**Chapter 4: Welcome to Wonderland**

The warm California sun had long since dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Rutledge Asylum's gardens. Sol stood at the edge of the manicured lawn, her feet sinking into the soft earth as she gazed out at the sprawling estate. Her mom had always loved the gardens, and Sol couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her as she breathed in the scent of blooming flowers and fresh-cut grass. As she walked through the gardens, Sol's thoughts drifted back to Alec Liddell, the enigmatic patient she'd met earlier that day. She couldn't shake off the feeling that their conversation had been more than just a chance encounter. The way he'd spoken of Wonderland, with a hint of mischief in his eyes, had left her intrigued. Sol's fingers absently rolled a joint as she strolled along the winding path, her eyes scanning the gardens for any sign of life. The air was thick with the scent of blooming jasmine, and she felt her senses begin to blur as she took a long drag. The smoke curled around her, carrying her thoughts away on a gentle breeze. As she turned a corner, Sol spotted a strange glow emanating from a nearby thicket. Her curiosity piqued, she walked towards the light, her feet carrying her across the lawn as if drawn by an unseen force. The glow grew brighter, illuminating a small rabbit hole that seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. Sol's heart racing, she approached the hole, feeling an inexplicable pull, as if it was calling to her. She hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with the implications of what she was about to do. But something about the hole seemed to resonate with her, drawing her in with an irresistible force. Without hesitation, Sol took a step forward, her foot disappearing into the rabbit hole. The world around her began to blur, and she felt herself being pulled down into the depths of the hole. The air rushed past her, a gentle whoosh that left her ears ringing. As she fell, Sol's stomach dropped, and her senses reeled. She felt a strange sense of weightlessness, as if she was floating through a dream. The walls of the rabbit hole whizzed past her, a blur of color and light that left her disoriented. Sol's mind reeled as she tumbled through the hole, her thoughts fragmented and disjointed. She felt a sense of excitement building within her, mixed with a growing sense of trepidation. What lay ahead, in this strange and wondrous place? The rabbit hole seemed to stretch on forever, a twisting tunnel of light and color that pulled Sol deeper into its depths. She felt herself being reshaped, her senses reconfigured, as she tumbled through the void. And then, suddenly, Sol found herself standing in a lush meadow, surrounded by wildflowers that seemed to stretch on forever. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers, and the sky above was a deep shade of purple that seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. Sol's eyes widened as she gazed out at the fantastical landscape, her mind reeling with the implications of what she was seeing. She felt a sense of wonder building within her, mixed with a growing sense of unease. As she stood there, frozen in awe, Sol felt a presence behind her. She turned, her eyes scanning the landscape for any sign of life. And then, she saw it - a figure that seemed to be made of the very flowers and trees that surrounded her. The figure turned, its eyes locking onto Sol with a sense of recognition. And as Sol gazed into those eyes, she felt a jolt of surprise - for in that moment, she knew that she was staring at a version of herself, one that seemed to be made of the very essence of Wonderland. The alternate Sol, who would come to be known as the Star Nymph of Riddle River, smiled at her with a mischievous glint in her eye. Her skin had a radiant, sun-kissed glow, and her hair was a wild tangle of curls that seemed to move of their own accord. Sol felt a sense of fascination wash over her as she gazed at her doppelganger, unsure of what to make of this strange and wondrous creature. The Star Nymph beckoned Sol closer, her hand extended in a gesture of welcome. Sol hesitated for a moment, unsure of what lay ahead, but something about the Star Nymph's smile put her at ease. She took a step forward, and the Star Nymph reached out to take her hand. As their palms touched, Sol felt a surge of energy run through her body. The world around her seemed to shift and change, like a kaleidoscope turning. She felt herself being pulled into a world of wonder and magic, a world that was both familiar and strange. "Welcome to Wonderland," the Star Nymph said, her voice like music. "I've been waiting for you." Sol's eyes locked onto the Star Nymph's, and she felt a sense of belonging wash over her. She knew that she had a long journey ahead of her, one that would take her to the very heart of Wonderland. And with the Star Nymph by her side, she felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.