News from home
Red was alone in her room when she received Maddox's second letter. Her heart was pounding as she carefully opened the envelope. Maddox's words were always a source of comfort, but this time they also brought a heavy burden of worry.
Dear Red,
I hope you are well and adjusting to your new life in Auradon. Things are getting more complicated here. Your mother has stepped up her search and she is beginning to suspect that you may have fled beyond Wonderland. The guards are searching every corner and there is no doubt that they will soon consider searching the surface.
I know this must scare you, but stay careful and hidden. The magic of the rabbit hole protects your escape, and your mother does not possess that magic. But it is important that you remain on your guard.
As for me, I am holding firm. I will not break. Your safety is my priority. Stay strong, Red, and enjoy this new opportunity you have been given.
With all my love,
Maddox
Red felt a wave of panic rise within her as she read the letter. The prospect of her mother soon searching the surface frightened her to no end. Her hands shook, and tears began to stream down her cheeks.
Uma, making her rounds in the dorms, heard Red's cries and knocked softly on the door. "Red, it's Uma. May I come in?"
Red, her voice trembling, answered barely audibly. "Yes, come in."
Uma entered the room and saw Red in tears, holding the letter. "What's going on, Red?" she asked gently.
Red handed the letter to Uma, who read it carefully. After finishing, she placed a comforting hand on Red's shoulder. "I understand your concerns, Red. But it's important to remember that the rabbit hole is doomed again. If you were able to escape Wonderland, it's only because of the magic in the letter. Your mother doesn't have that magic."
Red nodded, trying to calm her breathing. "But what if she finds another way?"
Uma smiled softly, trying to ease her fears. “Your mother is powerful, but some magic is beyond her reach. The magic that opened the rabbit hole is ancient and very specific. It can’t be easily replicated. And even if she found another way, it would take a long time. Auradon is a safe place, Red. We will watch over you.”
Slowly, Red managed to calm down, Uma’s reassuring words echoing in her mind. She wiped away her tears and took a deep breath. “Thank you, Uma. I needed to hear that.”
Uma squeezed her shoulder lightly. “You are not alone, Red. We are here to protect you.”
*****
Meanwhile, in Wonderland, the head of the guard stood nervously before the Queen of Hearts' throne. "Your Majesty, we've almost finished combing the entire kingdom, but the princess remains nowhere to be found."
The Queen of Hearts, disappointed and furious, stood up abruptly. "Incompetent! Cut off his head!" she ordered, pointing at the head of the guard as if he were nothing more than an easily replaceable object.
The guards seized the head of the guard, dragging him out of the throne room. The Queen, impassive, appointed a new captain immediately. "You, you are the new head of the guard. Do not disappoint me."
The new captain, terrified, nodded quickly. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will do everything in my power to find the princess. »
The Queen of Hearts, her eyes burning with rage, turned to her advisors. "Intensify the torture on Maddox. Make him snap. He must know where my daughter is hiding. And start digging a tunnel to force open the rabbit hole. Red must be somewhere, and I will find her."
The new captain bowed deeply. "At your command, Your Majesty."