Page 10 of Beneath the Starlight and Storms

Moving closer to the main entrance, I spot a dozen large men in dark clothing all standing by, waiting at the main doors. Each one of them looks imposing, each one of their facial expressions and body language screaming nothing but violence.

Any thoughts of staying here until I figure another way out vanishes as I scramble to come up with a new plan.

The men move forward as we slow down to a stop making my insides twist and churn. The door beside me opens with a click and I don’t think, I just move.

Clenching my fists tight, I wait until the door fully opens before aimlessly punching out and making a run for it.

I hear a grunt and chuckle as I head around the side of the large house and toward the huge forest, I glimpsed moments ago.

I move through the garden making my way past the wide bushes and vibrant flowers visible even in the dark and try to find some place to hide while I figure a way off this island.

The further I move into the forest, the thicker the trees get, giving me hope. Each one of them is wide enough to hide at least three of me. And will hopefully give me enough coverage to stay hidden for a while.

Keeping my fast pace, I move past most of them, moving deeper and deeper into the forest, past more and more thick trees. Light flitters out above me, encasing me in darkness, slowing me down.

I pause for a moment and glance around. But all I see is darkness.

Raising my hands, I move forward, trying to figure a way out of the dark. Stumbling forward, I move as quickly as I can until eventually, the thick trees start to thin out and the moon's light slowly filters in around me.

Quickening my pace, I rush forward when I start to feel the forest ground beneath my feet grow hard and uneven.

I glance down for a moment, my eyes widening as the forest quickly ends and a rush of ocean water hits my ears as I end up at the edge of the island.

I quickly stop myself before I fall over the steep cliff and into the dark ocean.

Releasing a breath, I glance behind me before looking out at the ocean again and weigh my options.

My eyes try to see further out into the ocean, but all I’m met with is utter darkness.

I could jump and try to make a swim for it until I find land?

But even if I were able to survive the steep drop, steer clear of the rocks below and swim through the hazardous waves, there was a chance that there were no other islands or land for miles. Just a wide-open ocean that goes on forever. And even if I were to find my way back using the way we came in, the illusion Hook mentioned might stop me or make this situation worse.

And that was all without the dangerous creatures that may lurk beneath the ocean’s surface.

An icy shiver crawls down my spine as I remember the huge crocodile that once hunted the waters around Neverland. And the terror it brought me daily, taunting me, until one day it finally disappeared for good.

Something ripples beneath the water below. Something large that makes me shudder and take a step back. I keep moving until I’m back at the edge of the thick trees.

Realizing the ocean is no longer an option, I turn and brace myself before heading back into the forest.

But before I move through the darkness, I slow my breath and glance up at the dark sky, noticing the starlight is much more striking here than back where the portal opened.

The longer I stare at the soothing stars, the more settled and calm I become, and my mind becomes more focused on the task at hand.

There was a possibility that I could be shielded right now, or it might not work the same as Neverland, only shielding the island itself.

If it was masking my presence, it meant I had time. Time to come up with a plan to find a Darling witch and figure out where I wanted to go from there.

But that also meant I was stuck here with Hook and whatever plan he thought he had for me until my escape.

If it was only shielding the island, it meant I was already running out of time. And I needed to get off this island and get moving as soon as possible.

I listen out for any movement before taking a step into the forest. I move quickly through the darkened spot of the forest until the moon shines above me once more, guiding me as I weave through the trees while I listen out for any other sounds.

But apart from the rustle of trees and my heavy breath, there’s nothing. No sound of anyone searching for me or rushing through the forest to find me.

After a few minutes, I stop to catch my breath, my body trembling from the cold and exhaustion.

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