Chapter 18

The interior of Tiger Lily's cave was cold and impersonal; aloof in a way that mimicked the fairy's own demeanor. Hook understood the need for solitude, but even he required the occasional social interaction to keep himself centered. Could she really be content with so lonely an existence?

"This is likely to kill you." Tiger Lily held a dart in front of a torch, examining the sinister yellow substance coating its sharp tip.

"That's precisely the point," Hook shot back, his eyes drawn irresistibly toward the instrument as the former fairy tilted it in an almost sultry way. The small knot of anxiety in his gut swelled with each sparkle off the metal tip.

Tiger Lily appraised the captain through a sideways, hooded glance. Hook's jaw worked as he glared back steadily.

"Clearly," was her response. "But I feel it's worth the reminder. There's no guarantee I'll be able to revive you."

"I've prepared for that eventuality," Hook told her, managing to keep his tone calm, almost bored. "Mister Smee has instructions for how to proceed."

The fairy's gaze flickered to the first mate, who shrank back against the cave wall in an attempt to meld with the rock. She flashed a fleeting, derisive grin, then returned her focus to the dart. "Even if I can bring you back, the toxin will still be circulating; it stays in your system for a long time. You'll be sick for days; weeks, even."

"Bloody hell, Tiger; you won't change my resolve with your warnings. If you lack the fortitude to carry out your end of the bargain, kindly admit it, and I'll seek assistance elsewhere."

"It's unwise to antagonize the one holding your life in her hands, Captain," Tiger Lily warned, though she looked more amused than upset. With a suggestive smirk, Hook replied,

"Just say the word, and I'll be happy to make it up to you, love."

The fairy eyed him critically for a moment, then returned to her examination of the dart. "After I stop your heart and bring you back… we'll talk."

Tongue in the corner of his mouth, fingers prickling intensely, Hook raised an eyebrow. He heard Smee shift and clear his throat softly behind him. All business again, the captain growled,

"Then let's get on with it."

Tiger Lily slunk closer, lithe as a cat, her expressive eyes capturing Hook's with a look of dangerous intrigue. The fist containing the dart passed directly between their locked gaze as she raised it toward Hook's neck, stopping centimeters from his skin. He couldn't help flinching back slightly, heart suddenly racing in fear. But he stood his ground, his resolve strengthened by the predictable numbness of his hand.

The fairy held his gaze for a long moment, watching him swallow through a dry throat; watching his chest heave as he panted through his anxiety. Then she lowered her hand.

"Not yet."

Hook's scowl burned into her, and he inched forward until their bodies all but pressed together. "Do it."

Tiger Lily sidestepped, nonchalant. "I may not have mentioned, Hook: I need you weak. Empty. Body and soul receptive."

"What the bloody hell are you on about?" growled Hook, watching her as she moved away. His frustration grew when the habitual urge to form a fist was thwarted by the enchantment at his wrist. Stopping beside her stash of medicinal plants, she carefully set aside the dart as she explained,

"No food for three days; no water for twenty four hours before. I want you clear of any toxins that may interact with mine. We'll get a more powerful response at both ends of the process." She shrugged casually. "And it will have the added bonus of preventing you from choking on your own vomit."

Hook stole a glance at his first mate, who was nodding as if it were the most sensible thing he had ever heard. The captain rolled his eyes, apprehension fading into mere annoyance. "Fine. But keep in mind, Pan only upholds his end of the deal as long as I'm still alive. So it'll do you no good to poison me with your bloody potions and the like."

"Oh, Captain," she purred. "That isn't in the plan at all. I will say that some of the preparation won't be fun for you… but the only thing I'll give you that is capable of killing you is the one you approached me about in the first place." Her grin was downright viperous, sending a strange shiver of dread-lust down Hook's spine. "You can trust me."

Hook released a wry huff through his crooked sneer. He spread his arms boldly, radiating fearlessness. "Do your worst, witch."

And Tiger Lily smiled.

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AN: Not that it matters in the slightest, because it's not even close to the same situation, but I just wanted to mention that I wrote most of this before season 7 started and the whole "poisoned heart" storyline began. So any vague similarities are unintentional.