The White Queen had thoughtfully prepared a set of outfits for Alice and Tarrant. Alice's adventure attire was a blend of red and white, featuring a tight-fitting leather jacket adorned with silver ribbon embellishments on the cuffs and shoulders. A delicate belt, from which hung several practical gadgets and a short sword, cinched her waist. Below, flexible trousers paired with exquisite boots ensured both mobility and elegance. Tarrant's outfit complemented hers, sharing the same red-and-white color scheme but with a freer, wilder style. His long coat was embellished with intricate embroidery, and its cuffs were large and loose, while the hems of his pants were adorned with quirky buttons. The Queen had prepared a triangular, dark-colored adventure hat for him, which still held his hat-pin weapon tied with his old ribbon. He wore two small satchels crosswise, containing some of Alice's belongings.
Alice and Tarrant stood before the palace gates, ready to depart for the maze garden. The White Queen approached Alice with a smile, tying the last red-and-white braided belt around her waist. The Red Queen stood aside, her expression tinged with reluctance but also hinting at underlying concern.
Alice gratefully nodded and turned to see the Banderna beast standing quietly nearby. Its massive body radiated an irresistible power, and its white fur shimmered in the sunlight. Alice gently approached the Banderna beast, stroking its mane softly and whispering, "Thank you, Banderna beast. I appreciate you willing to journey with us again." The Banderna beast silently lowered its head, responding with its massive body and gaze.
The Red Queen also stepped forward, holding three pots of magic potions of various colors. Her expression was serious as she handed them to Alice and Tarrant. "You can use these potions in emergency situations. The blue potion can temporarily grant you invisibility; the green potion can heal any wound, while the red potion... can awaken your potential, but be cautious when using it, its power is enormous."
Alice received the potions, nodded solemnly, and carefully stored them in the pouch at her waist. Tarrant watched her with a smile, his eyes full of trust and tenderness.
The White and Red Queens, along with their Wonderland friends, gathered at the palace gates to bid them farewell. The Cheshire Cat floated in the air, waving its huge tail and wearing its signature mysterious smile. The White Rabbit, Maxwell, nervously rubbed his hands, watching their backs with reluctance filling his heart. Mary rubbed her hands on Sacry's head, praying for them.
Mounted on the Banderna beast, Alice held the reins steadily, while Tarrant sat behind her, his arms naturally wrapping around her waist. Unlike their previous ride, the distance between them was now closer, their breaths mingling, seemingly bridging any past awkwardness or distance. Tarrant's fingers gently traced the outline of Alice's waist, and inadvertently, he felt the slight tension and tremor beneath her skin.
As they galloped along the forest trail, Alice turned her head slightly, feeling Tarrant's breath softly brush against her ear, making her heartbeat accelerate involuntarily. Tarrant gently rested his chin on her shoulder, his voice low and warm. "Do you know, Alice, last time we rode the Banderna beast together, I didn't dare to approach you like this," he chuckled softly, a hint of mischief in his tone.
Alice looked up, humming lightly and curling her lips into a smile. She turned her head slightly, a playful gleam flashing in her eyes. "Some things are still a bit uncomfortable, such as being so close to you," she teased.
Tarrant raised his eyebrows, a flicker of barely perceptible amusement sparkling in his eyes. "Oh, unaccustomed?" he said, deliberately tightening his arms around her. Alice's cheeks instantly flushed, but instead of pushing him away, she leaned into his embrace, feeling the strange yet comforting warmth.
Tarrant's fingers slid along her waist. "Now... I know I shouldn't let you go," he said.
Alice's heartbeat seemed to synchronize with the Banderna beast's steps as she whispered, "I also don't want you to let me go." As soon as she finished speaking, Tarrant suddenly lowered his head and gently kissed the back of her ear. Alice's face turned crimson, but she didn't dodge; instead, she turned her head slightly and returned his kiss with tenderness.
Their kisses grew from gentle to passionate, their breaths intertwining in the air, as if time had stood still at that moment. The wind blew through their hair, trees rushing past on both sides, yet they seemed immersed in their own world. Tarrant's kisses moved from her ear to her cheek and then to her lips, warm and full of love.
Banderna moved steadily through the expansive forest. The trees lining the path, though yellowed and withered, still maintained their dormant state. The air was filled with the summer's typical heat, as though it were part of the real world. Sunlight filtered through the sparse foliage, casting its rays upon them, and it seemed as if the earth of this labyrinthine garden awaited their arrival.
Tarrant's head rested lightly on Alice's shoulder, occasionally nudging into her neck and kissing her earlobe. When she showed signs of impatience, he emitted a purr like a Cheshire cat while leaning on her shoulder, leaving Alice with no choice but to indulge his little antics.