Emily's POV
No matter how hard I pushed myself back up against the wall they remained solid trapping me inside this room. This wasn't a dream, I was really here…I was really in Pan's hut.
From my first days on the island, I strictly remember being warned not to go in Pan's hut; that unless Pan gave you permission himself, it is completely off limits and anyone should fear the kind of punishment that came with it. I have already been forced into Pan's hut once and paid the consequence then; I didn't want to think of what would happen this time if I got caught again. Pan already put us through this death test that we nearly made out alive, there is no telling what of what lengths he would go to now.
I could only stare at the room and pretend it was my own hut but looking around at the larger space only made it feel that much bigger, it was enough to make me fear that I shouldn't be in here, especially since Pan could appear any moment. The only problem was I couldn't remember why. I don't recall willingly asking for a death wish by walking into Pan's hut, I had no idea how I got in here at all. The last thing I could remember was finishing Pan's test, the last of my memories only showed Will and I walking through the barrier as we made it to campus in time, but just as we noticed Ben everything beyond that was a blur.
I was pulled out of my thoughts as suddenly a couple of incoherent voices filled my ears, replacing the eerie silence that remained constant in Pan's hut. Curiously, I carefully walked against the floorboards, trailing beside the wall as I then passed the oak cabinet with glass frames doors along with the bramble threaded basket holding countless numbers of old-fashioned swords, each blade crisscrossing each other. Reaching the small circular window I stood on my toes, my eyes squinting instantly as the light hit my face, soon quickly adjusting to seeing the view of campus. I found the source of the muffled voices as two boys stood talking on the gravel path before walking across the grass to the bonfire. There were several other boys gathered around on the logs surrounding the bonfire, the black streaks of grass around them coated the ground from the remaining burnt-out pits of wood. They must have had some feast if the ground was stained that badly around the bonfire.
I decided I had wasted enough time already if I wanted to get out of here without anyone noticing. Luckily to my advantage, it was early morning which meant that most of the boys would still be asleep. Looking through the window, I could only see a few of the older boys walking around doing their required chores. While they were keeping busy, it could give me a chance to sneak out of Pan's hut without being seen.
I pulled back from the small window and instantly raced to the only door in the room, my feet stumbling to a brief stop as I quickly reached for the handle, twisting it abruptly waiting to hear a click for the door to open but it wouldn't budge. No matter how much strength I used to push against the door, it still wouldn't open. I groaned hitting my fist against the hard surface in frustration. Of course it just so happens to be conveniently locked shut.
I quickly backed away from the door, standing completely still once hearing footsteps downstairs. I couldn't help but hold my breath as I heard someone moving around the floor below, their footsteps creaking against the old wooden floorboards only returning the silence as they stopped directly below where I was standing. Hesitantly, I placed my ear to the door, waiting and listening carefully for any sign of movement.
Maybe they had left?
Before I could put my thoughts to rest, loud footsteps suddenly filled the hut as they quickly moved up the stairs, the thumping of boots against the wooden floor only got louder as they quickly climbed the stairs until they reached the other side of the door causing me to flinch away. My eyes remained glued to the door, my breaths short as I retrieved backward away from the door where I could see a pair of feet standing before the other side of the door. My face soon fell as I heard a familiar low chuckle from behind the door.
Will's POV
I passed through the endless ferns that brushed past my legs, the number of spikes pricking into my skin was enough to get used to by now but it was hard to fight off the urge to scratch the itchy skin. The thickness of the jungle towered over me as I continued for what now seemed like a whole day's worth of walking. It always felt endless when there was no path to follow but it had been some time now. The only problem was, the longer I kept walking the less I remember why I set off in the jungle in the first place.
The jungle itself felt so thick, crammed with all sorts of plants and trees that ran wild on the island, different shades of vibrant greens made it hard to see what they were, and more importantly if they were poisonous. That's why we stick to the designated paths that led us to places we needed to go. I had no idea where I was going or why I couldn't stop myself from walking. There was almost a feeling, something that was guiding me through the jungle, something that wanted to take me away from where others could listen in. It was under that realisation that brought my feet to a firm stop and in that same moment, I heard a voice I thought I would never hear again.
"Will."
Fin's voice was soft, almost a whisper as it rang through the trees in the jungle, floating so faintly through the air before fading away.
"Fin?" I questioned as I tried to search for him, turning around instantly to the surrounding jungle to get a glimpse of the friend I knew to be dead but he was nowhere to be seen.
The wind began to pick up, guiding his voice to me.
"Come find me, Will," Fin's voice echoed but just as the jungle became silent and his voice could not be heard, he spoke again, "I bet you won't be able to."
My face fell upon hearing those words. It reminded me of the times Fin and I would go exploring the island before Pan placed restrictions on some parts of the island. Being his younger self, he would run off through the jungle and hide, waiting for the perfect moment to jump out and scare me. I could never keep up with him because he was too fast and small enough to quickly duck under and move between the trees and ferns. He could climb up trees faster than any of the other boys and could remain hidden for hours if he kept quiet. He was like a ghost, waiting silently when he chose to, sneaking up on you without you noticing.
I fell tense as Fin's laughter echoed swiftly through the forest.
"You're not scared, are you Will?" I heard his voice move through the jungle before reaching me.
"Alright Fin, you want me to find you...then I'll find you."
I heard his laughter once again in the distance. Before it could fade away I ran after it, pulling the tree vines and lower tree branches behind me as I tried to keep up with the sound of his voice. I began to pick up the pace, my legs whipping through the ferns as Fin's laughter grew louder. My feet only stumbled to a stop as I looked ahead to see Fin standing alongside Pan.
I stared in confusion at the two of them, my chest burning as I tried to control my ragged breaths. I noticed the surrounding area and in an instant my mind flashed back to my lost memory, the one memory I wish had never returned. The memory Pan took away, only to be returned once I had finished the test and faced my darkest fear…the memory of Fin's death.
I remember every single detail. His small body still as he lay at Pan's feet, his clothes stained in crimson red while the controllable flames that set alit to the jungle, quickly engulfing his body. I remember standing there watching it happen. There was something all too familiar about this that made an uneasy feeling rest in my stomach. I knew something was off.
I was about to call out to Fin but I hesitated once seeing the warm smile on his face as he looked up at Pan. Fin was not afraid in the slightest; he was calm, even though he was looking into the eyes of his killer.
I stepped forward, my hand reaching and grasping my dagger from my belt instinctively as I watched Pan lean down to Fin. My eyes narrowing as Pan whispered into Fin's ear while Fin stood still listening intently. My grip eased from my dagger as Pan straightened back up, glancing in my direction for a moment before walking past Fin, making his way behind the trees. Pan's back was facing to me as he moved behind another tree before disappearing out of sight.
"Hello, Will."
My attention turned back to Fin who still held a warm smile. I walked cautiously up to him, my hand still holding my dagger as I kept my distance. I knew he was gone, I had accepted he was no longer alive, I knew I was dreaming but there was something that didn't feel right. I knew that if I got pulled in too far during a dream then I would have to wake myself up. This time was different; I felt as though I had no control, that I was being forced to sleep this dream through. I've taught myself to awaken from a dream, I could, but the look in Fin's eyes told me I had to stay, a warning to keep dreaming.
If a dream turned into a nightmare, they can become dangerous if you can't wake up. If you get caught in one, it gets harder to get yourself out; they can take control of you if you're not careful. Those inside a nightmare can manipulate you into staying asleep, they can make you believe you shouldn't wake up. I had a feeling that is what Fin is trying to do.
Fin shifted his gaze to my dagger then glanced back to my eyes. I knew he could tell I was suspicious. Fin was always good at that; reading people.
"Don't be scared, Will. I made a promise to watch over you and help you, remember?"
I sighed and placed my dagger back in my belt.
"Fin, what's going on?" I asked as I glanced back to where Pan had disappeared.
Once I turned back to Fin, his expression became somewhat serious. His eyes looked directly into mine even though he was standing a distance away. I could see the urgent look he gave me to listen to him. So I did.
"There's someone coming to the island."
My eyes widened but I soon furrowed my brows, my mind filling with questions.
"That person is very important."
"What are you talking about?" I asked hoping Fin would explain himself.
"Will, the person coming is your key to escape."
W-What?
"Fin, tell me what's going on," I pleaded wanting answers, "Who is this person?"
I watched as Fin smiled.
"He is the receiver and once arrived...must return."
The receiver?
The more I tried to think about who this person could be the more questions I needed answering. I was about to ask but I stopped short when Fin reached into the inside of his pocket. I watched carefully as he brought his hand back out from his cloak. It was only when my eyes saw what was in Fin's hand that I was then afraid.
My eyes flickered over the small crystal, the object that Fin left behind once I ended his life, the small part of him I could still hold with me.
It shined brightly as the sun hit the edges of the crystal. Fin held it in his grip as he lifted his hand up to his face, his forefinger placing against his lips, signalling me to keep the crystal secret, before moving his hand along with the crystal back to the inside of his cloak and into his pocket. Fin looked back to me as he put his hand flat over the pocket containing the crystal.
I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion before hesitantly reaching my hand through the inside of my cloak where an identical pocket was placed into the material.
It couldn't really be...
I caught myself short when I felt a small object inside the pocket.
It was the crystal.
How did Fin know it was there?
"Keep it hidden," I heard Fin's voice echoing through the jungle around me.
I shot my head up only to see Fin was no longer standing there. I could only hear his voice slowly fading away with the wind.
Just when I thought it was gone another voice echoed through the trees except it wasn't Fin's. It sounded familiar but it was too far away to hear but as the wind slowly picked up again, the voice got louder.
"Will!"
I could hear someone calling me.
Another gush of wind rushed past me and I could clearly hear Ben's voice yelling through the jungle.
"Will!" He shouted louder than before.
He sounded as though he was in trouble.
"Ben?" I questioned.
His voice was not like Fin's. It sounded clear as if he was standing right beside me, except I couldn't see him.
I quickly covered my ears as a blast of wind rushed past once more whipping my clothes as Ben shouted loudly making me flinch.
"Will, wake up!"
My head span as I jolted myself awake, quickly sitting up in a cold sweat, turning my attention to the pair of hands that were shaking me. My eyes soon adjusted and I could clearly see Ben hovering over me, his blue eyes open wide in alarm as he gripped my arm tightly. I looked up at him in confusion when I noticed his panicked state. His chest continued to rise and fall at an uneven pace and sweat began forming on his forehead.
"B-Ben?" I questioned, still feeling disorientated, "What's wrong?"
He practically pulled me out of bed.
I gripped onto him as I tried to find my balance but before I could speak he let go of me and I stumbled back.
"Hurry, Will! It's Ethan!" Ben shouted as he ran out the door of my hut.
I could hear the fear in Ben's voice and I knew something was wrong
I ran out of my hut and after Ben, my feet killing me as soon as I leaped off the last step onto the gravel path. It had only been a single night since we completed Pan's test and I was still recovering from what Pan had put us through. I ignored the aching pain in my body as I ran past a couple boys who gave me confused looks as I rushed past them, quickly making it to Ethan's hut, rushing up the small steps; the door already left wide open from Ben.
I ran inside, my eyes meeting instantly finding Ethan lying flat on his back, wheezing and coughing, letting out groans of pain in between as his hand tightly clenched the material of his shirt over his chest. Ben was keeling by his side, still out of breath and still in shock. His hands were hovering, not sure of what he should do since Ethan was moving so much. I quickly moved to Ethan's other side, looking down to see his face scrunched in pain, his jaw clenched shut.
"Ethan!" I panicked as I tried to hold him still.
He wasn't answering.
I felt the top of his head which already had sweat forming over his skin and through his hairline. I pulled my hand away as soon as I had placed it against his skin, it was burning hot.
I turned to Ben who looked down with worry.
"Ben, listen to me," I tried to say in a calm tone as he continued to stare down at Ethan, "I need you to go and get water, now," I instructed.
Ben didn't move, he was still breathing heavily and is eyes were locked to Ethan. I flinched as Ethan grabbed my wrist tightly, squeezing it for me to do something quickly as he struggled in pain.
"Ben!" I shouted.
This time he turned to me, his blue eyes shaking.
"It's okay Ben," I tried to reassure him, "I'm here with him, I need you to go now!"
Ben gave one last look at Ethan before running out the door.
I turned back to Ethan noticing his fist clenching over his chest, his knuckles turning white.
"Ethan, what's happening to you?!" I tried asking.
He groaned loudly before rolling to his side towards me, sweat now running down his face as he continued to hold his clenched hand over his chest.
"S-She is hu-urting me!" Ethan tried to speak but I couldn't understand what he was saying.
I winced as Ethan's grip felt as if it was crushing my hand. He was squeezing it so tightly that my hand was starting to go white along with his. Ethan closed his eyes shut tightly as he curled over in pain, his face turning red.
I thought about calling for help but just before I could say anything Ethan fell on his back, gasped for air before coughing. He let go of my hand and I could slowly feel the blood running through to my fingertips. I sighed as Ethan began to regain his breath back, his hand now placing flat on his chest as his brown eyes looked up at the roof.
Ben came running through the door at that very moment, out of breath, holding a small wooden bucket of water in his hands. Once he saw Ethan his worried expression fell to one of relief as he sighed and moved to the wall before sliding down to the floor.
"Can't we go one day without being thrown into a life or death situation?" Ben said while running his hands down his face.
"It would surprise me if we did."
Ethan slowly sat up in exhaustion.
"What happened?" I asked.
He swallowed and took in a calming breath.
"I dreamed of my darkest fear."
I lifted my head, turning to Ethan in surprise.
He did too?
"Except it was strange. I felt as if I wasn't allowed to wake up, that I was getting pulled into a deeper sleep and being forced to wait for something to happen," Ethan explained.
Ben and I only listened as Ethan continued.
"My darkest fear was taking control of me and that's when I forced myself to wake up. It wasn't until I had woken up that I realised I wasn't dreaming."
"Your darkest fear was someone wanting to try and kill you?" Ben asked.
Ethan looked down at his feet.
"Close enough."
Ethan's POV
I stared at the wooden floorboards remembering her piercing black eyes and long raven hair as she stood before me here in the jungle. My eyes flickering helplessly over my glowing heart that was still alive and beating, except it wasn't in my chest and it wasn't in her vault…it was placed in her hand.
She held it up, examining it, staring at it in awe as if it were on a pedestal, reminding me that she was the one who had control over me. The memory I thought I had buried had finally crawled its way back to haunt me in my dreams. I still remember exactly what she said.
"Take him and go before I change my mind," She spoke through clenched teeth, "I never want to see either of you ever again."
I knew this wasn't real, I knew it was just a dream. She wasn't really here. She said she would never see me again.
Her laugh made my skin run cold.
"You are always welcome home, dear," She spoke soothingly as her dark stained lips curled into a grin, "Only once you have learned your lesson."
Hearing those words come out of her mouth made my blood boil. She hasn't changed and she just proved it. I curled my fists as I glared at her.
"Why would I want to come home? I would rather be anywhere than be with you," I spat.
I watched the grin leave her face as her eyes narrowed.
"You were never my mother; you were nothing but the evil queen. You caused others misery for your own enjoyment and look where it got you. You're alone, you pushed everyone who ever loved and cared for you away which forced you to claw your way to happiness, and yet here you are..." I paused as I looked at her sceptically. I could see her eyes shaking. I could see right through her, I always could. "And you're still not happy, are you?"
By now I could see her jaw clenched shut, eyes flickering with rage as she glared at me, not daring to blink once.
Finally, she was listening.
If anyone deserves to be unhappy, it's her. After everything she did to, after everything she has done to the innocent people in the kingdom, all the hurt and suffering that she has caused for so long…she deserves it. It disgusted me of the person she has become. Everyone lived in fear of her, even her own son, and she still wouldn't change.
"Why should you be happy? You are the evil queen after all...you're nothing but a monster."
I watched as her lips part in disbelief if only for a second and that's when I knew I had really got through to her. Soon enough her fiery eyes locked with mine and I could see the hatred within them. Not only because her own son had admitted how he really felt, but also because I called her out for what she really is.
I used to be scared of her; I used to be afraid that if I stood out of line, I too would end up like those of many who turned against the evil queen. This time it was different. This was a dream and I knew she wasn't here, she couldn't hurt me. At least that's what I thought.
My knees buckled under me and I dropped to the ground gasping for air the second my body lay flat against the undergrowth. I yelled in pain as I could feel her grip tightening around my heart, squeezing it to the point where I could hardly breathe, only releasing it ever so slightly so she couldn't kill me.
She wanted me to feel the pain.
I held my chest as the pressure began building up in my chest, sweat forming on my skin.
It felt as if she was ripping my heart out all over again.
I could barely lift myself from the ground but I could see her standing there. I could see the bright red heart slowly fading.
"The only reason you are still here is because I kept a promise to your father who's dying wish was to make sure you were kept safe," I heard her raspy voice break through my outbursts of pain.
I remembered only glimpses of my father, distant clouded memories. I was only a child when he had died. He taught me everything I knew. I felt as though he was the only person I could go to for support, the only one who truly understood me. When he died I not only lost my father but my mother too.
There was a time when the evil queen had some good in her. His death was an accident but the queen did not see it that way. She changed. Not only her but the kingdom too once she began to rule. I grew up alone spending most of my time locked in my room, which was where she kept me. I had never seen such determination and vengeance in a person then I did growing up as the queen's son. I had hope that she would change, that she would let go of the revenge she held within her but as the years went by she only got worse and I watched her become the person she truly is.
I rolled over to face her, wincing in pain as her grip still tightened around my heart.
"Y-You made the right c-choice to l-leave me. I don't n-need you, I n-never did. I have learned to survive o-on my own...I became stronger on my own," I choked out.
I rolled onto my back and closed my eyes, and in doing so, I forced myself to wake up.
I got pulled out of my thoughts as Ben dropped the bucket to the floor. I looked up at Ben who had lines of water running past his lips. It looked like he had just finished drinking the bucket of water he brought for me.
"Seriously, just half a day, that's all I'm asking. We're finally here together. No more death tests, no splitting up-" Ben shopped short, his mouth open wide in disbelief when Will practically bolted out the door.
Ben then turned to me with an offended and disgusted look.
"Did he not hear what I just said!"
Ben leaned out of the door frame.
"Thanks a lot, Will!" He yelled out the door, "You ungrateful child!"
I rolled my eyes as Ben layout of breath on his back, his body half hanging out the doorway.
Will's POV
Ethan had dreamt of his darkest fear too. I remembered what Fin said, that there was someone coming to the island, someone important. Fin's words came ringing through my head again.
"Keep it hidden."
The crystal…that was my way of connecting with Fin.
My face fell as I went to reach for it through my cloak only to realise I wasn't wearing it. I heard Ben mumbling about something while I began to panic. I had to of left the crystal in my cloak back at my hut. I quickly rose to my feet and ran out the door of Ethan's hut.
"Thanks a lot, Will!" I heard Ben yell after me but I couldn't hear the rest as I ran off.
Oh, it must have been important then...
"Sorry, Ben!" I shouted back but continued running.
I reached my hut, quickly running through the door that had already been left open. My eyes scanned the room until I found my cloak lying on the floor beside my bed. I rushed to it, picking up the material, turning it around before reaching my hand into the pocket.
I sighed in relief as I felt the crystal sitting in my pocket. I removed my hand, putting the brown cloak on before walking back out of my hut and closing the door behind me. I sighed as I made my way back on the gravel path to Ethan's hut.
I am definitely going to get a long lecture from Ben when I get back.
Emily's POV
I watched carefully as the keyhole illuminated sending a line of light shining into the dimly lit room until the sound of the lock clicked. The door handle twisted slowly, the creaking of the old circle handle moving was heard over the silence in the room causing me to flinch back as the door suddenly unlocked only just opening from the frame.
I felt stupid enough to not have realised sooner. Of course, Pan had locked the door with magic. Given the amount of time I have been stuck on this island, I should have known better than to think I could just walk out of Pan's hut on my own, that I could sneak out without getting caught…without him knowing. Of course, he knew it's his bloody island.
"You brought me here, didn't you?" I spoke through gritted teeth as Pan stood in the doorway, leaning against the door frame with ease.
He lifted a brow before scoffing at my question.
"Wasn't it obvious enough?" Pan shot back.
Something was off and not in the usual way I would have thought. There was no mischievous look in his eyes, his tone was bitter, no sarcasm, no hint of amusement that I would usually detect, and yet his stone features made his face almost impossible to read. The only way I could see through Pan was in his eyes, and even now, his emerald green would trace back to me, glancing intently from the corners of his eyes as he walked into the room.
The door suddenly closed back behind me, once again trapping me in this room, only now I had to share the company with its owner. Under these circumstances and Pan's odd behaviour, I thought it would be best to move away from the door, try to forget the urge to escape and try and get some explanation out of Pan as to why and how I ended up here of all places, not a cage but his own room but that rational side of my mind soon left my thoughts. I couldn't stop myself. I knew who I was trapped in a room with and considering Pan had just thrown me into a death test where he left me to drown only strengthens a strong sense that he could do so much worse.
I noticed his clenched jaw as he moved to the opposite side of the room, his back turned. Slowly stepping back, the heels of my feet hit the door quietly, my back soon leaning against the frame. My hand moved behind my back soon reaching for the handle, my fingers grasping hold of the doorknob as I slowly began to twist the knob but before I could even come close to opening the door, the echo of Pan clicking his fingers filled the room followed by the lock of the door. I closed my eyes and sighed leaning my head back against the door in annoyance. Pan turned around and my eyes met with him instantly as we both gave each other a strong glare.
"I don't think you get it yet. Running away won't help you, and running away from me will only make things worse for you."
I felt my fists tightening in frustration as I moved away from the door, gritting my teeth as I saw the satisfied look on his face. The two of us stood on opposite sides of the room. Clearly, I had no chance of getting out of here and judging by the look on his face, it seems I have only made things worse for myself. It wouldn't be the first time but there was a thought that was always gathered in the back of mind that it could be the last. There have been countless other times where I was so close to staring death in the face, and each time I would, Pan was always there.
"Why am I here?" I demanded, having no interest for any of Pan's games.
He dropped his head and let out a low chuckle.
"She still doesn't get it," I heard him mumble before lifting his head.
"I don't have this problem with the other boys. They simply follow and obey my rules," Pan spoke before raising a brow, "You on the other hand, always end up getting yourself in trouble you can't get out of. Not only that but you're too stubborn to learn from your mistakes."
Forgive me if I break some rules while some maniac with dancing eyebrows is holding me captive on an island that is filled with magic with a certain chance of death at every corner!
"Do I look like the other boys to you? I don't care about your rules, and being on this island stuck here with you is punishment enough," I spat back before taking a breath.
Pan grinned but I could tell he had anger building up inside him. That would make two of us.
I watched as his fists curled and couldn't help but smirk as I finally understood why Pan was acting this way.
"You hate not being in control, don't you?" I asked even though we both knew the answer.
Pan's eyes narrowed, warning me not to say anything I would regret. I would usually stop at this point, Pan had clearly had enough, given the burning look he was giving me, but for some reason that made me want to see what would happen if I really pushed the limit. What would he do? He had already put me through a death test that I barely made out of alive. He could lock me back in a cage but we both know that will only fuel the hatred I have towards Pan and his rules. I know he won't kill me because he would have done that a long time ago given all the apparent 'trouble' I have caused him. He needs me for something, he is keeping me here for some unknown reason and I won't give up fighting against him until I know why. I can tell he's running out of ideas of how to keep me in control along with the other boys. I may as well take advantage while I can, that is what Pan would do after all.
"This may come as a shock to you," I started, letting the sarcasm roll off my tongue, "but you don't control me."
I grinned as Pan looked a little taken back, which only pushed me to continue.
"Last time I checked, you won't be getting inside my head anymore."
I could see the green flecks in his eyes growing darker as his eyes narrowed.
Pan's POV
She knows.
I tried to stop her during the test but she managed to actually block me out.
She was the first to do it.
I glared at the grin on her face, wanting to make it vanish before she could say another word but in interest I let my thoughts run on their own hoping it could give me some explanation to why she was different, why I couldn't tame her like the rest of them. Sure fear is enough for anyone if you know what rests in the deepest and darkest parts of their minds, to manipulate them, take control of them…that came easy for me, but there was one thing I could do to every other boy but her, and it was driving me mad just thinking that I still can't get through to her. Even now, no matter how hard I would try, I still wouldn't be able to get into her head. If only she knew how frustrating this is, how frustrated she makes me.
She's right about one thing; she is not like the other boys. She's too stubborn to learn from being punished even if she's putting her life at risk. I thought that by splitting her apart from Will she would be easier to maintain, however, it seems to have only made her stronger, more persist to fix her mistakes, even after almost losing everything. I thought I could re-build her after she had hit rock bottom, eventually make her trust me. I was so close...and then she did that.
It's cute that she thinks I have no control over her. That's where she's wrong. Everything that is on this island belongs to me, including her, and if she thinks she is leaving this room believing that then she's dead wrong. I let her have her time to speak and it was fun while it lasted but she's pushed me a little too far today.
Since she's breaking rules, I will take the pleasure in teaching her a few more.
Emily's POV
My face fell as Pan's angered expression swiftly disappeared, his eyes flickering in the dimly lit room as he stared at me, watching and waiting silently. He took a few steps forward, away from the wall he was leaning against, his feet moving almost as though they were barely touching the floor. I felt my body tense up slightly as his lips curled into that one smirk. I inhaled through my parted lips steadily, taking a step away from the wall, standing my ground.
I'm not afraid of Pan, what I am afraid of is what he is capable of.
"You're different."
His voice bounced off the walls of the room as his head leaned slightly to one side.
"You're not afraid to challenge me," Pan chuckled lowly as he grinned showing a wicked smile through his teeth. "…and I love a good challenge."
I parted my lips to speak but just before any voice could be heard a shadow appeared above me. I felt the air get knocked out of my chest as a strong grip pushed me backward, lifting me off my feet. I fell back if only for a second before I was met with the hard surface of the wall behind me. I tried to move but a weight held me pinned against the wall. Pan's piercing green eyes dilated the same eyes I had seen when he would pull an arrow back to kill.
"Get off me!" I struggled only to feel my back get pressed further into the wall leaving a constant pain where the bruising from the test was still trying to heal.
"No," He answered simply.
I huffed in annoyance and stopped struggling; I was getting nowhere. He made no effort keeping me from moving which only forced me to look up at him, giving him a burning gaze as I stared at the many shades of green flickering in his eyes. I always felt drawn to them, the bright green holding me in a trance…just like the shadow that brought me here.
I flinched as I felt the tips of his cold fingers place under my chin moving my head slightly to the side. I watched his eyes caught attention on something as they began focusing intently. I could feel my pulse beating rapidly, thumping in my head as I tried to calm my shortened breaths as Pan's eyes found mine, this time holding a warning stare to not move. Only once I relaxed did his painful grip on my arm loosen as that hand reached for my neck, the other still remaining holding my chin out to one side.
His fingers softly moved down my neck, trailing the skin as I was forced to stare into his eyes that flickered against his frozen features. I winced as a sharp pain followed the trace of his fingers which moved down to my collarbone, pulling back the line of material sitting at my shoulder. My eyes widened at his actions while his only narrowed. I followed his gaze, looking down to see a long red cut running across my neck, disappearing under the material of my clothes.
"What happened to you?" Pan spoke sternly, wanting an answer, his eyes remaining locked onto the long red scratch that marked my neck.
I remembered the terrifying moment clearly. The mermaid with crimson red hair that had used her long sharp nails to claw at my neck, trying to pull me back under the water.
"I got attacked by a mermaid," I spoke, still feeling the burning sensation on my skin.
Pan's POV
To think she would have actually been stupid enough to go in that lagoon. It was the crystal clear gateway to their home. These creatures have been here for longer than I have. I know that at the first chance they get, they can sense any movement that enters the water and strike their pray before drowning them to the depths of the lagoon. The mermaids will always attack at the feet, using their victim's only defence to stop them swimming away and make it easier for them to be drowned.
The clawing is to be expected, except Emily had scratches covering the line of her neck and shoulder. My confusion was put at rest as I noticed the black line of string connecting the blue-stone necklace that placed around her neck. The necklace I had given her. The stone sat hidden away just beneath the line of material around her neck.
She really wanted it that badly that she refused to drown her and went straight for the necklace. I can understand how desperate she would be to get the stone, especially after what I had done to her mother those many years ago.
I smirked down at Emily who shivered under my touch, her hazel eyes trying to avoid my gaze. When she would meet mine I could see the burning fire she had within her. I liked this side of her. I could see the hatred inside her, but not only that, but she also has the courage and drive to face me, the want to fight against me even though she knows she can't win. She could release the broken and angered parts inside of her out on me because she knows she can't hurt me.
I traced my fingers along the smooth skin of her neck, grinning as she moved uncomfortably under me. It was a side she would only show me. A part of me wanted to see more of it...more of this side of her.
I removed my hands away from her neck and chin but she didn't dare to move as I kept my eyes still fixed on the long red mark that curled down her neck, her brown locks of hair falling over the sides of her shoulder slightly covering over the cut. The real challenge now is finding out what to do with her. Perhaps I could be somewhat nice, just this once. She did after all almost get herself killed numerous times in the test. However what she did won't be ignored as easily. I could feel my skin heating in anger just remembering what she did in the last moments of that test.
Emily's POV
Pan's face stiffened, eyes growing colder by the second as they locked with mine. Short angered breaths were released from his parted lips causing a cold shiver to cover my skin. I had no idea what he was thinking or planning to do, I never did, all I knew was he could change his emotions in a split second and I could never be ready for what could come next.
"Don't move," Pan growled as his eyes stayed locked on the scratch along my neck.
Even if I wanted to, I couldn't under his grip. If it were any of the other boys I would have been able to push them off me without much of a struggle. Pan has magic I could never match to. My eyes widened as Pan tilted my head to the side once more. I began to panic as he kept his hand resting under my chin, holding it in place.
"What are you going to do?" I asked quickly as I felt Pan lean in closer.
"This will sting a little." I heard Pan whisper.
I had no chance to say anything; instead, I only heard the sound of my own cries fill the room as a sharp stinging sensation began burning through my skin. The scratches that marked my neck were tearing and fighting against my skin as if it were being forcibly ripped open, the burn only growing stronger. I instantly tried pushing Pan away but he stood his ground as the pain got worse. I wasn't sure what he was doing until I felt his teeth on the skin of my neck.
Pan's POV
I held her still despite her struggle, placing my hand firmly against the large scratch marks on her neck, concentrating as I let the magic move through the tips of my fingers before seeping into the now open cuts that wounded her skin. I tried to ignore her relentless cries of pain that filled the room as I continued to remove the venom that was slowly seeping into her bloodstream. She can feel an immense amount of pain now, believe me, but the pain she will feel if I don't remove the venom now will be far worse if I choose to keep it in her. In the next couple of hours, it would be more than enough to kill her and I can't have her dead, not when I'm so close.
The venom the mermaids possess is unknown to their victim once they have been scratched. It will take a couple of hours to fight the body's system before it gets a chance to seep into the bloodstream, slowly and painfully killing their victim. The mermaids will most likely use this method if they struggle to drown their victim fast enough. With cuts this deep, I'm surprised she has lasted this long.
I focused on the marks on her neck that was fighting against the magic I was using to extract the venom out. It was definitely a more painful and risky method to remove the venom with magic. After all, the mermaids were the most intelligent among the creatures of Neverland, once they realised I had magic, they took no effort in reversing the effects of the venom so that if anyone did escape the lagoon that had been attacked, would not be able to be healed by magic. I'm strong enough to ease the pain but there was no other way I could remove all the venom, it will only be a slow and painful process. Unless I...
Could it possibly work?
If I'm immune...I could make her immune too.
I never let the mermaids outsmart me. Being scratched once was enough to find a way to make myself immune to the venom. Ever since the mermaids had found out I was immune they spent every waking second lurking at the depths of the lagoon, waiting at any chance to devour me or anyone else who came near the crystal clear waters. After what I had done in the past, I warned the lost boys to never go near the lagoon.
Emily kept still, accepting that she wouldn't be able to move in my grasp. I could hear the fear in her uneven breaths as I forced her to look away while I stared down at the now open wounds marked on her neck in frustration. She causes me all this trouble and she still won't give me the one thing I need, yet besides all that I'll still have to keep her with me, that is until she's played her part. If I would have known she'd be this much of a problem I wouldn't have brought her here in the first place. Even now, she keeps the game interesting at least, and for that, I'll keep her alive.
I heard her gasp as I placed my lips firmly onto her skin, biting down into the skin, putting pressure on the marks of her neck. I winced, shutting my eyes tightly as the taste of the venom passed through my lips, slowly making its way out of her system.
Emily's POV
The burning grew worse, heating with the pressure Pan was holding against it. I was in too much pain to try and understand what was happening; it was all I could feel until I heard a muffled groan escape Pan's lips. He released his grip and I quickly turned to face Pan who had stumbled back, his face twisted in the same amount of Pan I had felt, his grip supporting himself on the wooden posts of the bed frame for a split moment until he composed himself, his uneven breaths filling the room as his gaze finally met mine until they fell back down to my neck. Before I could blink Pan appeared in front of me just as he was before. I flinched as his hand rested against my neck, softly placing over the skin as a golden glow emitted from his hand creating a soothing sensation over the wound.
I stood still against the wall as Pan pulled away, his eyes shifting from my neck to meet my eyes. I hesitantly reached my hand to my neck running my fingers across the now smooth skin, feeling not even the slightest trace of a scratch mark. I let my hand fall back to my side, my fists now curling as I looked to the floor. Hours ago…he was watching me...leaving me for dead, and now this.
"I-" Pan began but I cut him off, gripping my hand to his neck surprisingly catching him off guard.
I turned him around using all the strength that I could to pushed him to the wall, quickly grabbing hold of one of the many swords that were sitting in the old basket by the cabinet. His back hit the hard bamboo and I placed the sword under his chin, my eyes glaring at him as I tried to control my uneven breaths.
"What the hell did you do to me?!" I shouted angrily, my grip tightening on the handle as I pushed the blade firmly against his skin. "Tell me now!"
Pan only scoffed.
"You should be thanking me."
His arrogance only fuelled my rage as I leaned the blade into his skin, almost piercing his neck. Pan only sighed not in any means of discomfort with a rusted blade to his neck. He probably wouldn't feel a thing even if the sword did pierce his skin.
"Those marks on your neck contained some of the strongest venom from the mermaid that attacked you. It would have killed you before you even realised you had been poisoned. Thanks to me, now you are immune."
He could have done nothing and let the venom spread, but he didn't. It all came back to the reason why I was here. I know it was. After trying to kill me multiple times to then saving my life seemed like a good enough reason to question what Pan really wants from me and why he is keeping me on this island. I needed to know why.
"It's rude not to thank someone after they save your life."
My eyes widened as Pan raised his hand, gripping the blade tightly before throwing it across the floor and out of my hand. He swiftly grabbed my arms that were still stiff in the air, shocked from holding the sword and traded our stances. I felt my back painfully arch back into the wall again and shot daggers at Pan as a low chuckle escaped his lips.
"That's better, isn't it?" Pan grinned.
I need to find a way to kill him…
"I hope that we can come to a little agreement," Pan said as he raised a brow. "You trust Will, don't you?"
My face fell at the mention of Will's name.
Why was Pan bringing Will into this?
My questions were settled when I remembered I had kissed Will during the last moments of the test and at that same time was when I had blocked Pan out of my head. Pan's smirk widened knowing I had understood what I did. From his expression, I feared the worst. What was Pan going to do with Will?
"I'll let that slide and leave him alone," Pan paused before leaning in closer to me, "…but I won't leave you alone." My breath hitched as Pan moved my hair behind my ear, his expression blank yet his eyes shined brightly, "Not until I get what I want."
"What do you want?"
Pan sighed once again.
"I'm afraid I can't say. That is something you will have to work out on your own."
I flinched upon feeling Pan's fingers lift my chin, forcing me to look at him. I waited for him to say something but he just stood still, looking down at me as the room fell silent. His eyes wandered as if searching for something that wasn't there. Searching for something within me and questioning it. It was clear that Pan was keeping something from me, something he didn't want me to find out, something I had to find out on my own.
A muffled voice could be heard from downstairs and Pan let out a frustrated growl before letting go of me. He moved to the door but before he could leave the room his sharp eyes turned back to me.
"Don't move," He spoke sternly before vanishing out of the doorway.
I couldn't hear his footsteps moving down the stairs, it was just silent until I heard a door from downstairs open. I finally felt able to catch my breath once Pan had left the room. I stared over at the door that was no longer locked.
Without realising it, Pan had now left it wide open.
Pan's POV
I made no effort in appearing at the front door to my hut, using my magic to forcefully open it to reveal Felix. I noticed his hood was sitting over his shoulders and not covering his face, the familiar yet cautious expression took me by surprise. Felix only gave me that look when-
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"It's Hook...he's here."
Hi everyone, how are we all?
I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Do we have any predictions or theories of what is coming? I love reading all your comments so let me know or pm, I'm more than happy to talk!
Are you ready to find out who this mystery boy is? Do you have any ideas of who it may be?
Pan left the door unlocked, will Emily be able to escape?
Find out next chapter ;)
- C
