The next morning, Regina was the first to wake up. She looked around her and saw everyone sleeping. She turned her head and saw Hook, still fast asleep. She didn't know what to think about what they have done the day before, she was kind of confused. But she knew she wouldn't do it again. She didn't want anybody to see her weakness.

But she had to admit that it felt different with Hook. They had a sort of connection. They both lost their true love once, on almost similar circumstances, they both sought for revenge for a long time but realized that revenge was not enough. Then they both started to change for the love of someone. But now, they lost their love. And it was her fault.

So why did he wanted to seek comfort with her ? After all if she didn't cast the curse in the first place, none of this would have happened, and Hook wouldn't have lost Emma.

After a while, Regina got out of bed and gathered her things quietly. Then, she headed out of the castle. She didn't want to talk to anyone of the group. She just wanted some time alone. When she started to be far enough from the castle, she used magic to change shape and changed her gown to an old rag so people will believe she's just a peasant.

After some hours of walk, she finally reached the village. Her eyes widened in horror when she saw what was left of it. Practically all the houses had burned, there were a lot of dead bodies, lying on the ground. A lot of them were also burned. The village seemed empty as there was nobody outside. Then she heard some cries coming from a house nearby that wasn't burned. She knocked on the door and, as soon as she did, the cries stopped. There wasn't any sound coming from the house, as if the people inside were afraid and didn't want to be found. "Hello, is there someone here ?" Regina asked. "I'm looking for my family, she lives in the village but … their house burned and … well, I was hoping someone could help me find out what happened to them" Regina said, faking tremors in her voice.

After a few seconds, the door opened and a man appeared at the door. "Who are you ? I've never seen you here !"

"My parents moved here not long ago and I only came to visit them once. Do you know what happened here ? Do you think they could have survived ?"

"Come inside" the man said, worry in his voice. He leaded Regina inside and told her to sit on the bed that was in the corner of the room. Two little girls were looking at her from the other side of the room and she could see fear in their eyes. "These are my neighbor's daughters. Their house burned when the Wicked Witch came. They were able to escape and went to hide in my house."

"It seems that this witch burned almost all the houses in the village. Sorry for asking you that but why is yours untouched ?"

"I don't know. One of her soldiers went to say something to her and then she stopped burning the village."

"Was she looking for something ?"

"According to what I've heard, she was looking for the Evil Queen. I guess she found her, since she seemed satisfied when she left."

"Do you know what she wants to do to her ?"

"Why do you care ? If one of those two evil women could die, well it would be a relief for a lot of people !"

"So you think the Wicked Witch wants to kill the Evil Queen ?"

"Well it wouldn't be the first time someone wants to kill her. But, you know what, seeing what that green witch is capable of, I'm not sure which one of them I would like to see win."

Worried was written all over Regina's face. The man seemed to notice that. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. You wanted to know what happened to your parents, right ?" Regina nodded in response. "Well, I'm afraid we are the only ones left in the village. But, don't lose hope, maybe they were able to escape."

"I'll go look for them" Regina said, determination in her voice. She headed to the door, but before she left she turned her head to the man and whispered "Thank you".

She didn't learn a lot of things about this Wicked Witch, apart from the fact that she wanted her dead. And apparently she was aware of the fact that she returned to the Enchanted Forest. But this was not enough. She needed to know more about her and her motives. So she left the village and headed to her old castle, where she knew she was going to find the Wicked Witch. But she had to admit that she really didn't know who that woman was or why she was so mad at her. Maybe she hurt someone in her family when she was still the Evil Queen. But she would have remembered her if she was green. No, she really didn't know anything about this woman.

The quicker way to go to her old castle was to cross through the forest but, even in doing so, it would take her a long time. She didn't want to use her magic because she didn't want the Wicked Witch to find her before she was able to find out who she was first. So she walked.

After some hours, she saw the end of the forest. When she reached the edge of the forest, several men came out of nowhere, preventing her from going farther.

"It's not safe for you to travel in this part of the land. You should turn back." A hooded man – who seemed to be the leader - said while approaching her.

"I need to go to that castle" Regina answered, determination in her voice.

"And what could you possibly want to do there ?"

"That's my business. Now, let me pass."

"Oh, that was kind of rude, my lady !" The hooded man exclaimed, looking at his pals. "We won't let you pass, it's dangerous. The Wicked Witch lives there, you know !"

"I think I can take care of myself, I don't need a bunch of … whoever you are … to tell me what I can or can't do !" Regina said, disdain in her voice. With that, she tried to pass through the group of men forcefully. But the hooded man stopped her. He took off his hood, revealing his face. He had blond hair and a pair of blue eyes. To be honest, he was quite handsome. He said softly "I'm sorry my lady if we scared you, but really, you shouldn't go there."

Regina started to lose patience. She needed to keep on her journey. There was only one way for her to get rid of this bunch of idiots. She changed shape so they were able to see who she really was. When they recognized her, they stepped back. She turned to face the leader. "You didn't, now let me go !"

He stared at her for a while, he couldn't believe his eyes. There she was, the Evil Queen. What business could she possibly have to do with the Wicked Witch ? He had to admit that he was rather afraid, what will happen to all the people in the land if those too went to join forces ? That will be terrible.

He stepped back and let her go. He didn't want to confront her. Not right now, at least. He needed to know what she was up to.

Regina was walking for several minutes when she saw a cloud of green smoke appear in front of her. Fear started to build inside her. She used magic, the witch must have sensed it !

A few seconds later, the Wicked Witch appeared in front of her, a satisfied grin on her face.

"Hello sister. It's been a while !"

So I wanted to thank you for the kind reviews, it really helps me to continue the story. I hope you liked this new chapter. Let me know what you think !