"Someone's calling for me, I can feel it," Alice said with her eyes closed, a wicked smile etched on her face.

She's sitting cross-legged on a floating chair, and her long golden hair swaying and waving behind her despite the lack of wind. She opened her eyes and stared at the dark ceiling resembling a dark starless sky. Around her was a darkness that stretched endlessly, and the place was swarming with floating furniture and toys, some of which were broken. There was nothing but silence, and the only thing she could hear was her soft breathing.

How many years had it been since Alice came into this weird and wacky place? She didn't want to know, and she never dared to count because it would only remind her of those frustrating days when she was on the verge of losing her patience and sanity. This was a place for cursed spirits, and Alice had not chosen to be one of them.

She didn't choose to become a demon.

But now her agony would finally be over.

"How do you know that?" Absolem asked.

Alice looked at the large blue caterpillar perched on the floating severed head of a bear stuffed toy. "Wait for it."

Absolem narrowed his emerald eyes at her and snorted. "How many times have you said that but nothing has actually happened? You think this time will be different?"

After giving him a long glare, Alice looked away from the caterpillar. No one spoke again, and silence reigned once more. She crossed her arms in front of her chest and shut her eyes close, trying to keep her frustration at bay. As much as she hated to admit it, Absolem was right. Someone was always attempting to summon her, but they were never successful.

Because Alice was a powerful spirit. Only those with a strong desire and the necessary knowledge could summon her.

She took in a deep breath, put her hand in her chest, and entered meditation. It was still there, that tingling sensation in her chest.

That person was still trying to summon her, and this time his call was stronger.

"I summon you, Alice."

A voice echoed throughout the space. Something struck Alice's chest like a lightning bolt. Her eyes fluttered open as she gasped. Absolem raised his head and looked at her, his eyes and mouth wide opened in disbelief. After catching her breath, Alice smiled widely and burst into a fit of laughter.

"I summon you, Alice," the boyish voice repeated.

Alice stopped laughing and looked at Absolem, a glint of triumph dancing in her red eyes. "Yes, Absolem, this time it's different. "

She hopped down from the floating chair and her feet land with a quiet thump on the checkerboard floor. She twirled and spun, giggling, and her hair and blue skirt moved with her. Soon, the once quiet place was now filled with murmurs and whine as envious spirits emerged from the shadows. The spirits were of various forms. Some resembled dolls, large insects, and even massive stuffed toys. Alice was the only one with a human appearance.

That was because she never meant to be one of them.

"Stop those envious looks, you're only making me even happier," Alice said with a grin.

"It's real . . ." Absolem faltered, his mouth still agape.

"My dear summoner, speak louder and reach out your hand," Alice uttered in a soft voice, and a surprised gasp rang out. The one trying to summon Alice must have been so shocked to hear her voice.

"It worked!" the boyish voice exclaimed.

"Nope, not until you do what I told you. Now, my dear summoner, collect yourself and follow my instruction before we lose connection. I'm tired of being disappointed in you foolish humans."

The summoner cleared his throat and spoke louder and clearer, "I summon you, Alice."

A circular ripple formed in the air in front of Alice and then a hand projected from it. As Alice took it, a wide grin split her face. Joy filled her like sunlight as she gripped the hand as if clinging to hope.

"Alice," Absolem called.

Alice looked at the caterpillar.

"Don't forget about me. Find me a human to form a contract with me." The desperation in Absolem's voice tempted Alice to break into laughter.

Then, synchronous voices begged Alice. The spirits encircled her and yanked at her dress. As the creepy-looking creatures clung to Alice, her annoyance flared. She swung her hand, and a powerful force flung the spirits away. They winced as they tumbled on the ground.

"Stay away from me, you disgusting piece of filths," Alice growled. "My summoner, be quick and take me into your world."

In response, a bright light enveloped Alice. A bluish magic circle formed on the ground beneath her feet. Rays of light exploded from it as it began rotating. A strong gust of wind swirled across the place, and Alice and the hand vanished into thin air.