Magic ➙ Ethan Dolan

chapter eighteen

     Annie grew bored at camp, not having anything else to do than watch the campfire. She learned her lesson about snooping around in Pan's tent, the idea that he was hiding something still itching at the back of her mind. Annie knew for sure that the island's leader was hiding something, she just didn't think anything is his tent would be useful.

     Pan kept all his plans and ideas in his head, not writing down a single word or leaving any sort of clues. And even though Annie had magic now, she couldn't read his mind.

     The teenage girl headed into the jungle, thinking that maybe a peaceful nature walk could be useful. She needed something to get her mind off of everything that's been going on recently, and the wonders of Neverland could provide an excellent distraction. One thing stood out in Annie's mind as to where she could go, and that was the beach that overlooked Skull Rock, where her mermaid friend resided.

     Annie started heading towards the beach, knowing the path like the back of her hand. Her mind didn't wander anywhere as she focused on not tripping over stray tree branches and rocks that blocked the dirt path. The only sounds were animal noises, mainly crickets and chittering squirrels, and the occasional crunch of Annie's boots on the ground.

     However, Annie's ears picked up the faintest sounds of people talking, and she allowed herself to head in the direction of the noise. No longer on the path to Indigo, Annie felt nervous as she no longer knew where she was on the island. She was on a different route, surrounded by trees that all looked the same.

     As much as Annie wanted to know what Pan was up to, she didn't want to risk her life to a wild creature that lived within the jungle. Curiousity quickly replaced regret as the voices were now in ear shot, Annie immediately recognizing them as Peter and Grayson's.

     "Are you sure now is the right time for that?" Grayson's voice asked, Annie not able to see him. She crouched down to avoid being seen as she tried to scope out the two boys. Eventually, they came into view through the trees. Grayson had a worried expression on his face, his eyebrows knitted together, while Peter ran a hand through his dark brown hair.

     "Yes, he needs to come here. I'll ask one of the boys to occupy Annie for the night while you go get him." Peter replied, a confused expression spreading across Annie's face. She had no idea what the brothers were talking about, but it didn't sound good. They both looked nervous, and Annie had to refrain herself from bursting through the trees and demanding some answers.

     "Felix can do that. He's the only one we can trust with this. Annie's too close with the other boys, and they'll just end up telling her." Grayson explained, which was true and Peter knew it.

     The leader nodded in agreement before saying, "okay. This needs to work." He said, anxiety and uncertainty laced in his voice.

     "It will, don't worry." Grayson attempted to reassure his brother, but Annie could tell through the trees that it didn't work.

     Peter's expression changed to his usual stern one, his eyes narrowing and his jaw clenched. "Just bring the boy to me." He demanded before storming away, leaving Grayson all alone.

     Annie moved too quickly as she went to get back on the path, causing the tree branches to shake and catch Grayson's attention. He looked to his side to see what the commotion was, but Annie was already gone.

     The teenage girl could hear her pulse in her ears as she ran down the path, not caring where she ended up on the island. Whether it was out of instinct or just luck, Annie ended up on Skull Rock beach, crashing into the water as she tried to slow her pace down. Waves crashed up over her legs as Annie sat on her knees in the water, her head in her hands.