this is a short chapter, but it gets pretty intense. i think you will agree ;)

Regina appeared just a few steps away from the well, carefully hidden by trees. She took a death breath and walked closer. Henry was on the ground a few feet in front of her and her mother was chanting spells facing away from her. The former mayor decided now was a good time to get Henry. She crept to him and knelt down, carefully shaking him so he would wake up.

His eyes fluttered open and he whispered, "Mom?"

"Yes, baby it's me. I'm going to get you out of here, okay? I'm going to send you home and you will leave Storybrooke with Miss Swan. No matter what happens, I want you to remember that I love you so, so much, Henry. And never touch magic because it is never worth the price. Do you understand me?"

"Of course, but why are you telling me this? You are going to be okay, aren't you? Mom?"

"I need to send you home now, baby. I love you." Regina kissed the top of his head as he was quickly surrounded by dark smoke. He was gone a second later. She wiped her tears away and stood up. She stepped on a stick, alerting her mother to her presence. She turned around to look at her for the first time since she pretended to be dead.

"Regina, my dear. How are you?" She looked at her, frowning at her short hair and clothing. Regina was happy she hadn't noticed that Henry was gone yet.

"Fine, mother. It seems you haven't aged a day since the last time I saw you. What are you doing here?"

"I'm here for you of course, sweetheart." Cora walked to stand in front of Regina and pulled her hands with her own.

Regina stepped back and pulled her hands away. "But I don't need your help, mother. I'm okay here."

"No, you aren't Regina. I searched the boy's memory. I've seen how horrible he treats you. I want you to teach him a lesson now, dear." She looked around searching for him before she realized Regina looked guilty. "You little brat. What did you do with him!?"

She held Regina in the air as she had done so many years ago. Regina struggled briefly, but it was still impossible to break. Just as she remembered.

"I don't know what you are talking about. He wasn't here when I got here, I thought you put him somewhere else."

The invisible bonds around Regina tightened as her mother got even more angry. "Do not lie to your mother, Regina."

"Please let me go." Regina spit out. She was finding it hard to breathe. Cora dropped her and she landed on her stomach, coughing.

"Get up."

Regina pulled herself to her feet, still slightly coughing.

"You will listen to me from now on, Regina." Cora stepped closer and Regina tried to step back but found she was trapped in place. Cora smiled and rubbed her hand across her cheek. "My beautiful daughter. It is such a shame I have to do this"

The confused look that crossed Regina's face quickly turned into a pained look when Cora stuck her hand into her chest and pulled out her beating heart.

dunnn dun dunn. what will happen to poor Regina now?