An: Powpow456: I know...I was very sad writing it, but it was necessary for what comes next. RIP HERMON.

Creator of Magic: Donna and Matt were always meant to be. It's even stronger than destiny. (That'll be talked about in Forever Broken but Never Alone) Chester will reveal himself by the end, and I don't you'll expect what will happen. Yeah, there still are some things in store for Fauna, Felicity, and Eliza in the next story. Eliza will be in this one though, so look forward to that.

Laura's decline as a character is very intentional. The loss of control of herself and her magic makes her become the mean girl we all know her as in Broken Legacy. She doesn't like to be underestimated or discriminated against, and you'll find out the true reason soon. She lost her cool with Baba Yaga because of how she tried to restrain Laura from using her power.

Mitchell has a very nice unread character arc. Right now, he's just a pretty boy who is trying to be tough for Laura. On the inside, he would never actually hurt Matt. He was one of the guys that helped get the players off Matt during the accident. He'll soon start to shift away from what I've built him up to be. He really does turn a new leaf and you'll see him later interact with present Matt and Donna.

Also the father to Baba Yaga's son...I can't reveal just yet. I promise you, he does have a dad. But I don't want to give it away yet.

THANK YOU!

The book dropped from Donna's hands when she read the last part of the chapter.

That it was from someone of his future. Someone that when she called, he would always answer.

He knew. Matt had known about Donna long before that first day of school. It all made so much more sense now. Why she and Matt had such an instant connection from the start had always been a mystery. But now, she knew that he was waiting for her subconsciously. The love they had was written in pages long before Donna considered where their story started.

And that was when Donna felt terrible for what she had done.

Shaking, she picked up the book and closed it. Donna tucked it under her arm and stood up from her perch on the chair. Donna stopped when she saw Raven come from the dark tunnel. Her mother stopped abruptly when she saw her daughter. A hand went to her heart. "Oh, Donna. I didn't know you were here. I thought you would be sleeping by now."

Donna looked at the windows. It was most likely midnight by now.

"I wanted a quiet place to read," Donna gestured to the book under her arm. Raven grinned.

"It is oddly peaceful here," Raven admitted.

"Dad said you were thinking of remodeling."

Raven's face softened. "Yeah. Maybe. I was just thinking about the future. When your dad and I are gone..."

"Mom," Donna took a step closer, "you don't have to give it up if you don't want to."

"But I should. It's almost been a year and I still feel a weight. As important as the past is, sometimes you just need to let it go in order to move forward."

"But what if the past affects your future?" Donna asked. "With someone else."

Raven eyed Donna suspiciously. "Is this about Matt?"

Donna was about to say no, but she then nodded. "Yes. He refuses to tell me about what happened to him last year. It just makes me angry that he won't open up to me. How can we go forward if we're not honest with each other?"

"I don't think he's not opening up to you," Raven shook her head. "He doesn't want you to view him as someone who was weak. Or maybe he doesn't want to relive the pain. Maddie has told me about it. I can assure you Donna it isn't something that is talked about easily."

"I know," Donna bit her lip. "But he knows all about my possession and everything. What am I suppose to do? Just accept that fact that I don't know anything?"

"You're supposed to show him support. Show him that you care about him and you're there for him when he needs you. Don't be frustrated. Just give him some time. If you show him he can trust you. I know he'll come around."

"How do you know so much about this?"

"Because I'm your mother," Raven grinned again. "And I had to go through this with your father. It's hard to be vulnerable, but if you are shown the right way, it's easier."

"Thanks, mom," Donna said, giving her a hug. "If it's alright. I'm going to go to Ever After High in the morning."

"That's what I suspected. But go get some rest. It's late."

In her room, Donna was getting ready for bed. Then she saw her phone on her bed light up. She grabbed it to see Matt's read message, then several missed calls. Three from Ryder. One from Catherine. Two from Ally. And one from Matt. There was only one voice mail. Others had texted their message to her.

Ryder: Why did you go home without telling me? Brandon said that you looked distraught about something. What's going on?

Catherine: Please call your brother back. He's really getting worried.

Ally: Ryder told me to text you to make you call him. Why did you leave?

Donna: Sorry for the disappearance. I just needed to get away for a bit. I'll be back tomorrow.

She sent that to all three of them, then opened her voice mail. Unsurprisingly, it was from Matt. Donna bit her lip as she held the phone up to her ear. Matt took a deep breath before he left the message.

"Hey. It's me, Matt. I'm not surprised you didn't pick up. I'm not really sure why you're mad at me, but I've got a pretty good idea. I'm sorry if I made you feel like I didn't trust you or care. I just want you to know that I don't feel that way. Donna, I love you. I love you so much. Let's figure this little scrape out together. I just...don't want to lose you over something I said wrong. Please...come back."

His voice was shaky at the end as if he were holding back tears. Donna let her own tears fall as the message beeped. How could she have left him like that? She should've told him about the book long ago. This whole time she thought he didn't care to tell her. But this whole time she was showing him that she didn't care. Donna felt guilt and just shattered inside.

She had to see Matt, but not tonight. Donna would have to at least stay till morning.

The next morning, Donna packed her things quickly. There was no time to waste. After eating a small breakfast with her parents, Donna said her quick goodbyes before heading off for Ever After. Donna used her magic to at least get to the edge of the school. She ran up the stairs and pushed the doors open. Running through halls, she met minimal students.

She ran up to the dorms. Donna hoped that her friends would be still getting breakfast by the time she would drop off her bag. She opened the door only to find Ally, Catherine, and Cassidy about to leave. Donna jumped back in surprise. Ally's face lit up. "Donna!" she wrapped her arms around her. "Where have you been?"

"Home," Donna gave a weak smile. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I just needed to get away from the stress."

"Ryder's been worried," was all Catherine had to say.

"I know," Donna bit her lip. "Tell him I'm sorry."

"Why do we have to tell him?" Cassidy asked, her arms folded.

"Because I need to find Matt," Donna quickly tossed her bag on her bed and tried to leave the room. The girls all looked at her suspiciously. "It's a long story," Donna said with urgency. "But right now it's lacking a happy ending." They all gave her a small nod before clearing the door for her. Donna ran into the hall and up the stairs.

Her mind was spinning. She could feel his presence was near. Donna ran down the hall and paused at his door. But when she raised her hand to knock, she froze. What was she going to say? Was she going to reveal herself? The book? Donna realized this was the first time that Matt hadn't sought out the truth from her. She was coming to him willingly.

Just as her knuckles lightly tapped the door, it swung open. Donna froze again as Matt came into view. He widened his eyes when he saw her. That was when Donna truly saw the pain in his expression. She saw him lying there helpless on the field. His forehead was bloody, his eyes drooping, and his hand was reaching out for someone.

When Matt felt himself slipping that night, only a distant whisper kept him alive.

"I need you."

He stayed alive, for Donna.

"Donna?" Matt called her back to the present. Only now did Donna realize her eyes had become watery.

Her eyes met Matt's and that was when she broke. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Without saying anything, Donna wrapped her arms tightly around Matt's middle. He didn't do anything at first, but then he hugged her back. "I'm sorry," she said as she buried his face in his shirt. "Oh, Matt. I'm so sorry."

"You didn't do anything," Matt whispered.

"Yes, I did," Donna peeled away from him. "I did. I've lied to you, tried to kill you, and everything else last fall. You've put your life down for me and I left you when you needed me."

"Well, you're here now," Matt tucked her hair behind her ear. "That's all I need."

Donna grazed both of his cheeks with his fingers. They were delicate touches, but Donna needed to know that he was here. Really here. This wasn't a dream or any story. This was real life.

"I love you," Donna told him honestly. "I'm sorry for not telling you that before I left. But I do. I love you more than anything in this world."

Matt's expression softened, but then he grinned. "You know how cheesy you sound, right?"

Donna suddenly pushed herself away from him and crossed her arms. He laughed. "Way to ruin the moment, Matt."

"Oh, come on," Matt still was laughing. "Come back here."

"Nope," Donna turned from him and started to walk. "You've wrecked this. I guess I'm going back home."

Matt suddenly grabbed her hand and spun her around back into his embrace. She placed her hands on his shoulders to steady herself. His passionate blue eyes truck her with an intense stare. He ran a single finger down the side of her cheek before kissing her with a new passion. The slow kiss ended, and Donna felt like she was on top of the world.

"I love you too," Matt whispered, his nose tickling hers. "More than anything in Ever After, in Wonderland, the world."

"You know how cheesy you sound, right?" Donna said with a smile.

Matt chuckled. "Really?"

"Really," Donna laughed before she grabbed his collar and kissed him again.

After the kiss in the hall, Donna let Matt go to breakfast. She had to take care of few things before she could face him again. Her plan was to dispose of the book. Or at least hide it away where no one can find it. She didn't want it to get into anyone else's hands. She realized now that they contained precious secrets and thoughts that weren't worth getting out. She shouldn't have read it. So she won't continue to.

But when Donna went into her room and checked her bag for Broken Souls, the book was missing. She shuffled through her bag urgently. Where could it have gone? Surely she didn't leave it home. A voice from behind her made Donna jump.

"Looking for this?" Catherine asked, holding up the book Donna had been searching for. The blood drained from her face. Catherine did not look pleased.

"Where did you get that?"

"It fell from your bag when you chucked it," Catherine began to flip through the pages. "I take it you've had this for a while."

"Only a few days," Donna admitted.

"I knew you were acting strange," Catherine shook her head. "But I would've never have guessed that you were reading about the past life of our once enemies and your boyfriend."

"So you read it too?" Donna raised a brow.

"Of course not," Catherine shook her head. "As soon as I saw the names I shut it right away. Is this why you asked about those narrators the other day?"

Donna took a deep breath. "Yes. Yes, it's true. I've been reading that book for the last week. But now I know that it was wrong."

"The hell it is wrong!" Catherine snapped. "Does Matt know about this? I assume that was what your little 'space' was."

"No, he doesn't," Donna bit her lip. "I already feel guilty enough. But I didn't finish it. I stopped reading."

"When?"

"Chapter 15," Donna turned away sheepishly.

Catherine's mouth dropped open. "Out of 20!"

"I got sucked in!"

"Donna, Matt needs to know."

"I can't tell him," Donna shook her head. "We just patched things up."

"You saw into his mind, his feelings, his...life without his permission. Don't you think you should show him this? Or any of the others?"

"Laura's dead," Donna reminded. "Her story deserves to be told."

"It can't be if you keep this to yourself," Catherine shut the book and held it tight to her chest.

"But I can't."

"Either you tell Matt, or I will," Catherine held her ground. "I'm going to keep the book until you do. I didn't want to resort to blackmail, but I've got no other choice." Donna thought Catherine would be the last person to blackmail her. She would've expected this from Ryder, Hyde, Ally, or Cassidy. Maybe Derek, but he could just stand there and make Donna feel intimidated enough before he would resort to blackmail.

"Fine," Donna said bitterly. "I'll try."

"Donna," Catherine called before Donna could storm away. She turned to Catherine. She was no longer stone cold. "I am doing this to help. Please know that."

"I know," Donna admitted. "I need to break from my bad lying habits."

"Habits are tough to break," Catherine sympathized. "But sometimes letting another help you can truly help."

"I've already got therapy twice a month," Donna shrugged.

"Think about me and your brother," Catherine offered. "You saw how shy I was at the beginning of the year. With his assurance and just support, I came out of my shell. I know you and Matt can help each other come forward and face your own demons."

"You really love Ryder, don't you?" Donna asked. Catherine blushed and nodded, embarrassment rising within her. Donna grinned before she left the room. She assumed Catherine would be hiding the book somewhere in the room.

With every step, nerves washed over her. How was she going to tell Matt?

"Donna!" Ally called from down the hall. Donna looked up in surprise to see everyone gathered together. Derek, Hyde, Brandon, Cassidy, and Matt were behind Ally. Ryder however was racing towards her. More nerves began to build inside her.

"Where have you been?" Ryder hissed.

"I told you I was home," Donna searched her brother's concerned face. She really didn't think it was a huge deal. "Why were you so concerned?"

"Because the last time you disappeared you got possessed," Ryder muttered. Donna's expression soften. She brought her twin brother into an embrace. He gladly took it. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I am," Donna soothed. "I promise I won't get impatient next time. I'll come and tell you personally."

Ryder gave her a small nod as they let go of each other. Catherine soon came into the hall. "What's going on?" Catherine eyed everyone with curiosity.

"Well," Ally clapped her hands together. "We were thinking about going to Book End for the day. You in?"

"Ooo! That sounds great!" Catherine smiled warmly as she stepped next to Ryder, their pinkies linking together automatically.

"What about you?" Matt's voice asked softly. Donna didn't know exactly when he had crossed the group to get to her. She looked up at Matt but didn't look into his eyes.

Holding this off for a bit wouldn't be the worse thing.

"Yeah," Donna nodded. "Let's do it."

Spending most of the afternoon in Book End as a group, they eventually split up. Derek, Cassidy, and Hyde all went to the athletic store to look at new book ball gear. Ally tagged along so she could prevent Derek from buying something ridiculous. Brandon went with Catherine and Ryder to the bookstore, claiming he had to get more parchment paper.

That left Donna and Matt in the center of Book End. "I guess you're stuck with me," Donna teased.

"Ugh," Matt shook his head. His curls bounced on his forehead, giving a small glimpse of his stitches. Donna had almost forgotten about what had recently happened to him. That added more guilt to her plate. It made her shudder. "I suppose I have to get you out of this fridge air before you freeze over. Perhaps a drink will heat you up."

"It's not the cold that bothers me," Donna said truthfully. She then grinned mischievously. "Just that I have to put up with you."

"How terrible," Matt pulled his hat from his coat pocket and pulled it over's Donna's head. Temporarily blinded, Donna reached for Matt. He laughed at her squabbling and pushed the stocking's hat's brim up to her hairline. Donna punched him in the arm, but he still laughed. "Wait," Matt reached up and pulled out Donna's side bang from the hat's hold. "There. Much better."

"Don't you need a hat?" Donna asked as Matt grabbed her hand and pulled her along down a snowy street.

"The curls have good enough insolations," Matt chuckled. "Besides I can't with the stitches."

"Oh, right," Donna had forgotten again. "Where are you taking me? Hocus Latte is the other way."

"Pft," Matt shook his head again. "Lattes don't compare to my grandpa's tea."

Before Donna could even recall the chapter where Matt visited his grandpa, they were at the store. Donna hadn't met any of Matt's family besides his parents. Her grip on his hand tightened as they stepped through the door. There weren't many people having tea today. Donna suspected the snowy January made people stay away from Book End.

At first, Donna expected to find the Mad Hatter on the ceiling, but it was clear of upsidedown Hatters. That was when the Mad hatter stepped up from a door on the floor. "Oh! Matthew!" The Mad Hatter threw his teacup in the air, only to catch it with his hat. "And..."

"Grandpa," Matt squeezed Donna's hand. "This is Donna Queen-Charming. Raven's daughter. My girlfriend."

"Donna? Thee Donna?"

Donna nodded. "Hello, sir."

"I should've known you belonged to the raven, you've got her lovely complexion. My, my, Matthew, you sure got a pretty one. Look at those eyes of violet."

"I'm very lucky," Matt gave Donna a small grin. It made her blush, but it quickly faded with guilt.

"Well, come, come! We've got no time to waste," the Mad Hatter set a table. They visited over tea. It was good to see Matt and his grandpa still had the same connection from what she had read in the book. She wondered what this interaction would've been like if she hadn't read it. Would she have been more surprised by the Mad Hatter's strange ways?

Probably not. She already knew Maddie pretty well to get used to the madness.

On the way out of the tea shop, Donna could hear the Mad Hatter whisper to Matt. "You've got something there. Don't let her go."

"I don't ever plan on it," Matt whispered back. He continued to say goodbye to his grandfather.

She had to tell him. Donna knew she had to tell him. She couldn't go on without telling him about what she had read. Donna fixed Matt's hat on her head as she gulped. She waved to the Mad Hatter when Matt caught up with her. "Should we go meet with everyone else?" he asked as they walked up the road.

"I've got a better idea," Donna said, pulling him towards her. "Hold on tight." He did so, and she transported them out of Book End. They reappeared at the school, on the secret balcony they visited together on the day of Laura's funeral.

It was piled with snow, making Matt slip when the spell was complete. Donna fell on top of him. "Ow," Matt groaned as he closed his eyes.

Suddenly, she saw that boy laying on the field again. "Matt?" Donna shot up off of him. "Oh, Matt, I'm sorry. Are you hurt?"

He started to laugh, "I'm fine, snoopy. Don't take everything so seriously." She didn't laugh as laid down on the snow next to him. There was a moment of silence between them.

This was it.

She was going to reveal herself.

"I'm sorry," Matt said before she could get a word in.

"For what?" Donna asked, her eyes popping open. "You were just playing around."

"Not that," Matt kept his eyes up towards the grey winter sky. "I haven't been fair to you."

"Fair?" Donna raised her eyebrows. She looked at him, intrigued.

"I know why you left this weekend."

"You do?"

"I've been hiding from you since you sat across from me on the first day of school. I haven't told you what happened last year, and I didn't think I needed to. Then when you left I thought it over. You shared so much of your life with me. I mean, you were under possession and went to war. I know I was mad at you at the time for lying about your troubles, but now I understand why you hid."

"You do?"

"Yes," Matt turned to her. "It's easier to pretend it never happened. But it also makes you who you are. So, I realized that you mean more to me than this little game I've been playing with myself."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that...I'm going to tell you the story. The full story."

"Matt I—"

"Not today," he cut her off. "But after I can reflect on it myself. That way, when you tell me that you love me, I know that you love all of me."

"I do love all of you," Donna admitted. "There's nothing you can say to disprove it. I know how it was for you, and I don't care. What I care about is that you're alive and happy."

Matt grinned. "I'm happy to have you in my life, snoopy." As Donna stared into his eyes, she could see what he said was true. He was happy. At this moment, he was happy, and she couldn't take that away from him then. At least not today.

So she moved closer to him, and together they watched the gray day turn into the night with sparkling stars. For a moment, Donna's mind escaped the present and went back to that day in the White Castle. Where they had laid on a couch for hours, drinking in the other's presence. They were at peace then. Donna felt that peace again, but only now did she feel the true wight of the bond between them.

It was too powerful for Donna to lose.

So that night, after Matt had kissed her goodnight and left, Donna pulled Catherine aside and whispered, "I didn't do it tonight, but I will tomorrow. I promise."

"Don't hold it too long," Catherine advised. "Or you'll just hurt him more."

"That's what I'm afraid of."