Disclaimer: All canon things belong to Adam, Eddie, and ABC (and also Disney).
And here we see a want for a nail...
Prologue
Everything, in essence, comes down to choice. While it's true for events to happen randomly, the reaction and action taken afterwards affect future outcomes, affect future choices.
In one life, Cora, the Queen of Hearts, opted to cast a protective spell on a small piece of land she occupied with a fellow conspirator, Captain Hook, along with a number of unwitting people. The reason? To bide time until her daughter Regina's Dark Curse was lifted, and to take advantage of Regina's misery upon being defeated.
In this life, however, Cora chose a different path. She chose to let the curse take them all, but not before taking measures to protect herself, of course. This would have more far-reaching effects than even Cora could have imagined, on villains and heroes alike.
Check the next chapter to learn more.
