“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?”
I glance at Hook.
He dips his head to me. “It’s your say-so, lass.”
My say-so. I like the sound of that.
“Yes.” I offer my hand to Tiger Lily. “You have a deal.”
She takes it and covers it with her other one. “You have our protection for as long as you want it.” She squeezes my hand. “And our friendship.”
I blush. I can’t help it. I can’t wait to tell Widow about this. “Thank you.”
We pull away, the meeting over and a shaky alliance struck. It was only words, but I feel like we all took a momentous step forward … toward what, I don’t know.
“Starkey!” I hear Bill Jukes roar and then a hard thud.
Tiger Lily gives Hook a questioning look.
