Alexa walked resolutely, feeling the hairs of her body prickle from being close to a manifestation of the infernal worlds. After the next corner, Alexa at first thought she had come back from where she came. Only after a second glance, did the maiden realize that the circular garden surrounding the gazebo had no statue, and its central piece looked like a sort of stone table.
She approached cautiously, feeling watched from every angle. Alexa could not distinguish where, nor saw the Queen, just felt her very close, invisible.
Under the pergola, Alexa saw that the marble table had a chess set on it, with artfully carved pieces in Onyx and Alabaster, but some pieces were missing from it.
Before she could examine further, the Shade stopped beside her.
"What do you want?" the maiden asked abruptly, without turning to face her.
She knew it was the White Queen.
