Page 34 of Devour the Dark

Laughter sounds in the dining room behind us, then the clinking of a glass.

I pull a cigarette from the pouch and offer Vane one. I light his first, then mine.

The sea air catches the smoke and shoots it across the deck.

With an exhale, I look over at Vane. “Did you ever think about going back to Darkland?”

“No. I didn’t have a reason to return. Neverland is my home now.”

“And your Darling girl?”

He keeps his gaze on the moonlit horizon, but I don’t think he’s looking at the ocean. “After Lainey, I didn’t think I’d love anything ever again. Win taught me otherwise.”

“This is the moment where I’m supposed to say something profound. Where I’m to remind you that the heart mends.”

He glances over at me, the burning cigarette trapped between his knuckles. “But you won’t. Because you don’t believe it.”

I sigh and take another hit. “Wendy and the Captain…”

“You’re holding them at arm’s length just like you did me. I know what you’re doing. You don’t have to try to find words to explain it because I already know you’re going to downplay it. You want to be happy again? Grab them by the shirt and embrace them. And don’t ever let go.”

I search for a joke, something to deflect.

But words escape me.

I take a hit instead and then flick the spent cigarette over the railing into the ocean.

My exhale is heavy and smoke-laden.

“I never would have expected to receive relationship advice from you.”

“And I never expected you to be fucking Hook and yet…”

I shrug. “What can I say? I have a thing for mouthy pirates.”

He stands up and flicks his cigarette too, blowing out the last breath of smoke before opening the door. “I’m going to bed. You’ll be good for blood for the rest of the night?”

“I think so.”

“If you need me, come find me. Don’t risk it.”

“Yes, father.”

“Shut the fuck up. Just listen to me for once.” He disappears back inside, shutting the door behind him.

I stay on the deck longer, enjoying the night breeze.

When I come back in,I find the dining room empty save for Wendy. She’s nursing the last of a glass of wine.

“I waited for you,” she tells me and then laughs.

“Are you drunk?”

“I think so.”

“Where’s the Captain?”

“Apparently he heard the deck crew was having trouble with a sail or knot or something, so he?—”

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