A/N: Mentions of suicide, Sorry for mistakes.

Chapter Four

El Bosque Encantado, Spain.

October 22, 2017

Well it didn't take much convincing, once Emma mentioned Spain and malevolent spirits everyone was on board. Well Lily was on board for the angry ghosts while the guys were more excited about the beaches, party scenes and girls. Emma didn't particularly care. She just wanted everyone to be focused for the investigation. Emma was there for more than to find an exotic girl. For one thing, Emma traveled that far for one particular girl. A girl who needed her. Emma swore that she would do everything in her power to free her. While her friends were choosing bathing suits and outfits to wear Emma had done more research on the believed to be haunted castle. Emma had come to know a few things that worried her. For one Queen Cora was an urban legend in those parts of El Bosque Encantado.

Lots of children and teens believed that if you go to your basement, cut the lights out and light candles then look into a hand mirror and say "I know where your daughters are, your majesty," Queen Cora will appear in the refection then she will show the person images of her dead daughters. Then there's an even scarier one where someone will perform the same ritual but instead they say, "Why have you left me behind, mother?" she will then come in the middle of the night and stab the person to death. There are accounts of it. Video footage of her arriving and even watching her victims sleep. There was one that spooked her where the woman would stroke the girl's cheek or brush hair out of her face. She wouldn't kill them or she doesn't make it that far but knowing that her presence is true is the scariest part of all.

Emma wants to confront her as well. She wants her to free her girls and to stop leaving the castle. For one thing, she has caused too much damage to her girls and even the living world. Emma doesn't care if she rests or not but she will free her daughter.

Speaking of which Emma also read about the three young girls. Two in their late teens and one in her early twenties. One of them, Emma has come to know her as Zelena. The oldest of the three, is very protective of her sisters even in death. She will become violent when anyone comes near either of them or a room that was deemed theirs. She becomes very active when people are nearby. Then there's the middle girl, Anastasia. She's noisy and tends to cry and scream when she's disturbed. She hates visitors as well. And now we finally come to little Regina. Cora's youngest girl. The kindest of the three. She's more curious than anything. She scares the living because she makes her presence known in ways of saying 'hola' or 'hello'. She giggles when she gets replies and she asks questions about equipment that paranormal investigators use. She's even known to say 'thank you' when receiving a reply. She's often known to be sneaking a peak through the window to see who's outside. She's never violent and is actually quite peaceful. Emma was thankful for that because that's the only one that she has to interact with.

The castle itself is believed to come alive every night. There are historical hauntings where balls are relived in the ballrooms or the knights sparring in their quarters. There are even often images of the three girls sitting on the patio, giggling during tea time. The energy is more powerful than ever before. Psychics have been known to cry and have to be carried out due to the pain within those walls. Emma knew that it was a terrible time to be there now, it was more dangerous than ever. But she didn't care. She wanted Regina free and she couldn't wait. She had to do it now. That's the only way that either of them will ever rest.

Emma sat on the edge of the hotel bed. She's spent more time in hotels these days than she does at home but she's fine with that. At least they're nice hotels and proving to this world that the other side exists is all she's ever wanted. El Bosque Encantado is a small island separated from the rest of Spain. It's surrounded by a white sandy beach. It's a quiet place during the day but they were told that the night life was spectacular. Emma wasn't too into that. She was in full work mode but her friends wanted to experience all that the little village had to offer.

It was not a popular place most people hadn't even heard of it. The only tourist they received there were thrill seekers who wanted to stay in a haunted castle. That was their main attraction apparently. The catch though was that the castle itself was on its own little island, separated from El Bosque Encantado. Emma's hotel room had a perfect view of it from the balcony. It was across an ocean, nestled on a beach of black sand. Emma had never seen black sand but the black looming castle seemed to just fit with the dark theme. She couldn't wait to get over there and begin exploring the royal island but she planned to do it the next night. That night she was going out with her friends because slacking off was all they did and despite Emma wanting to get right to work she was out voted.

Emma pulled on a pair of sneakers and then pulled on a tank top. She wanted to stay home but her friends wanted to drag her out. She felt like she's the only adult in her group trying to round up a bunch of adult-sized toddlers in a playground. It's ridiculous.

She ran her hand over her denim shorts and stood from her bed. She walked over to the balcony where the doors were wide open. A gentle breeze was coming in from the beach and it felt so nice. The smell of the ocean was filling the room and Emma closed her eyes for a moment. Emma loved the place. It was more tropical than anything. It was a nice contrast from the city life. She opened her eyes and looked down. She could see the edge of the beach. She took in the dark blue sea that was being kissed by the moon ever so gently. It's large round reflection sitting there moving with the waves. Emma's eyes traveled to the island on the opposite side and noticed it was illuminated by the moon itself, cast in a silver glow. It was eerie but there was almost something comforting about it. She couldn't figure out what that was because it was easy to believe that something horrible had happened there but at the same time it was easy to see that four women called that place home once.

She heard the bathroom door click open. She looked over to see Lily stepping out. She was wearing a small smile and full make-up. "Are you ready to go?" Lily asked. She walked over to the bed across from Emma's and plopped down onto it. Emma shrugged and walked over to her bed and sat. Lily was dressed in an orange and white floral sundress. She looked very nice and Emma felt slightly underdressed in her denim shorts and tank top.

Emma shrugged again. "I guess but we have so much to do tomorrow."

Lily waved her off without looking up from her phone. "Yeah, yeah. You're the one who decided to go to a haunted castle on your birthday. We want to celebrate tonight since we'll be hanging out with a bunch of dead people tomorrow."

Emma sighed. Lily's biggest flaw was that she was completely insensitive towards the dead. Someone loved them once and she doesn't seem to get that. "I'll have other birthdays.."

Lily huffed. "You've been so broody lately. I don't like what this girl is doing to you."

Emma shook her head, confused. "What girl?"

"Your little deceased princess." Lily crossed her arms over her chest. "She had better be cute."

Emma shook her head. "I've only seen her in…"

"Your dreams." Lily said with a nod. "Is she cute?"

Emma chuckled. "Adorable."

Lily laughed. "Knew it. Just don't drool when you finally see her apparition."

Emma rolled her eyes. "I'm here to help her. Not date her."

"Well I hope not. I'm sure there are laws against that." Lily quipped.

Emma snorted. "I'm pretty sure there is no law against someone being in love with a ghost." She saw Lily open her mouth to argue and she held up a finger to stop her. "That's with a corpse."

Lily rolled her eyes. "Regardless."

"You sound jealous." Emma teased. She knew that Lily wasn't. Well she hoped she wasn't. They were only friends after all.

"Hardly." Lily grumbled. Lily reached onto her bedside table and grabbed her little red camera. "Want to talk a little about your cute little dead girl?"

Emma sighed. "Sure."

Lily chuckled. "Sucker." She turned the camera on Emma. Emma opened her mouth but Lily screamed, "Happy Birthday, Emma!" before she could say anything.

Emma laughed. "Thank you!"

Lily grinned then stuck her tongue out at her. She went into professional mode then. "Emma, you want to take a moment and give us some insight on the young princess that has been haunting you?"

Emma nodded. She took a deep breath. "Well, I'm being haunted by a princess." Emma laughed. "A Princess that has lived centuries ago. In the 1600's to be more specific." She reached up and rubbed the back of her neck. "Um… it started a while back. It was dreams at first then it escalated to daydreams. I thought that she was in my head until one night she whispered to me." She rubbed a hand over her face. "She isn't violent and I think she only wants to communicate. She thinks I can protect her… I want to try. I want to at least hear her story."

Lily nodded. "Which is why we're in Spain. Not for Emma's birthday but on a case." She sighed. "I still can't believe that."

Emma tilted her head at her friend. "Sorry we're not doing Blood Manor or Fright Fest this year."

Lily poked out her bottom lip. "The perks of having an October birthday."

Emma chuckled with a shake of her head. "True."

"Do you think we'll find anything at the castle?" Lily asked finally.

Emma shrugged. "I sure as hell hope so… or this trip was for nothing"

Lily nodded and lowered her camera. There was an unspoken conversation between them for a moment and Lily hung her head. It sucked. Lily understood that this particular case was taking a toll on Emma and she had no idea how to help. That was obviously getting to her as well.

There was a knock at the door which caused both of them to jump. Whether it was the sudden noise breaking the quiet or the intensity of the haunted castle across the sea watching them in the shadows, they were unsure.

Lily sat the camera down and ran over to the door. "What do you want?" she demanded.

"Miss… Miss… would you like to buy some goodies?" Emma snickered at Killian's terrible impression of a kid.

Lily put her hands on her hips. "Now listen up, you little hooligans. Get off my here property." She said in her best impression of a little ole southern granny. "I'll give you such a wallop."

"Please ma'am." Killian pleaded. "We have… Liquor!" He shouted the last word in his regular voice. They heard the other guys cheering with him. Emma and Lily shared a grin.

Lily snorted and yanked the door open, "Well it's about damn time!"

Graham said nothing but held up a confetti popper and launched confetti into the air. The guys were already wearing party hats and Neal was carrying a stack of pizzas. Killian had two bottles of liquor tucked under his arms and two packs of beers in his hands. He was definitely ready to party. Graham stepped around him and walked over to the bed and handed Emma three large yellow helium balloons. She took them with a chuckle and looked up to read them. They all had 'Happy Birthday' written on them.

"Thank you." She chuckled.

Lily closed the door and took the party hats from where they were tucked under Neal's arm and put a pink and yellow one on. She selected a yellow and green one and brought it over to where Emma was sitting and slid it on to Emma's head.

Emma laughed. They all looked so ridiculous. Her friends were always ready to party and have a great time.

Neal sat the pizzas down on the desk and began setting up the cups. Graham joined him with the sodas while Killian set the alcohol down.

Emma watched from the bed. She didn't know what they needed her to do, if they needed her to do anything at all. Lily joined the guys at the desk.

All of her friends then turned to her and screamed. "Happy Birthday!"

Emma laughed. "Yes!" She screamed as she filled with excitement and leaped to her feet. She was suddenly in a festive mood. "Let's party!"

They all whooped in agreement.

"Wait!" Lily shouted then ran over to the mini fridge. She pulled something out. Emma's eyes widened when she realized what it was. It was a pink cake box.

"Lily…" Emma sighed. They didn't have to get her a cake.

"What's a birthday without a cake?" Lily asked as she sat it down on the table next to the pizzas. She turned to Emma. "Come look."

Emma walked over. She was giddy and she almost ran over. She squeezed between Killian and Neal and peered at the cake. It was a white cake. There was a cute little drawing of a green ghost off to the side and smack in the middle, it read, 'Happy Birthday Emma!' in yellow icing. Emma's heart swelled. She hadn't really had anyone interested in her birthday until she met her friends.

"Thank you so much!" she sighed. She reached over and pulled Lily into a hug. She squeezed her best friend tight.

"Um…" Graham cleared his throat. Emma laughed and released Lily to hug him as well. He gave her a gentle squeeze. "We love you, Emma."

"I love you guys too." She muttered as she pulled away. "Seriously. You guys are the best."

Lily nodded. "Yeah..." She chuckled and reached out for Emma and stole another hug. "Come here."

When Emma was released from the hug she smiled at all of her buddies. She loved those idiots and she didn't know what she would do without them. They were a family.

"Let's get this party started so we can take it outside!" Killian said with a clap of his hands. Apparently he planned to get drunk in the hotel then to go out and get even drunker. That was fine with her.

Emma laughed. She knew that she was going to regret it in the morning but she didn't care. Party time with her friends was more important.

October 23.

5:16pm

Emma could hear the groans and sighs of her crew as they followed behind her. She rolled her eyes with a shake of her head. If it were earlier in the morning she would have understood but it was four in the afternoon. They partied hard the night before in honor of her birthday. They had a great time but none of them got too drunk because they knew that they had a job to do the next day. She let them sleep in specifically because of that.

So here they were walking across the dock towards the little motorboat that is going to take them across the ocean to the island that the castle is perched on. She expected the ocean breeze and the salty air would wake them up a little but she was wrong. Emma looked over at the castle and even with the sun shining above it; it still looked dark and evil. She frowned and adjusted the strap of her bag and continued on. The wood underneath her feet groaned and creaked under her sneakers. She looked behind her and sighed at the zombies shuffling behind her. Well, all except Lily who was chipper as ever with two coffees in her. She led them up to the little red boat at the end of the dock. It was old and the paint was peeling. It definitely looked like it had seen better days but on the same hand so did the owner of the boat. The man was well in his eighties, very thin and he looked like he had seen things. He had on a fisherman's hat and khaki shorts. His button down short sleeved shirt was tucked into his pants.

He waved happily when he saw her. Emma smiled and waved back.

"Hey." She said with a smile. "Ramon?" she asked.

The man smiled. "Hello," He said happily. He removed the cigarette from his mouth. "You must be Emma."

Emma nodded. "Yes,"

"It's nice to meet you." He offered his hand for Emma to shake; she of course did so without hesitation.

"Same here."

He smiled. "Okay. Hop aboard, sailors." He said motioning to the boat. Emma didn't hesitate to hop in. Neither did Killian who loved Sailing. Emma had to coerce Lily into the ship promising her a gift card for Sephora. That got her in. Graham couldn't be shown up by Lily so he climbed in as well. Neal was the last one in.

"Neal, lets go!" Emma said as she shifted to make room for him. There wasn't much room with all of them and their equipment. "We have to be set up before seven and it's a big castle."

"You guys go ahead." Neal said with a wave of his hand.

"Are you serious?" Emma groaned as she rubbed a hand over her face. They didn't have time for this. "Neal! We need all hands on deck!" She quipped. She heard Ramon chuckle. She grinned at the man and they pointed at each other. "I knew you would like that." The man chuckled and went back to getting the boat ready. She turned back to Neal. "Dude, just get in the boat. No one is staying behind. This castle is big and this may as well be the biggest case we've had yet, and the most important."

"Em…" He sighed, Emma put on her best puppy dog face knowing that none of her friends could resist it. Neal groaned. She had no idea what he was so worried about. She's never seen him so hesitant. It's not like they didn't go into haunted houses all of the time.

He tried to fight off her adorableness for a moment but eventually he caved. When she watched him climb into the boat she patted the little seat beside her and he took it.

She hugged him tightly around his neck. "Thank you, Neal." She whispered to him. "I really do need you. I need everyone tonight."

He looked over at her and smiled. "Alright Emma." He whispered back. He was still tense and she gave herself a little reminder to ask him about it later.

Emma turned back around to where Ramon was waiting. She gave him a thumbs up and he nodded. He started up the engine. There was a rough rumble. Then they took off towards the island. The entire group kept their eyes on the castle ahead. There was something about it that just demanded attention. It commanded them to bow to it.

"Hey Ramon, you say that you're the caretaker for the castle, yeah?" Emma asked as the boat rocked and knocked them around.

"Si." The man said. "You see, I am the only one that is not afraid." He explained. "I go in and I clean then leave. I never linger, I never touch. You see, that's what happened to the man before me. He tried to steal one of the girls' music boxes. We found him the next morning on the lawn. His neck was broken and his body was twisted strangely. It appeared that he had fallen or had been pushed from the window but when we looked up, all of the windows were closed."

Emma's mouth fell open. That changed a lot. "Have you had any encounters?"

Ramon nodded. "The youngest girl. Princess Regina. She's very curious and likes to watch and observe. She's quiet and she stays hidden but the aroma of rose water follows her and gives her away. She's a young girl, no older than seventeen. She's never mean but she's told me that I remind her of her father. She misses him but he crossed over without her."

Emma's eyes widened. This was so great. "What about the other girls?"

His expressions turned grim then. The complete opposite that it was when he spoke of Regina. "If you see them do not approach. They're evil just like their mother."

"Queen Cora?" Emma asked.

"Shhh…" Ramon hissed. "Do not speak her name and yes. They hurt people. They have hurt a lot of people."

Emma nodded. "Got it." All that that did was excite her even more and made her want to know more about the ghosts. Emma turned around and stared straight ahead and the closer they came to the island, the more they could see. Emma felt a chill run through her. She suddenly felt cold. She looked down to see goosebumps prickling her arms. She looked up and shivered. Something exciting was going to happen she could feel it.

It wasn't exactly a long trip and before they knew it, they were stopping on the black sand beach. The crew clambered out of the boat. Emma had never seen black sand. She squatted down and took some into her hand. It ran through her fingers just like the other kind. It felt no different. It only looked the part. She looked up to see Lily taking pictures, while Killian made a video. Emma looked over at the tall dark castle again. The sun was setting on the horizon casting the imposing structure in a sinister shadow. It reminded Emma of one of those films like Dracula or Frankenstein. She waited for the ominous haunting music to begin playing. It was a lot different being in the film than watching it.

The guys lugged the bags off the boat and began splitting them up amongst themselves. After everyone was together, Ramon took the lead and began leading them across the beach towards the castle. Lily fell back with the guys coming up the rear and Emma fell into step with Ramon.

"Do you mind if we do a small interview?" She asked. He looked over at her and shook his head.

"I don't mind."

"Great." Emma said with a smile. She lifted her camera and turned it onto the man. "So, Ramon, when we walk into that castle what should we have to look out for?" She asked.

Ramon shrugged. "The girls are more active at night as well as their mother. Avoid the top floor that's where she lurks."

Emma nodded. "Have you ever seen her?"

Ramon nodded and a grim look clouded his face again. "She would have killed me too but Regina saved me."

"She sounds like a regular Casper." Lily cut in. Ramon sighed.

"She is kind."

Emma shot her friend a glare. Lily shrugged and Emma rolled her eyes. "Sorry about that." She said turning back to Ramon. "You have to excuse my friend. She's jealous of an apparition."

"I'm actually not." Lily grumbled. "I just don't understand why Emma is so hung up on a dead girl."

"Oh and don't say that in the Castle." Ramon warned. "The girls don't like it. Regina gets upset and you might need her so you don't want to make enemies with her."

Lily rolled her eyes but said nothing else. She knew the risk of provoking and angering a spirit.

The closer they came to the castle, the more Emma just wanted to run towards it. She knew that she should feel reluctant but she felt nothing but eagerness. There was something magnetic about it. She stopped short and furrowed her brows as she looked at the scenery surrounding it. It was beautiful. The beach they were standing on lead to a forest, the castle was nestled in it glowing in the sunset, it made it look almost enchanted. Like a fairytale. She needed to capture this.

"Lily," Emma said over her shoulder. "Can we get some shots of this?" she motioned in the direction of the castle.

Lily nodded. She sat her duffle bag on the sand and pulled out her camera. She angled the camera, adjusted the lens and began taking shots of the gorgeous structure. Surely capturing its tales, secrets and most importantly, it's beauty.

Ramon gave them a moment to admire and capture images of the scenery but eventually they had to move on.

"This way." He said nodding towards the forest that surrounded the beach.

Emma blew out a breath and adjusted her bag. Lily tucked her camera away. That would definitely be a long tiring trip. But it will totally be worth it in the end.

Ramon began heading towards the tree line. Emma followed. Not wanting to lose him. This is the last place that anyone should get lost.

After traipsing through the overgrown forest that was abundant with all types of wildlife they learned more about their surroundings. Most of the animals are harmless. There were a few deer, birds and rabbits. They were all settling in for the night. They didn't even flinch at the sight of the humans. Ramon explained that it was because they didn't encounter humans often and they didn't know to fear them. Most of the people feared the island too much to venture there.

Lucky them. Emma had thought to herself.

Their travels had taken them all of the way to the top of a mountain. They hadn't even realized it but what gave it away was the castle coming into view in the distance. Emma quickened her pace. Her mouth fell open as she came up to the large back gates. She looked up.

Ramon pulled out a large key ring with an abundance of keys hanging from it. He quickly unlocked the gates. They yawned and moaned as he pushed one side open and stepped inside. Emma followed him in and then her team filtered in.

"That was quite the trek," Graham noted as he set down one of the cases that held their equipment next to a cooler that held food and snacks for the night. He wiped his brow with the back of his hand. The other guys set their bags down as well and stretched.

Emma wrapped her arms around herself and shivered. The temperature had dropped considerably. A cold wind blew through her and she got a whiff of roses again. The smell was familiar. She looked over at the rose bushes and gathered that that was where the scent was coming from. She looked up at the castle again. She couldn't believe that she was there. It felt like quite the journey and she was finally so close to getting what she needed.

"Yes." Ramon replied. He stepped closer to Emma and nudged her with his elbow. She looked over to find him pointing off into the distance. She followed his finger and frowned unsure what she was looking at. "See that cliff?" he asked, Emma squinted but eventually she made out where the land apparently ended. She nodded.

"Yeah?"

"That is where the White Knight Arden killed herself." He explained gently. Emma's brows rose. That's part of the story that Emma never heard of. All she knew was that the knight disappeared. Everyone assumed she escaped and went back to her native land that no one knew.

"What do you mean?" Emma asked.

"Well Princess Regina was having a secret love affair with her White Knight Arden." He explained. Emma knew this already.

"Yeah I heard. Regina kept a diary about it. She was smitten."

Ramon smiled softly. "Not smitten, in love. They were each other's worlds. Regina's heart only beat for Arden and it was the same for her knight. They snuck off often to be together. Some assume that the Queen knew but Regina was her baby so she let her indulge. Either way, it went on for a little over a year before tragedy struck," He took a deep breath, "You see the Queen had been doing some horrible things and eventually a village had had enough and ended up having an uprising. They raided the castle, killed most of the knights and guards then started on the other staff. As they made their way up the stairs, the Queen decided that her girls were not going to suffer by the hands of the commoners so she-"

Emma raised a hand cutting him off. "I know." She couldn't stomach hearing how Regina died again.

He nodded sensing her discomfort. "Anyway, upon hearing the chaos, Arden came for Regina so that they could finally run away together. When she came to Regina's chambers and stepped inside… what she found broke her heart so severely that she stumbled out of the castle in a haze, some describe her wandering over to the cliff. She was so stricken with pain that she didn't hesitate before plummeting from the cliff. No body was ever found. Some assume that she drowned and others think she got away."

Emma's eyes were wide as she listened on. To think that this powerful female knight couldn't bear to live in a world where her love no longer existed. She smiled a little. "That was a powerful romance."

"Romeo and Juliet could never." Lily added. She whistled. "Damn."

"Regina never stopped looking for her lost love." Ramon muttered. "Her heart is so broken. Poor child."

Emma and Lily shared a look. Emma appreciated how much he felt for the girls. It made him trustworthy. He nodded then stepped ahead. They followed him across the gravel of the courtyard.

Hey walked up to a brown wooden door and began unlocking it. "We can go through the big doors but it takes a lot of unlocking besides we don't want anyone to know we're here."

His words sent another chill through Emma. Anyone? Like the spirits? He opened the door and held it open. He waved them over. Emma and Lily headed inside. Lily kept her camera recording every single thing. The first thing that Emma noticed was that it was much colder inside than outside which was strange. She shivered again.

"It's freezing." She muttered as she looked around. They were standing in a dark corridor and she couldn't see a thing. A hand landed on her shoulder and she nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Whoa." Graham said softly. It wasn't like her to ever be jumpy but there was just something about that place. She had a sinking feeling. She sighed and turned to him. "You okay?" He asked as he handed her a flashlight.

"Yeah fine." Emma sighed as she accepted it. She didn't want to alarm him. He regarded her for a moment and she smiled him. "I am."

He nodded. "Alright." He held his flashlight out ahead of him so they could look at their surroundings.

The walls were made of a dark maroon stone, draped in black velvet curtains and silk. There were maroon wooden pillars with red vases perched on them, full of red roses.

She shined her flashlight on it. "Hey Ramon," She said. Just to start conversation. "You bring flowers here?" she thought that was kind of him.

"No." was all he said as he passed them heading down the hallway with his own flashlight. "This way." He called over his shoulder.

What does he mean? Those flowers are fresh and obviously real. If he didn't bring them then...

They all quickly followed him. Their flashlights bouncing off of the walls. The sound of their sneakers squeaking across the floor was all that could be heard. Clearly none of them had much to say. Emma was busy drowning in her own thoughts at the moment.

The further they followed him down the hallway the more she could feel the dark heavy energy and she didn't exactly like it. It made her want to leave and stay at the same time. She ignored the feeling and pushed on. She was on a mission.

They came to a painting at the end of the hallway. They all stopped to admire it. Emma shined her flashlight on it to get a better look. There was a woman sitting in a large velvet white armchair. She was in a black regal dress, her hair was in an updo and a crown sat proudly on top of her head. She was wearing a proud smile and her hands were folder in her lap. There was a girl standing behind the chair in a green gown. She had a large mane of red hair and beautiful fair skin. Her blue eyes were sharp and she was wearing a hint of smirk. Her small crown on the mane sat just as regally. On the woman's left was another girl in a red velvet gown perched on the arm of the chair. She was wearing a smirk as well and her blonde hair was piled on top of her head in a princess updo. She had beautiful rubies on her neck. Opposite her on the right was a girl seated on the other arm of the chair. Her chocolate brown eyes stole Emma's breath away. They were intense yet comforting. The artist managed to capture her warm olive skin and the twinkle in her eyes. Her hair was curly and coming down her shoulders in soft chocolate waves. A crown sat proudly on her head and a big smile was on her face.

Emma recognized all of them from her dreams. She only knew one of them truly though.

"Regina…" Emma whispered to herself. She reached out to touch the girl.

"Yes," Ramon said startling Emma and causing her to pull her hand away. He began pointing to the girls as if introducing them. "Princess Zelena." He said pointing to the redhead one. He moved his finger to the blonde one. "Princess Anastasia." He then pointed to the brunette girl with the lovely eyes, "Princess Regina."

Emma nodded. "I've seen her in a dream." She mumbled unable to tear her eyes away from the painting. This made it so real.

"She's a vision isn't she?" Ramon asked. He sounded more like a proud father than anything.

Emma chuckled, "Yeah. She's beautiful." the most beautiful woman she had ever seen and now knowing she was real and actually existed at one point in time excited Emma.

Lily huffed, clearly unimpressed. "Can you show me where to put these bags down? They're heavy." her voice was dry and the echo carried through the hallway.

Ramon nodded. "Yes. Right this way."

He turned on his heel and turned a corner into another hallway. Clearly darker than the other. They followed him to the end of that hallway to a spiral staircase. Emma blew out a breath as she looked up. That was a long way up. She bit her lip. Ramon had already started up the stairs. He was moving quickly and he appeared to be on edge. She could understand his concern.

They all trudged up the stairs behind him and it would have gone quicker if they hadn't so much equipment. Emma took one of the bags from Graham and helped him. Lily held onto her camera bag. Killian complained the entire trip up while Neal was uncharacteristically quiet. Emma had to remember to talk to him about it. She was getting worried.

They came to what appeared to be the second floor. They didn't even get to catch a breath as they were led down another long hallway. Emma shined her flashlight on the walls and saw a few more paintings. One really caught her attention. She paused to look. It was a portrait.

She recognized Queen Cora. She was sitting in a white chair again. She had on a dark purple dress. In her arms was a toddler. No older than two with big brown eyes and chocolate brown shoulder length curls. There was a smile on her little face and her cheeks were rosey as ever as her mother was pressing a kiss into her hair. There were two older girls there. One who must have been a three year old Anastasia, sitting by her mother playing with her doll at her mother's feet. She was in an adorable pink dress that was made exactly like Regina's white one and her hair was up once again. Then there was an about five or six year old Zelena sitting on the arm of the chair, leaned over and playing with her baby sister. Her hair was pulled into two braids, coming down her shoulders and tied off with bows. None of the girls had on crowns. Instead their heads wore bows instead. It was such a beautiful painting. They all loved their mother so much. She wondered if any of them had any idea what their mother was capable of and how she would harm them later.

It's hard to be hurt by someone you trusted. Emma understood that well.

"This way." Ramon's voice called down the hall. Emma looked over and shined her light in his direction. They were already in the middle. How had they gotten down there so fast?

She jogged down the hallway as fast as she could with the heavy bags. She stopped right in front of them and tried to catch her breath.

"That's a cute painting." She said jabbing a thumb over the shoulder. "The one of the girls when they were small."

Ramon nodded. "It is. They always had a close bond with their mother."

Emma nodded. Too bad the woman turned out to be a homicidal maniac.

Ramon pushed the door open and held it. They all crowded inside of the dark room. It was pitch black and the only light besides their flashlights was from the moon shining in through the window. Everyone raised their flashlights and began looking at different sides of the room. A chaise sat by two double doors that must have led to a balcony. There was a fire place off to the side. An extravagant book case full of books and an old oak desk sat side by side.

A sitting room.

"You can be safe here," Ramon said. "This is connected to Regina's chambers. As I said before, she doesn't mind visitors," He pointed to a door opposite the one they entered though. "But don't enter her bedroom. Zelena doesn't want anyone near her little sister." He warned.

Emma nodded. "Thanks,"

He returned it. "You're welcome." Emma reached out to shake his hand. He gave Emma's hand a squeeze. "Good luck. Call if you need anything."

Emma smiled. "Sure. But we'll see you at five, right?"

"On the dot." The man smiled.

Emma chuckled. "Great,"

With a dip of his head. He began backing out the room. She waved at him and he bowed low. "Feliz Cumpleanoz."

She smiled with a dip of her head. He closed the doors behind him. She couldn't hear his shoes as he quickly retreated the way they came. He obviously didn't want to be there any longer than he needed to be then again, who could blame him? The place was creepy. Beautiful but creepy.

Emma turned back to her group who had split up and were exploring the room. Lily was admiring the painting above the mantle. It was of a blood red rose in front of a black background. It was indeed beautiful and it fit right in with the other beautiful things within the room. She allowed them another moment then decided that they needed to get back to work. They had time to explore later when they were setting up.

She clapped her hands together. "Okay. Let's set up."

They all groaned and Emma rolled her eyes.

7:42pm

It took about an hour to get completely set up and the sun had finally set. Lily and Killian covered the bottom floor. Emma took the floor they were already on while Neal and Graham took the top floors. She warned them to stay clear of the very top floor due to Ramon's warning. Emma decided they'd all go up there right before they left should something happen.

Emma had covered the Princesses' bedrooms. Placing video and audio in each room and sitting room. She placed two in the hallway.

Emma was standing on a chair in a library, setting up her last camera when a chill ran though her spine and she felt the hair stand up on the back of her neck. She could feel a presence of someone behind her. She turned around quickly but was disappointed when saw no one. She was still alone with the rows of shelves of books.

"Regina?" She asked into the room. She had a feeling that was who was with her. She pulled the EVP recorder out of her pocket. She held it out in front of her. "Regina, are you in here with me?" She asked gently. She paused waiting for a reply. There was nothing and Emma groaned in disappointment. She shoved the device into her pocket and hopped down from the chair. "We're going to have to talk about why you brought me here just so you know." she said into the room.

She could imagine Regina watching her, her head tilted adorably with her curiosity. She smiled to herself as she checked to see if the camera was online. It was so she grabbed her duffle bag and headed out of the room.

As she walked down the hallway, she could feel the same presence watching her. She smirked.

"You know you can just say hello, right?" Emma asked without looking over her shoulder. She knew that she was listening. "I'll be here all night so whenever you're ready, honey." She added, readjusting the bag.

As she passed the staircase, she saw Killian and Lily climbing the stairs. She shined the flashlight in their faces and Lily's hand shot out to block the light.

"Why are you like this, Emma?" She groaned. Killian chuckled.

Emma shrugged. "We're being followed. I think it's a little dark haired princess but I'm not sure." She whispered. "Don't startle her."

Lily's eyes widened and she and Killian nodded. They all fell into step and continued down the hallway. Emma caught Lily pull something out of pocket. She knew what it was instantly. It was the little device she created that picks up paranormal activity and could show infrared readings. She clenched it in her hand tightly and spun around suddenly. They all leaned in closer to the screen as Lily scanned the hallway but there was nothing there just darkness. It never pinged nor did they get any images.

Emma sighed. "Well played." She said into the darkness of the hallway.

They all turned around slightly disappointed and headed back to the room. Emma opened the door and they all stepped inside. It was brighter than before do to the portable lamp that Lily had installed. Lily headed straight for the desk where her laptop and other equipment were set up. She plopped into the chair while Emma went over to the chaise and sat. Killian sat beside her.

"You see the guys?" Emma asked Lily.

Lily hummed with a nod. "Yeah. They're almost finished. All of the cameras are online."

Emma clapped her hands together. "Awesome!"

Lily turned around and wagged her brows at her. "It's Showtime."

Emma laughed and nodded. "Hell yeah."

Her friend turned back the laptop screen. Emma sighed and laid back against the chaise. It was oddly comfortable. She put her hands behind her head and let out a sigh. There wasn't much left to do now but wait.

Major Character deaths in the next chapter.