Thank you all for your feedback! I'm loving the reviews!

Sara K M mentioned David not having his sword while in the woods. I did that on purpose, for reasons you'll see in this chapter and the next. I love the idea of him having his sword and gun on him at the same time like I have read in other fan fictions, but I needed it off for this story. You are absolutely right that Snow's choice of weapon is her bow. However, chaos considered, I had her reach for the nearest weapon she could get her hands on.

misscam, don't worry, I got ya covered ;)

Lilac Moon, raquel, ouat-forevs, and guests- Thank you for your encouragement!

Hope you enjoy this next chapter!

David slammed on the brakes in front of their building, looking up at the loft's windows as he blindly shifted the car in park. The street lights were flickering, and he could see the lights inside of the loft were as well. The dwarves pulled up behind him as he clambered out of his truck, pulling his gun out of its holster on the way to the door. Adrenaline surging, he entered the building and started up the stairs before startled shouts stopped him in his tracks. He turned around and saw Grumpy and Happy sprawled on the ground outside, their brothers hurrying to help them up.

"What happened, are you alright?" David yelled, torn between helping his friends and continuing up the stairs. They both appeared unhurt, just angry as hell (for Happy especially, that was saying something).

"We got thrown back! There's some sort of magic here," Grumpy growled, approaching the doorway again, cautiously pushing on the invisible barrier with his hand. He wasn't thrown again, but it was clear he would not be getting through. He looked up, making eye contact with David, a silent request for orders since they were stuck outside.

"Call Regina," David responded immediately, turning to continue up the stairs two at a time. Gods, I wish Emma was here, he thought, his heart in his throat.

He reached the landing and made to open the door to their loft, but it was locked. Without hesitation, he stepped back and kicked the door open, weapon at the ready. There was no noise save for the sound of the lamps flickering, and the loft was in shambles. Almost everything they owned was broken or scattered across the floor. He slowly stepped inside, scanning the room for any sign of danger, ears straining for any sound of Snow and Neal. He went to unsheathe his sword only to discover that it was already removed from the scabbard.

Movement out of the corner of his eye caused him to raise his gun as he spun to face whomever was trying to catch him off guard. His breath hitched when he saw that it was Snow. He began to lower his weapon at once, relief washing over him like a tidal wave as he took a step toward her, until he saw her face. Her lip was swollen and bloody and her left eye looked scraped and bruised near her temple. Snow's eyes were wide and looking at him pointedly. Her expression was one that he recognized, a mixture of desperation and determination. She was warning him. David started toward her, intent on having her close to him, but a voice stopped him dead in his tracks.

"Well, you have certainly been busy while I've been.. away," sneered the voice, causing David to reflexively raise his weapon again as the man himself entered the room from the bedroom. It wasn't necessarily the sight of the former king that caused David's blood to boil and turn to ice at the same time, but the sight of his son in George's arms. With a smirk, George shifted Neal so he was sitting upright in his left arm, David's sword in his right. The action effectively blocked any shot David would have had, not that he'd ever risk accidentally harming Neal. He now understood Snow's warning looks and why she'd stood between him and their bedroom door.

Gun still raised, David met George's glare with equal fervor. How did he escape his cell? In a voice barely restraining his rage, David said, "What do you want?"

"Oh, I think we both know the answer to that question, David," George replied lowly, smile not reaching his eyes. Neal was squirming, trying to reach for Snow, who was still facing David. Snow's eyes filled with tears as Neal began to whimper.

"Let them go, they have nothing to with this. They shouldn't suffer because of my choices," David tried to reason, hands itching to at least pull Snow closer. Why wasn't she coming to him? It was two against one. They could disarm the deranged old man and be done with this.

"On the contrary, they have everything to do with this." George stepped closer to stand beside Snow, almost brushing her arm with his own. David aimed truer, the intensity of seeing George being so close to his wife and son while armed making him hear his own pulse roaring in his ears.

George, appearing pleased with David's response, continued, "They are a representation. They are everything my son should have had. Of course, he would have married Princess Abigail, not this bandit tramp," George said with distaste. "You never did have much sense, shepherd. You should have known to obey me when you'd had the chance. Instead, you defied me. I should strike you down right now and make them watch. However, I'll be kind, and give you the opportunity to say goodbye."

"Never," David spat, stepping forward.

"Charming," Snow whispered suddenly, eyes imploring him to stay. He stopped and stared at her, trying to read her expressions. Why had she not moved? Her eyes closed, expression looking pained the instant she'd spoken his name.

David's brow furrowed. "Snow?"

George chuckled menacingly. "Yes listen to your woman, shepherd," he jeered, "while you can still call her yours."

David's resolve snapped at that moment and he started to lunge between his family and their captor, looking to disarm him. At least, he tried to. Suddenly, his muscles seized up and his body stiffened as he stood. He couldn't move at all, barely feeling himself breathing. Snow was looking at him again, tears streaming down her cheeks. She can't move either, David realizes, panic setting in as he tries with everything in him to break whatever magic held him still.

"Are you done playing, old man?" another voice quipped from the bedroom. "The longer we stay here listening to your bullshit the sooner their daughter will show up and I'm not in the mood to kick the Dark One's ass today."

A young woman emerged from the bedroom, expression almost bored except for the look of pure hatred she shot David.

Lily. This was her magic.

"Patience is a virtue, my dear," George replied easily, "and I have been waiting very patiently for this."

David, unable to move, watched as George lightly brushed Snow's arm with the knuckles of his hand holding the sword, eyes gleaming at David.

"I'll give it to you, shepherd, she is beautiful. She will make a beautiful queen. After all," he hissed threateningly, "this child will need a new father when we return to our realm and I'm sure his mother will do anything to ensure his safety."

No! David's mind reeled as he fought against his invisible bonds. No, no, no, I'm not losing them again. His eyes searched Snow's, seeing her fighting her invisible bonds as well.

"I'm opening it now," Lily ordered, removing her necklace and holding it in her now glowing palm.