I rushed home after my visit with Artemis. She had given Pan some very cryptic & pointed words in exchange as we left, almost growling at him as if she did not trust him. It unnerved me.
When he returned me safely to Clarke and the rest of my escort I did not look back as I gestured for them to follow.
"We must return home at once." I could feel the excitement thrilling in my veins. I could get to Emma at last!
The trip home felt much longer than I knew it to be. Anticipation made it seem as if the seconds had widened. I was annoyed and snappish with anyone that attempted to speak with me. They stopped trying after the first few attempts.
"Get me Belle! Tell her to meet me in the Mirror Room." I ordered Lexa. She was the first to meet us as we arrived.
I didn't miss the longing glance Lexa flashed at Clarke before she turned to do as I commanded.
Henry hurried after me, I saw Mal give him a shake of her head as he opened his mouth to speak to me. He clamped his mouth shut and simply followed as I hurried into the Mirror Room.
I stood before the broken mirror. The surface shattered. Pieces hung off, cracks in its surface.
I barely registered the others in the room. Belle arrived, and I produced the vial of silvery liquid Artemis had given to me.
"Do you recognize this at all?" I held up the liquid for her inspection. Belle frowned at it. It glowed and almost seemed to move within the vial.
"Essence Lunae." Belle's eyes widened. "A magical potion said to carry the very curative properties of the Moon's magical reflective light itself. Near impossible to produce because of not only the years it takes to brew, but also because it is said that the blood of Artemis herself must be obtained as an ingredient."
"It can heal or repair nearly anything except the most damaging of immortally inflicted wounds." Belle was in awe as she seemed to recite from memory what she had read on the subject.
"It will work on the mirror then?" Belle nodded her affirmation.
I almost shook at the thought. I felt nauseous with my elation. I turned to the mirror.
"Regina, are you sure you want to do this so quickly?" Belle broke through my thoughts.
"Perhaps assembling a group to go with you might be a good idea?" Mal reminded me.
I sighed. I was so caught up in seeing Emma soon, in being able to bring her back I had nearly rushed in without thinking. I glared down at my growing navel.
"This is your fault." I would never have normally rushed in. I was a planner. I plotted, organized, thought out my moves. Thoughts of my child, of Henry, of me having to live without Emma were clouding my judgement.
"Mulan, Ruby, Lily as well as Will." I told Mal. I thought for a moment as a restlessness not my own echoed within me.
"Kara as well." I had a feeling part of the reason she lacked control had to do with her being cooped up all the time.
Snow, entering the room, heard me and opened her mouth to speak, I shook my head.
"She needs this."
Snow sighed.
"You're right." Snow admitted.
"Well, if this is really happening, I'm going to gather our party and put together some food and drink to bring along." Maleficent exited with an expression of great surprise.
Henry chose Mal leaving as his chance to speak up, "Mom?"
I knew what he wanted. "Henry, I need you to stay here. I need you to be safe."
He lowered his head, defeated.
I turned to him and gave him my kindest smile.
"I love you, Henry, and I only just got you back. I can't lose you again and Wonderland is dangerous." I told him.
He nodded.
"I understand." He threw his arms around my waist. "Just bring her home."
I gave Snow a meaningful look.
"I will keep him safe." She promised.
Mal soon arrived with the people I asked her for. I glanced over each of them, dressed out and ready for a fight. I gave them an approving smile.
"Time for the moment of truth."
