Albion Grimm

Luke's news

Three days later.

“Hold on, I’m coming.” I yelled after someone had knocked on my door. Standing outside my room was one of the castle’s soldiers.

“The hatter of Wonderland is seeking an audience with the King Grimm in the Throne Room. Upon hearing this, King Grimm suggested you might want to sit in on the meeting, Miss Alya.”

“I’ll be right there.” I eagerly nodded.

Once I was settled in a seat next to Alb, he gestured to the solider who stood at the entrance to the Throne Room and gestured for Luke to enter. My eyes met Luke’s and a smile spread across my face.

“I see that you’re here, too, Alya. What a lucky coincidence. It’s good to see you.”

“Thanks, Luke. You look well.” After we exchanged greetings the King spoke.

“So, Hatter. What brings you to our castle?” I gave him a strange look as he put emphasis on the word ‘our’.

“Something strange is going on in the Real World. A mysterious black fog has been forming. We don’t know what it is, or what’s causing it. There is also strange rumour’s flying around.”

“Rumour’s?”

“Yeah. I’ve heard that pages in book have suddenly turned black, and there have been cases where book owners have been found unconscious.”

“Black fog? As well as pages turning black, and people losing consciousness?” I blinked when I heard what Luke had to say.

“The books turning black are all the same. I don’t know the title, but I found out the author’s name. Suncatcher Grohmann. He’s deceased.”

“What?”

Until that moment, Alb had been silently listening to what Luke had to say. Luke couldn’t have missed Alb’s reaction to the name Suncatcher. “These incidents are likely related. I can’t imagine there being a scientific explanation. This makes me think it has something to do with the World of Stories.”

Alb appeared calm as he listened to Luke, but I sensed he was still agitated. He held the author, Suncatcher, in high regard.

“To learn what there is to know about the World of Stories, it’s best to ask one of their own, like the Spinner of Tales or Grimm, right?”

“So, that’s why you came here? To share that news?” My voice shook a little with worry for all my friends in the real world.

“Yeah, and I’m only guessing, but I suspect that has nothing to do with the Spinner of Tales. The Spinner of Tales has grown weak since losing Alice, and the rules are non-existent.” Luke looked somewhat conflicted and let out a small sigh.

“I appreciate you sharing this information. Stay alert, both here in our Kingdom and back in your world.”

“He’s right. Watch your back, Luke. I’ll pray nothing happens.”

“I appreciate your concern. Unfortunately, I don’t have a copy of that book. It’s just that a friend of mine has already succumbed. I’m going to check on him now. I’ll let you know if I find out anything more. So long.” With his head down Luke briskly left the throne room.

“I’m going to pay a visit to that world.”

“You, Alb?” Alb gave a decisive nod and slowly got to his feet.

“If it involves Suncatcher, I can’t sit by and do nothing.”

“It’s too dangerous! The black fog is likely to be the Predator, there’s no telling what will happen over there.”

“Your right, Alya. It’s dangerous, but I have to do something. Even if not all humans are worth it.”

“I can help, I’m going with you. I’m going back anyway, so I’m safer with you than alone.”

“Alya.” Alb spoke my name hesitantly before relenting with a smile. “I’ve seen and heard much through Suncatcher so I have some knowledge about your world, but this will be my first time there. It will mean a lot to have you with me. However.” He reached over and grabbed my hands in his. “Promise you won’t leave my side. Otherwise, I can’t let you go.”

Alb stood tugging me up with him then he draped an arm around my shoulder. I relaxed knowing everything would be alright as long as he was with me, he was strong, reliable and level-headed. If anyone who knew him had heard it, they would be shocked. Even I was having a hard time taking it all in. I let my head fall to his chest, my hand absentmindedly reached up to play with a lock of his hair. It’s so pretty. After staring at it for a while, I suddenly realized that Alb was standing there frozen. Out of curiosity, I looked up and found his face was much closer than I expected, and my heart leaped. I debated whether I should pull away, but I felt comfortable where I was.

“I don’t want to lose you, Alya.” His voice was calm and gentle as he stared down at me with those black eyes, so much so that I couldn’t look away. I had to know the meaning behind his words, so I asked. “Why is that?”

Instead of answering me, his gloved hand caressed me cheek. Alb took his time closing the distance between us, giving me plenty of time to pull away. The moment our lips touched; my heart reached a crescendo. At first it was gentle, slowly building, his hand reached down and gripped my ass causing me to gasp. His tong darted in deepening the kiss further. I tried to turn my face away to take a breath, his lips followed mine as if to say there was no escape. I could hardly breathe, and I started to feel faint. When I could no longer stand on my own, Alb held me up. When our lips finally parted, he was still holding me close, and my heart filled with warmth.

“We’ll talk after this is all over.” Alb gave a small chuckle and peppered my face with little kisses.

“Is something funny?”

“It’s nothing really. I’m just thinking about how angry you were when I first met you. I was just travelling down memory lane.”

“That’s because you refused to send me to the Real World and insisted on having me confined!” I pouted when he started talking about our first encounter. I still wasn’t ready to let it rest, but just as I was about to say something Red and Hansel came bursting into the room and we sprang apart. Alb left Hansel and Red in charge and departed the castle with me.