The Lost Boy (Sequel to The Lost Realm)

Chapter Twenty-two

My feet hit soft grass, a sensation identical to when I landed in New York. Peter's hand still rests in mine, and my home surrounds me.

We'd landed in the green patch outside the castle, the exact place of Sylvia's wedding. An event that feels like centuries ago.
Darkness spreads across the sky, being broken only by the moon, stars, and scattered lights.

"This place is beautiful," Peter says, gazing around.

"Just wait till you see it during the day," I respond, "That is if we stay long enough."

We move quickly toward the castle, a scene identical to when Ana and I stole the beans. We approach the entrance to the castle, making our way along the lit stone path.
Suddenly a voice rings out of the blackness, "Peter!?!?" A boy's voice echoes. The speaker appears,
and I recognize him as one of the lost boys, Jake. "Oh my god it really is you!" His eyes are brighter than I've ever seen, as if all the sadness never existed.

"IT'S HIM!!!!" He calls behind him. Instantly, lost boys have surrounded Peter, and a dog pile starts on top of him, filled with happy cheers. Graham and I keep our distance, the boys deserve their moment.

Lights flicker on in the castle windows, including my parents'. I guess this is one way to make an introduction.

The door of the castle opens and Sylvia appears, Hook following close behind.

"What's happeni- ARABELLA!" She runs to hug me. "What happened? Wait is that-" her attention turns to the lost boys, who are starting to stand up.

"Is that Peter?" Her voice fades as she says his name, and her eyes lock onto him.

"Hello Sylvia, hello Hook," Peter says kindly, stepping toward them.

The two of them greet him with a hug, perhaps the warmest welcome Hook has ever given his old nemesis.

"What's going on out here?" My mother's voice calls, it's typical softness piercing the night.

"Arabella?!" My father calls from beside her. "You're back!!"

"No," I say, grabbing Peter's hand and pulling him beside me, "We're back."

Their faces glisten with surprise and my mother runs to hug us both. "I should've believed you," she says to me, fighting back sniffles.

"It's okay," I say. I need to tell her, I need to tell her. "Mom, Dad, there's something I need to tell you."

"Alright, let's all head inside, we do have a lot to discuss. Maybe we can have some tea?" My mother starts to head for the door, but I grab her arm.

"No, this can't wait," I blurt briskly.

"What is it?" Sylvia joins in, clearly distinguishing the fear in my actions.

At this point, everyone is listening.

"Rumpelstiltskin has Anastasia and Sam."

It only takes these five words to transform the serendipitous night into hell.