**Chapter 6: Mad Tea Party**

The air was thick with the scent of roses and lemon as Sol and the Star Nymph entered the whimsical clearing. A long table, adorned with delicate china and teapots, stretched before them, surrounded by mismatched chairs and candelabras. The March Hare, resplendent in his top hat and coat, poured tea into dainty cups while the Cheshire Cat grinned mischievously from above. Sol's eyes widened as she took in the absurd scene before her. The Star Nymph chuckled and nudged her forward. "Welcome to the Mad Tea Party, Sol. It's a Wonderland tradition." As they sat down at the table, the March Hare thrust a cup into Sol's hands. "Ah, a new guest! Welcome, welcome! I'm the March Hare, and this is my good friend, the Dormouse." The Dormouse, a tiny, sleepy creature with a fondness for snuggling, waved a paw in greeting. The Cheshire Cat materialized beside Sol, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "And I'm the one who knows all the secrets." He winked, leaving Sol wondering what secrets he might be hiding. The conversation was a jumbled mix of riddles, absurd statements, and playful jabs. Sol found herself laughing and smiling, feeling more at ease with each passing moment. The Star Nymph sat beside her, sipping tea and observing the chaos with a knowing smile. As the party continued, Sol began to notice Alec Liddell sitting across from her, his eyes watchful and intriguing. She felt a flutter in her chest, a sense of attraction she couldn't ignore. The air seemed to vibrate with tension between them, and Sol wondered if anyone else noticed. The March Hare jumped up, his eyes shining with excitement. "It's time for a riddle! Who can solve the riddle of the roses?" He presented a bouquet of roses, each one with a small note attached. Sol's eyes met Alec's, and she felt a spark of challenge. She reached out, plucking a rose from the bouquet and examining the note. The riddle read: "In the garden of dreams, where petals unfold, A secret lies hidden, young and old. Seek the answer in the heart of the flower, And claim the prize, in Wonderland's power." Sol pondered the riddle, her mind racing with possibilities. Alec leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers. "I think I know the answer," he said, his voice low and confident. The March Hare grinned. "Ah, let's see if you're correct, Mr. Liddell!" Sol watched as Alec presented his solution, his words weaving a spell of wonder and enchantment. As the party continued, Sol found herself drawn into the whimsical world of Wonderland, her senses heightened and her heart pounding with excitement. She felt a sense of belonging, as if she had finally found a place where she could be herself. The Cheshire Cat's grin seemed to grow wider as he watched Sol and Alec interact. The Star Nymph leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "The tea party is just the beginning, Sol. The real adventure is yet to come." Sol's eyes met Alec's, and she felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. She knew that she was in for a wild ride, one that would challenge her perceptions and test her heart. And with Alec by her side, she felt a sense of excitement and trepidation, ready to face whatever wonders and dangers Wonderland had in store for her.