"It appears we're losing the girl." It was Felix, standing beside Pan in his tent. Pan merely chuckled, not at all worried about the apparent problem.

"She'll be back kissing my feet soon enough," Pan sneered, walking over to his wardrobe and taking the pearl in his hand.

"You're raising her like a pig for slaughter!" James said, disgusted in Pan's attitude.

"There's no other way," Pan snapped at him, eying the boy. Holding up the pearl, Pan continued, "if I fail, I need a back-up plan and this spell will guarantee my power."

"The heart of the one who loves the beast," Felix grumbled, staring at James for a moment before looking back to Pan.

"You killed Ethan and now you're killing Serena," James said, sick with disbelief.

"Ethan was an unfortunate pawn of the game that was a necessary sacrifice," Pan said, placing down the pearl against the small pouch and walking over to the boys.

"You've got her thinking it was the mermaids when you enchanted him!" James yelled but Pan whipped out his dagger and held it to James' chest, eying him and ready to attack.

"Hold your tongue, boy," he said through a clenched jaw, his eyes flickering to Felix's for a brief moment before he took a step back, dropping his raised weapon. "Killian's gone to check on Baelfire and he'll be back soon enough. Make sure he doesn't get to Serena."

"Because he knows the truth," James snapped, not backing down.

"If you back chat me ONE more time, I'll make sure you head is put on a spike, got that?" Pan yelled, throwing his dagger in anger and causing the blade to hit the wooden post beside James. The boy didn't flinch nor freak out – he merely glared back at Pan before leaving in silence.

"And what of Baelfire – if he isn't the one?" Felix asked in a monotone voice, not at all concerned about Pan's sudden temper.

"Another 20 odd years, another 20 days here," Pan chuckled and shrugged, but Felix took a deep breath.

"You know your time is running out."

"I know," Pan scoffed, his folded arms pressed tightly against his chest but he didn't pursue the conversation. Refusing to look in the eyes of Felix, Pan kept his eyes fixated on the wooden floorboards. "My son's the Dark One now." He spoke the words blandly, not knowing whether to be cautious or to simply laugh at the thirst Rumple had for power. He's more alike to me than he cares to admit, Pan thought to himself.

"The boy's been sent to a place without magic, so Rumple shouldn't be able to protect Baelfire," Felix said in a monotone voice once again. He walked over to the table and picked up an apple from a bowl, taking a loud bite.

"Indeed," Pan answered, unfolding his arms and heading over to stand in front of Felix; Pan smirked before continuing, changing the topic. "We'll be having a new guest tomorrow. Make sure to treat her well."

"Her?" Felix asked, baffled, but Pan solely chuckled and said a name before leaving.

"Wendy Darling."

When I awoke the next morning, I secretly hoped the previous day had been a dream.

But it hadn't and as quickly as I had fallen asleep, I felt horrible and riddened with the aftermath: memories, guilt and pain. Even though time stood still, it was still a new day and I couldn't let what happened destroy me any more.

I headed to the camp, refusing to mope and walking with a straightened back, my arms hidden by my cloak. Bursting through the jungle, my stomach dropped as soon as I laid eyes on the scene: the boys dancing...with a girl.

And Pan was the one twirling her, laughing and holding her waist and hands. I clenched my jaw, trying to remain calm on the outside while I screamed within. I could feel my blood boiling with jealousy and I felt sick. After APOLOGISING, he does THIS?

Yes, I may not have taken his...apology well yesterday, but this was beyond petty. Fortunately standing beside the weapons rack, I ignored the twins laughing at me as I grabbed an arrow, loading it and pointing it towards him. Smirking, I let the arrow fly and, as expected, he caught it; all the boys had stopped dancing and were looking at me. Unable to wipe the grin off my face, I placed the arrow back on the rack, bowed and walked back into the jungle.

+++

I admit, it may have been a bit extreme, but damn, it was entertaining. I knew darn well Pan was going to catch that arrow and, like him, 'I had to make a point'. The ass deserved it.

"Well, well," the voice behind me said and I rolled my eyes, turning to face Pan. "Somebody jealous?"

"You're so dense," I snapped, closing the gap between us. I didn't hesitate to let the words roll off my tongue without giving him a chance to butt in. "First, you argue with me, secondly, you try to choke me, thirdly –" My rant was cut off by his lips being forcibly pushed against mine, his hands tightly holding my face and not allowing me to squirm.

But I didn't want to and with guilt, melted into his embrace. He pulled away, keeping my head in his hands.

"Did you really think I'd try to replace you?"

"Then why is she here?" I said quietly, keeping my eyes closed as I placed my forehead against his.

"Love, I need his brothers to work for me in that world. I need eyes and ears in the realm without magic and the only way I can do that is offer them a trade."

"Their sister."

"Exactly," he said, placing a kiss against my forehead and I smiled. "You overthink too much, my darling."

I rolled my eyes, playfully pushing him away from me.

"Whatever," I grumbled, but then the joy in my heart faded as quickly as it had come. I rolled back my lips, the sudden fear in my heart overcoming me.

Despite it all, Pan had still killed Ethan without a second thought, without thinking he could be saved. He simply took the easy route – the wrong route.

He closed the gap between us again and using his hand, pushed my head against his chest and wrapped his other arm around me. He kept his hand against my head and even though it was an act of comfort, I no longer felt safe in his arms now knowing how rational he could act. He didn't say a word and I secretly hoped that he would, maybe something like 'it's okay'? I felt pathetic to think like that, but I was beginning to notice the small things. When Pan pulled away, his hands moved to my shoulders.

"Go back to camp. Get Logan to go hunting with James and order Felix to train the others. You remain at the camp with Wendy and try and get as much information about her and her family, alright?" I nodded and took a deep breath. Back to the usual Neverland tasks. "I have some business to attend soon. I'll be back by lunch." Yeah, but what sort of business? I knew I wasn't going to get anywhere with him if I started that topic, so I merely nodded.

And with that, he placed a firm kiss against my forehead before turning his back to me and walking out. I swallowed down the dryness in my throat and lifted my chin, heading back to camp. I guess he's given my authority 'back'.

I entered to see the boys scattered around the place and in order to get their attention, I brought two fingers to my lips and let out a loud, piercing whistle.

They all instantly focused on me, even the girl.

"Logan, James – both of you are on hunting errands today. Felix, train the rest. And Wendy –" I paused, the corner of my mouth lifting. "You're with me."