AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’llbe at their mercy? What about you guys? You’re coming with me, right?”
Hatter cast me an apologetic look from underneath the brim of his top hat and shook his head.
“We can offer guidance and support, but we can’t cross the chessboard on your behalf. That is a task you must complete on your own."
“Great,” I muttered sarcastically, feeling an all-too-familiar flutter of anxiety in the pit of my stomach.
But it was quickly stifled by the connection I'd forged with Chess, who slinked over to my side. He took me into his arms, gazing at me with his mesmerizing green eyes.
“Don’t be afraid, Alice," he said, his voice brimming with confidence. "Together, we can navigate this treacherous game and reach the other side unscathed. Tell me...” he murmured as he leaned in close, his breath hot against my ear. "Do you know how to play chess?"
I stiffened, my heart pounding in my chest like a trapped animal. The truth was, I didn't have the faintest idea. My grandpa had tried to teach me when I was younger, but I'd always gotten bored and wandered off before he could finish explaining the rules.
“I don’t have a fucking clue," I admitted, hating the way my voice trembled.
"Very well," Chess said, his Cheshire grin spreading across his face. "Pay close attention, and I'll guide you through the game.”
“Are you sure you can’t just do it for me?" I asked, desperation coloring my words.
"Unfortunately, I cannot," he replied. "The game must be played by the one who challenges it."
“FML,” I muttered under my breath, feeling a cold sweat break out across my brow.
"Trust us, Alice," Hatter said softly, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "We'll get through this."
“You know how clever I can be,” Chess agreed, his sly grin widening. "Just follow our lead, and trust your instincts."
With a deep breath, I stepped onto the first square.
Almost immediately, a group of aggressive pawn chess pieces marched over to me, their jagged teeth bared menacingly as they blocked my path.
“Whoa, chill out, okay everyone?” I warned them, raising my hands in a peaceful gesture. “I’m not here to cause trouble. I just need to get across your board.”
"Ha! Foolish girl!” the lead pawn snarled, its voice guttural and dripping with disdain. "No one crosses our battlefield without paying the price!”
"Then let us pay it," Hatter replied, his tone eerily calm. "What is it you want?"
“A worthy opponent...or your blood,” the pawn sneered, and my heart leaped into my throat. “You decide.”
"Charming," Chess remarked dryly, but I could see the excitement dancing in his eyes. This was a challenge he relished, and I started to feel that together, we could handle it.
“You have your teams,” he said, motioning to the group of black pawns and the group of red ones. “We have ours. The three of us will be working together.”
“Imbecile! There are only two sides in chess, not three!”
“Yes, but our team doesn’t have enough players to fill the board,” Chess told them. “What do you propose as a solution? We could have Alice move the pawns for the red team.”
He motioned to the pile of red gravel and dust that the black pawn had recently killed. “What do you think of that idea? Red was already losing anyway. They must be unlucky today.”
The pawns exchanged glances, their interest clearly piqued.
"Very well, you may play for the red side, but we’re starting a new game,” the lead black pawn said at last, its voice filled with skepticism. “Be warned, Alice. If you fail, we will tear you limb from limb."
“Can you at least start with my head so I don’t feel any pain?” I asked, only half joking.
“No.”
I rolled my eyes.
