Escaping from his grip

Chapter 16

The next day...

A lost boy came to retrieve me from my cage again, he pulls me out and we walk towards the training area. 'You were awesome yesterday' the boy suddenly says. 'Oh it speaks' I respond sarcastically 'just kidding, thanks. What's your name?' 'Carlos, we're practising archery today by the way' he explains. Oh no, not this again. We arrive at the training area and the boys just finished hanging targets on trees. 'Today we're practising archery' Pan said. 'Obviously' Jace responds rolling his eyes. Pan shot him an angry glare before continuing 'Everyone grab a bow and arrows'. Everyone listens, I grab a bow and a quiver full of arrows. I look around for a target that wasn't taken, of course the only two are next to Jace. Let's show him some real archery I smirk at my own thoughts and take my place next to Jace. He glares at me and shoots his first arrow, it lands in the white ring outside the middle red bulls-eye. I chuckle at his lousy attempt, causing Jace to raise his hands 'Okay then, you do it'. I place an arrow in my bow and raise it up, I shoot the arrow making it land in the outer ring on purpose. 'HAHA wow is that the best you can do?' Jace laughs.

I growl angrily 'Let's dual then!' I speak loudly. Everyone turns towards me and Pan walks up to me. 'A dual huh?' Pan says 'what kind of dual?' he asks clearly intrigued by my statement. 'We both shoot one arrow, who ever lands it the closest to the centre wins. If I win I sleep in your tent and you'll sleep in the cage' I say. I receive a few ooh's from the lost boys. 'And if I win you have to swim in mermaid lagoon' Jace says 'agreed?'. I pretend to hesitate and take a deep breath 'Fine' I finally reply 'Lady's first' I mock. Jace takes his place, loads an arrow and raises his bow. No way he'll hit the centre. Then Jace releases his arrow and it lands in the dead centre. My eyes widen in shock Okay then... Hopefully I can do this again. Jace smirks at me 'top that' he mocks backing up and signalling me to take my place. I stand in front of the target, load my arrow and focus. Okay breathe, you can do this. I am not swimming in mermaid lagoon! I take a moment to breathe and finally release the arrow. I closed my eyes after I shot with the fear that I'd miss. Everyone was quiet That's a good thing right I slowly open my eyes and see that my arrow has perfectly split Jace' arrow in half. 'I win' I says confidently and turn towards Jace. 'Do over!' He yells. I roll my eyes and was about to agree when Pan steps in 'No way man, she definitely won this one' he says placing his hand on my shoulder. 'AGH' Jace screams and throws his bow on the ground before stomping away. 'That was quite smart Jay' Pan says looking down at me.

After training I went hunting with the boys and joined them around the fire for dinner. Suddenly I realise the sun had gone down and I see Pan and Jace walking towards the cages. I laugh and finish my meal. Just as I'm about to stand up Carlos sits down next to me 'You are truly amazing, tricking Jace like that' he laughs. 'Smart deal too, getting yourself a more comfortable place to sleep' he continues 'Weren't you scared you'd miss?'. 'A little, but what's life without some risks?' I respond looking at the fire. 'Come, I'll show you to Jace' tent' Carlos stands up and I follow him. As I'm about to enter the tent I see Pan walking by 'Pan?' I call. Pan turns around and I jog to him 'I was wondering if you could get me some new clothes, I'm getting kind of tired of this skirt and a white top wasn't a good idea either' I carefully ask. 'Sure, I'll get you some. I'll bring them to your tent so you can change tomorrow morning' He says 'You mean Jace' tent' I respond 'No, your tent. After today you get his tent and he'll share one with Kevin' He says and walks off. That was easier that expected... I walk back to what was now my tent and went to bed.

When I wake up I notice Pan had brought me several clothes. I change into black high waisted jeans, a black crop top, black shoes and an olive green blouse. Also Pan had brought me a belt with a dagger in it, which I put on.