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In the swirl of passion	By : Lywhn Category: M through R > Peter Pan > Het Views: 35043 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Peter Pan, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 32
- 33
- 34
Chapter 33 – To Take Her Home

Silence hung about all corners of the great cabin, and several candles seeking it out in the twilight. Wendy sat at Hook’s great desk and stared at the nearly blank paper which only bore the line ‘Dear Mother, dear Father’. Only two hours before, Michael and Slightly left after giving her the message that her brothers and the former Lost Boys would return home tomorrow. Home.
To London.
Only a few weeks ago, those words meant everything dear to her, security, and family. “Home” was the place where she belonged, and where everything was familiar: the house and the small garden; the cozy rooms, the room she’d had all to herself for the past three years; the streets she’d explored with her brothers, their small shops; the cathedral where the family always attended throughout the year and Christmas; the bank where her father was managing director, and even the finishing school she visited now for a half year.
Home and London meant her parents; her beautiful, gentle mother who could be so strong, and her brilliant father who seemed so shy and awkward, but whose strengths had grown the last years. Mother’s treats, Father reading the evening paper, shouting to all the boys “A little less noise there, a little less noise!”
Home meant their serving girl Liza, who always looked a little bit snappish, but cooked delicious meals, and was fun, if you could draw her out of her shell. Home meant Nana, the Newfoundland dog, which always tried to fulfill her ‘duty’ as a nursemaid, even if the ‘children’ were far too grown up now to need a nursemaid.
And home meant also Aunt Millicent, who had tried so desperately to change Wendy into a socially acceptable young lady, so that she could find a nice decent husband and – if possible – from “society.”
Home meant parties and shopping, birthdays, Easter and Christmas celebrations, little secrets with her friends and so much more. All this she would never see nor have again.
She hadn’t spent any time at all considering the consequences of her choice to stay, but now, since the time had come, she felt uncertainty, and a gnawing guilty conscience. Her parents loved her deeply and with all their hearts. They would be grief-struck to learn they would never see their daughter again – without a last good-by ...
Wendy sighed and leaned back in the chair while she surveyed the cabin. James was still somewhere below deck where he had been summoned after their return from the island and he’d changed his clothes. She hadn’t really understood what the problem was. She hadn’t paid attention when he told her about it, while the boys were still aboard. And, to be honest, she didn’t care in the moment. The ship wasn’t in danger, and anything else could wait.
What would she write to her parents? The truth, of course, that she had found the man she loved and that she was going to be his wife soon.
Stop! James hadn’t made any proposal of marriage, but here – in Neverland – it didn’t seem to matter that much. So the second part of what she planned to write to her parents would not be true.
She could tell them about James, but her parents already knew of him. Yes, they knew the stories of the infamous James Hook, the pirate-captain with the iron claw instead of a right hand, whose eyes turned blood-red “when he guts you,” as Michael loved to relate the tale. Should she really write that HE was the man who had won her heart, and that she had decided to share his life at sea? No, that wouldn’t do. Not that her parents would actually be able to do anything about it – after all, the real world was far away – but what would they possibly think of their daughter? She could let them know that James had changed and could write about what happened here the last few weeks, but she was certain that John and the others would fill them in quite thoroughly.
She sighed, her thoughts on that other world. The only thing she could say to them was that she and James loved each other, and that they had vowed to stay together forever. She could write to them that she was happy and that she had found the life she had always yearned for. And she could tell them that they needn’t worry about anything; that James was a wealthy man and that she wouldn’t lack anything – except them, of course. Yes, that’s what she’d write. And she could tell them one last time that she loved them and that they would have a place in her heart for all time; and that she was sorry to leave them so abruptly, and that possibly they might see each other again, if Neverland ever set the Jolly Roger free.
That brought her to another topic. The fairy-queen had, more or less, said that James’ hate for Peter was the key to the odd fixation between him and Neverland. And James didn’t hate Peter anymore. Not in the fierce, all-consuming way he once had. And he loved her. Wasn’t that enough to break the chains and —
“That really must be a difficult letter to write!” The deep warm voice startled her, and she looked up directly into the blue eyes of James, who stood directly in front of the desk. She had been so lost in thought that she even hadn’t heard him come in.
“Sorry,” she smiled and looked down at the mostly blank paper.
James could tell that something bothered her. She seemed to be uncertain and-- sad? “What is it, sweetheart?” he asked, threw his hat on one of the chairs and came around the desk. He half-sat on the desk and bent forward, stroking her loose hair. He met her gaze and cocked his head. “What’s the matter, kitten?”
She took a deep breath. “Slightly said—“ She paused frowning, then started again. “He said that they will return home tomorrow.” She could see him tensing, and continued: “I don’t know what to tell my parents. After all, I don’t now if I will ever see them again.” Her voice had fallen to a whisper.
Of course it would trouble her; that he had foreseen. He remembered perfectly well how much it had hurt him to be forced to leave England without seeing his parents again, and to learn later that they had died. It was one thing to be parted for a while, but to be separated for all time was serious – especially when you had the chance to refuse. And that Wendy would miss her parents was certain.
And suddenly an alarming thought hit him. What if she decided to return to London – together with her brothers? What, if she decided that a life here, with him, wasn’t worth separation from her family?
She seemed to guess his thoughts, knowing him too well, because she took his hand and hook in her fingers and pressed them to her heart. “No!” she answered the unspoken question in his eyes. “I will never ever leave you!” She released his hand and laid her fingers on his cheek. “I love you, I choose to love you, and this will never change!”
The relief so easily read on his face touched her, and she rose from the chair and kissed him tenderly, while she wrapped her arms around him. She could feel his arms encircling her waist and she buried her face at his throat and in his thick curls. The mixture of sea, tobacco and the scent of his skin, mingled with the faint fragrance of the oil that still lingered there, was so calming, she felt herself relaxing. For a long moment, they held each other and relished the presence of the other. Then James murmured: “Shall I write a letter to your father as well?”
Wendy took a deep breath and thought about it for a moment, nodding slowly. “Perhaps … perhaps that would be wise.” She lifted her head and said with a small grin. “But I don’t think it would be wise to tell him that you’ve seduced his daughter and that you’re really a pirate.”
James smirked back. “And what should I write him then? That you’ve seduced me, because you’ve held a candle for me ever since you were twelve?”
Wendy threw her head back. “Oh, James!” She punched him in the arm. “Don’t you dare color the truth!”
He lifted both brows. “So you didn’t hold a candle for me when you were a little girl?”
“Yes – no! I mean-- yes, I told stories about you and-- and yes, you charmed me and—I don’t believe I’ve admitted this now!” She blushed crimson, and lowered her head while he laughed.
He pulled her closer and kissed her warm forehead. “Don’t worry your pretty head about it, my sweet. I think I now exactly what I will write to the father of such a brave, strong and beautiful daughter, who was able to save this black heart, and teach it to love again.” His hand stroked her back, and for a long time there was nothing more to hear than the low noises of the planks and the riggings.

*************************************************

He could feel the horse’s movements under him, and he gripped the animal with his knees, trying to calm his mount. The horse was nervous, as if it could feel the distress its master was experiencing. Hooves stamped on the soft bed of leaves on the forest floor, and it snorted, irritated. James took a deep breath while he tugged the reins more firmly. He knew this face, which now looked at him with so much cockiness and condescension. He had seen it a hundred times or more in his returning nightmares. Odd! Normally he wasn’t aware that he dreamed, but this time he knew that neither his surroundings nor the people were real. Even so, he was unable to wake up.
Knowing what would happen next, he determined to remain calm this time. Perhaps he could change the dream – or the memory. Ignoring the odd sensation of facing a real memory in dream – and recognizing it! – he beheld the man before him. Yes, here was the reason for all his misery. Because of this man, his life had turned into hell.
“I say you again: Surrender!” the man in front of him ordered harshly. The voice hadn’t changed during his stay in Neverland, still sounding hard and triumphant. Uncanny that something like the sound of an enemy’s voice could burn into your memory forever. This time, Hook wanted to answer his opponent properly, in a way he deserved, but to his frustration, he felt himself returning to the role of the very young man he had been at that time. He felt the uncertainty returning, and listened as the same questions arose, identical to all those years ago:
What should he do? Should he really throw his weapons away? Should he surrender to this cocky, swaggering blowhard, who now threatened the light of his life?
“James, please!” the desperate whisper beside him arrested his impulse to simply attack, which is what he would do had it happened today. Gritting his teeth, he looked at the small hand that covered his right one, preventing him reaching for his pistol. He didn’t want to look at her. He didn’t want to see her face again – not because it would hurt so much, but because of the guilt that gnawed him. If he hadn’t persuaded her to escape with him to a new life, she could have remained whole, and her soul and spirit wouldn’t have been destroyed.
Against his will, he lifted his eyes from the hand to the beauty beside him, exactly as he had done before. It was at this moment he truly understood he would never be able to change this dream, never alter the memory – that he would have to go through the whole drama again. For a dream-protracted moment, he wished with all his heart that he could waken, but he didn’t. So he could do nothing more than glance at Isabella and see the fear and resignation in her dark brown eyes yet again.
And then the long-remembered run of his thoughts took over again. If he allowed the situation to escalate, she might get hurt. And if he fought against this young blowhard, then he would hurt her by harming him. After all, this snob was her brother.
His glare swept his opponent’s companions. They sat relaxed on their horses, and seemed quite certain that he would obey. This alone made his blood boil, and he felt fury rising deep in him – and this time by his younger self and the man he was now. The young James had managed to hold back his temper.
“I will wait no longer, boy!” his opponent hissed. “Surrender – for the sake of my sister! That is, if you truly love her as you say.”
Being called ‘boy’ awoke a new wrath in him, especially since he used this word to insult Pan, and this time he felt the anger in his younger self as well. He had always loathed being called ‘boy’ – possibly the reason why he taunted Pan so often this way.
And then he heard the voice of his teacher in his mind, the one who taught him to remain calm, to wait out a dangerous situation until it changed into his advantage or he could calculate the full risk. Feeling himself abruptly nodding, he pulled out his sword and let it fall. Then he reached for his pistol, intending to let it fall to the ground as well, but it would never come to that, as he perfectly remembered. He heard Isabella gasping and her shout “NO!” Instinctively, he ducked behind his horse’s head and saw the muzzle of a small pistol aimed at his face.
What came next he had never understood when he thought back on this event. For it had been too quick, even as it seemed to slow down. He saw the gun pointing at him and acted by reflex – the same instinct that saved him many times as pirate. He raised his pistol and his finger pulled the trigger. The shot rang in his ears while the bullet struck its target – direct, clean, deadly. For a moment, his opponent only looked at him and he could see, in the dim light of the torches held by the other men, the dark spot on her brother’s forehead. Then the young man sank from his horse – and the world turned upside-down.
From one moment to the next, he felt himself removed from the body of his younger self, and he the whole scene played before his eyes from the side, as if he were a ghost. Holding his breath, he watched what he had so often seen in his dreams, but he never had seen in the position of a ‘third person’. He heard Isabella’s high-pitched scream echoing through the forest, while he sat frozen on horseback.
Suddenly, Isabella guided her own horse in front of him, blocking him from his opponent’s companions. “Flee!” her voice pierced the erupting chaos, and he watched himself … doing nothing.
Hook didn’t need to watch the ensuing events. He knew them all too well. And so he looked away as his servant grabbed his stallion’s reins and yanked him and his mount away from the hell that had broken loose. Instead of observing the chaos, he glanced at the fallen young man, lying there beside the nervous hooves of his horse. To Hook’s amazement, her brother turned his head toward him, and their eyes met – dead-grey against forget-me-not-blue. James flinched and felt an icy shock. This man was dead! He COULDN’T look at him! Hook wanted to glance away, but found himself unable to. He tried to turn, but was suddenly immobile. He could do nothing but stare at the man he had shot, and watch his lips twist in a hateful smile before he mouthed: “I’ve won! And I will win again!”
James’ heart pounded hard in his chest. Yes, it was true! Isabella’s brother had indeed won, even in his death, because he had prevented the marriage of his sister with the man she chose. And he had won, because his death had inflicted a living hell on his sister’s young suitor, whom he had loathed from the very first.
Hook pressed his lips together. NO! This bastard hadn’t won! Because, after all the misery, pain, fear and cruelty he had been through, he had found love again; maybe the only true love he ever had! “No, you’ve lost!” he answered with fierce triumph. “Because I am neither dead, nor alone! I’ve lost your sister, but a new love was given to me! And this one nobody will take from me!”
His opponent only looked toward him with his dead eyes and smiled broader before the image vanished, and he could only see the corpse of the young count on the ground – immobile as it should be. He felt a cool wind in his curls and on his cheeks, and the forest around him faded into grey-white, as snow started to fall from the skies and covered the moss and leaves with its white, icy weight.
Relieved, he found he was able to move again, and turned away from the wintry scene, hoping deeply that this odd dream was over now, and—
And bumped into something smaller. Swallowing a curse, he looked down, directly into blue eyes behind spectacles. Dark brown hair fell over a high forehead, while the blue eyes narrowed. “You will not ruin her life, Hook!” the boyish voice hissed. “I will not let her stay in your clutches!”
James was momentarily perplexed, then irritated. “If you think I will be threatened by the little brother of my love, then you can think again, Mr. Darling!”
The boy glared at him. “She’s coming home! With me!” With that, he turned around and stalked away
Hook blinked. That little rat had the nerve to turn his back on him like a servant? Damn him! It was high time he learned some proper behavior!
He followed the boy several yards and was reaching to grab the retreating shoulder when he saw a slender, female form in the darkness, struggling against someone. He heard the familiar, sweet voice crying for someone to let her go. Instantly the lesson he had wanted to teach John was forgotten, and he broke into a run toward Wendy. But no matter fast he ran, he couldn’t reach her. The harder he tried to get to her, the further the distance seemed to stretch. For a moment, he could see her clearly before him. Faceless shapes held her and pulled her deeper into the darkness. Their eyes met and she twisted her head to see him better above the smaller shadows in front of her. “James!” she screamed. “Help me!” He threw himself forward, but still the distance grew. He ran faster, until his legs hurt and his lungs burned, but she was disappearing. He slapped branches out of his face and leaped over roots, one time he even stumbled and fell onto the snowy ground, but still he didn’t give up. But it was no use. He had his last glimpse of her, heard her sobbing for him, then her voice trailed of and he was alone in a dark, cold clearing. The forest was deadly silent, not the slightest noise was heard.
“Wendy?” he called and listened with rising despair for an answer. Nothing. “Wendy!” this time he shouted louder, while his panic, under control until now, broke free. He looked frantically around him, trying to see something in the dark shadows, but the forest remained empty.
No! This was only a dream, he reminded himself, but nonetheless ice-cold fear gripped him. ‘I will never leave you!’ she had promised, and now she had been taken away by force from him.
“Wendy!!”
His scream echoed through the icy air, while pain spread through all of him. She was gone, and he could do nothing to change that! She was lost to him as well! With a tormented cry he sank on his knees, and let the tears run freely – grief and sorrow too overwhelming to hold back.
Suddenly warm slender arms were wrapped around him, arms with a surprising strength. And they were familiar. “James? I’m here. Wake up, love!”
Wake up? This was something he wanted desperately. Still, a part of him knew that this was all a dream and that the pain would end as soon as he woke up, but again he couldn’t. He felt her soft lips on his cheek and her silky hair tickling his suddenly bare chest. “Hush, my love. It’s only a dream. Let go of it! Let go!” He closed his eyes and wished himself, with all his might, back on the Jolly Roger, back into the arms of his beloved sweet Wendy and—

****************************************************

-- and with a loud gasp he found himself back in his bed and Wendy beside him. She had wrapped her arms around him as far as possible and nuzzled his cheek, whispering soothing things to him, while her hands stroked his arms and chest. “Ssh, my darling, you’re here with me. You’re not alone!”
Sighing he forced himself to relax, while his hand captured one of hers, lifting it to his mouth where he softly kissed the delicate fingers. He felt her full lips at his temple and shifted to face her. He took her into his arms with a need that was like the urge to breathe, and she instantly snuggled closer to him and laid one arm over his hip.
“Better now, honey?” she asked and eyed him questioningly. The dim silver moonlight heightened his pale, haunted appearance, one she hadn’t seen for a long time. He didn’t answer, but swallowed hard. Kissing him tenderly, she tangled her legs with his and rubbed his hip and back. “What have you dreamed, my love?”
A humorless bark escaped his throat. “I think a very similar nightmare to yours, kitten. I dreamed of losing you.” He took another deep breath and closed his eyes. “This damn island will drive me crazy one day.”
Her lips tickled him on his shoulder as she kissed him there. “I don’t think that it is Neverland’s fault. I rather think that our nightmares are the result of the deep fear we have of one day being without each other.” She nestled closer to him. “And now, after we learn that the boys are returning to London, this fear is revealed in our nightmares.”
James pulled the blanket higher and took care that she was warm beneath it. “Tell me honestly, Wendy: have you thought about going with them?” Before she could answer he continued: “Please think clearly on it. When they go tomorrow, you will have no more chance to see them or your parents again. You will be separated from them forever.” He bit his lips and lowered his voice to mask the sudden shake in it. “I couldn’t blame you, if you—“
She laid her fingers gently against his lips. “We had this discussion already last evening. Stop worrying, sweetheart. I’ve told you time and time again – and even swore – that I will remain at your side, that I will never, ever leave you. If my choices are them without you, or you without them, I much prefer the latter.” She replaced her hand with her lips. “I love you, and nothing could be worse or more cruel than to be away from you.” Her fingers combed through his soft mane. “I’ll give Slightly our letters tomorrow and bid them all farewell. And then our life together truly begins.”
He licked his lips. “Will you miss them?”
Wendy lowered her gaze. “Of course I will miss them. I will miss them terribly.” Her look returned to his. “But it is a loss I am able to bear. What I could never bear would be a life without you. You’re my soul and my life belongs only to you. Without you I would fade away.” Her mouth breathed the gentlest kiss on his lips. “I wouldn’t vanish, of course, but my soul would die.”
James frowned as he recognized how her words described his dream. He tucked her head under his chin and felt her soft breath on his skin, as she hugged her face to his chest. Could love really kill a soul by the lack of nearness to the other one? ‘Yes,’ he remembered, ‘it killed Isabella’s.’
His fingers tangled in her thick hair, then glided over the smooth skin of her bare back. ‘But not this time!’ he swore fiercely to himself. This time he would not allow his love to destroy his beloved. This time -- he would make no mistake, take no risk! This time -- he would be clever, and this time he knew the threat which lurked somewhere in the darkness.
Wait! What was he thinking? There was no danger at hand, no need to run away with her and into a trap! His situation was nothing like the old story! She would say good-by to the boys tomorrow with a few tears but good feelings, and the two of them would return to his ship and start their new life together. Of course he would accompany her tomorrow. Not, that he didn’t trust her – or Pan in this case – but Neverland was impulsive, precipitous and dangerous, and he would never risk her harm.
Wendy seemed to read his thoughts and shifting, murmured, “Will you come with me tomorrow?”
“Of course! I wouldn’t allow you to face so difficult a mission as an eternal good-by to your family all alone.” He kissed her forehead.
“Thank you,” she answered, relieved.
“You’re most welcome, my dear. Where will you meet them?”
She smiled. She had already told him the location during their talk, but she knew that he hadn’t really listened. His fear that she would leave him after all now that her brothers were returning home had held him, even if he had attempted to hide it. The nightmare he’d just had was the best proof of that. Of course he was afraid. Except for Smee, there had been no one close to him, no one who had shown consideration for him and his feelings. Stroking his cheek, she answered: “In the clearing by the great waterfall.”
He thought a moment and continued: “Afterward I –“
The girl interrupted him gently. “James? When we go to the island to say goodbye, can your men fetch something for me? When Peter leaves, Neverland will be covered by snow, and there will be no way for me to get it.” She didn’t need to look at him to know he was curious.
“What ever you wish, kitten. May I help you—“
She shook quickly her head. “No, this has to do with the surprise and … the special evening I promised you last week.”
She heard the grin in his voice. “So you’re convinced that I’m well?”
Giggling she nodded. “Aye, great Captain. You’re definitely completely cured.” She dabbed a kiss on his nose, which made him chuckle. “And know this, James Hook, you will need every ounce of strength you can muster.”
He had a fairly good idea what she had in mind, but was hazy on the details.. “I think I can be patient until then.”
Wendy smiled impishly and found a more comfortable position in his arms. “That’s good.” She yawned and rubbed her nose, which reminded him again of a spoiled happy kitten.
Feeling a strong surge of tenderness and love at the sight, he hugged her tightly to him, before he relaxed and whispered a gentle: “Good night, little wildcat.”
She yawned again, clearly tired now. “Good night, love,” she murmured, before her steady breathing revealed that she had fallen asleep. With a small smile, he watched her for several minutes, until his own eyes closed, and he drifted away into a deep and dreamless sleep.

Far below the Never-Tree, John and Nibs lay wide awake and staring into the deep twilight of the underground-home, only sparsely lit by candles on the table. Everyone else was asleep. They even could hear Tootles snoring and the light in Tink’s little bedchamber was nearly out – proof that the fairy slept as well. “Do you really think it’ll work?” Nibs whispered and looked at his friend.
John took a deep breath. “It has to!”
The third in command of the Lost Boys pressed his lips together. “I don’t know if it’s the right thing for Wendy. I mean, look at her! She really is mad about him--"
“Mad! That’s the right word for it, Nibs. It’s pure madness to consider a life at the side of that villain. She’s practically throwing her life away – no, she almost HAS thrown it away. It will be difficult to explain why she isn’t decent any longer. And as far as I know, my sister she will deny vehemently that her ‘precious James’ raped her.”
Nibs shifted and looked at the ceiling which was nearly invisible in the darkness. “She just doesn’t want to lie.”
“You know that in her case that’s foolishness!” John replied, and stretched himself.
“What about Slightly? You know he’s on her side, and even approves of her with Hook. He’ll be a problem, if we want to--"
“I’ve thought about that. Tootles will distract him.” He looked in the direction of the chubby boy, who snored as though trying to be heard at the other side of the island.
“Tootles?” Nibs asked bewildered and the eldest of the Darling-sons nodded.
“Yes. I explained the whole problem and how Wendy must return home.”
“Are you sure he understands what you meant? That he will help tear Wendy away from a life she truly wants?”
In the dim light he saw John’s eyes narrow. “Don’t start again with that sentimental drivel. She’s my sister, and I’m not going to stand around with my arms folded while she runs straight into calamity. It’s my duty to prevent that. And it’s exactly that what Father and Mother would expect of me.” He glanced at his friend and saw the skepticism return. “Try to sleep, Nibs. We’ll need all our strength for the fight home tomorrow.”
The other boy sat up. “Does Peter know about your plan?”
John nodded. “I talked to him. Honestly, he didn’t seem to understand why it was important that we take Wendy back to London. Of course, he knows that it would be a big mistake if she stays with Hook, but somehow he lacks his old enmity against the captain.” He yawned. “No matter. I don’t think that he’ll hinder us taking Wendy with us – even against her will.”
Nibs felt a low pang in his belly. “She’ll be so angry – and so unhappy.”
John shrugged. “She’ll come to her senses one day, and then she’ll be grateful that we saved her from a life at the side of that … that murderer.” He lay back and shifted to his side. “Good night, Nibs, and thanks for wanting to help me.”
The other boy didn’t answer, for he felt a gnawing guilt awaking, as well as strong misgivings about what they were about to do.

The next morning, sunbeams danced upon the waves and bathed the forests of Neverland in gold, while the soft warm air promised another brilliant day. So it was no wonder that Wendy, dressed only in her undergarments, was surprised to face a worried fairy-queen when she approached from behind the Spanish wall. Blushing, the girl wanted to retreat, but the tiny creature only waved impatiently for her to approach.
Curious, Wendy stepped nearer – she hadn’t seen the fairy for several days now – and threw a quick look around her. Yes, James was still outside – something about the second cannon-deck, as she had heard as she was washing. “Good morning, Your Majesty,” she greeted politely. “Please excuse my state--"
The queen shook her head and then Wendy heard the familiar voice in her mind again. “I am here to warn you and the man you love. Something is up.”
The girl sat down on the bed and looked at the diminutive royal. “What do you mean?”
The Lady took a deep breath. “I don’t have details, but the signs never lie. The day may be sunny, but I feel a dark shadow approaching swiftly. Until now, it is still unseen, but it already towers over Neverland and this ship. Something is about to happen, if you aren’t very careful, something that will bring darkness to you all and will chill all the warmth in your hearts.”
The girl swallowed, while a stone seemed to grow in her stomach. “The dreams—“ she began and had the fairy-queen’s full attention.
“What dreams?”
“James and I both had nightmares about losing each other. Someone tried to tear me away from Neverland,” Wendy murmured and the big eyes of the fairy-queen grew even wider.
“Be watchful then! If you two are separated, there will be no rejoining. His heart will turn to stone and he will be lost forever, and with him, a great part of Neverland as well. The balance would be utterly destroyed. And you—“ She lowered her head. “I don’t think that I have to describe what would happen to you.”
Wendy wrapped her arms around her. “Yes. I would die, too.” She bit her lips. “Even imagining a life without him hurts.”
The tiny creature nodded. “I know what it is to love completely and to give your soul to another.” Wendy looked wide-eyed at her and the Lady smiled. “Yes, we can feel only one emotion at time, but it is consuming. And you have to agree that love is the most consuming of all – even more than its darker side - hate.”
The girl nodded thoughtfully. “That reminds me, didn’t you say that love would set him free? And that his link to Neverland would be dissolved if his hatred for Peter was dispelled?”
The Queen nearly smiled again. “Indeed. Have patience, my dear. A chain formed through years of forging will not be broken so quickly.” She held up her hand to stop Wendy’s questions. “Patience, child. Your questions will be answered in due time.” She lowered her hand and looked aside. “That is, when time isn’t working against you both.” Wendy felt a thin fear run a cold tip down her back and watched as the fairy lifted into the air. “Be careful, child. I have faith in you – and in him, even if he is the most stubborn and arrogant mortal I ever met!” She flew to Wendy and touched her cheek. “All you need is faith as well, and whatever happens, don’t give up your love!”
“Never!” Wendy answered fiercely. “I love him more than my own life!”
The fairy smiled. “That is your best weapon, though I hope it doesn’t come to that.” She turned toward the window, but before she flew off she looked back one last time. “I don’t know, if we will see you again, Wendy Darling. If not, I wish you a long and happy life. You’re one of the few mortals who have impressed me.” Before Wendy could say anything, the little Queen darted out the window, her golden trail disappearing in the bright sunbeams.

The deep forests bloomed in rich colors – from pale lime to dark evergreen, from shell pink to blood red, from white to yellow and from moondust blue to the cobalt blue of the skies at midnight. The air was balmy in the shade the high trees offered. The songs of the birds echoed through the golden day, and in the bushes you could hear small animals rustling about as the little group strolled between the trees.
Suddenly Wendy stopped and looked with shining eyes around her. “Perfect!” she said and turned toward Hook, who stood beside her.
“Perfect for what, my dear?”
She grinned. “Don’t be nosy, James! You’ll spoil the surprise!” She met his amused gaze and waved with her hands. “What are you waiting for, honey? There you go!” She pointed straight in front of her. “And don’t peek!”
Hook heard the snorts of amusement from Smee, Cecco and Albino behind him, shot them a dark glare and motioned for them to follow him. Wendy watched him go and giggled when he looked back one last time and rolled his eyes.
James shook his head. Here he was, the most feared and dangerous captain of the Seven Seas, and what was he doing? Obeying the ‘command’ of a girl -- in front of his men! But of course she was right. After all, she prepared a surprise for him and …
And she looked like an angel as she stood there in her light summer dress, bathed in the sunbeams that found their way through the branches. Her hair was piled on her head in a disordered mound of silken, curly strands; several curls falling playful about her face. Only the rough sack she held in her hand looked out of place. Hook raised an amused eyebrow. He really hadn’t a clue what his girl had in mind, but he was indeed curious – and touched that she put forth so much effort to provide a special evening. “Be careful, kitten. If something happens, I’m not far away!”
Wendy smiled, “Thanks. And now: bye-bye!”
Bowing, James did as she asked of him and took care to lead his men to a distance, where none of them could see her. Nevertheless, he could be at her side in seconds, if something happened – like a wild animal for example.
Whistling, Wendy glanced around her and saw the many wild blooms growing on trees, in bushes, from the turf. Back in England, it would have felt a sin to cull them, after all they looked so beautiful in their natural surroundings. But the girl knew that they would all die as soon as Peter left the island to escort her brothers and friends home. Snow would cover the island, and the whole magical realm would sink into a winter sleep, until its little prince returned.
Bending down, Wendy started to gather the flowers, preferring red and white. Several wild roses were found, and she harvested them as well, for she knew that James loved roses. After the sack was almost full, she tied it up and went the direction the men had taken. She met them in a small clearing where they sat on several small rocks and talked to each other – which means that Smee told a funny tale about Dublin, while Cecco and Albino listened, and Hook leaned against a tree and simply enjoyed the warm sunshine on his face, eyes closed. He must have sensed her presence, for he opened his eyes and looked at her – a soft smile playing about his mouth -- before he wiped the pleased expression from his face and put on his Captain’s face again. “Every thing all right, Miss Darling?”
She nodded beaming and handed Cecco the sack. “Please take care that this gets into our quarters and don’t open it!” she added with feigned strictness.
The giant pirate grinned at her. “My pleasure, Missy.”
Hook looked at him. “You and Mr. Albino shall return to the boat and wait there for--" The loud shouts of the men who had rowed them ashore rang through the forests, calling for the captain. Alerted, Hook raised his voice and signaled where he was.
Out of breath Mason, Mullins and a third man broke through the coppice only a moment later, storming toward their commander. “Cap’n,” Mason started. “T’at damn bastard is aboard and--"
“Of whom do you speak, Mr. Mason?” James asked irritated. He hated it to be disturbed and then to get no accurate information.
“T’at damn guy ye grounded ‘ere, Sir!” Mullins said, his face was grim. “Some’ow he managed to get to t’e ship, Sir. Skye escaped wit’ one of t’e boats and--"
At that moment, the rest of his men ashore and Skye ran toward him. “Mr. Skye! What happened?” he asked with a cold voice, once again the fearsome pirate-captain everyone knew.
The older pirate fought for breath, as he began: “He ‘as come aboard wit’out our notice. We t’ink t’at he swam to t’e ship when he saw you and the few of us rowin’ ashore. He’s barricaded himself in the powder-storage and t’reatens to blow up t’e ship, if’n ye don’t give him a longboat and complete equipment and food for a week.”
James’ face hardened while his eyes glistened in a unholy fire. Energy washed through his veins. No one blackmailed him! And whoever dared to try would deeply regret it! And he himself regretted something else in this moment as well: that he hadn’t killed the bastard when he had the chance. But no, he had spared him – to show mercy in front of his girl. Vagrants and vandals! The pirate’s world had no room for mercy! And now he had to deal with this mistake.
He pulled his pistol out and gave it to the girl. “Wendy, you stay here! Go to the clearing and tell Pan what happened. He has to wait until I’ve eliminated this problem and come back for you before he can take a trip to good old London! Take the pistol with you in case something happens!”
She approached him and touched his arm, a vague fear rising in her, while she took the weapon. “James, please don’t go, or else take me with you. The men can--"
He touched her cheek before he took the cape from Smee that he had brought with them for her, for their ride back to the ship after the snow started to fall. “Kitten, it will come to a fight and I don’t want you in the middle of it. Stay here with Peter and--"
“But what if this fiend really destroys the ship? You will be there and--"
He silenced her with a kiss. “Don’t be afraid. This man is nothing I can’t handle.” He turned toward his men. “Gentlemen, I think we have a rendezvous with a crazed chicken.” He stormed off, his men already on their way to the landing. James didn’t know why, but he turned one time around to look at his girl. He felt an odd chill slither up his back and the sudden impulse to take her with him. But on the ship, she would be in danger, and he swore to himself to keep her away from all danger. So he simply blew her a kiss and followed his men.
Wendy looked after him and felt a cold pang in her belly, as his figure disappeared between the trees and she could no longer see his red frockcoat. She felt alone and lost for a moment, but then she scolded herself. James was right. One man was really something he could handle, and the scoundrel must be insane to blackmail someone like James Hook. He would never make it away from the ship alive – and, to her own surprise, she didn’t mind a bit. That bastard hadn’t deserved any better.
Sighing and praying that James was going to be out of danger soon, she turned to the direction of the great waterfall and wandered through the forest. It wasn’t long before she heard a soft “whoosh” beside her, and Peter appeared in front of her face, standing several feet over the ground. He smiled widely and greeted her with a soft. “Hello, Wendy-Lady!”
The girl felt a part of her worry vanishing and smiled back. “Hello, boy! How are you?”
He cocked his head. “Quite well. I’m going to miss your brothers and the other ones, but then, I still have the other Lost Boys and--" he shrugged and landed on the soft moss. His gaze found the pistol. “Why do you carry a weapon?” he asked, surprised.
Wendy took a deep breath and told him what was happening on board the Jolly Roger. Peter whistled and shook his sandy-gold locks. “He can’t stay out of trouble, eh?” he joked.
“Who?” the girl asked confused.
“Hook. He’s always saving his ship from something or another!”
Wendy made a face. “It’s the duty of a good commander.” She lowered her gaze. “He was here to accompany me when I say good-bye.” She sighed. “I should be disappointed that he had to go, but the only thing I care about is that he comes through it unhurt.”
Peter looked at her more closely, and saw the deep caring in her eyes, and fear for the captain. She really loved him and he felt a small guilt growing in him. He knew perfectly well about John’s plan, and that she wouldn’t leave Neverland of her own free will. Not this time. And suddenly -- he couldn’t stand to look in her eyes anymore. “He’ll be fine, Wendy. He’s a survivor!”
Wendy didn’t know why, but this statement disquieted her. Of course, Peter meant the occurrence with Blackbeard’s pirate on the ship, but why did she feel so uncertain? Why was her conscience scratching at her so insistently?
“Come on, we’re leaving soon. Do you have a cape or something with you?” A short nod was her answer, and she showed him the cape over her left arm. Peter grinned. “You think of everything.”
Wendy flinched as she remembered that she had said exactly the same thing to James the day before, during their jaunt to the beach. “I hope so,” she answered and followed her friend to the great waterfall. The boys were all there: her new brothers, Slightly, the new Lost boys and John and Michael. Tink soared above them and made a very important face. After all, it was her fairy-dust that would enable the boys to fly home. A pain shot through the girl as she realized now that this was the finally good-bye. Even if Neverland would allow James and his ship to go free, she couldn’t know if she would ever see her family again.
Tears welled up in her eyes. She blinked them away as she walked over to the boys. “Heigh ho!” she greeted and swallowed the lump in her throat and smiled. Her adopted brothers embraced her and the youngest of the twins sniffled, until she wiped his eyes with the corner of her cape. “Calm down, little one,” she said gently. “Maybe we will meet again.”
“What do you mean?” John asked and Wendy shrugged.
This is Neverland. You never know what the island has in mind for you.” She didn’t want to wake false hope in the boys, and she didn’t want to alert Peter that possibly Hook’s link to the island was breaking.
Slightly embraced her as well. “Be careful, cousin. As you said: this is Neverland and even here, danger is always at hand.”
She smiled. “Don’t be afraid, Slightly, James will take very good care of me.” She reached into her dress-pocket and pulled out two letters. “Please give them to Father and Mother. They will explain everything.”
“Two letters?” Michael asked, forgetting his tears for a moment. Wendy nodded.
“The second one is from James. I think he wanted to explain himself to our parents. After all he is – more or less – their son-in-law.”
John lifted a brow. He never expected that kind of thoughtfulness from the captain. Could he be about to do the wrong thing? But no! This life here could never be good for her! Biting his lips he pulled her aside, deciding to give her one last chance to change her mind. “Wendy, do you really insist on staying here?”
The girl sighed. “John, dearest brother, haven’t we talked about that enough?”
The boy took a deep breath. “What about when you need a doctor?
Wendy frowned “A doctor?”
John rolled his eyes. “You could already be pregnant,” he whispered quietly, only to her.
The girl paled. She had never thought about that. She and James had made love so many times that she had lost count. And lost count of the days since her last courses. Of course, John was right. She already could be with child, and she didn’t how James would react to this. He didn’t like children, he had told her that often enough. But on the other hand, it would be THEIR child, and she felt deep in her heart that he would love it. After all, he even had found some kind of arrangement with Peter. “If I am – or going to – be pregnant, then there are the women of the village. They will help me!”
John indicated the verdure about him. “Do you really want to give birth to your child here – on a ship full of pirates?”
“Home is home, John, and this where the heart beats.”
The boy made a grimace. This was typical of his sister – and she gave him no other chance than to carry out his plan and to take her to safety. “As you wish, Wendy,” he said and hugged her. “Be careful, right?”
She nodded and returned his hug. “I will.” They returned to the little group and Peter gave her an odd smile. “Everything clear?” he asked and John made an affirmation gesture.
“Can’t you wait until James comes back?” she asked the Prince of Neverland and the boy looked to the skies. “It’s getting late, Wendy, I am sorry.”
John tugged at her sleeve. “I’ve an idea. You come with us part of the way, and then you fly back to the Jolly Roger.”
Skeptically, she looked at him. “James wouldn’t be very pleased if I returned to the ship before the danger is over.”
Slightly shrugged. “Maybe you can turn the tables once again, as you did with Blackbeard.”
She grinned. “Don’t let him hear you!”
“No chance!”
Full of expectation, the boys looked at her. “Please fly with us – if only to the portal!” Tootles begged and Curly nodded.
“Please, Wendy! After all we will never see you again.”
The other boys joined their pleas and Wendy sighed. She really couldn’t deny them this last wish. “All right!” she said and lifted her hands in surrender. “I’ll fly the first part with you. But then I have to return.”
The boys cheered and Tink flew over her, baptizing her with the golden dust. Wendy felt Peter’s breath on her cheek, as he hovered behind her in the air and whispered into her ear: “Think happy thoughts, Wendy-Lady!”
The girl closed her eyes and immediately she saw the dear face of James in her mind. She saw his sparkling eyes and the soft smile tugging at his arrogant mouth – and suddenly she found herself back in the air. Grinning she looked around her and saw the returning boys, while the new Lost Boys remained on the ground. “Fare-well!” they called and the other boys waved back. They all knew that they wouldn’t see each other again.
Peter had already taken the lead and guided them up into the sky, Tink at his side. “Slightly!” Tootles called and the former second in command flew to his side.
“What is it?”
“I can’t quite handle my bundle.”
Slightly rolled his eyes. “Here, let me fix it for you!”
Wendy paid them no mind, but relished in the sensation of flying again. Neverland lay beneath her in its rich variety of colors and smells, and she could see the Jolly Roger -- from where she could hear shooting and then loud cheers. “Yes, he won!” she screamed and beamed at John, who was beside her.
“Of course he won,” her brother retorted dryly and took her hand. “Come on, only a little bit more with us and--" he looked around. “Oh no, they’re further than I thought. Hey, Nibs, Curly, Peter, wait for us!”
Wendy giggled. “Oh John, you’ve always been slower than they were!”
“Thank you so much, dear sister!” John was smiling warily.
The girl looked down. Neverland was growing smaller and she felt a tug of alarm in her middle. “John, I have to stop here. I don’t want to go any further!”
Her brother nodded, but didn’t release her hand. Now Nibs was also at her side. “Hey,” he greeted and took her other hand.
Wendy could feel the hair in her neck rising. “What are you doing?” She looked down and was shocked to see the distance between her and the island where the first clouds had already arrived. Her brother didn’t answer and she away to free herself. “Let go!” she demanded, and suddenly, the she remembered the dream. No, this couldn’t be! It was only a dream and--
Horrified, she realized that the two boys were dragging her away from Neverland, where now the first snow had begun to fall. Icy fear shot through her. “No!” she whispered thinly. “No, you can’t do this!”
John looked at her. “Now, Wendy, it’s only in your best interest.”
His statement seemed to awaken her. “NO!” she screamed and started to struggle. “No, you will not tear us apart!”
“This relationship is madness, Wendy! You will regret it terribly if you stay here!”
“No!” the girl answered fiercely. “I love him! I can’t live without him! Please, let me go! You don’t know what you’re doing to me!”
John shook his head and, with rising panic, she saw the island like a small spot under her feet. Desperately she tried to fight, even kicked at her brother, but somehow he managed to keep his hold on her. Wendy started to shout for help – for James, for Peter and Slightly. Someone had to help her! – now, before she reached Neverland’s frontier! “No, James,” she whispered, while tears fell down her cheeks, her loss of her happy thought making her heavier by the second. “No, this can’t be the end!”

**************************

Hook was furious and ignored the loud cheers around him. How could this devious dog sneak aboard the Jolly Roger – without anyone noticing him – and than barricade himself in the powder-store, unnoticed, as well? The men guarding him must have fallen asleep, or they’d have to be blind and deaf! And he would show them what happened when you slept during the guard duty!
With grim satisfaction he looked down into the water where the Spaniard had disappeared – the DEAD Spaniard, of course. It had been easy to trick him. Hook had kept his return to the ship unknown to the enemy, so that the man had felt safe. The crew had pretended – in conformity to their captain’s order – to accept his deal, and when the hostile had shown himself, his fate was sealed. Even with a burning torch and a small barrel with gun-powder, threatening to light it if anyone came near, James hadn’t been the slightest bit alarmed. He simply had pulled the pistol he had fetched from his cabin, had called to the man, and as he had turned around –shocked to suddenly face the one-handed captain – Hook shot him. Quick. Clean. Accurate.
“You see, gentleman, that’s how you handle someone who attempts to blackmail you!” he said calmly, and the rest of the crew swallowed nervously, stepping backward to be out of his reach. “Who was on guard?” he asked and the two men, whose duty it had been to have ‘open eyes and ears’, shuffled forward.
“Us’n’s, Cap’n! Frank an’ me,” Joe answered, white as a sheet. He didn’t dare to look in the eyes of his commander.
“Mr. Carter, you know that I appreciate your fighting prowess, and your sharp eye at the cannons. Will you explain to me how this … prisoner … was able to escape behind your back?”
The pirate wasn’t misled by the kindly tone which Hook used. He was very aware of the fact that his life, and that of his friend, hung by a thread. “Sir, I was on guard and patrolled t’e main-deck, when I felt a sharp pain on me head an’ t’e next t’ing I knew was t’at Cookson slappin’ me to wake up.” He rubbed the thick bump on his head.
Hook nodded. “In other words, he got by you.” His gaze found Frank Meyer. “And your excuse for your lack of attention, Mr. Meyer?”
The blond man with the dark eyes felt fear creeping through his whole body, but he knew that his commander preferred courage, and so he did his best to hide his dread and to appear calm. “I was at the bow, Sir, because I had duty at the fore of the ship.” His German accent was clear now, which told Hook enough. Meyer was a fierce fighter and lived long enough with his men to speak English very well. His pronounced accent proved his emotional state. So, the crew still feared him. Even after the incident two evenings ago, and after everyone had a good laugh because of his ‘dip’, they not only respected him, but feared his temper. Good, his reputation was safe.
But, on the other hand, he suddenly realized that this time, their fear had kept them from informing him as soon as something had gone wrong. He took a deep breath. He now faced a situation that demanded a decision that was more than a simple order of punishment.
If he ordered a harsh punishment – like whipping or keelhauling– then the relaxed manner his men had started to show around him would cease. On the other hand, if he excused this neglect of duty, his men would see him as ‘soft’ and discipline would become a troublesome issue. To captain a pirate vessel was always a dance on the edge of the knife, but right now, it was as volatile as this barrel of gun-powder that lay only feet away.
His gaze met Smee’s. They’d both known each other so long now – for half an eternity – but it was the first time he could read the thoughts of his boatswain openly in the pale eyes behind the spectacles. Not that the Irishman had never tried to talk to him with his eyes before, but for now, he could understand what Smee was thinking. It was respectful advice and a silent warning. For a second, James remembered a time when he had been a young man, barely out of boyhood, listening to the wisdom of a younger Bryan Smee, whose instinct had always led the right way.
James blinked and found himself back aboard the Jolly Roger. Now he was the captain, and that meant there were decisions to be made. “Mr. Meyer, Mr. Carter?” The entire crew held their breath. “You both disappointed me by letting down your guard. But I also see that sometimes the circumstances can be unfortunate, and even the most watchful man can be taken by surprise. You both will get extra duty, and you will clean the entire ship over the next two days. Especially the powder storage area should look like new, free of the reek of that bastard. Do we understand each other?”
Both men couldn’t believe their luck, and nodded eagerly. “Aye, Aye, Cap’n.”
Hook nodded. “Dismissed!” They ran off as quickly as their legs could carry them. James made a face and looked at the beaming faces around him. He suddenly felt uncertain, and because of that, sought refuge in his grim role of pirate-captain. “What’s the matter, you dogs? Back to work!”
Hiding their grins, the men obeyed; every one of them had seen through Hook’s bluster and mercy, but they didn’t mind. They liked him better this way – much better!
James shook his head and looked at Smee, who stepped beside him. “A very wise decision, Sir.”
Hook made an irritated face. “Thank you so much, Mr. Smee.” He chuckled. “Heavens, what has that girl made out of me!?”
The boatswain giggled. “If I may, Sir, a fair commander, who is well-respected by his men. Fear is a poor way to win loyalty. But the men are with you, especially now. They like you in a way, you know.”
Hook stared at him. “Is there something more I should know?”
Smee smiled. “No, Sir, but to interceding with the captain on behalf the crew has always been my biggest job, and I am too old now to learn a new one.”
James snorted, amused, and poked him on the shoulder. “Come on, you old hen. I’ve a lady to pick-up and--" He stopped in the middle of the sentence as a cold wind blew in his face. Alarmed he looked up saw thick, dark clouds approaching and covering the sun. “Damn,” he snarled. “I ordered that damn boy to wait until I returned to the waterfall. But no, he has to follow his own thickheaded ideas and leave her alone on a freezing island! Curse his empty skull!” He stormed toward the boats, barking for his men to follow him and to row him ashore. They had to hurry before the frigid winter grew until even the sea changed into ice. And he really didn’t like the idea of walking back to the ship over a slippery, dangerous frozen sea and with a freezing Wendy in his arms.
“Cap’n!” It was Mason who shouted for him, shock in his voice.
Impatient, Hook whirled around. “I’ve no time for--" he began, but the next words of the crewman shut him up.
“Sir, I see Pan and the boys – an’d yer lady, Sir. She flies wit’ t’em!”
In seconds, Hook was beside him and caught Mason’s spyglass. With shaking fingers he lifted it before his eyes, while a cold fear spread through him. NO! She wouldn’t leave him! She had promised to stay with him! She couldn’t do this to him – not this way and even without a good-bye. She cared for him, she LOVED him and hadn’t it only said, but meant it! He had read it in her eyes often enough. All that they had together couldn’t be a lie. It took a moment before he found the little group high up in the skies, and then he saw her – his Wendy. She wore her cape, which fluttered in the wind, as well as her skirts and her hair, which couldn’t be held by the hairpins any longer. One boy was beside her and held her hand. It was John, as far as he could see. Then a second boy flew over to them and caught her other hand. Nibs, if he recognized him correctly. And then he heard John’s voice in his mind from his dream last night: “I will not let her stay in your clutches!”
The fear turned into horror as he realized that his nightmare was coming true. With rising panic, he watched as the boys started to drag her away while she began to fight them. He even thought he could hear her cries for help, “James! Peter! Help me!” and for a moment he could see her face clearly through the spyglass – pale and washed with tears. No, she didn’t leave him, not of her own free will, but by force.
The figures grew smaller and smaller in the darkening skies. The memory of his dream the night before returned clearly now – that terrible situation in which she was forced away from him, where he could do absolutely nothing to prevent it. Exactly as in his dream he could only watch helplessly as she was pulled into the shadows, away from him. And if she could be dragged over the frontier of Neverland, he would never see her again. “No,” he whispered and felt hot tears dwelling up in his eyes. “No, please don’t take her away from me!”
He didn’t see that the crew was congregated about him. His only thought now was his girl, the one he would lose forever, if no miracle came about. “NOOOOO!” he screamed on the tops of his lungs. “Let her go! Please! Peter, you took my hand, don’t take my heart from me as well!”
He felt Smee’s hand on his shoulder, but he shrugged it off, climbing onto the rail. “Wendy! Fight!! Fight for us! Please, kitten, throw them off!!!”
He didn’t feel the tears anointing his cheeks. The only thing he felt was utter despair and pain, as if a hot knife were driven into his body and twisted, until he thought he must surely die of the agony.
Trembling, he saw a last glimpse of her before the dark clouds covered that part of the sky.
She was gone.
He was alone.
What they had shared, the passion, the love, the tenderness they found in each other’s arms, the safety and wholeness of their nearness … was over. All that remained were the memories of a beautiful, fiery, soft angel who had brought light into his darkness and calm to his restless soul. For several wonderful weeks he had felt love and desire, felt loved and desired, and had found a home and security in a pair of slender arms which had clung to him as if he meant life itself to her – something she had told him over and over again. And meant it!
James didn’t feel the spyglass slide out of his hand, nor his knees give in. As the first snow started to fall on the deck, he knelt before the broken pieces of a life that he might have had – and which was taken from him, again. He felt every hope and faith in his heart dying away and leaving a cold, empty, dark place – exactly like the world around him.

TBC…
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In the swirl of passion