Page 21 of Hush Darling
Lost Boys
The jet descended with great precision onto a small tarmac. The Never Lands might look unoccupied and peaceful from above, but they were pulsing with hidden verve below. The air was alive with unseen inhabitants, and the bass could be heard in the distance as if the wild woods sheltered a hidden nightclub.
Aside from the small airport and tower, nature grew wildly, unrestricted by whatever manmade obstacles encroached on the land. Ivy and vines climbed and twirled about the street signs and pavement as if the groundkeepers couldn’t cut the overgrowth back fast enough.
Branches dangled from footbridges, stretching from the canopies of lush, towering trees. Wildflowers bloomed in bright colors that challenged the shade of the night sky. The air was thick and humid, causing ringlets to curl about her face as she followed Peter toward a dim path that led to the woods.
He pressed a hand to her back. “Shall we?”
She looked around but saw nothing but trees and the dotted line of hanging lanterns. “Is there a car?”
His smile stretched. “Why would we need a car? We’re here.” He led her onto the grass in a direction that felt inherently wrong.
Insects trilled from hidden crevices. Tiny creatures skittered below the underbrush. The earthy scent of damp soil tickled her nose, but there was also the intoxicatingly sweet fragrance of exotic flowers, some in colors too vibrant to name.
“Thirsty?” Peter offered a flask.
She took it and sniffed the fruity contents, knowing enough to assume the sweet smell likely masked something potent and dangerous. She hesitated, not because she was afraid, but because she wanted nothing to dull her senses or her wits.
“No, thank you.”
“Such a scaredy cat.”
She frowned and then snatched the flask. “I’m just not a fan of fruity drinks.” She took a tiny sip and sputtered. One drop was enough to steal her breath. “What is that?”
“We call it nectar.”
“That is not nectar.” She cleared her throat. Only grain alcohol could burn like that.
Nightbirds cawed, and the hum of insects amplified as they trekked a path between the dense trees. Branches rustled as unseen animals launched about. The nearby trickle of a stream caught her ear, but it was too dark to see beyond a few feet. The deeper into the jungle they traveled, the louder the rush of water grew. Perhaps there were waterfalls nearby.
Her heel sank into the spongy ground, capturing her slipper in the mud and pulling it off her foot. “Oh!”
Peter caught her arm as she hopped on one foot. He crowed with laughter when her other shoe also got stuck in the mud.
“Oh, no!” Clinging to his shoulders, she lost her balance, and her bare foot sank into a soggy clump of mud.
“Well, they weren’t the most sensible shoes for exploring.”
“They’re slippers! I would have worn appropriate footwear if you had given me a moment to dress, but you rushed me out the door!”
“Women are notoriously late. This isn’t a fashion show. Besides, we both know you don’t own a pair of hiking boots. Look how distressed you get over a little mud. You haven’t hiked a day in your life.”
She was getting tired of his assumptions. “You’re a jerk.” Bunching up her robe and nightgown, she glared at him, her feet fully submerged in the slimy mud now.
“Are you finished having a fit over your precious slippers?”
“Asks the fully dressed man wearing close-toed shoes.”
He shrugged and crouched. “I don’t mind the mud.” He removed his shoes and cuffed his designer pants to stand barefoot with her. “Happy?” He tossed his shoes into the shadows.
“Yes.” She glanced at the woods. “Are you leaving your shoes there?”
“Shoes are useless here. Nobody wears them. You’ll see. This is a less is more sort of place.” He proceeded down the path, leaving her to follow.
“Ugh.” She winced as mud squished through her toes. “I probably should have updated my vaccinations before coming here.” How was she to know such an elite place would be so savage?
“Did you say something?” Peter yelled from up ahead.
