We made it back to the camp. I saw Henry, sleeping, using his coat as a pillow, though I was mighty sure he wasn't sleeping. I was pretty sure he was wide awake, listening. I ran over, kneeling down.
"Henry," I said softly. His eyes darted to me. He rolled at looked up, suddenly embracing me. I embraced him back.
"I didn't know where they took you," he said. I kissed his head.
"I'm here," I said. "And that is all that matters." Henry sat up, leaning against the tree. Peter Pan threw an apple at him.
"No thanks. I don't like apples, sorry," he said, pushing it away.
"Who doesn't like apples?" Pan asked.
"It's a family thing," Henry replied, pulling his knees into his chest. Pan laughed.
"It's not for eating, young prince," Pan said. "It's for a game, a really fun game." Suddenly, I was jerked to my feet and pulled away from Henry, being forced to kneel down. Pan grabbed the apple and placed it on my head. "Keep it still."
"What?" I asked. One of the other boys, I think his name was Felix, tied my hands behind my back and held me there, sitting behind me. Pan handed Henry a crossbow, the tip dipped black.
"What is that?" Henry asked. Pan laughed.
"It's Dreamshade, a poison," he replied. Henry's hands shook with the bow.
"I can't shoot the apple," he said. "I'll hit her."
"No you won't," Pan replied. "Trust your instincts." Henry's hands shook. He met my gaze. I stared at him. We both knew Pan was going to make us do this, one way or the other. I wouldn't let Henry hit me. I also wouldn't let Henry become the target. My vow was with me until the end.
Henry raised the bow, shaking.
"It's alright, Henry," I said, trying to comfort him. "You won't hit me. I promise you won't." He bit his lip. He steadied the bow and just as he was about to aim at the apple, he turned quickly and shot the arrow at Pan, who caught it just before it would have pierced his chest. Pan chuckled darkly.
"What fun," he replied, throwing the arrow down and walking to Henry. I yanked my wrists away from Felix and stood, snapping the rope with magic and throwing a ball of light at Peter's face. It missed him and I grabbed Henry, pulling him away.
"You're trying my patience, Jones," he hissed. I pushed Henry behind me. I caught my breath and backed away slowly. I sat Henry down next to the tree. Pan sent me another glare before walking to speak to Felix. I turned to Henry, sitting down beside him.
"Emma and the others are here," I whispered. "I saw them before Pan took me away." A glint of hope sparkled in Henry's eyes. "We're going home." He smiled. "Now sleep." Henry nodded, holding onto my arm.
That blast drained me. His power drained me, every time I touched him. I could feel my light magic dimming. It was hard not to use dark.
"Don't leave," he said softly. I ran my fingers through his hair.
"I won't," I replied as he snuggled and fell asleep.