Chapter 10 ( You have found me )

The Cloud 8 Shopping Mall in Wonderland was one of the best in the land. Everyone went there, drawn by its luxurious shops and delicious food. I usually bought my shoes there—it was my go-to place. 

As we arrived at the top of the cloud, a massive structure of crystal glass stood before us. The entire mall was made of shimmering crystal, and when the sunlight hit it, the reflections created a breathtaking display—like a rainbow dancing across its surface. 

Before diving into our shopping, we decided to grab something to eat. The local café, located in the centre of the mall on a floating glass platform, offered the perfect view of the waterfall lake, where glowing fairies danced in the mist. We took a seat by the water, admiring the enchanting sight. 

I ordered my usual herbal tea, while Raven got a hot cocoa, and Cerise chose coffee. As we sipped our drinks, Raven suddenly asked, "Did you at least go to the ball last night before meeting this Lucas?" 

I bit my lower lip, hesitating. 

My thoughts immediately drifted to what I had witnessed the night before—the memory of Raven and Dexter together still fresh in my mind. I pouted slightly, pushing the image aside, then exhaled softly before responding. 

"I was at the ball," I admitted. Then, my thoughts shifted to Sylistar—the man who had kissed me, only for me to discover his deception. "Before I left, Sylistar kissed me. But then I found out he tells every girl he likes and loves them, just to get close to them." 

Both of my friends gasped. 

"That jerk!" Cerise swore. "How could he do such a thing?" 

I nodded. "He did the same thing to Kitty—told her he liked and loved her. And who knows how many other women he's said it to?" 

Raven shook her head in disgust. "That man is a player. He just loves to toy with women's hearts." 

Just then, the waitress returned with our drinks and took our food orders. I asked for pancakes, while Cerise ordered a hearty meat breakfast, and Raven opted for a fruit platter. 

Once the waitress left, I took a deep breath, knowing it was the perfect time to tell my friends what had happened after I left the ball... 

They all sat there, listening to my story and everything I had been through that night. After finishing our drinks and food, we headed off to get our nails done before going shopping. 

I usually didn't buy many clothes since I made most of mine by hand, but I did love collecting handbags. 

As we browsed the stores, Cerise found the perfect red dress she had been eyeing and wanted to try it on. While she went to the fitting room, I wandered over to the handbag section. 

My eyes landed on a unique bag shaped like a tea cup—it was exactly my style. Just as I reached for it, I felt someone standing close behind me. 

I turned and saw Raven. 

"Raven," I said, feeling a bit awkward. 

"I just wanted to check if you're okay," she said softly. 

I bit my lower lip, looking away. "I'm fine," I replied. 

It still hurt to think about what I saw last night—Raven and Dexter together—but she didn't need to know that. 

"I hope this won't make things weird between us," she added hesitantly. 

Taking a deep breath, I met her gaze. "It's okay. It was just a one-time thing, and we're friends. What happened stays between those walls." 

I hoped I had said the right thing. The moment we had shared had been special, but our friendship meant more to me. 

Raven gave me a small smile. "Thank you, Madie. Our friendship means a lot to me, and I don't want to ruin it." 

I took her hand gently. "Me too," I said, looking up at her. "We've come so far. What happened is in the past." 

Before we could say anything else, Cerise walked in, twirling in the red dress. 

"What do you think?" she asked eagerly. 

Raven and I turned to look at her. The dress was stunning—a flowing red gown with delicate layers that cascaded like veils, and a gorgeous mermaid-style neckline. 

"It's beautiful," I told her. 

Cerise beamed. "Then I'll take it!" 

I nodded, then headed to the counter to pay for my tea cup handbag. 

After shopping, we decided to head back home. Cerise had plans to meet Charming later that day, and Raven had a movie date with Dexter. 

As we walked, Cerise suddenly spoke up. "I have something to tell you guys." 

Raven and I both turned to her, noticing the bright, excited smile on her lips. 

"What is it?" I asked. 

Cerise took a deep breath, then squealed. "Well… Charming asked me last night—" She paused dramatically before squeezing her hands together in excitement. "To marry him!" 

I froze, my eyes widening before I jumped up and clapped my hands with joy. 

"Cerise! This is wonderful news!" I squealed. 

Raven gasped in excitement and immediately pulled Cerise into a hug. "Our friend is getting married!" 

The three of us joined hands and jumped up and down in excitement. It was a perfect moment for our friendship. 

I grinned and nudged Cerise playfully. "Is that why you picked out that sexy dress?" 

Cerise giggled. "Yes! I have to look my best—we're meeting his parents tonight." 

Overflowing with happiness, I threw my arms around my friend and hugged her tightly. This was a huge moment in her life, and I couldn't be happier for her. 

But just as I looked up, I suddenly heard a low groan. 

My heart skipped a beat. 

I turned, and what I saw made the world around me freeze. 

I immediately let go of Cerise, stepping back as every ounce of warmth drained from my body. The shopping bags in my hands slipped to the ground. 

My mouth fell open. 

"No way…" I whispered in disbelief. 

There, in front of me, stood Lucas. 

But he wasn't alone. 

The Queen of Hearts had captured him. Her card soldiers carried him, each one holding onto his arms. 

Raven's voice pulled me from my daze. "Madie? What is it?" 

My throat felt dry as I struggled to speak. 

Both Raven and Cerise followed my gaze—then gasped. 

"It's Lucas," I finally managed to say. 

Their eyes widened. 

"But Madie," Cerise asked, confusion lacing her voice. "Why is he being captured by the Queen's guards?" 

I turned to her, panic surging through me. "Because… he's not from here. They probably saw him trespassing." 

My heart pounded. My hands trembled. I took a step forward. 

"I have to save him," I said, my voice filled with determination. "If that's really Lucas, then it means he used the necklace to find me. This is my fault—he's here because of me." 

Raven and Cerise exchanged a look before nodding. 

After a brief silence, Raven finally said, "Okay… we'll help you."