The painting for the competition had to be finished in five hours. I slumped over my desk staring angrily at my Alice in wonderland painting that just wasn't turning out the way I wanted it to. I had been working on the artwork all day and I was desperate for a nap. I walked over to my couch and sat next to my cat Magico. Watching him sleep peacefully, soon caused me to do the same...

"Why hello Bellatrix." A silky voice said to me. I felt confused; it was very rare for me to have visitors so early in the morning. I opened my eyes and was shocked to find that I was no longer laying on my couch next to Magico. I was now standing in complete darkness.

"What the devil?!" I exclaimed.

"Now, now. There is no need to be frightened." The voice continued.

"Who are you?" I questioned eagerly.

"Oh just a-" A figure suddenly appeared in the void. He was wearing peculiar clothing and an eye patch. "Demon called Nightmare." I jumped back in fright. Oh no! He looks like a mad man! I thought.

"What are you going to do to me? Why am I here? A-are you some type of murderer" I asked the stranger. I knew I was jumping to the worst conclusion, however it was justifiable. I lived in a cottage surrounded by woods where all sorts of strange people took refuge, therefore I was weary.

"I'd never hurt you Bellatrix." Nightmare swiftly appeared extremely close to my face, "In fact I'd do anything to protect you." He grinned gazing at me intently. "And I am not a mad man." He added irritably.

"How can you read my mind?" I questioned.

"It's just something that comes with being a demon." He replied proudly as I edged away from him.

"How did you get me here? Did you drug me?" I asked shakily.

"As I said, I'd never hurt you." He reiterated calmly.

"Just answer my question you damned demon." I said regaining my composure.

"Oh~ I just love it when you get feisty."

I punched him. "So you are a mad man!" I exclaimed as I turned around and began running into the abyss. Suddenly Nightmare appeared in front of me,

"There's no use running from me- UGH!" He slumped over and began coughing and hacking. Even though I had convinced myself he wished me harm I couldn't help but ask,

"Are you alright?" I became terribly concerned when I noticed blood pooling in the man's pale hand. "Goodness! Mister mad man, if you let me go I can get help." I said attempting to bargain for my freedom.

"I'm not a madman!" He repeated standing and flicking the blood off his hand. I was uncertain whether I should apologise to the man for causing him such pain, however there was still a possibility he did in fact wish me harm.

"Then please, just explain to me what is happening." Nightmare finally began to tell me I was in a dream and once I had awoken I would be in a place called The Country of Hearts.

"So this is a dream within a dream." I replied.

"Call it what you want." Nightmare said.

"Nightmare, I'm sorry for punching you." I said guilty.

"I can understand, it is an odd situation you're in."

"So, is there like a dream hospital I can take you to?" I questioned.

"H-hospitals? No way! I'm not going. I'm fine honestly." He said persuasively.

"Okay, whatever makes you happy." I said attempting to be kind after hurting a figment of my imagination.

"I wouldn't call myself a figment of your imagination." He said with a smirk. "Oh my, you're about to be leaving."

"So I'm waking up into the second layer of the dream?" I questioned.

"I suppose you could say that." Nightmare began to search through his pockets. "How would you like a drink?" He produced a pretty vial filled with purple liquid from his pocket.

"I am thirsty… and I suppose it's just a dream. What harm could it do?" He handed me the bottle and I consumed the liquid.

"It tastes like grape…" and with that I collapsed to the ground, unconscious.