you?" Lucas hissed as he scribbled something on the documents piled up on his table.

"Ouch," Alice said flatly. "You're forgetting my wish now that you've received yours? Remember the consequence."

Lucas slammed his fist into the table. "Damn you, demon! Why don't you go out and look for him? I said I'd do it, but you have to work your ass off as well!"

Alice pressed her lips into a thin line and stood. "Damn you, too, young man."

"I'm your master. At least show respect."

"I don't care, half-beast!" Alive growled, baring her teeth at him. "I'm Alice, the most powerful spirit there is. You don't curse at me!"

Lucas flinched. After a minute he regained his composure and then cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. But please don't pressure me. I'll grant your wish."

Alice clenched her teeth, but on the inside, she was smiling. "Sure you will."