It has been four years since Redd’s ascension to the throne of Wonderland, and her rule is tyrannical, requiring the citizens’ absolute devotion and obedience. Wonderland has undergone a radical transformation since Redd took power: Illicit activities and dark forces of deception and hatred thrive, and the once beautiful crystal buildings have become like ruins and “slums” (140); even Heart Palace is just another place for squatters. The rebel Wonderlanders have organized into a resistance group known as the Alyssians, named for Alyss, who has become a symbol of the revolution as “an icon of hope for peace’s return” (136). Dodge Anders has made a name for himself as a leading Alyssian, known for his reckless bravery—but, still hollow from the loss of both his father and Alyss, his only motivation is the thought of avenging his father’s murder by the Cat.

Hatter continues his search for Alyss across Europe. He finds his top hat sitting in a puddle in Monaco and notes that the puddle should have evaporated due to the heat of the street, leading him to realize that this unnatural puddle is a portal back to the Pool of Tears.