**Chapter 7: A Brush with Alec**

As Sol and the Star Nymph strolled through the winding paths of Wonderland, the air was alive with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft chirping of fantastical creatures. The Star Nymph walked beside her, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a deep connection to the land. Sol felt a sense of wonder wash over her as she gazed at the Star Nymph, whose beauty seemed to radiate from within. The Star Nymph's caramel skin glowed in the soft light, and her hazel eyes sparkled with a deep wisdom. Her long, curly honey brown hair with magenta highlights cascaded down her back like a waterfall of rich colors. Sol couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the Star Nymph's serene presence, which seemed to embody the very essence of Wonderland. As they turned a corner, Sol spotted a figure in the distance. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized Alec Liddell, his eyes fixed intently on her. The Star Nymph noticed Sol's gaze and followed it to Alec. "Ah, Mr. Liddell," the Star Nymph said, her voice melodic. "I see you're exploring the wonders of Wonderland." Alec's eyes never left Sol's face as he approached them. "Indeed, I am. And I must say, the company is quite enchanting." His gaze lingered on Sol, and she felt a flush rise to her cheeks. Sol's sarcastic nature kicked in, and she raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? And what do you think of Wonderland so far?" Alec's smile was wry. "It's...curious. I find myself drawn to the absurdity of it all." His eyes sparkled with mischief, and Sol felt a spark of attraction. The Star Nymph chuckled. "Wonderland has a way of growing on you, doesn't it?" She nudged Sol forward. "Shall we join Mr. Liddell on his exploration?" As they walked together, Sol couldn't help but notice the tension between her and Alec. It was as if the air around them vibrated with an unspoken connection. She felt a sense of excitement mixed with trepidation, unsure of what to make of these newfound feelings. The Star Nymph seemed to sense the tension, her eyes gleaming with a knowing smile. "Tell me, Mr. Liddell, what do you think of the flora in Wonderland?" Alec's gaze flicked to the Star Nymph, and he launched into a witty discussion about the unique properties of Wonderland's plants. Sol listened, captivated by his intelligence and passion. As they walked, the conversation flowed easily, and Sol found herself laughing and smiling in Alec's presence. The Star Nymph excused herself, disappearing into a nearby thicket of flowers. Sol was left alone with Alec, the silence between them palpable. Alec turned to her, his eyes locked on hers. "Sol, may I ask you something?" Sol's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze. "Of course, what is it?" Alec's voice was low, his words sending shivers down her spine. "What do you think of me, Sol? Really think of me?" Sol's sarcastic nature faltered, and she felt a sense of vulnerability wash over her. She hesitated, unsure of how to respond. But as she looked into Alec's eyes, she saw a spark of genuine curiosity and concern. "I think you're...enigmatic," Sol said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "And intriguing. But also a bit...troubling." Alec's smile was wry. "Troubling?" Sol nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "Yes. You seem to be hiding secrets, and I'm not sure I understand what you're after." Alec's eyes never left hers, and Sol felt a sense of connection, as if he could see right through to her soul. "Perhaps, Sol, that's what makes life interesting," he said, his voice low and husky. The air around them seemed to vibrate with tension, and Sol felt a sense of anticipation building. She knew that she was standing at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take. But as she looked into Alec's eyes, she felt a sense of excitement and trepidation, ready to face whatever lay ahead. As they stood there, the silence between them grew thicker, like a fog that refused to lift. Sol felt a sense of longing, a desire to reach out and touch Alec's hand. But she hesitated, unsure of what might happen if she did. The moment hung in the air, suspended like a delicate flower. And then, without warning, Alec reached out and brushed a strand of hair behind Sol's ear. The touch sent shivers down her spine, and Sol felt a sense of wonder wash over her. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a sea of possibility. Sol knew that she had to make a choice, to decide whether to follow her heart or turn away. And as she looked into Alec's eyes, she knew that she was ready to take the leap, to see where this journey might lead.