“When Peter communed with the island, he made a bargain. I don’t know what he asked for, but you were what the island granted to him. He brought you here and asked you for stories. That alone is suspicious.”
“You lost me.”
Tiger Lily adopts a patient tone. “Stories have power. You believe that, don’t you?”
“Yes.” The fact that I’m currently trapped in one isn’t lost on me. “They’re magic.”
“Exactly. Island lore has it that fae told the first stories. They were the first beings to ever attempt to make sense of the world around them by telling it to others. In it, they found magic, power, and other realms.”
“I’m not fae. Wouldn’t Widow and Tinker Bell know if I was one of them?”
“We don’t know what you are, but the Spinner will be able to tell.”
“Nessie, I think, mentioned a Spinner.”
“Spinners are the leaders of fae society here on the island. They’re, for lack of a better word, fae royalty. Their magic, if freely given, can heal wounds, save lives, do any number of powerful things. If you are descended from the line of Spinners, then you may be the answer to Peter’s request because of it, because of your link to the island’s deep magic. Your fae blood line could be his boon.”
“His boon.” I’ve come to hate that word. And now I’m starting to resent the island. Why does it think it has the right togiveme to anyone? I look at Hook. “What did you ask the island for?”
He meets my gaze, but he doesn’t answer.
“He’s never divulged it, even though it might be a greathelpto all of us,” Tiger Lily says pointedly.
Hook scowls. “I think I’ve told you enough. What I need is for you to tell me who you intend to ally with. If it’s Peter, I’d rather know now than later, and I give you my word I’ll let you leave this forest safely. After that …” He doesn’t need to say more. The implication is clear.
Tiger Lily’s eyes narrow, and she and Shiner whisper to each other for a short moment, then turn back to us. “We will work with you to save the island,conditionally.”
“What conditions?” Hook asks warily.
“I assume you intend to visit the Fairy Village as soon as possible to find the Spinner, if she’s still alive.”
“Why would you assume that?” Hook tosses back.
“You are a lot of things, but a fool isn’t one of them, Captain. If Moira is somehow part of the island, the Spinner will know.”
Hook considers for a while, then gives a slight nod. “We set sail tomorrow.”
“Good. Shiner will accompany you as long as Moira is with you.”
Hook raises a brow. “How is she at swabbing decks?”
“I get seasick.” Shiner grins. “Easily.”
Hook doesn’t seem particularly pleased, but he doesn’t argue. “Anything else?”
“If Moira is fae, then you will deliver her to us, the only neutral parties on this island, while you and Peter—”
“No.” I stand so quickly that Shiner reaches for her weapon. “I’m not a trading card. I’m not aboon. I’m a person. I decide where I go and what I do. You don’t.”
Tiger Lily rises, all grace and elegance. “I didn’t mean to offend you, Moira.”
“You’ve been talking about me like I’m some sort of pawn on a chess board. It’s pissing me off.” After the words are out, I have a twinge of worry. After all, she’s an actualprincess. I probably shouldn’t speak to her so—
She coughs into her hand, which is when I realize she’s covering a laugh. “I don’t think anyone’s ever used that turn of phrase with me. I rather like it.”
I shrug as Hook stands at my elbow.
Tiger Lily sighs, and I realize she looks tired. Even through her dazzling beauty, she’s weary of the island’s troubles. “You’re right, Moira. I apologize. There’s no excuse for it. Would you be all right with Shiner accompanying you to the Fairy Village?”
