The walk back to Eve's cave was tough. It was still pouring out, causing the boys to slip as they walked. Emma was thankful for being able to fly, even if the wind was strong at times, making her journey just as difficult.

Breac didn't seem to be too traumatised by his experience. The brothers tried to keep some sort of conversation with him, but it was hard to do so while trekking back in this storm.

When the caves finally came into view, the rain had let up and it was growing dark—well, darker. Breac ran ahead, calling out for his mother. Emma saw Eve run out of the cave as quick as she could, completely overjoyed. Emma's heart swelled at the sight. She could only wish for a reunion like that with her parents.

"Oh, Emma, thank you! Killian, Liam, thank you so much!" Eve cried as she clung to her boy. "Come inside and dry off. I'll make you dinner!"

"We'd gladly accept your generous offer, so long as Emma doesn't have a problem with it." Liam gave her a questioning look.

"Sounds great to me," Emma shrugged. She tried to be as nonchalant as she could. Dinner did sound wonderful, as did getting out of the rain. Liam and Killian were both surprised by her willingness to stay.

"Where are you headed?" Eve asked as they walked towards her home.

"To the Blind Witch's cottage." Liam supplied.

"Oh, that's not too far that way," Eve said as she pointed left of the cave. "Although, in this weather, I suggest staying the night." A lump formed in Emma's throat at the thought.

"That would be much appreciated," Killian smiled.

Eve led them to shelter, leaning heavily on her walking stick and left her other hand on Breac's shoulder.

Emma's plan had backfired. She felt something for the boys and there was no way in hell she could hand them over to the Blind Witch now. The witch was likely going to have them be her slaves; what else would she have in mind that wasn't eating them or killing them? They just escaped servitude! How could Emma do that to them…

Even if she followed through with her deal, would her parents even be happy with her? They would probably want to disown her!

She had to go to the witch tell her the deal was off, and then tell them the truth. She had to find another way to break her curse and get out of the forest. Maybe they could work together to get out. Or maybe they would be better off without her. They probably wouldn't want anything to do with her after that anyways, right?

"Emma, are you alright, love?" Killian asked in concern. He was kneeling in the mud next to her, his wet hair hanging in his eyes. Emma didn't know when she had stopped flying.

She gave her head a little shake before responding. "Yeah, sorry. I just—mind wandered for a moment."

Killian stared her in the eyes and Emma felt exposed. It was as if he was seeing into her mind, and it made her uncomfortable. Could he have known what she did? She started to flap her wings to catch up with Liam, Eve, and Breac. Killian followed swiftly behind her.

"If you want, you can rest on my shoulder," he joked.

"Ha. Ha. I'm fine." Emma was relieved by his banter.

"As you wish."

It wasn't much longer until they reached the caves. It was amazing to be around a fire again, and in a shelter shielding her from the wind and rain. Emma shook out her feathers, which earned her an amused look from Killian.

"At least I don't look like a drowned rat," Emma teased as sat down by the fire. She watched his face grow red as he looked down at his clothes that were completely drenched. With a sigh and a roll of his eyes, he stood up and removed his jacket and vest to dry. Liam did the same, both of them running their hands through their hair in an attempt to remove excess water. It was entertaining to watch the brothers mirror each other's movements.

Eve started preparing some food. Liam had offered his help, but Eve insisted they relax and dry off. The two brothers sat close by the fire next to Emma.

Eve had been kind enough to ask their preference, although for Emma, having to saying out loud that she ate grass, roots, and bugs made her incredibly self-conscious. She hadn't dared look at Killian or Liam. Eve, bless her, said those were a normal accompaniment to her meals.

"What happened when you were taken?" Killian asked Liam as they held their hands out by the fire.

"Well, at the time, it looked like I was either going to be eaten… or married to the woman…"

Killian laughed and Emma lost herself in the sound of it. "Wait, and I didn't get a proper introduction to who could have become my new sister?"

"Shut your mouth," Liam chuckled, unable to be serious.

"You should have seen his face," a small voice said from next to Liam. Emma looked over to see Breac walking to them by the fire with a tray of plates.

They all erupted in laughter.

"Oi! I thought we bonded in there!" Liam cried.

"Now, now, boys," Eve chided as she limped over with a bowl. She placed it in front of Emma. "Here, Emma, made it special for you."

"Thank you," Emma said, looking up at Eve. "Why don't you go see Tink?" she asked tentatively. Tink could probably help with Eve's limp, Emma thought as she observed her.

"I've nothing to pay her with after all my dealings with Regina," Eve responded quickly.

"Tink wouldn't—"

"I won't accept charity."

"Sorry."

"It's fine; eat up." Eve said with a smile before walking back to where she was preparing the food a bit further into the cave.

"Who is this Tink?" Liam asked.

"A friend; used to be a fairy. Now she's kind of like a healer." Tink was the only person Emma actively seeked out for company during her time as a swan.

Liam nodded and the three of them started to eat. Emma was starving. She should have came by Eve's sooner—this salad she prepared was the best thing Emma had eaten since becoming a swan.

"How is that?" Killian asked, his face carefully neutral as he gestured towards her dish, but Emma could see the concerned curiosity underneath.

"Eve should get a medal for actually making this appetising."

Killian gave her a shy smile, and Emma felt butterflies in her stomach. This is not good. She couldn't feel this way, not when the chances were that she was never going to see them again after tomorrow.

Eve came over. "I know, Emma, a princess like you deserves much better food."

"You must have quite the reputation in this forest if people keep referring to you as 'princess'," Killian joked.

"But she is the princess of Misthaven…" Eve said through narrowed eyes and a raised brow. Both Killian and Liam spit out their soup in surprise. Liam was coughing as Killian quickly swiped at his face to clean himself up, no doubt going through all their interactions in his mind.

"You didn't tell them?" Eve turned to look at Emma.

"No, and I'm glad I didn't now," Emma laughed as the two brothers attempted to compose themselves.

"I wonder what their reactions would be if they saw you as a human!" Breac said between laughs. He then held up his hand to loudly whisper. "She's the prettiest human I've ever seen."

Eve laughed at her son's antics. "She does look like royalty." Emma was embarrassed, although flattered, and continued to eat her salad, training her eyes on the floor.

"Why didn't you tell us before?" Killian asked.

"That title isn't going to get me anything here; it means nothing." Emma looked back up at them. They both looked awestruck. Maybe she could have used it before to get them to do what she wanted, but that didn't matter now. Unless, they might be more understanding when she finally comes clean. And then it hit her. "Oh, right, you want to join Misthaven's navy."

Killian's ears turned red and Liam looked confused. "How did you know?"

"Killian told me. Maybe I can put in a good word for you."

"Oh the Navy? That's so cool!" Breac said.

"That's your dream?" Eve asked with a smile.

"Aye, since we were boys." Liam sat up proudly.

"What made you want to join?" Breac asked with such enthusiasm, it warmed Emma.

"A while back at one of the ports we were stopped in, Liam and I snuck off the ship," Killian answered. "We ran into some men in navy uniforms. We thought we would get in trouble, but they helped us and even gave us some food. Liam's always been self-righteous—"

"—Oi!"

"Am I wrong?"

"Fine…"

"—And I believe in good form, so we thought it would be a perfect fit. We've heard good talk of Misthaven and their rulers and wanted to be part of something like that."

"Do you want to just kiss my feet, or keep brown-nosing?" Emma snarked. Killian's hand raised to the back of his neck in that nervous habit of his.

"Why didn't you try sooner?" Eve asked, genuinely curious.

"Well, we were in service of a dreadful captain—" Liam started to answer.

"Until Liam saved a child whose parents were as grateful as they were affluent. They rewarded him, and he procured our papers first thing." Killian cut off his brother. Pride poured from him, but Liam looked uncomfortable, and not just because of Killian's praises. Emma could tell that there was something Liam was hiding as he kept his eyes low and continued to eat.

"Aren't you quite the hero!" Eve praised.

Liam cleared his throat. "No, no. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time."

"Still, an honourable thing to do."

Emma watched as Liam played with the hem of his shirt.

"Just be wary of the Dark One on your journey."

"I've heard that name mentioned before; who is that?" Liam asked.

"The Dark One, he rules over these woods. He doesn't like it when people try to leave," Eve informed them.

Killian gulped before asking, "What does he do?"

"Well, if people are close to the edge of the forest, he appears. The only way to leave is if you win in a duel or guess his real name."

Emma heard the stories before of course, but it didn't cross her mind if they knew the lore.

"That's the only way?" Liam asked.

"Well, the Blind Witch might be able to help. I don't know much about her, but I hope she can."

Liam and Killian relaxed with her words as, once again, guilt gnawed at Emma's stomach.

/-/

After dinner, Eve gave Killian and Liam thick blankets for bedding. Once the brothers set up their makeshift beds, Killian walked over to Emma as she was settling on the pillow Eve had given her.

"I just want to thank you again for today," Killian said as he kneeled beside her.

"Don't worry about it." Emma felt too ashamed to say anything else, as her guilt continued to eat away at her.

"No, if it wasn't for you, I'd likely never see my brother again." Killian tilted his head and raised a brow. "I'm at your service, Your Highness," he said with a mock bow.

"Oh, please."

"You could have used that to your advantage earlier. I would have obliged every whim."

"Really?" Emma deadpanned.

"Aye," Killian smirked.

Emma shook her head at him and couldn't quell the chuckle that escaped her. The smile on his face fell slightly as he studied her.

"If you don't mind me asking, what happened?"

Emma looked taken aback. Killian's face was deadly serious. "It's a long story," Emma said dismissively. Yes, she could talk about turning into a swan, her anger at the situation masking her hurt. But being taken from her parents, them being cursed, and her thinking the worst of them: not something she wanted to revisit. Not with him; not now.

"Sorry, love." Killian looked at her as if he understood what had happened. It threw Emma off balance. She was not used to that—not used to someone being able to read her. She had forgotten herself multiple times today, continuously getting caught up in the moment and in him. She kept forgetting that she would likely never see them again after tomorrow. She should enjoy it while it lasts, but she didn't deserve to.

"Right, well, goodnight, Emma." Killian scratched behind his ear as he stood up. Emma bid him good night and watched as he walked to the other side of the fire where his bed had been made. He was being too kind, and she didn't know how to handle it. Killian positioned himself on the blankets and with one last glance at Emma, he curled himself on his side with his back facing her.

Emma took a deep breath as everyone settled in for bed. She stayed awake and watched everyone's breathing, waiting for it to even out. Anxiety clawed at her as she waited. Her stomach felt as if it was doing flips. She wanted to be rid of this deal as soon as she could; be free of the bad decision she made that weighed down on her.

Once everyone looked as if they were asleep, Emma couldn't wait any longer and jumped off from her pillow and quietly walked to the cave's entrance before taking flight towards the witch's cottage.

The rain had finally let up and the moon lit the forest just enough so travel wasn't difficult. Emma weaved through the branches, damp leaves grazed her wings. She couldn't help but wonder if the brothers would forgive her. She fed them false hope, the worst thing you could give someone. And not just that, she was going to sell them out! Trade them for the easy way to help her family.

She seemed to only attract terrible things. Graham was dead; her parents, kingdom, and herself: all cursed.

Maybe it would be better if they never forgave her and went their separate ways. As nice as it had been to travel with people, it wouldn't be the same after this. Emma would help them find a way out if they accepted her help; she needed to make it up to them. But, with her bad luck, she would probably end up getting them killed. Just like Graham.

Emma shouldn't go back; she should just leave. But if she did leave, chances are Killian and Liam would go to the Blind Witch anyways and end up at her mercy without Emma there.

Her head ached. How had she gotten herself into this mess? Her parents always taught her that doing the right thing would often be difficult, but you had to do it anyway. Nothing worth having in life was easy. And there Emma was, trying to take the easy way out of the forest and condemning Liam and Killian while she was at it. And now that she was trying to do the right thing, it truly was more difficult.

Emma's breathing quickened at the sight of the witch's cottage. This was it. She just prayed that the witch would let her back out easily. She took a few moments to gather her courage. Her heart was hammering in her chest and she felt sick. She had to suck it up. It was now or never.

Emma tapped on the door with her beak as soon as she landed. There was a glow coming from underneath the door, She hoped that meant the Blind Witch was still awake.

Emma tapped again and heard movement from within.

"Who is it?" Came a sing song-y voice muffled by the door.

"It's Emma."

The door opened quickly, "Oh, do you have my new toys?"

Emma shivered at the thought. "No, I'm backing out of the deal."

"What?" the Blind Witch yelled. "I need them!"

"I—"

"I need servants. You promised that you would bring me my new servants and I would make you human again."

"I know. But—" Emma attempted to protest, backing away from the witch.

"But nothing!" She yelled, then suddenly stopped. Her posture straightening. "What's that?" The Witch turned away from Emma and faced the bushes a few feet away from the house. A smile grew on her face, filling Emma with dread. "Well, it looks like you brought me my new toys after all." With a wave of her hand, Killian and Liam flew from behind the bush and onto the ground.

/-/

Liam was on the cusp of falling asleep when he heard a flutter of wings. He turned his head to catch Emma flying from the cave. Was she going to the Blind Witch without them? Or did she have something else in mind? It couldn't have been safe for her to wander by herself in the forest, and she had better not leave them behind. Liam turned over towards Killian and shook his arm to wake him.

"What?" Killian slurred.

"Emma just left."

"What?" Killian shot up from his bedding. "Why?"

"I don't know, but I want to find out."

They dressed quickly, grabbing their coats and vest that were still slightly damp from the storm.

"It can't be safe in these woods alone at night, what was she thinking?" Liam questioned as soon as they stepped foot out of the cave.

"She's lived as a swan for four months out here, I don't know how she survived."

"Four months?" Liam parroted in disbelief. His worry lessened for Emma's safety but he felt terribly for her. They may have had a rough start but he couldn't help but admire her survival skills and gumption.

"Aye."

Liam couldn't imagine what life must have been like for her. As a human he didn't think he could last in this forest for longer than a month! Liam looked to Killian and saw his mouth in a thin line as his teeth worried at his bottom lip and his eyebrows furrowed. Killian's anxiety was almost palpable, and Liam couldn't help but wonder what he missed when he was captured. They did seem a lot closer and Emma was much more open and relaxed compared to before.

Liam hoped if they just kept walking in the direction she went they would find her. Killian increasingly looked more and more distressed as they fought against the branches and rough terrain.

"She'll be alright," Liam said side eyeing Killian.

His only response was Killian visibly gulping.

"I know you fancy her, so you should know that she is capable of handling whatever this forest sends her way."

"I don't—"

Liam just raised his eyebrows at his brother, whose cheeks were darkened by a blush even Liam could see in the dim light. "I didn't know you had a thing for swans, though; that is new—"

"Shut it."

"Alright, alright, I'm just teasing." Liam chuckled. His brother fancied a lost princess who was turned into a swan. It was quite the tale and one he would never drop. Liam's thoughts turned back to Emma. "Do you trust her?"

"I want to. If all of this turns out to be nothing, then absolutely."

Liam nodded. He really hoped it would turn out to be nothing. If not, the princess of Misthaven would likely ruin their dreams of sailing for an honourable kingdom, whether it be by her own hand or learning the harsh truth that those tales of rightful monarchs were just that: tales.

She could also hurt his brother, and that Liam couldn't stand for. He really missed a lot while the ogres had him to find Killian to be smitten the way he was.

/-/

Killian hated walking through the forest at night. It was so hard to see and his anxiety grew with every step. He felt as if they were moving at a snail's pace and would never catchup to Emma.

Killian really hoped he could trust her. She seemed to have genuinely wanted to help him find Liam. He knew Emma was closed off because of what she had been through, but as time went on and he got to see how brilliant and caring she was, how could he not fancy her just a little?

Eventually they found the cottage. They were able to make out some smoke rising between the trees; the brothers sighed in relief at the sight. They heard talking and moved quietly to the bushes near the house to listen in. Killian's heart hammered in his chest. Emma was with the Blind Witch.

Then Killian heard them speaking. Emma was going to trade them in to be servants? He felt faint. Yes, he thought something was up but after today they learned so much about each other. She saw him in a state no one had, besides Liam, of course. He did trust her. And she had been playing them the whole time?

Killian's temper flared; he felt like a fool. He must have missed something because one moment they were crouched in the bushes and the next they were flying through the air and landed on the ground in a painful thud.

What ever magic the witch had she was keeping them pinned to the ground. Killian struggled against it as he tried to get up.

"Let go, Witch!" Killian grunted. He heard Liam struggling next to him.

"Oh my, they are much stronger than I thought they'd be. They will do nicely. Thank you, Emma." As the witch turned towards Emma, he heard her cry out. Killian couldn't move his head to see what had happened but the pressure keeping them in place subsided and Killian could easy breathe again.

The witch was coughing and doubled over. Killian and Liam took advantage of the time they had to quickly get up and grab the witch. She raised her hand and magically pushed Killian away, and again he landed on the hard ground with a groan. Just as the witch was going to do the same to Liam, Killian looked up from his spot on the ground and saw Emma dive through the air and hit the witch right on the head with the corner of her wing. She was limp in Liam's arms in seconds.

"Killian, give me a hand," Liam grunted.

Emma stood near, watching them."I'm so—"

"—Not now, Emma." Killian dismissed her as he quickly rose and grabbed the witch's other arm. Together, the brothers dragged her into the odd cottage and placed her on the chair in front of her oven. Killian looked down and saw bones scattered across the floor in the light of the fire. He felt as if he was going to be sick.

Liam looked to where Killian's eyes were fixed. His face paled at the sight. "We best get out of here. No use in tying her up if she has magic," Liam choked out as he tore his eyes away from the floor.

"Aye," Killian croaked tearing his own eyes from the remains. Their one lead on getting out of this forest was gone and he felt hopelessness descend on him. It weighed heavily on his shoulders. He turned to walk out the door in a fog. What the hell were they going to do now?

As Killian walked out of the cottage, he saw Emma standing there, looking up at him. She was saying something—something about her family being cursed, and there was no other way, and she said no to the deal. He couldn't really focus. Maybe she did say no to the deal now, but that didn't make all the lies and false hope okay.

Killian couldn't stay to listen; couldn't spare her a glance. He just kept walking. He needed to think.

A/N: Thanks for reading and following and reviewing! I greatly appreciate it! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, sorry, here comes the angst. I wanted to post this last week, but I wanted to make sure that the next couple of chapters were in a good place as well so there aren't too long of waits in-between. :) Thanks to spartanguard on tumblr for the beta!