Regina set out tea on the table for the humans that now occupied the dining area. She grabbed a juice box from the fridge for herself and Zelena, relieved at the courteous nod her sister sent her way. She was glad she didn't have any hard feelings about moving out. Or, if she did, she masked her emotions well. Checking her aura, she noticed Zelena was nervous, not currently harboring any ill feelings toward her.

Also occupying the table was Ruby, a close friend of Mary Margaret, David, the woman's distraught boyfriend, and Emma. David shakily reached out for his cup of tea, a distant look upon his face. He had been the first to realize Mary Margaret had gone missing and had informed Ruby first thing.

"Walk us through the past twenty-four hours again, David," Zelena coaxed.

"Okay. Well, I had stayed over at her place the night before, as I wasn't really in the condition to drive home and I wanted to make sure she would be alright as well. We'd both been drinking. I woke up to a note from Mary Margaret, saying she had gone to work for a staff meeting and would be back around lunch time, to make myself at home."

David paused to take a sip of his tea, his hands still trembling. Regina began to wonder if he was just nervous, or if it was some sort of neurological condition. Apparently, Emma had noticed too, for she shot an anxious look her way.

"I got up and showered, made myself breakfast. I spent most of the morning tidying up the mess we'd made the night before." The man blushed at that, a smile tugging at his mouth. "And, as expected, Mary Margaret returned around lunch time. I had a little meal waiting for her and we sat and talked for a while. Around evening time, I had to go check on the animals at the shelter, so I thanked her for letting me stay and told her I'd see her soon."

David swiped at his eyes, his shoulders slumping forward. "That's the last time I saw her."

Emma leaned forward to hold David's hand, knowing he must care very deeply for her friend to be this emotional about it. Zelena, however, was skeptical.

"So, David, you were the last one to see Miss Blanchard. When did you report her missing? Why did you assume she wasn't in town?"

David floundered for an answer, surprised at the third-degree he was receiving. Emma squeezed his hand gently and he offered her a nervous smile. "I didn't hear from her the rest of that night or the next day. I dropped by her apartment to see her and she wasn't there, but her phone was. She didn't show up to work—"

"She didn't stop by the diner for her normal breakfast order," Ruby added.

David nodded. "Right. So, I looked for her everywhere and came up empty. It's not like her to just go off the grid like this. I know her; we've been dating for a few months. So I called Ruby and asked if she'd seen her. When she said she hadn't, I dropped by the sheriff's station and filed a report before calling you both."

"Sheriff Graham is presumably searching for her, is he not?" Regina asked.

Zelena nodded. "He said he'd let us know if he found her. Or any leads as to her disappearance."

"I think we should start a search party. Most people in town would be willing to look for her," Ruby suggested.

"But what if she's not in town?" Emma counteracted her suggestion. At Ruby's piercing glare, she shrunk back in her seat. Apparently, the woman was still pissed about her leaving the bed and breakfast.

"Continue your thought, Emma," Regina said.

Emma looked relieved at her reassurance. "Well, I mean… David said he already looked for her everywhere in town. And people are going missing from other magical hidden towns, right? What if, somehow, Mary Margaret wandered over the town line and couldn't get back?"

Zelena nodded, pondering the idea. "It was only a matter of time before it happened to us. It could be possible."

"I still think a search party could be beneficial—" Ruby cut in.

Regina held up a hand to silence her. The woman was getting on her last nerve, especially since she had anger toward Emma, of whom Regina had become protective over.

"David, Ruby, go organize a search party. Let us know if you find anything, and we'll do the same."

The two nodded and left the trio alone. Zelena finished off her juice box and grabbed another. She tended to ingest more blood when she was anxious, and Regina was glad she had thought to stock up to last her a while. They were going to need it.

"They're not going to find her in town," Zelena said quietly.

Regina sighed and nodded reluctantly. "I know."

"Can we cross the town line and search for her there?" Emma spoke up. As both women turned to look at her inquisitively, she continued. "You both have the power to come and go, as you were put in charge of this town. I somehow got in, though it should have been impossible."

Regina quickly shook her head. "We don't know if you'll be able to get back into town if you cross the line. It's too risky."

"But—"

"My sister's right, darling," Zelena agreed, licking blood from her lips. "You should stay here where you're safe."

Emma was touched by the protectiveness Zelena was showing, much like Regina. Even so, she frowned in disappointment. "Mary Margaret was one of my first friends here. She defended me against Ruby, supported me in my decision to get help without asking any questions. If I went missing, she would be the first to try and do everything in her power to find me."

Emma leaned forward, feeling that static pulse in her hands again. "Maybe my magic will kick in and help."

Regina looked to Zelena, who shrugged in response. It was apparent that Emma wasn't going to give up easily. "Alright, let's look outside of town."

XXXX

Hour after hour passed with no sign of Mary Margaret. The three women had scoured the forest surrounding the town with no sign that she had even been there at all. It began to rain, the harsh wind doing a good job of pelting them with freezing cold drops.

Regina and Zelena weren't affected, of course, but Emma was shivering in her leather jacket and now soaked clothing. Her teeth chattered and her hands shook, but she kept trying to tap into her power to somehow locate her friend.

Regina found her huddling for warmth beneath a tree. For a human, it was impossible to see barely five feet in front of her with the rain, let alone trying to search for a whole person, so she presumed Emma was miserable.

"Emma, you're freezing." Regina quickly shed her own coat and draped it over her shoulders.

Despite the dampness of it not offering extra warmth, Emma offered the woman a smile. "Thanks. Guess I should have dressed for the weather."

"You're upset," Regina noticed.

Emma cocked her head to the side curiously. "Are you using your immortal vampire powers to read my mind?"

Regina chuckled and leaned against the tree beside her. "Not quite. I read auras; yours is grey, indicating you're unhappy."

Emma sighed. "I thought this would be easier. I could use my magic somehow, that it would finally click because my friend is in trouble. No, it's not that simple."

"Magic is complex. It takes a long while to come to understand it, even longer to control it and then finally master it. It's an extension of you, like an arm or a leg. It's deeply rooted."

"I'm emotional enough—shouldn't my magic sense that and immediately work to my advantage?"

Regina shook her head. "If only it were that easy." She took her hand and intertwined their fingers. "I won't rest until we find Mary Margaret. I'm worried, very much so. If the magic in our town has indeed weakened, the council will surely send someone here. I can't hide this or hold them back any longer."

Emma stepped closer to her, facing her now. She pushed back a stray strand of hair that had fallen into her face. Then she leaned in and kissed her softly, lingering, before pulling away.

"It's okay. We'll figure things out. I'll help you, just as you helped me."

Regina smiled and leaned in to kiss her again, the sound of the rain in the background hitting the leaves and falling around them making the moment seem like a theatrical production, or a scene in one of the romance novels she loved to read.

Emma kissed her back eagerly, delving in to explore her mouth in every possible way she could. This felt so right; it wasn't ulterior motives that had Regina kissing her, she was simply wrapped up in her emotions. She was good; both inside, and out.

As they both pulled back, a smirk tugged at Emma's lips. "What color is my aura now?"

Regina grinned. "Red. Passionate, energized, and strengthened."

At the sight of Regina's fangs poking at her bottom lip, Emma felt a sudden rush of desire and quickly pulled back. The craving for that bite was again gnawing at her. It would only grow stronger as time went on, she knew. She had to think of a way to get it.

Regina noticed the mood shift and released her. Zelena joined them moments later, turning up empty-handed.

"I say we call it a night. This rain is bitter cold, and it'll be dark soon."

Regina knew that Zelena was referring to Emma, as the cold didn't bother them. She gave her sister a grateful smile and led the way back to the town line.

Just before they were about to cross, Emma grabbed Regina's arm to stop her.

"What is it?" Regina asked.

"Something doesn't feel right." Emma stared at the town sign, that static feeling traveling throughout her whole body. It felt as if she was in a game of tug of war; something was pressing against her magic. The sign gleamed with moisture, the white letters shining brightly against the green paint. It seemed normal, but something was amiss.

"Do you think you won't be able to cross?" Regina asked worriedly.

Emma shook her head. "It's not that. It's almost as if the magic is… pushing back on mine. Like it's a virus."

The feeling suddenly disappeared, leaving her more confused than ever. Chalking it up to be nerves and stress, Emma shook off the feeling and followed the Mills sisters back into town.

Zelena went to go talk to Sheriff Graham and the search party while Regina took Emma back home to the mansion for the night.

Emma gratefully shed her soaked clothing and turned on the shower, impatiently waiting for it to heat up. She wondered if Mary Margaret was okay, wherever she was. Hopefully she had found shelter to wait out the storm while she waited for someone to rescue her.

Becoming emotional at the thought of her missing friend, Emma decided instead to think about the kiss she and Regina had shared. It was full of longing and passion, fearless and bold. The memory of it had her aching with desire. It was incredible how Regina just decided to accept her despite her past, of which she didn't seem to even think about prying about.

Emma stepped into the shower and sighed at the warm water cascading around her. Her eyes slipped closed, and she began to lather up her hair with shampoo. Regina seemed protective of her now, guarding. Even with the way Ruby had treated her earlier that day.

Emma never had someone care so much. Everyone that had come into her life always wanted something, demanded more. With Regina, it was just… simple. She cared about Emma because she was a genuinely good soul—she saw something others didn't.

Guilt soon pushed the good feelings away. Emma rinsed her hair, squeezing out the excess water. That nagging voice inside wanted Emma to find a way for Regina to bite her again, to feel the rush of that high, if only for a moment. Regina might not expect anything more from her, but deep down, Emma was the one wanting more.

She slammed her hand against the wall in exasperation. It seemed the craving never fully went away. Tears rolled down her cheeks to mingle with the stream of water. She bowed her head, succumbing to the darkness that was surely eating away at her bit by bit.

XXXX

Regina sighed and hung up the phone that had been cradled on her shoulder. As expected, the council was not happy; they understood it hadn't been her or Zelena's fault that their first resident had gone missing, but perhaps they had been hoping that the disappearances would slow down.

Zelena entered the room and grabbed a juice box from the fridge. She pointed to the stir fry Regina was making with a curious smile. "Is that for Emma?"

Regina shrugged. "It's the least I can do since she helped us look for Mary Margaret. I suppose there weren't any leads with the search party in town either?"

Zelena shook her head. "I don't believe when we find Mary Margaret that the news will be all that chipper, considering what has happened to the others."

"Yes," Regina agreed quietly.

"So, what does the council suggest we do?"

Regina shut off the burner and moved the skillet from the heat. "They want me to meet with them as soon as I can to discuss options. It only makes sense that one of us stays here to keep searching for Mary Margaret and preventing any others from crossing the line."

"When do you leave?"

Both women turned to see Emma entering the kitchen, her hair wrapped in a towel, dressed in soft pajamas. She sat at the table next to Zelena and waited for an answer.

"Tomorrow. I don't know how long I'll be gone for." Regina served Emma the stir fry, dipping her head in acknowledgement as she thanked her.

"I can manage for a while," Zelena said as she finished her drink. "We'll still be in contact. I'll hold a town meeting, make a public announcement that everyone is to stay close to the heart of the town, away from the edge."

"I can help search for Mary Margaret outside of town too," Emma added.

Regina nodded, giving them a tight-lipped smile that appeared more like a grimace. "Thank you."

Seeing the anxiety in Regina's soft, brown eyes, Emma suddenly knew that she would do anything in her power to bring the light back.

XXXX

Emma went with Regina to the town line in the morning while Zelena went to start a town meeting. Seeing the suitcases stowed in the back of the car made Emma's heart ache. Though she had known Regina for a short time, she really cared for her. She hoped this council didn't blame Regina, for it wasn't her fault.

How would she stay away from the temptations she had fought and won against, when Regina was the only one who could truly help and support her?

Regina reached across to the passenger side seat to grab Emma's hand, having seen the conflict she was mentally fighting against. "Everything will be okay. I'm going to figure this out."

Emma was surprised to feel tears fill her eyes. "I know you have to go, but…"

"This isn't easy on me either," Regina responded.

Emma chuckled and wiped her eyes. "Here I am being selfish that you're leaving while you have more pressing matters. Not to mention Mary Margaret is still out there somewhere."

"Emma." Regina gently cupped her face, forcing Emma to meet her eyes. "It's okay to have selfish feelings. Your feelings matter just as much as anyone's."

Emma averted her eyes, staring instead at the snowflakes drifting down from the sky. "I was always taught that any selfish emotions I had were sins. That there were always people out there worse off than me. If I was caught crying, I'd be locked up. Sometimes for days."

She slumped back against her seat, sniffling. "After a while, I learned to hide my emotions. To turn them off and on like a light switch. But you," she looked up at Regina, seeing her eyes filled with tears, "I can't hide my emotions around you. You make me feel things… deeply. And I'm scared of losing that, of losing… you. And being alone again."

Regina leaned in and kissed her, stroking her face lovingly as she did so. Emma responded by threading her fingers through her hair, kissing her back just as passionately. Regina moved down along her jaw, placing butterfly kisses there, before kissing her neck.

Emma gasped in pleasure, pressing further into the woman's mouth. She shuddered as Regina's fangs grazed along her skin, not quite penetrating. "Please," she begged, her voice barely above a whisper.

Regina hesitated only for a moment before gently sinking her teeth into her throat right above the pulse point. Emma moaned in pleasure at the familiar endorphins clouding her brain, sending her into a happy, sedate state. It couldn't have been more than thirty seconds, but it felt like a lifetime. She never wanted it to end.

Regina finally pulled away, swiping her thumb along the marks to wipe away the blood left there. She cupped Emma's face in her hand, searching her foggy eyes. As the endorphins began to wear off, Emma sat up once more.

"Are you alright?" Regina asked.

Emma nodded, leaning in to kiss her one last time, tasting her blood on the woman's mouth. Regina pulled back and shook her head, guilt riddled in her brown eyes.

"I apologize. I shouldn't have done that. I just wanted to reassure you that I care about you, that you don't have to worry about losing me. I'll always be here to protect you."

Emma smiled and squeezed her hand. "It's okay. You don't have to worry about hurting me. Just promise you'll come back."

Regina smiled and nodded. "I promise."

As Emma watched Regina's car cross the town line, her heart felt light in her chest. Everything would be alright, as long as she had Regina by her side.

XXXX

Emma headed to the diner to grab breakfast before she set out to search for Mary Margaret again. Zelena had met with the majority of the town while Emma had escorted Regina to the edge of town. She hoped the residents would understand the severity of the situation and do as they were told. Regina didn't need the stress of more people disappearing while she was away.

Emma entered the diner and sat at the front counter, ignoring the stares she was receiving from the people sitting at the tables and booths nearby. It was evident by their accusatory looks that they thought she had something to do with Mary Margaret's disappearance, simply because she was the newest town resident.

Ruby walked up from behind the counter with a pen and notepad in hand. It was clear she was still pissed off at her, and Emma had had enough. "What can I get you, Miss Swan?" The waitress sneered.

Emma glared at her. "Look, Ruby, you need to get over yourself. I'm not your lover, I'm your friend. So, you had to know I wasn't going to stay here forever. You either respect that and make our lives easier, or you don't." She shrugged with disinterest. "Your choice."

Ruby's mouth hung agape and her defensive stance wilted. She quickly snapped her mouth shut as other diners glanced over curiously. She tucked her hair behind her ears, teeth worrying at her bottom lip.

"Look, I'm… I'm sorry, okay?" The waitress rolled her eyes up toward the ceiling, avoiding Emma's gaze. "I guess I was a little… jealous, of you and Regina. I really like you, and it's obvious you don't share my feelings."

Emma smiled empathetically. She should have known Ruby had a crush on her, what with the constant texts, girls' nights, always interested in what Emma had to say. She felt bad rejecting her, but it was better than leading her along.

"I appreciate the apology, Ruby. And I'm sorry—I haven't been such a great friend. Can we just start over? Pretend none of this ever happened?"

Ruby nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. "Mary Margaret would want us to if she were here."

"Hey, don't talk about her like she's dead. We'll find her, Ruby. I promise you that," Emma said firmly. She patted the seat beside her. "Now let's share a big ol' basket of fries before I head out to look again."

Ruby glanced behind her, getting an approving nod from Granny. As she slid into the seat beside her, Emma noticed Granny wink at her and mouth a thank you. She offered the woman a smile and then turned her attention to Ruby.

"So, you and Regina, huh?" Ruby commented.

Emma shrugged, a blush heating her cheeks. She was thankful for the distraction as another waitress set down the basket of greasy, salted fries. Popping one in her mouth, she took a moment to think about her answer.

Were she and Regina together now? There was no denying the connection they shared, that much was clear.

"I'm not sure. I mean, I really like her. She's helped me a lot."

"Well, it's obvious she shares your feelings. Besides the main issue going on in town right now, something is… different, with the mayor." Ruby chuckled and reached for a fry. "She's nice now."

The atmosphere sobered as Mary Margaret's disappearance came to mind. Emma grabbed another handful of fries and pushed the rest toward her friend. "I better get looking outside of town. Looks like it might storm soon and it'll be better to find Mary Margaret before it hits."

"I'll go with you," Ruby offered.

Emma shook her head as she shrugged into her jacket. "You need to stay in town, well away from the border. I'm not risking your life too."

Ruby nodded in understanding. "Well if you change your mind, you know where I am." As Emma turned to go, she finished with, "And thank you, Emma. You're really a great friend."

XXXX

Emma set out on foot outside of town. The static feeling in her body returned at the town sign, but she shrugged it off and continued deep into the Maine forest. The sky was a brilliant shade of blue and the sun streamed down, warming her as she began her search. She had to appreciate the beauty of nature, despite the reason for her being out here.

She'd gone straight ahead for a while when she came upon a dilapidated cabin. It was overgrown with plant life, the wood it was structured around seeming to be rotting away. Emma cautiously approached it, hope blooming in her chest that Mary Margaret could be in there.

"Hello? Mary Margaret?" Emma stepped onto the porch, which creaked underneath her weight. Suddenly, the wood broke beneath her. She fell through, one leg stuck in the newly created hole.

"Shit!" Emma cursed as white-hot pain shot up her ankle. She pulled at her stuck leg, gritting her teeth against the pain. She must have twisted it when she fell through. It wasn't budging.

The door to the cabin swung open. Emma looked up, shielding her eyes away from the sun. Did she manage to find Mary Margaret?

"Emma?" a voice spoke.

A cloud moved in front of the sun, allowing her vision to return. The pain in her ankle was forgotten and her mouth fell open as she recognized the person in front of her.

"What the hell?!"