The Captive (First Book in the Neverland Bound Series)

Chapter 6 (Peter)

I pace back and forth silently in my hiding place within the trunk of Hangman's Tree. Its the only place on the entire island where I can go to think without being bothered. Little Catey's words continue to repeat over and over again inside my head.

"The answers you seek can only be found in the past. Only you can unlock the memories that lie within."

The memory of her soft voice whispering those cursed words into my ear and the smirk she had thrown my way afterwards causes my blood to boil.

I try to reign in my temper, knowing that, even though the thought is extremely tempting, killing the girl is not an option. I need her powers and after her little attempt at using them tonight, I realize that I have my work cut out for me. Thankfully she won't need training with a weapon. Gives her more time to grow and develop her magical abilities.

I sigh. That still doesn't answer the question as to why she already knows so much about my island.

And I hate not knowing things.

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When I return to camp, I can see that the boys have already begun the celebration of our little Catey's recapture. I smirk. They always know how to brighten my mood even if they don't know I'm it. A huge bonfire has been lit and boisterous laughter can be heard throughout camp. Drums can be heard and boys can be seen dancing around the flames.

As I near them, some of the boys jump up and plead with me to play my pipe along with their music. Because my mood has considerably brightened, I comply. I situate myself on a log on the far side of the fire and begin to play. Whoops and hollers of glee can be heard from each individual boy. I smile as I watch them dance but notice that someone is missing. I look around for a minute and spot Curly on the other side of the flames.

And he's sitting next to her.

I could have sworn I told him to deal with her and my anger begins to rise again. He was supposed to put her in the cage, not invite her to dinner!

I begin to study the siblings and after a moment, my anger subsides. I can see the look that Curly gets when he's feeling protective of one of his brothers here as he gazes at the girl. She looks worried, almost tense, and he keeps saying things to her, as if trying to make her smile. I can't hear exactly what he says from where I am, but eventually something he says works because her mouth slightly curves upward.

My attention is then drawn to their hands. Her knuckles are nearly white as she grasps Curly's hand. It looks as though she's afraid to let go of him, almost as if she does, he might disappear.

This causes me to become curious. If she had missed her brother that much, how come she never tried to follow him here? She had the ability to but never did. Her words from earlier echo once again through my subconscious.

"The answers you seek can only be found in the past. Only you can unlock the memories that lie within."

Just as I think this, her gaze lifts and locks with mine. The act surprises me enough to cause me to miss a note while I'm playing. I quickly turn my attention elsewhere, but can still feel her eyes on me.

At around midnight, I stop playing and tell the boys its time for bed. After much protesting, they finally begin to trudge sleepily towards their individual tents. I'm about to enter my own tent as well when a voice clears itself behind me.

"Whatever it is, the answer is no," I say tiredly, turning around to face whoever it is.

It's then I see Curly with his sister standing closely behind him. I sigh. "Well out with it then," I say.