Page 28 of A Descent Into Darkness

“It’s a beautiful place, far away from here. Beyond the veil of time and space.”

She looked at me with wide, expectant eyes, ready to lift the shadows from my secrets.

“I think you’re going to need a drink.” I poured her a heavy cup of rum and pushed it towards her. “Neverland, though small, is a lush island full of adventure. There is a sprawling forest, a mermaid lagoon?—”

“A mermaid lagoon?” she exclaimed.

“Yes,” I chuckled. “The lagoon is fed by a large waterfall, and beautiful mermaids call it their home.”

“I’ve only ever read about mermaids. I thought they were mythical creatures.”

“I can tell you they are quite real and though they are undeniably beautiful, they can be nasty creatures.”

“Nasty? Really?”

“Give them the chance and they’ll lure you in to the deep with their beauty, and when you least expect it, while distracted in their seduction,” I reached under the table and grabbed her ankle, causing her to squeal, “they drag you through the depths to a watery grave. I’ve seen it happen with my own eyes.”

“That’s not nasty, that’s diabolical.” She chuckled, crinkling her nose at me.“Are there other mythological creatures in Neverland?”

“Everything in Neverland is whatthisrealm would call mythological. There are the nymphs and satyrs. They are the native Neverlanders. There are gnomes, who are mostly tailors. Sex-obsessed pixies, a variety of beasts, and of course—Peter Pan, the boy who never grows up,” I spat his name as if speaking it aloud put a foul taste in my mouth. Talking about Neverland for the first time in years had me feeling nostalgic. There was a hole in my heart that could only be filled with that damn island. It was my home, and I missed it dearly. But it also fanned the ever burning vendetta in my soul.

“The boy who never grows up? Does this Peter have auburn hair?

I could feel my expression change as her question caught me off guard. She must have seen him in her visions. “Yes,” I hissed. My brow furrowed, and I shifted my gaze back to the porthole. “This is where things get complicated.” I sighed. “When I was a young lad, I was taken to Neverland by PeterPan. He promised me Utopia in exchange for my friendship. A magical wonderland with no adults to spoil our fun. The only rule to this arrangement was that I simply never grow up.”

“That’s a peculiar stipulation.”

“In the beginning, I didn’t think it was. He was my best friend—my family. But that all changed when I couldn’t stop my body from aging.”

“How does one stop aging?”

“You see, that’s the problem. I am but a mere human. I can’t stop. Time moves slower in Neverland. But for Peter, it has stopped completely. He doesn’t age, ever.”

“Is he human?”

“I don’t know what he is. He looks human, but he is inexplicably connected to the island.”

“A changeling?” It was a logical connection to assume Pan was fae, but Peter was something altogether different.

“He claims as a baby he flew from his nursery to Kensington gardens in London, England. Where he was raised by birds and faeries.”

“Wait! He flew?”

“We all can, with the help of some faerie dust.”

“James, I have seen some things in my life that are beyond explanation, but it’s impossible for humans to fly. He must be fae.”

“Oh, my dear, nothing is impossible.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out the vial of faerie dust. I rolled thebottle between my fingers, entranced by the way the dust glimmered in the candlelight. “This is faerie dust. I have been holding on to this vial for many years in hopes I could find more and make my way back to Neverland.” It was now or never. I had to convince Kat that I was telling the truth. I popped open the vial and smeared a small amount over my cheek. Just enough to lift off for a moment. I closed my eyes and thought of sweet, sweet revenge. I felt the floor part from my feet and opened my eyes as Katherine gasped, wide eyed in disbelief.

“James, you… you’re?—”

“Flying, yes.” I circled around her in the air before dropping back down. I never had gotten used to the feeling. It was unnatural, and I preferred keeping my feet on the ground.

“Can I try?”

“Someday I’ll teach you how, but right now, this tiny vial is all I have. In all my years, I haven’t been able to find another source. We are going to need it when we get back.” The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them.

“When we get back?” Katherine asked, confused. “What do you mean?”

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