Chapter Text
Alice stretched her spine and wing sockets, feeling them pop satisfyingly. If only her mind could also get such relief. It didn’t. Alice felt the tension on the back of her head and the pain behind her eyes. No sleep or break would relieve it. Her eyes went to her vanity. The letter sat there, deceptively innocent. It had been folded and unfolded so much now that the creases threatened to fall apart. It had been passed around and around. First, her siblings when they found her screaming, then her parents, then an investigation team and the recovery squad they organized. Around and around it went, and yet nothing had come of it yet. Isaac assured her that they were working on it, but she was losing her mind.
It was just her waiting here with that piece of paper mocking her. After the guardians had all the information they needed from the letter, they left it with her. Just like the letter, they had gotten what they needed from her and were gone now. No one wanted her involved. No one but the sender. Everyone swore it was a trap. Like she didn’t know that. It was obviously a trap! But that monster had gotten it here with her name on it. Did he have allies in the city? It wasn’t from the messengers; it didn’t have the stamps or addresses needed. Alice went over and picked up the worn paper to read it again, even though she had to have it memorized by now. A tiny part of her still hoped there was a clue they had all somehow missed.
My dearest Alice,
You have my sincerest apologies for how our last encounter ended. It wasn’t my intention to have events unfold that way. A mind is a fragile thing, and I was forced to use yours rather roughly. I am sorry for that. You likely feel deep anger toward me. I understand that. Please believe it brought me great pain to hear of your extended stay in the healer’s hall. However, my feelings haven’t changed. I still want to be your ally. I still want to be your friend. I am willing to do what it takes to prove that to you. I am not your enemy.
Upon settling in my new home, I heard the strangest rumor. Michael Thronius was missing, and I have been labeled as his abductor. Now, I can see where the misunderstanding might have stemmed, but I can assure you. I kept my promise to you and him. I am an angel of my word. About a day’s flight from the Upper, I released Master Thronius from my influence. He was disoriented, I’ll admit, but I left him under the care of a kindly innkeeper in a small town by the name of Wrangell.
This is the last I heard of Master Thronius. He is not in my possession. His disappearance bothers me, however, so you can be sure I will look into the issue myself. If more information falls into my hands, I will contact you again. However, as I’m sure you understand, I’ll have to keep my distance until the false charges upon my name are dropped.
Until then, I am enjoying the time I have to explore this world below. You’ll be proud to hear that I have taken your opinions and advice to heart. I dropped by your ill house a few weeks ago with the intention of meeting your demon friend. Imagine my surprise when I found out a gorgon is living in your apartment. You really are quite the rebel, Alice.
The more I learn about your history, Alice, the more respect I have for your brilliance and determination. Fighting a dragon all by yourself must have been terrifying. Yet, as the daughter of Gadiel, I could only expect your victory.
By the way, I hope your courtship with Master Jake is going well. Know that I am rooting for you. I do hope you aren’t considering other avenues. They may be more dangerous roads than you realize. I look forward to seeing you again, Alice. I have so much more to share with you.
With admiration, your servant,
Metatron Nefteos
The headache gave a new throb. The words were neat and careful. She hated it. She hated that she put Cala Maria in danger, she hated that Michael was still missing, and she hated that it made her scared. Alice thought she knew what fear was. She’d been scared plenty of times in her life. Monsters, creatures, the Labyrinth, the dark circus, and so many other moments where her heart had risen. None of it compared to this one angel and his letter. He’d wormed into her head in a way like nothing else had. It was gone now, but she felt scarred in a way she never had before. Worse, he apologized so easily, as if it was a minor mistake and they were on good terms. He made it all sound so very reasonable. A misunderstanding here, a mistake there, an offer to help.
A promise to see her again.
It made her want to curl up in her closet and never come out. Alice folded the letter again and set it down. Hiding never helped. She’d spent too long sitting around. She needed to put in her transfer request. She needed to talk to her dad, and there was that call from Bendy she hoped to get. Maybe she should try to call him instead of waiting. It would be nice to see him even if things were strained. She didn’t blame him. Alice hoped she’d be able to clear it all up when she saw him again.
What about Michael? You promised.
Alice shook her head. “It’s a trap.” She told her reflection. Even though Wrangell was a short flight away. Not even a full day. Even though she could walk down the street and talk to the mentioned innkeeper. Even though it’d be so easy. Isaac had already done it. The team hadn’t found anything. They were experts. What could she do that they couldn’t?
Alice glared at the letter. They weren’t the ones that got the letter. “Gah!” Alice threw up her hands and stepped away from the vanity. Even the creep admitted he didn’t know what happened to him! There were no breadcrumbs to follow! No clue! This wasn’t the quest! It wasn’t a treasure hunt! She was being ridiculous, thinking she could make a difference in this situation.
Besides, Alice had promised Holly she wouldn’t do anything reckless. The girl was this close to climbing the mountain herself to sit on Alice and force her to stop if she had to. Alice felt her lip twitch at the thought of Holly managing to hold Alice down.
The archangel shook her head. She needed to get her mind off all this. Dad was out, so she couldn’t talk to him yet, and she didn’t want to go to the Sanctuary feeling this frazzled. Bendy it was. With tired fingers, she found and fumbled her compact open. She plopped onto her bed and waited. There was a chance he’d ignore her again. Stars, she hoped not. The glass went dark, and the spells warmed her hand as she waited. Alice fell onto her back, ignoring the discomfort it brought her wings. The mirror cleared up, and Alice rolled onto her stomach in surprise. “Bendy?”
“Uh? Wait, hold on. Keep your voice down.” Bendy’s voice came through as a whisper. It was too dark for Alice to make out anything in the mirror. There seemed to be a lot of blankets for some reason. She listened to Bendy shift and move away from where he was.
“Sorry, were you sleeping?” Alice whispered.
“You’re fine,” Bendy assured. He didn’t sound like he’d been woken up. A door opened and closed, and a light flicked on. Alice watched Bendy squint and his wide pupils shrink to the lights. He was in an oversized t-shirt with dark circles under his eyes. His fur stuck up at random angles. It looked like he was in a bathroom. There were rows and rows of towels on hooks behind him. “Hey,” he said a little louder.
“I am so sorry, I forgot what time it was,” Alice apologized.
“Forget it.” Bendy easily dismissed with a yawn. “What’s up?”
Alice pursed her lips. She didn’t want to burden him with anything. Michael was her problem. This letter was her problem. Alice didn’t want to keep secrets, though. No, she refused to, so she opened her mouth and shared everything. The letter, the waiting, the worrying, her worries for Cala and the future, her plans to come back, and beyond that. She vented about her grandmother again and her frustration with the lack of information in the Upper. How disappointed she’d been lately. Bendy listened attentively. He nodded at points and made faces, but he didn’t interrupt her. “I’m sorry to just dump all this on you. I’m sure you’re busy too, and stars know you don’t need me whining to you.”
Bendy snorted. “Your ‘whining’ is not a problem. You have a lot on your plate, and it looks like smoke is starting to spill outta your ears.”
Alice gasped. “Me? What about the bags under your eyes? Have you slept at all?”
Bendy looked away innocently. “Yeah.”
“Liar,” Alice accused.
Bendy frowned. “It’s been like this since we got back. It’s nothing new.” He sounded annoyed and a little defensive.
Alice narrowed her eyes. “You need your sleep, Bendy. For your health’s sake.”
Bendy sighed. “I’ll try. So, is that everything?”
Alice blinked. Was he tired of her? “How are you? Really?” Bendy opened his mouth. “And don’t say ‘fine’ unless you really mean it. I didn’t want to share everything, but I don’t want to keep secrets from you.”
Bendy paused at that. He seemed to reconsider something. The demon eventually sighed. “It’s all cussed up, Alice. Everything. Goofy died today. It was his first attack! I still don’t understand how it happened!” Bendy grit his teeth. “I thought I could do something. I had him, and I couldn’t do anything.”
“Oh, Bendy. I’m so sorry,” Alice said gently. He shook his head. Alice had the urge to reach out to him.
“It’s just a bunch of cussed up stuff like what happened to Goofy. Boris woke up terrified and didn’t want to talk about whatever he’d seen. I’ve been working on my shadows, and they’re starting to scare me, Alice. Really scare me. What I thought I knew . . . it’s all cussed up.” His tail flicked back and forth behind him in agitation.
“Do you want to tell me about it?” Alice asked.
“I don’t even know how,” Bendy admitted.
“Well, we can try,” Alice offered. Bendy sank to the floor. He leaned back against the wall, and his tail flicked into view for a second in front of him. He was hesitant, and Alice felt like he was still holding things back, but she did her best to listen to him as he opened up about the past few days and how he felt about everything. Boris’ coma and his worry. Felix’s adopting them and how excited he was but how he wouldn’t move in until he could bring his brother. His fear of his magic and all the confusion it brings. Confusion and frustration were a running theme.
If Alice was stressed, Bendy was doomed—not that she’d ever compare. She wanted to be there with him, but all she could do was offer her sympathy and encouragement. The angel didn’t want him to feel alone with his struggles. “Have you shared all this with anyone else?”
Bendy shifted, his tail flicked up. “Everyone has bits and pieces.”
Alice frowned. “Bendy.”
He sighed. “I know. I know. I’m planning to pull everyone into a meeting soon so we can figure out what’s going to happen next. Boris will share about the memories, and then, I guess we’ll be heading your way.”
Alice chuckled. “It’d be a touch funny if I make this fuss to leave just to turn around and come back. Should I wait for you all?”
“Cuss no!” Bendy straightened. “You come back to Toon Town as soon as you want.” Bendy paused. “Uh, I mean, unless you want to stay there and wait.”
Alice shook her head quickly. “I want to join everyone else as soon as possible! But don’t worry, I’m not having you come to the Upper alone.”
“I’d have everyone else,” Bendy countered.
“Everyone else isn’t me. I’m the angel here. The local. It’d be silly for me not to guide you all around.” Alice argued.
“Is it big?” Bendy asked.
“Bigger than Sillyvision,” Alice smirked. Bendy snorted. “Besides, how else am I going to show you to my favorite hangouts?”
“Hangouts? Angels have hangouts? Not perches?” Bendy asked.
“Oh, ha-ha. I’m going to suffer all the bird puns, aren’t I?” Alice asked.
“You say that like you don’t love puns,” Bendy tilted his head, smile warm and inviting. He looked more relaxed than when she’d first called.
“Maybe I have a chip on my shoulder about calling angels birds,” Alice huffed.
“Do you?” Bendy raised a disbelieving brow. “You sure it’s not a ‘cheep’ on your shoulder?”
Alice gasped in fake offense but couldn’t keep it up for long. “Not really.” They both chuckled and then he yawned. “You should get some sleep.”
He hummed dozily. “In a minute. Hey, I have a letter for Leila. Is she around?”
“I can get her, but are you sure?” Alice asked skeptically.
Bendy nodded. “It’s already been a few days. I’ll head to bed after.” He shifted to get up and snuck out of his temporary hideaway.
Alice wasn’t sure, but she relented. It wasn’t like she could force him, and she was the one who had bothered him this late—or she supposed—early. Alice let herself out of her room and wandered down the hall. If the trio were here, they’d either be in Rachel’s room or the backyard. She knocked lightly on the door that was covered in painted swirls and little designs. Rachel’s name was in cursive this month.
“Who is it?” Rachel sang through the wood.
“A message for Leila from a special someone,” Alice sang back. The door immediately flew open. A mass of curly hair was upon her instantly.
“Message! Who?” Leila’s eyes fell to the compact in Alice’s hand. “Oh, hi!” she exclaimed excitedly.
“SSssshsshhsshh!” Alice flailed before covering the compact. “It’s already night over there!” She whispered.
Leila blinked at her and then silently counted out on her fingers. “Ah, right. Time difference. Are you coming in, or are we going to stand in the hall?” the younger angel asked, a note of teasing curling off her.
“Come in, if you don’t mind,” Alice said. Rachel giggled from her seat. A half-finished landscape on her easel. “It’s beautiful.”
“I know,” Rachel chirped.
Leila closed the door behind Alice and darted off to Rachel’s closet. There were shuffling sounds and a muted thud before she returned with a notebook—or, rather, another notebook, as there was one left open on the desk chair.
David raised a brow from Rachel’s bed. The thick book he had hid half his face as he read. Curiosity and boredom were the only feelings he gave off.
“Ready?” Bendy asked. Alice glanced down to see he had returned to the bathroom and held an envelope in his hand.
“One moment. I’ll give you over to Leila to-” The doorbell rang. Alice tensed for a second before she shook her head. It was a silly thing to be startled by. David lowered the book. “Someone else will probably get it.” Alice cleared her throat. “Where do you want to sit, Lei?”
“The bed’s fine,” Leila said, scooping the other notebook and a pen from the chair before plopping next to David on the bed. She looked up at Alice expectantly.
The older angel set the compact down so it faced Leila and David. “Hey,” Bendy greeted. The doorbell rang again. Alice looked toward the door. Maybe Grandmama was in the back and didn’t hear it. Rachel moved to put her paintbrush down. Alice waved her off and headed to the door herself. If it was something to worry about, she wouldn’t have her younger siblings face it. She looked over her shoulder and mouthed, ‘Be right back’ to them. Rachel nodded. David gave her a look, meaning he probably picked up on some of her trepidation. She smiled to reassure him. Leila gave a thumbs up before turning a beaming smile toward the compact.
A little letter wasn’t going to scare her from answering the door.
Alice skipped down the stairs two at a time as the doorbell rang a third time, followed by knocking. “Coming! Coming!” Alice said as she cut through the living room and hopped over the couch just like she wasn’t supposed to. She reached the door and opened it up just a little to peek out. “Hello?”
What greeted her was the concerned face of an angel. His physique said warrior, but the crest on his shoulder showed that he was a guardian. He looked familiar, but Alice couldn’t place him immediately. Tension was in his shoulders, and suspicion hung around him like morning fog. A letter was in one of his hands. Alice opened the door wider. “Hello, Master Alice.” The angel bowed his head in respect. She didn’t correct him. She wouldn’t be an apprentice once she made the transfer, but that wasn’t out in the world yet. “I have a letter for you.” He said, holding it out.
“You do?” Alice asked. She eyed the letter. Why was he delivering it? “Can I ask why you’re the one delivering it? Was it so important that Isaac didn’t have time to get a messenger angel?”
The angel nodded. “Yes, you can ask. No, he did get a messenger angel. Allow me to explain. There was a messenger from your brother Isaac. He seemed to be in quite a hurry and didn’t want to enter the city. I offered to finish the delivery for him since I was nearly done with my duties at the gate.”
Didn’t want to enter the city? Was there a big rush? Had something happened? Well, at least this guardian seemed trustworthy. Oh. That’s right! This was Jon! The angel that had visited Holly that one time. He held out the letter to her. Isaac was still out in Wrangell. What could he want from her?
Alice opened it and found Isaac’s familiar scrawl hurried across the page.
Dear Alice,
Hello sister. I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but we need your assistance in Wrangell. The innkeeper was given instructions to only speak with you. He will not budge on this matter. We are unsure if magic was involved. To be safe, I would like you to come join me here and speak to the innkeeper for us. The team has already scouted the area, and we believe this is the only lead we have to find where Michael has gone. We have discovered evidence that he was here. I don’t wish to worry or rush you, but haste would be appreciated.
I look forward to seeing you soon, Alice.
Love your brother,
Isaac Angel
P.S.
Bring a snack. The flight can be tiring.
Alice blinked. They wanted her to go? She was going to join Isaac? A bubble of anxious excitement swelled in her chest.
Oh, Mercy! She needed to get ready!
“Master Alice?”
Alice looked up, her eyes bright. Jon was watching her with confusion. “Thank you. I’m going to go get ready.”
“Ready?” Jon tilted his head.
“Isaac asked me to go meet up with him,” Alice said. Finally! She could do something!
Jon hummed. “That’s a bit of a flight. Would you like me to escort you?”
Alice hesitated. She didn’t want to inconvenience him, but Alice didn’t want to fly alone either. And Holly had been on her about not doing things alone. It would be wise not to travel without company. Alice bit her lip as she made a choice. “If you don’t mind. Could you wait here a moment?”
“Not at all. I’ll be here.” Jon gave her a nod. Alice spun around and raced inside, barely stopping herself from slamming the door closed.
The young angel went to her room. She threw open a bag and grabbed the essentials for someone sick or injured out of habit. She took extra water and grain bars since Isaac had told her to bring a snack. Alice hesitated and looked at her sword. She was going to be surrounded by guardians, so she wouldn’t really need something like that. Yet the flight there was just going to be her and Jon. She picked it up and strapped it to her waist. It was better to be safe than sorry. She’d had enough of being sorry. She could tease Isaac and say they matched. Alice looked around her room and then nodded to herself. It wasn’t even a full day’s flight away. She wasn’t going alone, and she had supplies with her.
“I’m heading out to take care of something real quick!” She called to the house. Maybe the trio or someone heard, maybe not. She tightened the waist strap to her bag and went back to the front door.
Jon smiled. “Ready?”
“Yes! Thank you for escorting me, Jon,” Alice said.
Jon gave her a curious look. “Sure, I don’t mind. It’s my honor.” His eyes fell onto her sword. “You’re bringing your blade?” Jon raised a brow.
“I see why Holly liked you,” Alice chuckled. “I'd rather bring it just in case.”
“She spoke of me?” Jon smiled.
“Okay! That’s enough questions from you! Do you need to get stuff from your place? Leave a message for anyone?” Alice asked. Jon nodded, still looking pleased. “Alright, then I’ll follow you. We leave as soon as you’re ready.”
Wrangell was a cute place that hugged one of Alaska’s many cold peninsulas. Boats and homes curved with the water’s edge. Mountains and forests surrounded the other side. The tall pines made for good cover as they flew in closer. Hiding with glamors, they touched down on the street and looked around. It was a cloudy day, threatening to rain. Even to Alice, it was a bit chilly. Maybe there’d be snow too. Alice didn’t waste a moment. She hurried to the first inn she spotted, excited to find her brother and talk to him.
“Alice! Hold on!” Jon hurried to keep up with her.
Alice pushed the door open and looked around the empty lobby. She rang the bell on the counter. “Hello?” Alice called. “Anyone here? Hello? Isaac? Hello?”
“Alice, didn’t you notice there was no one on the street?” Jon asked as he caught up to her.
“It’s a small town, and a storm might be coming?” Alice suggested, still looking around the space. Jon frowned. “Maybe Isaac and the others did something so they could search the town without any suspicion?” Alice stepped away from the counter and poked her head down a long hallway of doors.
“Situations like spelling a whole town take a lot of magic. It isn’t protocol to interrupt so many lives,” Jon asked. “You’re brother wouldn’t need to do something so drastic without good reason.”
Alice bit her thumbnail. No. Jon was right; they wouldn’t. The pair walked through the inn, knocking on doors and hunting for a single employee or angel. They didn’t find a soul. Something was wrong. “Let’s try another place,” Alice said anxiously.
“I think it best we leave,” Jon suggested. His hand was on the hilt of his sword.
“Just one more place. Please,” Alice begged. “We’ll go right back and report this after.” It would take more than the two of them to investigate an entire town. They couldn’t just leave if her brother was in trouble, though! They headed back out on the street. Now that she was paying attention, she could see what Jon meant. The town was empty and quiet. The clouds pressed down heavily on them. If there were fog, it’d feel far too familiar. Alice felt her heart begin to race. Goosebumps raised on her arms, and her hidden wings fluffed up. She regretted wanting to go further in, but if the others were here, she couldn’t just leave them. The water lapped at the docks. Boats bobbed in the water innocently but desolate of life. Where was everyone? There weren’t any signs of a fight. It was like everyone just up and left together.
“Not the Labyrinth, not the Labyrinth, not the Labyrinth,” Alice murmured to herself like a mantra as they walked further into the town. Jon continued to scan the street and buildings with sharp eyes. The pair of them had their hands on their blades now. Nothing jumped out at her. No sign of something off besides the absence of the people. It only made her nerves grow all the more. Isaac wouldn’t have invited her into a dangerous situation, would he? No! Never! So what was going on?
They reached the second inn without incident. It was smaller than the first and was built to resemble a homely cabin with stacked logs and wood-shuttered doors on the windows. Alice found herself hesitating at the door, reluctant to enter. Jon stepped around her. She opened her mouth to stop him, but he already passed the threshold before she could. He walked further, seemingly fine. Alice held her breath and took a step inside. She stepped back quickly and found she was able to leave fine.
Okay. She was being paranoid. Silly even. Isaac was around here somewhere, and he’d be able to explain all of this. There was no reason to panic yet. She needed to keep her head. She was an Angel. Again, Alice approached the counter and rang the bell. “Anyone home? Isaac? Hello?” She called out into the room. The lobby would have been inviting and homely in another settling. The fireplace was huge, and the couches and chairs were plush with warm quilts and soft-looking pillows. She could imagine herself curled up with a good book and a hot cup of cocoa or tea. The silence destroyed any inviting feeling the decor could have invoked.
“I fear this is more of the same,” Jon said grimly. “We best head back to the Upper and report this situation.”
Alice chewed on her lip. “They’re okay, right?”
Jon shook his head. “I don’t know. Come on.”
Alice gave the place one last desperate look, hoping there might be a sign that would point her to her brother. They pushed the doors open and stepped out. “Alice duck!” Jon yanked her down by her bag strap. An arrow thunked into the wood above her.
Laughter filled the street. Jon drew his sword. Alice lifted her eyes and froze. The street was dotted with armed men and monsters. “Who are you?” Jon demanded.
One took a step forward. A familiar, terrible smile on his face. “Hello, Alice. It’s been a while,” The Ringleader greeted.