“You see, Peter Pan is the embodiment of all things good, and light, and joyous.” It spoke with a disgusted sneer. “Peter never had reason for a bad thought or worry. His existence was simple—take care of the lost children and bring them happiness. That was all that was required of him! He never had reason to want to leave Neverland, to abandon his duty, his sole purpose of being, until he met you.” Thunderous laughter rolled through the room. “But the very first time he laid eyes on you, I could feel it.” The shadow’s hands clenched into fists.

“It was disgusting really, how he couldn’t stop thinking about you, but it wore on his resolve, and I could feel him waver. I even nearly succeeded once! Dear Peter couldn’t help himself. I took the chance to escape, while he snuck off to see you, his heart aching with the need.”

It was a memory that had been lost for so long. How she’d awoken to Peter in her room, upset and wrestling with his shadow. How she’d helped him sew it back on. That was the reason Peter thought she could put an end to it now.

How wrong they both had been.

“Alas, I was premature, I’ll admit, but not this time. I waited and let the feelings fester. The more he thought about you, the more he missed you and ached with longing, the stronger I became. And then finally, my opportunity came! Peter wanted to keep you, and he broke the rules. He brought you to Neverland, but you were no lost child, Wendy, not like your brothers.”

Wendy glowered at the shadow, her face pinching in confusion. She still didn’t understand. She looked at Peter, but he was barely conscious, his breaths coming sharp and shallow. His blue eyes tried to find hers, but they kept losing focus.

The shadow floated across the room in long, languid steps. It stooped over Wendy and clutched her chin with its sharp fingers. She tried to wrench herself free of its grip, but it was cold and strong as iron. The air around it drained the warmth from her skin, tickling the hair on her arms.

“Don’t touch her.” The breathless growl was Peter’s. Teeth clenched tight, he struggled against his restraints, shoulders lurching as his arms pulled and flexed, trying to break free. But it was no use.

The shadow kept all of its focus sharp on Wendy, but it closed its hand into a fist. The black ropes wrapped tighter around Peter, biting into his skin. An anguished cry ripped from his throat.

“Stop!” Wendy shouted in the shadow’s face. “Let him go!” She hated the panic and pleading in her voice, but how much longer would Peter be able to stand this torture?