Chapter 24 - Pan Never Fails
I run back to camp as fast as I could. Pan has to hear this. Wendy just told me what Rumplestiltskin's price was for keeping my real appearance concealed. I'm forever cursed to love Peter Pan. The Pied Piper. That means I'm stuck on this island forever.
"Pan!" I call as I run in. He appears in front of me instantly, stopping me in my tracks. God, he always does that.
"What's wrong, darling? Did you find something?" He takes my hands in his.
"I need to talk to you," I say, glancing around the camp, seeing the Lost Boys looking at us curiously. I quickly look away when I lock eyes with Nate, who sits beside Felix. God, that traitor. "Alone."
He nods and suddenly we're in a different part of the dark Neverland forest. "What is it, darling?"
I sigh. "I found Wendy. And she told me something. Okay, you know how your son changed my appearance before I was born?"
Pan nods. "I'm aware of it. Why?"
"Well, all magic comes with a price. Wendy told me the price. It's about us."
"What is the price, darling?" He squeezes my hand.
"I'm cursed," I crack out. "To fall in love with the Pied Piper. And I know that's you."
Pan's smile widens into an easy grin. "Oh, darling. I knew our love wasn't nothing. What a wonderful thing, yet you call it a curse."
"It is a curse. You're a monster. And I'm cursed to fall in love with you. And love means sticking together no matter what. That means I'll never be able to leave Neverland."
He kisses my forehead gently. "Perfect."
"I guess it's true. You got what you wanted. You wanted Rebecca Darling. You have your Queen of Neverland."
"Yes, darling," Pan says. "I'm actually surprised my son would give me such a darling gift."
"He was teaching Wendy a lesson. I think you're quite find of this lesson."
"And what is that lesson?"
I give a shy smile. "Peter Pan never fails."