Page 11 of Beneath the Starlight and Storms

I glance up at the sliver of dark sky visible, the thick trees still masking it and my thoughts turn to Hook and the men I saw waiting for me.

It’s possible that he and his men have already given up on looking for me, thinking I wouldn’t get very far. Especially if the rest of the island had steep drops and hazardous cliffs like the one I saw. Getting some sleep was surely a better option than traipsing after me in the dark.

Glancing around, my exhausted body reminds me that it’s been a while since I’ve slept and even longer since I ate something. Pushing aside the thought of food for the moment, I focus on looking for somewhere to get a couple of hours' rest.

I just had to bide my time. Hook and his men were sure to leave the island again and hopefully soon. I could sneak out in one of those machines they calledcarsand then start my search to find a Darling witch.

I push back the plethora of problems that come with that thought. The main one being I’d be defenseless while searching for a Darling witch or where to even start, and instead try to find a dark group of trees to hide in.

Moving forward, I make it only a few steps before I hear a twig snap from somewhere behind me.

My entire body freezes as I listen out for anything and everything around me.

Maybe it’s just a forest animal…

Even with that naïve thought, my body grows colder as I slowly turn around. Only to be met with a pair of stormy blue eyes.

“Did you think I wouldn’t find you?” Hook taunts with a smirk.

I don’t answer or let myself think. Instead, I run, and his deep chuckle follows me. I hike my dress and push my tired body up past a thick grove of trees, their complete darkness and eerie presence perfect for a hiding spot but with Hook so close behind me, I can’t let him find it so soon.

Instead, I move around them to the cluster of thick trees spread out around it and over towards a tall, thick bush I saw moments ago.

But I never make it to the bush as Hook somehow catches up to me, blocking my path, with eyes full of dark delight as he watches my every move.

“How long are you going to keep this up for?” He asks, sounding more intrigued than bored or annoyed, his expression full of mischief. As if this is all just one big game to him. Just like in Neverland when we used to pass the time and play tricks on one another.

“This isn’t a game, Hook.” But the mischief in his eyes only grows as his eyes light up.

“That’s where you’re wrong, Tink.Everythingis a game. So, for old times’ sake, let’s have some fun. If you can outrun me and make it back to the entrance of the house, I’ll let you go.”

I freeze as his words finally filter through my mind.

“Just like that?” I ask, my eyes narrowed as I wait for the following laugh at my naivety.

“Just like that.” He nods, a light of a challenge in his eyes that reminds me of a happier time.

“And if I don’t make it in time?” I ask.

Hook never hurt me with his games. But even if I could believe that he would go through with his end of the deal should I win, there had to be some type of catch. There always was with Hook.

Hooks eyes darken, his smile growing wicked. “Then… you’remine.” Something flashes in his eyes, it’s too quick to catch but I don’t miss the possessive tone in his voice.

No longer willing to be anyone’s possession, I shake my head and quickly shoot down his silly idea.

“We’re not kids, Hook. I’m not going to play any more of your silly games.”

“Why?” His grin disappears and along with it the light in his eyes.

“Because this isn’t Neverland and no matter what you say, this isn’t a game. My life isn’t a game. To you or anyone else.”

Hook’s eyes narrow to slits as he searches my face for something.

“Don’t tell me the fearless Tink I once knew is afraid?”

Right now, I feel anything but fearless. Even jumping into an unknown portal was down to dumb luck. But there’s something about the tone of his voice and the cocky look on his face that raises my hackles as I narrow my eyes on him.

“I’m not afraid of you.” Or at least I wasn’t afraid of the Hook I once knew. But even the people you think you know can change and morph into something completely different.Peter taught me that lesson the hard way.

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