James’s words seemed to cause Circe pain; she closed her eyes and composed herself before she replied. “You do have the power to direct your own fate, James—that is what we’re trying to tell you. Right now you’re on my mothers’ path, and very few who have walked the path the Odd Sisters have laid out for them survived to tell their tale. James, did you not hear the voices of the Odd Sisters on the winds when you faced the Dreaded Queen, did you not see their face in the sea creature, or feel their power when Blackbeard used their tinderbox? Everything that’s happened since you fell out of your pram has been by their design. Don’t you see what you’re dealing with, James?”

“I refuse to believe this. I will not accept that the Odd Sisters have been ushering me along my entire life. Toward what aim? You say the stories are written on your soul, then tell me, why do they want me in Never Land so desperately?”

“I fear if I shared your fate you’d just think it gave you the power to avoid it, and it won’t. The moment you arrive in Never Land you will be lost.”

“If all time is one as you say, and my story has been written, and is being written at the same time, then doesn’t that prove I can change my fate? Won’t you please just show me the way to Never Land?”

James admired the ladies of the Dead Woods but he was starting to wonder if he should just take this up with the Odd Sisters. Hazel narrowed her eyes at him, hearing his thoughts.

“Do not think of dealing with the Odd Sisters, James. They can also see into your heart and wish to exploit it. We want to help you. We know your greatest wish, your secret wish, but we cannot make it come to pass; it is not within our power. But we can offer you a better life here, and if you refuse and insist on going to Never Land despite our warnings, then we will give you the magic you need to get there. The rest is up to you. You’ve heard our warnings, will you not heed them?” asked Hazel.

A wind swept into the room through the open windows, bringing with it a cascade of voices that spoke as one. It extinguished the candles, leaving them in darkness except for the glowing flower petals that were brought in on the breeze.

“He will spend his days in regret if he doesn’t follow his dreams. He has spent his life longing to return to Never Land. It’s all he’s ever wanted, his heart is consumed by it. Let us not forget what happens to those who do not fulfill their destinies.”