Page 69 of Veiled in Stars and Silver
Chapter 26
Wendy
I flew for the cave where Tinker Bell most likely hid, the wind rustling my hair. Nerves twisted in my stomach as I debated what to do. I looked out over Neverland, the bushes beneath writhing and shivering like a swarm of mosquitoes. Through the heavy foliage, I made out people and creatures heading in the same direction as me. They’d been doing that since I’d crossed over into fairy territory. I frowned as I saw several of them glance up at me as I soared past.
Strangely enough, no fairies tried to intercept me.
But there would be no surprising Tinker Bell. Ever since arriving, I’d seen precious few, outside of fairies, who could fly. Maybe because Tink hoarded her power? Or because not even she was able to force someone to have genuinely happy thoughts? Either way, as long as I stayed aloft, I hopefully wouldn’t be intercepted.
At least James was safe.
I landed on the ground outside Tinker Bell’s cave. The opening gaped wide, blocked by several large mossy boulders. People and enormous beasts lingered about, staring at me. Their sightless gazesmade it clear that none of them were themselves. I slipped a throwing knife into my hand. They could kill me in an instant. All Tink needed to do was give the order. I swallowed, my mouth going dry, and held the spellbook close to my chest. The Dagger of Forgotten Souls hung, strapped to my waist. I was a fighter, but sheer numbers could easily overwhelm me.
I scanned those present. There were pirates as well as those under Tiger Lily’s protection. I assumed the ladies at Madame Pearl’s were too far away to get there in time.
There were also no Lost Boys. Because they were under Peter’s orders. Which meant that Tink didn’t take control of their minds. Or so I hoped. They were the only ones besides me and Peter who could fly, which was my sole chance of getting out of this.
“She forced you to come here today because of me, and I’m sorry,” I murmured to those gathered. “I’m sorry for what she has done to you. And…” I hung my head. “I’m sorry I can’t help you.”
With that, I stepped into the darkness of the cave.
Its mossy walls spanned high overhead. Stalactites dangled from the ceiling, dripping clear water to the floor below.
I fought to calm the tingling that seared through my veins. After I saved my brothers and found a secure place in London for them, I’d come back, find a way to defeat Tink with James. It would be a lot more difficult, maybe impossible, but at least my brothers would be safe. And couldn’t be used as leverage against me. And by then, James would have to believe me about Tink. I hoped. Or in two days,all was lost.
And if I failed, at least James still had a fighting chance to save Neverland, and maybe my brothers.
The darkness soon lifted as a light illuminated a small space. At the end stood a woman dressed in a long flowery flowing gown. Power issued off of her, making her skin sparkle and glow. She rose from an old wicker chair as she looked me over, regal and unexpectedly majestic. Like a goddess who ruled over her land.
Tinker Bell.
“Welcome, Wendy. I see you figured it out. Congratulations, you are the first,” she said in a smooth voice. Her hair was her usual tight blond bun and her eyes gleamed. I didn’t know how to react. I’d never seen Tinker Bell human-sized. And I’d never been able to understand her. I realized now that perhaps the only reason was because the fairy woman had wanted it that way.
My gaze fell to my brothers, curled next to one another, their compact forms laying on a throw rug in the far right corner of the cave. I sucked in a breath. They seemed to be unharmed, but they were also unconscious.
“John, Michael.” I headed for them.
But Tink held up a hand. “Don’t come any closer, or I’m afraid I am going to have to have the princess take action.” She nodded.
I spun around to find Tiger Lily standing in the entrance to the cave, bow loaded and ready.
I faced Tinker Bell, my teeth grit. “I brought what you wanted. The book and the dagger.” I held out the spellbook for her examination.
Tink merely smiled. “Yes, you did.”
“So let's trade.”
She stared at me, then shrugged. “Fine. Give them to me.”
I stepped back, pulling the book close to my chest. “My brothers first.”
The fairy woman huffed a laugh. “I’m afraid that will not work.”
“That was the deal.”
“What is to stop me from having Tiger Lily put an arrow in your back and simply taking them from you? Come now, Wendy.” Tink’s head tilted, a triumphant smile painting her perfect lips. “I have the upper hand. Cooperate, and I might let you live.”
My heart pounded in my chest, and my limbs trembled. “Give me one brother. I’ll give you the book. I’ll take him to safety and then return and hand over the dagger.” It was silly of me to bargain after what Tink had said, but I had to try.
