"I hate that I've brought you all with me," I said. "But I am glad I'm not alone."

I wasn't sure what would happen to me here without the rest of them. Peter could be so cruel, so dangerous, but also so manipulative and convincing. If I was alone, if I thought there was no chance to see my friends again, I had to wonder if I might end up back with Peter. Only long enough for him to kill me, of course, because I was too grown up for him now. He didn't like seeing me like this. Almost a man.

It had been a surprise to find I liked growing up, but Peter would never be able to. And he would never keep anyone who could.