This chapter comes with an additional content warning, please be advised: Depictions of assault and attempted sexual assault.


Chapter 6

A fresh pounding reverberated in Killian's skull as a wave of nausea crested over his consciousness. Slowly he drew breath in through his nose as he opened his eyes, blinking at the blurred edges of his vision, he tried to remember what had happened. He'd arrived at the Court of Miracles distracted with worry for Emma and her family, and filled with murderous intentions towards his father and brother, when someone had gotten the drop on him.

Awareness of his surroundings was slow to come, but it did not take him long to realize that his hands had been bound and he'd been secured to a chair within a dimly lit room. The act of swallowing was difficult, and just as Killian realized that it was because he'd been gagged, an older woman entered the room followed by two men, one of whom he recognized.

Relieved to see Robin, Killian could not understand the wary and hostile gaze his friend gave as he took his place next to the woman. Killian tried to speak, remembering the gag only as the knotted rope dug into the tender flesh at the corners of his mouth causing him to wince, and Robin's demeanor finally made sense. He didn't know who Killian was. Did not recognize him without the mask.

"Well, well, well," the older woman mused as she circled Killian, "what have we here?"

"A trespasser," the other man said.

"A spy," Robin spat.

Killian attempted to explain who he was through the gag, imploring Robin with the intensity of his gaze to recognize something, anything, about him.

"Ah, ah," the woman admonished, circling back around to stand before him. "Don't interrupt."

She surveyed him with a critical eye, and Killian took the opportunity to assess her as well. She had to be Cora Mills, the matriarch of the Mills clan. Emma's description of a primly coiffed woman whose smile offered matronly kindness, while her eyes flashed the intent to rip one's heart out was quite apt in that moment.

"You're very clever to have discovered our hideaway," she complimented politely, her tone continuing to carry a pleasant air even as she threatened, "it's too bad you won't live long enough to tell the tale."

Killian's heart plummeted at her words and he fought more urgently against his bindings and the gag. They had to listen to him. He had to warn them about Gold.

"I'm sure you are used to your pretty face buying you a lot," she stated, and those words shocked Killian into a stilled silence. Oh, if she only knew. "But it won't buy my time. We can't let you leave here to reveal what you've found." She turned to address Robin and the other man, and cold dread swept through Killian as she ordered, "Hang him."

Each man grabbed Killian firmly under an arm after releasing him from the chair, his hands still bound behind him. Killian twisted and fought to be free of their hold as they dragged him towards a scaffold. Screaming against the knotted rope that now tore at the corners of his mouth, he watched a makeshift gallows being prepared for him. He searched the crowd of gathered gypsies, praying that someone might intervene, that he might be able to locate Emma or one of her family within the throng, but it was to no avail.

Robin forced him to step up onto a crate and a noose was placed over his head, his cloak and tunic adjusted so the rope lay flush against his skin. Killian's heart hammered within his chest, a cold sweat breaking over him as hot tears started to spill themselves down his cheeks.

"Any last words?" Robin sneered in his ear.

Killian tried one last time to identify himself, but the gypsy just smirked and taunted, "That's what they all say."

Robin jumped off the crate and stood before the crowd, a menacing glint of satisfaction gleamed in his eyes as he turned his attention to the other gypsy who stood ready to kick the crate out from under Killian's feet.

Just as Robin lifted his chin to nod at his executioner, Killian heard an impassioned, "Stop!" call out.

Turning his head in the direction of the decree, Killian saw Emma approach with her family. She came to stand before him, her eyes focused upon his chest. She reached out and grasped the woven band that had made its way out from under his tunic.

"Where did you get this?" she demanded, her eyes burning with a mixture of anger and worry. "I gave this to Killian. The man at the cathedral. How did you get this? What did you do to him?"

He attempted to answer and winced again at the biting gag in his mouth. Emma signaled for Robin to remove it, and Killian tongued the raw and tender flesh at the edges of his mouth as Emma demanded that he answer her.

Killian took a shaky breath and focused his eyes onto Emma's. "You gave it to me, love.

Emma's eyes widened in recognition, and Killian heard a series of gasps echo around him as she exhaled his name.

"Killian?"

"Aye," he affirmed and tears pooled in her eyes.

"Bloody hell!" Robin exclaimed as he scrambled to remove the noose from around Killian's neck. He untied the bindings and assisted Killian off the crate to stand before Emma.

Emma's eyes roamed over his features, her lips slightly parted in awed disbelief. Her hands came up to his face, fingertips caressing the features her eyes had just taken in, and his eyes fell shut at the sensation. Shivers of wonder ran along his spine as gooseflesh erupted over his skin.

Killian reached up to place his hands over hers as they cupped his face, tears now making their way over both their cheeks.

"Killian," she murmured again, "it's really you?"

"Aye, love," he answered. "This is really me. The man beneath the mask."


Emma couldn't believe what she was seeing, couldn't believe her ears when the voice of the man she loved passed through the lips of the handsome stranger before her.

Handsome. He was handsome. No, her mind protested, he's beautiful. As beautiful as the moment she'd first met him.

And there was truth in that. Killian had always been beautiful to her, but this… him… his face.

It was perfect.

Her heart swelled and flurries rippled through her belly when she'd taken in his features. Dark, expressive brows, auburn dusted stubble that covered a sleek, strong jaw, high rose blushed cheeks all exposed in true reflection of the beauty that had always been beneath the surface.

Emma saw Killian shiver when she'd brought her hands up to caress his face. His hands now covered hers and she felt her thumb brushed over a small scar high on his cheek. The only mar to an otherwise perfect complexion.

"I've worn a mask for as long as I can remember," he commented softly. "I've no idea how I came to acquire the scar."

"I do," the choked voice of her brother called from behind her. "I gave it to you."

Both she and Killian dropped their hands and turned to face him. Tears shone in Liam's eyes, and mirrored pools glimmered in those of her parents as they all stared at Killian in awe.

"You look so like them," Snow uttered through her tears, now cascading down her cheeks. "You have Brennan's smile, and Amelia's eyes. I should have seen it sooner."

It took several moments for Emma to realize what they were saying. She'd wanted to argue that her mother couldn't have noticed any resemblance because of his mask, but then realized that those were the only two features his mask had ever displayed.

Emma looked back at Killian, the impact of Liam's and her mother's words displaying themselves in cautious astonishment upon his face.

"What… what are you saying?"

"We're saying," David replied, placing a hand upon Killian's shoulder, "that you're one of us. You are Killian Jones. The lost gypsy boy."

"My little brother," Liam exclaimed as he pulled Killian into a tight embrace and laughed through joyful tears.

Emma could see the utter shock coursing through Killian at the revelation. An overwhelming shift to the very foundations his entire life had been constructed upon. The sheer will and determination it must have taken to make his way to them after the reveal of Gold's true treachery caused Emma to once again marvel at the strength and courage of this man, even as she began to wonder how such a revelation had finally been made.

"Killian?" Emma began, pulling his attention from her brother's - his brother's - embrace. "What happened to your mask? Why are you here?"

"I've come to warn you all," Killian stated, addressing the entire assembly of gypsies within the court. "Governor Gold knows where to find you, and plans to attack at dawn to arrest the Nolans. You all must flee before he arrives." Killian focused his attentions to just Emma and her family as he added, "You must leave Misthaven tonight, but you'll have to find a way out of the city without the use of road or waterway. Gold is having them guarded."

"The Asylum Trail," Robin offered. "You'll have to go by foot, but the forest will provide you cover until you reach the province's border."

"We must pack quickly if we want to get a decent enough head start," her father said.

David and Snow withdrew to their quarters and began to gather the supplies and items they'd need. The rest of the clan discussed how to handle Gold's imminent attack.

"I'm sorry we won't have a chance to go back and get your things, brother," Liam commented. "We can't risk going back to the cathedral. You'll have to make due with some of my hand me downs. I'll get a satchel ready for you," he finished and then turned to follow their parents.

"I'm sorry, Liam," Killian replied, halting Liam's steps, "but I'm not coming with you."

Emma's head snapped back towards Killian, confusion and panic lacing her words as she grasped his hands in desperation. "You must come with us now."

"Nothing has changed, Emma," Killian declared softly. "As long as Gold is alive you're all in danger. He'll never stop hunting you. I have to stay so I can stop him. So I can protect you. Protect all of you."

"But how can you stop-," Emma's words fell away as she saw a dark expression cross his face, his gaze no longer meeting hers. "Killian? What do you plan to do?"

"Please don't ask me that, Emma," he whispered, a tightness encompassing his tone.

"Tell me, Killian," she urged. "What are you going to do?"

"Whatever I have to," he affirmed, meeting her eyes again with an intensity that nearly stole her breath. "Whatever it takes to keep you safe. Even if it means becoming the monster they always claimed me to be."

Emma could see the apprehension behind Killian's resolve. The fear that his intentions would drive her love away, and though she wished to plead with him further, knew she should try to dissuade him from seeking vengeance against Gold, she didn't. Instead, she rested her forehead against his and whispered, "When it's done… when Gold is no longer a threat… come find me, Killian."

Killian let out a relieved sigh. "Aye, my love. I'll always find you."

"And so shall I!" Gold's voice rang out.

The assembly of gypsies watched in horror as soldiers flooded the Court of Miracles.


Killian and Liam took a protective stance around Emma as chaos erupted around them. How had Gold assembled his men so quickly? Why had he attacked early? Glancing at Gold and Neal, Killian's heart dropped when he saw the smirks set upon their faces, and the terrible truth washed over him. Gold had lied about knowing the location of the gypsy sanctuary, and Killian had led them right to it.

"Stand down!" Neal ordered. "Any of you among the Mills clan who lays down their arms now, and does not interfere in our business with the Nolan's will receive pardon for harboring these criminals."

Cora, who had made her way into the chamber with Gold and Neal, nodded her assent and the clattering sounds of surrendered weaponry rang out within the chamber. Killian stared at the woman incredulously. How could she sell them out this way? True, they were outnumbered, but didn't their code demand that they die trying?

Sounds of struggle and protest drew Killian's attention, and he saw David and Snow being dragged back into the court, deposited at Gold's feet.

"At last," Gold triumphed. "The remnants of that treacherous woman's clan will finally be brought to justice."

"This isn't justice," David countered vehemently, standing to face Gold. "It's slaughter. You're nothing but a murderer."

One of Gold's soldiers landed a sharp punch to David's middle, doubling him over, while another soldier stood over Snow, his sword hovering over her heart.

"Accept your fate without further trouble, gypsy, and I promise to make their deaths swift," Gold sneered as he pointed his gaze at Snow, then over to Liam and Emma.

Gold nodded to his soldiers and hands began pulling Emma and Liam from Killian. They were roughly bound with ropes, causing Emma to cry out in pain.

"No!" Killian shouted as he rushed towards her, only to have two soldiers catch hold of him.

"I'll deal with you later," Gold said to Killian with an evil grin on his lips.

"You should just have me executed alongside them," Killian spat defiantly.

"You still have some value to me," Gold responded flippantly, "but not to worry, dearie. Once your usefulness runs out I plan to put you out of both our miseries."

"Value?" Killian scoffed. "You've never valued anything but my pain and torment."

"True," Gold tittered. "But the king has always found you to be a fascinating topic of interest."

"The king?" Killian replied incredulously.

"Indeed. When the king first learned, all those years ago, that I had adopted a poor wretch into my household, one that required a mask to cover a deformity his own mother abandoned him for, why… I became something of a saint in his eyes. How do you think I became Governor?" he explained with a sadistic amount of glee.

"Imagine the king's wrath once he discovers the lie you've perpetuated over all these years," Killian taunted through grit teeth.

"Oh, it won't be a lie once I'm done with you," Gold threatened coldly. "I should have made your need for that mask a reality when you were first fitted with it. A mistake I mean to rectify once I've dealt with them." He gestured towards the Nolans, all bound and on their knees, awaiting their sentence.

"You won't get away with it," Killian stated. "Too many people know the truth now."

"You mean gypsies," Gold contended. "Who's going to believe the word of a gypsy over my own? The Governor?"

"Perhaps they'll believe mine," Killian countered, "or Bishop Nemo's. You can't silence us all."

"I can if I remove your tongue," Gold threatened. "As for Nemo, he'll be easy enough to deal with. Felix will see to him. Then I'll see to you… my son."

"I've never been your son," Killian seethed, "and I know the truth now. My parents never abandoned me. You killed them."

"Oh, I can't take credit for your father, I'm afraid. That was my soldiers' doing. But your mother… well, that's another story. Struck her down with my horse as she pleaded for sanctuary at the cathedral doors. You never knew, did you?" he taunted. "For the past six years you've taken solace in the very place providence turned its back on you and handed you over to me."

"You bastard!" Liam cried out. "You'll pay for what you did to Killian. For what you did to all of us."

"Perhaps," Gold replied dismissively, "but none of you will live to see it. You'll be executed in the town square tomorrow morning, and just to make sure our deal remains in tact," he continued, turning his attentions to Cora, "My guards will remain here to see to it that none of your clansmen can interfere. Take them away!" Gold ordered.

Killian renewed his efforts to be free from the soldiers' hold on him, crying out Emma's name as he watched her and her family being dragged away. Her shouts for him rang in his ears and gripped at his heart as he pulled and twisted with vigor. Suddenly Killian felt his breath escape him as one of the soldiers struck him in the gut with the hilt of a sword in an effort to stop his struggles.

"Take him back to the cathedral and see that he and the monks stay there," Gold instructed.

Killian's arms were forced behind him and he too was bound before being led out of the Court of Miracles. A vehement desire to see Gold dead sparked within Killian as he cast dark looks at both him and Neal, as he was dragged past them. Their demise would have to wait, though. Killian had a gypsy girl, and his true family, to save first.


Killian paced the length of the small room the guards had locked him in, wracking his brain for a means of escape. The small window was too narrow to fit through, even if he could reach it. He'd hoped the soldiers would choose a room with the door hinges facing inward, but it seemed they weren't too ignorant to recognize the escape potential such a detail would afford him. He might have some luck picking the lock, if only he had a length of thin, hard metal to use, but even if he got the door open, he'd have to contend with the guards posted just outside.

Killian ran his hand over his face in frustration, and might have marveled at the compulsion and the ability to do so if it weren't for the sounds of a scuffle coming from outside the door. He braced himself for what stood beyond the door as he heard the key being fitted into the lock. Killian's tension remained when he took in the presence of Robin and the other gypsy man who'd been with him at the Court of Miracles when the two made their way through the door.

"What the bloody hell are you doing here?" Killian demanded. His posture braced with alert apprehension, he did not trust Robin's intentions, not after his matriarch had all but handed Emma and her family - his family - over to Gold.

"Saving your arse," the other man quipped, his cocky demeanor and cheeky expression setting Killian's already frayed nerves on edge.

"Oh, now you've decided to step in and do something?" Killian confronted Robin through grit teeth, grabbing him by his tunic and slamming his back into the nearest wall. "Why now, when you did nothing to aid them before? Your matriarch handed them over to Gold and you just stood there and did nothing!"

"Oi!" the other man shouted as he tried to pull Killian away from Robin. "Let go!"

"It's alright, Will," Robin replied to his compatriot before squaring his gaze at Killian. "You're right. We did nothing," he acknowledged. "If we had fought back we would have been slaughtered. Cora and Gold have had an understanding between them for years," he went on to explain. "She acts on his behalf in unsavory issues he can't risk dirtying his hands with, and he gives us a wide berth to live our lives without interference. Making Gold believe that she would honor their arrangements over our gypsy code was the only way we could truly help the Nolans."

"It was a ruse?"

"Aye," Robin continued. "We'd be no good to the Nolans dead, or arrested alongside them."

"But Gold left a contingency to guard over the Court of Miracles."

"Do you really think we don't have ways to sneak in and out of our own sanctuary? You have much to learn about gypsy life, my friend."

Killian released Robin and the men took a moment to assess one another before Killian asked, "So what do we do now?"

"Now," Robin replied as he clapped a hand on Killian's shoulder, "we go save the woman you love, and the rest of your family. They're being brought to the square for sentencing even as we speak, so we must hurry."

Knowing that he would need the weight and authority of Nemo's position in order to stay the Nolan's execution, Killian led Robin and the other man, Will Scarlett, a fellow clansman of the Mills troupe, to the corridor that housed the monk's cells. Fortunately, only two guards had been stationed to watch over and ensure the holy men remained sequestered within their rooms and were easily subdued by the trio. Divesting one of the guards of his weapon, Killian rushed to exit the cathedral when he heard the ringing of the proclamation bell, alerting all and sundry that a public sentencing was about to take place in the square.

With Robin and Will close behind him, Killian made his way through the crowd towards the platform as charges against the Nolans were being read. Fighting their way onto the platform, Killian managed to make his way to the cryer. The passions of battle and urgency of the moment fueled his courage to stand before the crowd as he called out the falsity of the charges. Will and Robin continued to hold off guards that attempted to make their way onto the platform as Killian urged the crowd to heed his words.

"And why should we listen to you?" a mocking voice called out from the crowd. "Who are you, anyway?"

"I will tell you who he is," Nemo called out over the crowd having made it to the platform. A revered silence spread over the assemblage at the Bishop's presence. "He is the proof of the true crimes that ought to be put on trial. The crimes of Governor Gold." Gasps and utterances of confusion rippled through the crowd, all eyes turning to the Governor's raised dais where Gold sat seething; though Killian could detect a twinge of something akin to fear in the man's demeanor. "This man is the evidence of Gold's depravity and cruelty," Nemo continued. Having taken the cryer's place next to Killian, Nemo rested a hand on his shoulder as he declared. "This is Gold's very own adopted son, Killian. However, most of you have come to know him by another name. The Masked Monster of Misthaven." Nemo pulled Killian's mask from beneath his robes and displayed it to the shocked and horrified crowd.

Killian stepped forward to the very front of the platform, and for the first time since the truth of his face had literally come to light, he gave voice to the atrocity Gold had committed against him. "Twenty years ago, Gold murdered my parents and took me from the only family I had left. He locked me in a prison of lies behind a metal mask. Everything about my life has been a lie! Just as the charges against these gypsies are a lie!" he shouted. His bottled rage and torment sparked passion into his words, and they began to stir the crowd. "It is time for Gold to answer for his crimes! What say you Misthaven? Will you stand with us?"

An impassioned response rose from the crowd, and Gold no longer appeared angry, but fearful.

"A dispatch has already been sent to the king calling for Gold's arrest," Nemo declared, "but we cannot allow this atrocity to be committed." Nemo gestured toward the jailer's wagon that held the accused gypsies, and for the first time Killian took a good look through the bars only to discover that Emma was not among her family.

"Free the gypsies! Arrest Gold!" someone cried out from the crowd; the mob was quick to take up the call, and chaos erupted within the square. Gold's guards seemed split in their loyalties. Some fought against the crowd in order to protect Gold, while others assisted Killian in freeing the Nolans from the jailer's wagon.

"Where's Emma?" he questioned frantically as he helped to remove their bindings. "Is she alright? Where is she?

"Neal came for her before we were transported to the square," Liam answered gravely. "Said he'd made a deal with his father to spare her as long as she agreed to be his. She refused, but he took her anyway."

A frenzied madness threatened to overtake Killian as he tried to push away all the vile considerations of what Neal intended to do to her when an urgent cry rang out from the crowd.

"He's getting away! Gold's getting away!"

"Go after Emma," Liam urged. "I'll make sure that bastard doesn't get far."

"Take this," Killian offered, handing the sword he'd had clutched in his hand over to Liam.

"What about Neal?"

"I won't be needing that to deal with him," Killian answered darkly. Without further preamble, Killian set off toward Gold's manor, praying with every sprinted footfall that Emma would be strong enough to hold Neal off until he could reach her.


Emma fought and thrashed, her terror giving her an added strength that had helped her hold off his depraved advances. Even with this additional fervor, she was no match for the crushing grip at her wrists or unyielding weight against the length of her body.

Upon entering the manor, Neal had announced to all within earshot that he was not to be disturbed. When the servants only looked on with apathetic gazes to her plight, Emma knew there would be no aid coming from within the household.

Tears welled in her eyes and rising bile burned her throat as she felt the heat of his mouth along her neck, sucking and biting with no thought of tenderness. A shudder of revulsion rolled through her at the feel of his eager heaviness rubbing against her thigh while he attempted to raise her skirts with only the use of his knee, keeping her hands bound within his above her head.

She refused to give him the satisfaction of her pleas.

"That's right, sweetheart," he goaded. "No use in fighting me anymore. I told you this is where your little games would end." He brought his face back up and attempted to claim her mouth, but Emma turned her head in refusal.

A fresh wave of indignation swelled within her when she saw a glimmer of metal and realized that it was shining off a familiar sight.

A mask.

Displayed on his bedside table was one of Killian's old masks, sitting there as though it were a trophy one would exhibit in a manner of pride. A gloating reminder of the truth of both his and his father's cruelty, a cruelty Emma feared she was about to be subjected to.

Just as her tears began to spill over her cheeks, Emma heard a muffled shout echo within the manor. The cry called out again and she felt Neal shift his attentions toward the door affording her the opportunity to strike. Encumbered by her skirts, she brought her knee up with as much force as she was capable, and struck him in the inner thigh. The unexpected blow caused his grip to loosen at her wrists and she wrenched a hand free. She clawed and scratched at his neck and face, and though her actions caused him to rear back, they also strengthened the grip he still had on her other wrist.

The shouts came closer and Emma's heart soared at the realization that the voice calling out her name was Killian's. She reached over to the bedside table and grasped the heavy metal mask, swinging it wildly she caught Neal about the head. The blow disoriented him enough that she was able to shove him aside. She cried out Killian's name as she freed herself from Neal's hold.

Emma had almost made it to the chamber door when it crashed open, revealing Killian. Momentary relief flashed within his eyes before his gaze hardened as he took in the harrowing details of her appearance. Her rumpled and torn dress, the fresh bruise that was surely blooming at her cheek where she'd been struck earlier, the bite marks Neal had left on her neck, all caused a frightful darkness to burn in his eyes as his rage spilled over.

Still slightly stunned at the blow he'd received, Neal had only a moment to brace himself for Killian's advance. Slamming Neal against the wall, Killian managed to strike him twice before receiving a jab to his own ribs.

Emma retreated to the balcony as the two exchanged blows, eventually knocking each other to the ground. As they wrestled with one another Emma looked about for some way to help Killian. Perhaps she could make her way back toward the bedside table and grab Neal's sword.

Before she could put that plan into action Killian subdued Neal by pressing his forearm against the wretched man's neck. Killian's attention was caught by the sight of something on the ground next to him.

The mask.

Killian grabbed it, and Emma saw the intent flash behind his eyes as Killian raised the mask, determined to administer a beating with it. Her breath caught at his hesitation. Seething rage rolled off him, and the muscle in his jaw ticked as he looked down at the man who had been an accessory to the years of cruelty and torment Killian had suffered. Emma held her breath as Killian lowered the mask and began to speak.

"I should beat you to death with this. Repay you blow for blow, every strike I endured on your behalf." His voice shook with fury, his expression hardened by the resolve that resonated within his words. "But regardless of what you and Gold tried to make me believe my entire life… I. Am. Not. A monster."

Killian tossed the mask aside and stood, leaving Neal to cower on the floor. As Killian made his way over to her at the balcony, Emma saw Neal pick himself up off the floor and unsheathe the sword that had been resting against the bedside table.

"Killian! Behind you!" she cried, as Neal rushed forward.

Killian turned in time to see Neal advancing with sword in hand, and had only a moment to react. Side stepping as Neal lunged, Killian grabbed his arm and swung him towards the balcony ledge. The momentum caused Neal's balance to falter, and before Killian could reach out to stop him, Neal stumbled over the ledge; a sickening thud echoed from the cobblestone below.

Emma rushed to Killian's side as he stared over the balcony edge, but he turned and stopped her before she could look upon the scene below.

"Don't, Emma," he pleaded with a catch in his voice. "Please, don't look."

Emma watched as a barrage of emotions seemed to engulf him all at once. Where moments ago he'd been steeled with murderous rage and righteous indignation, he now looked stricken and exposed. He tore his gaze from her and his shoulders began to shake, but she wouldn't allow him to turn away from her. Gently she reached out and guided his head to her shoulder providing him a sanctuary for his vulnerability.

Uncontrollable sobs wracked his body as they sank to their knees on the balcony. Emma held him in her arms as he poured out twenty years of anguish over the abuse he had suffered, not staying her own tears as they mixed with his.

Emma felt his tender caress on her cheeks as he wiped away the remainder of her tears. His own had already been spent, and time had passed without thought as they simply held one another and wept. She stared into his now clear and serene gaze; the storm of tumultuous reflections that had clouded his mind no longer resided behind his forget-me-not eyes.

"Everything in my life has been a lie," he whispered softly, holding her face in his hands. "Except you. You are the only real thing… the only true thing I know. I love you, Emma."

"I love you, Killian."

He closed the gap between them, pressing his lips to hers, tightening his arms to draw her closer to him. She'd often thought to herself how perfect his lips appeared, even beneath the rigid lines of his mask. And they were perfect. Fitting against her own as if they had been sculpted to rest there.

Killian released her lips, and she chased his, earning her a small smile and chuckle as he caressed the line of her jaw. His gaze of adoration practically stole her breath before he pressed in again. This time he took her lips more urgently, moving his hand around to caress the base of her neck.

Losing themselves in the tentative exploration of mingled breaths and emboldened tongues, they did not hear the approach of her family, until a clearing of a throat startled them apart. Emma could feel the blush radiate from her face as she and Killian stood to face her parents and Liam.

"Are you both alright?" Snow asked, pointedly ignoring the tender yet passionate scene she'd walked in on.

"We're fine, Mother," Emma reassured as she was pulled into both her parent's loving arms.

"What of Gold?" she heard Killian ask Liam, and a shadow passed over her brother's features.

"No longer of any concern to this world," he answered, and the two men shared a moment of understanding before pulling one another into a tight embrace.

"Nemo said to return to the cathedral as soon as we found you," David informed them. "He will offer us all sanctuary until things can be sorted out with the king. The entire city has been thrown into chaos."

"Then we should go," Killian agreed, and they all made their way to exit the room.

Before he could follow Emma out the door, Killian was halted by David's hand at his shoulder. "When we get back to the cathedral, I think it's about time you and I had a talk about your intentions with my daughter." The seriousness of his words were only slightly diminished by the smirk he fought at the corner of his mouth and the twinkle of mirth in his eye.

"Aye," Killian replied with a wide smile. "I believe it is."


This has been such a pleasure to write, and I am so happy with how it came out. Thank you all for every kudo, comment, like, reblog, and review! We still have an Epilogue next week to look forward to, but I wanted to take a moment to just say - THANK YOU!