Shiner shakes her head. “I don’t know.”
“Seems like something you should know, being a Guardian and all.” Starkey weighs in, and I realize the entire crew is standing around us, watching the argument.
“The cave is sacred,” Shiner retorts. “The Guardians don’t go tramping through it whenever we feel like it. So, no, I don’t know. I’ve … I’ve never been inside.”
“Shit.” Starkey sighs. “So we have no idea what you might face.”
“Does it matter?” I throw my hands up. “I have to go. It’s either that or let the island tear itself apart unless Peter tears it apart first.”
Some of the pirates shift uneasily, their gazes darting around the crystal jungle that towers around us. I’m certain they’ve always feared Peter, but now that Hook is gone, that fear is probably next level. He’d protected them for so long, and now … Now we’re all on our own. Peter could drain them the same as he’s been doing to the rest of those on the island.
“Stay here. I’m going in. If I don’t come out, then that’s what the island decided, I guess. I don’t know. But there’s no way around it. I’m going to see this through. I have to.”
Widow grimaces. “I just don’t want you to go alone.”
“I don’t want to go without you either.” I pull her in and hug her. “Promise me you’ll take care of them, especially Cookson,” I whisper to her. “He’s always been so kind to me.”
She sighs and hugs me back. “He can cook almost as well as I can, so I suppose I’ll look out for him.”
I snort a laugh then pull back. “You’ve been a good friend and particularly mean sparring partner.”
“No.” She crosses her arms over her chest again. “No goodbyes. I’ll be seeing you when you prance your ass out of that cave.”
“Yes.” I nod, though I know in my heart my chances aren’t great.
“Take this.” Bill steps up and shows me a small blade. “It’ll come in handy if you get in a tight spot.” He hands it to me.
“Thank you.” I stow it in the back of my belt, then lose my breath when he pulls me in for a crushing hug.
“Be careful.” He finally lets me go, and I wonder if he hasn’t cracked one of my ribs.
“Packed this for you in case you need ter take a few bites in there.” Cookson limps forward and hands me a sandwich wrapped in a napkin. “Don’t want ter be hungry when you meet the big boss.” His one eye peers up at the Nevertree then comes back to me. “I’ll have you something hot and tasty when you come out.”
“Thanks, Cookson.” I smile at him and stow the sandwich in the pack I have slung over my shoulder.
“You’ve got the salve I gave you just in case?” Skylights strides up beside Cookson.
“I have it. And the bandages.Andthe stuff that fizzes when you put it on a cut. You packed your whole infirmary into this little bag.”
“Better safe than sorry.” He gives me a nod.
“Here.” Shiner hands me her water skin. “Mine’s better than yours.”
She may be rude, but she’s also right. I trade her my canteen and loop the leather from her skin onto the belt at my side.
Cecco walks up, though he moves gingerly, bandages draped across his back. “Take this coin.” He hands me a doubloon. “Never know when you’ll have to buy your way out of trouble.” He winks.
“If you keep giving her things, she’ll be too weighed down to get very far.” Smee appears, his face pale and drawn.
“Didn’t think I’d see you.” I look up at him.
“I’m still keeping watch for him.” His voice falls. “I always will.” He glances at the cave. “Are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” I adjust the pack on my shoulder, centering it between my wings.
He gives me a stern nod. “Get it done. We’ll be anchored here until you return.”
He seems so sad, so defeated. I mourn for Hook in my heart, but he does too.
