Chapter 24
The first thing Snow thinks as she sees the large pit is oh shit. Oh shit because Emma and Regina are both bound, held firmly by two people that Snow figures are their captors. Oh shit because they have no hope of running; Regina's magic clearly isn't working properly otherwise they wouldn't be there. And oh shit because Snow only has one arrow left, forced to use them when she approached a nasty band of ogres earlier.
She's been spying on them for a while now, hidden high up in a tree, a skill she'd picked up as a bandit. Learned of Greg and Tamara's plans to steal Emma and Regina's magic. Watched as Emma and Regina slowly lost hope.
"Stop!" Snow cries as she comes running out. It occurs to her that isn't the best plan, seeing as she only has one arrow left and the dagger is aimed at Emma's heart, but it's so close to midnight and she's getting desperate.
"Get out of the way." Tamara warns. "Or else I'll kill them."
Snow blinks. "Weren't you going to do that anyway?" She forces a laugh. "To what, steal their magic? Why would you want to do that?"
"Why we want it is none of your business. Now I suggest that you leave."
Snow raises herself up to her full height, trying to appear more threatening. "You're stealing their magic. Wow. You must be desperate." She says, her mind racing.
Greg frowns. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I mean, they're not even powerful. An evil queen and the product of true love?" She waves her hand dismissively. "Psh. You're aiming too low, I'm afraid."
Tamara looks at her. "And what, I suppose that you have magic too? And yours is even better?"
Snow nods, slowly approaching the pit. As she does so she can see Emma behind Greg and Tamara's backs, shaking her head frantically. What are you doing? Emma mouth. Get out of here!
Saving you. Snow thinks. "That's right. My magic is even better. Do you not know who I am? I'm Snow White, princess of the Enchanted Forest. I am ten times more powerful than those two." She can hear Regina's quiet snort of derision that luckily Greg and Tamara do not hear. "I offer you my magic in exchange for the lives of those two."
"Greg, we don't have much time left." Tamara warns. "It's now or never. I say we take this one too. What's the harm?"
"So?" Snow presses, mentally praying that they'll take the bait and allow Emma and Regina to escape. "What will it be?"
In a fluid motion, Greg reaches out to grab her, releasing his hold on Regina. "You."
"Good choice." Snow smiles, trying to contain her fear.
"What are you doing?" Emma cries, unable to be quiet any longer. "You don't have any…" She is instantly silenced, a cry of pain escaping as Regina kicks her in the shins.
Shut it. She's buying us time. Regina hisses, barely audibly as she physically restrains Emma from reaching Snow.
"3…2…1." Greg mutters as he looks at his watch.
As the clock strikes midnight, three things happen simultaneously.
Tamara reaches out with the dagger and plunges it towards Snow's heart.
Emma breaks free from Regina's grasp and shoves Snow aside.
And the dagger meant for Snow pierces Emma's heart instead.
Author's note: didn't see that coming did you?
