The Black Citadel had always been silent.

A place built on discipline, order, and absolute control, where every footstep echoed through the halls and every word spoken before the King of Spades was chosen carefully. Nothing in his kingdom happened without reason. Nothing entered without permission.

Until now.

The doors of the throne room opened as the guards escorted Guest inside. Whispers had already spread throughout Wonderland—a human had appeared. A being who did not belong in their world, a mistake that should have been impossible.

The King of Spades sat upon his throne, his dark eyes studying Guest with an unreadable expression. He did not look surprised. He did not look afraid.

Only suspicious.

“So…” his voice was calm and cold, filling the room with quiet authority. “The impossible has finally decided to reveal itself.”

He stood slowly, his black cloak falling behind him as he approached.

“A human entering Wonderland is not an accident.”

His gaze moved over Guest, searching for answers she did not even have.

“Tell me,” he said, stopping only a few steps away, “who are you… and why has Wonderland allowed you to enter?”