Mia sat stiffly in the castle's dining hall, Red at her side, while Snow and David stood across from them, their expressions etched with worry and relief. The weight of the last few days pressed heavily on her, making it hard to focus on the words being exchanged.

Red cleared her throat, breaking the tense silence. "There's something you need to know. When we got transported here, we weren't alone."

Snow's brow furrowed, her attention snapping to Red. "What do you mean?"

"There were others with us," Red said. "Scarlett, Emma, and a few of Mia's friends—Nick, Graham, Ava. We were traveling together, but we got split up after an attack in the woods."

David's face darkened, his jaw tightening. "An attack? By what?"

Mia glanced at Red, silently urging her to explain. Red hesitated before speaking. "Creatures. Shadowy, vicious things. They came out of nowhere. We managed to fight them off, but in the chaos, the group got separated. Mia and I ended up together, and the others... we don't know where they are."

Snow's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with alarm. "Emma..."

"She's strong," David said firmly, though his tone betrayed his worry. "She'll keep them safe."

Mia clenched her fists, her voice low but tense. "We don't know that. We don't know anything. For all we know, they're hurt, or worse."

"We'll send out a search party," Snow said quickly, her tone urgent. "We'll find them, Mia. I promise."

Mia let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "Yeah, because your promises have worked out so well for me so far."

"Mia," Red said softly, a hint of warning in her tone.

Snow's face fell, her expression crumpling. David stepped forward, his voice steady but strained. "We'll find them, Mia. I know you're scared, but we won't stop until we bring them back."

Mia's jaw tightened, but she didn't respond. The weight of her emotions threatened to crush her, but she refused to let them show.

Snow took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. "There's something else you need to know."

Mia's eyes snapped to her mother, her stomach twisting at the hesitant tone. "What now?"

Snow exchanged a glance with David before speaking. "When we were brought here... Storybrooke was destroyed."

The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. Mia blinked, her mind struggling to process what she had just heard. "What?"

David's voice was calm but somber. "There's nothing left. We knew that once we were transported here that it would destroy Storybrooke. The entire town—it's gone."

Mia's chest tightened, her breath hitching as the realization sank in. "You're saying... there's no going back? No Storybrooke? Nothing?"

Snow nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'm so sorry, Mia."

Mia pushed back her chair, standing abruptly as her emotions overwhelmed her. "You're sorry?" she snapped, her voice cracking. "The first place I ever felt at home, the first time I had any stability, and it's just... gone?"

"Mia—" Snow started, but Mia cut her off.

"And it's all because of this," Mia continued, gesturing around the room. "Because of this world. This stupid, backwards, magic-filled world that I never asked to be a part of."

David's voice was firm but gentle. "Mia, we didn't know this would happen. We didn't choose this."

"But you wanted it," Mia said bitterly, her anger bubbling over. "You were looking for a way back. Don't think I don't know that. You were still planning this behind my back, after promising me you would wait, and now everything I cared about is gone."

"Mia, we didn't know—" Snow began, but Mia shook her head, cutting her off.

"Save it," Mia muttered, her voice trembling. "I'm tired of hearing excuses."

She turned on her heel, storming out of the dining hall. Red hesitated for a moment before following her, glancing back at Snow and David with an apologetic look. The two parents stood frozen, the weight of Mia's words sinking in as the door slammed behind her.

In the corridor, Mia kept walking, her footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Red caught up with her, grabbing her arm gently. "Mia, stop."

Mia turned, her face a mixture of anger and anguish. "What, Red? What do you want me to say? That I'm fine? Because I'm not. I'm not fine."

Red's expression softened, her voice calm. "I don't want you to say anything. But you can't keep carrying all of this anger. It's going to eat you alive."

Mia laughed bitterly, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. "What else am I supposed to do? Everything's gone, Red. Everything."

Red placed a hand on her shoulder, her voice steady. "Not everything. You still have people who care about you. Your parents, your sister, your friends—they're still out there. And we're going to find them."

Mia shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "This isn't my world, Red. I don't belong here."

Red's grip on her shoulder tightened slightly. "Maybe not. But you're here now. And you're stronger than you think."

Mia looked away, her chest heaving with the effort to keep herself together. The reality of her situation pressed down on her, but she nodded reluctantly. "Fine. Let's just... keep moving."

Red gave her a small, encouraging smile. "One step at a time."

—-

Mia sat on the edge of her temporary bed in the castle's modest guest quarters, staring blankly at the flickering candlelight. The room felt foreign despite its warmth, and the silence seemed to press down on her like a weight. Red had left a while ago to speak with the guards about the search party, leaving Mia alone with her thoughts—a place she desperately didn't want to be.

Her sword rested against the wall, polished and ready, but the sight of it only reminded her of the surreal reality she was now living. She traced the edge of the quilt on her bed absentmindedly, her thoughts flitting between Emma, Scarlett, and her parents.

The door creaked open, and Mia looked up to see Snow hesitantly stepping inside, a tray of food in her hands. Mia stiffened but didn't say anything as Snow closed the door behind her and placed the tray on the small table.

"I thought you might be hungry," Snow said softly, her voice tentative.

Mia shrugged, her tone clipped. "I'm not."

Snow sighed, sitting down on the chair across from her. "Mia, I know this isn't what you wanted. And I know you're angry."

Mia let out a humorless laugh, leaning back against the wall. "Angry? No, Mom," she said, the word laced with sarcasm. "I'm livid. Storybrooke is gone. My sister and friends are missing. And we're stuck in this medieval nightmare because of a world you couldn't let go of."

Snow froze, her breath catching at the word. It was the first time Mia had ever called her "Mom," and it stung more than she thought possible. The venom in the way Mia said it cut deep, twisting the word into something bitter and temporary. Snow's chest tightened, but she quickly masked the hurt, her hands folding in front of her.

"You're right," she admitted quietly. "We were looking for a way back. But not because we wanted to leave you or Emma behind. We thought we could fix what the curse broke—for everyone. We thought we could make things right."

"Well, congratulations," Mia snapped. "You broke everything even worse."

Snow's eyes glistened, but her voice stayed steady. "I know you don't believe me right now, but we never wanted this for you. For either of you."

Mia shook her head, standing abruptly and pacing the room. "You don't get it, do you? This isn't my world. I don't belong here. I never have."

"Mia," Snow said gently, standing as well. "You're my daughter. This is where you're from."

"No," Mia said, her voice trembling. "This is where I was born, sure. But my world is gone. My home is gone. And it's your fault."

Snow's face crumpled, but she reached out, resting a hand on Mia's arm. "I can't undo what's happened. But I can promise you this—we're going to make it through this. Together."

Mia pulled her arm away, her walls snapping back up. "I don't need promises. I need my friends back. I need Emma back. And I need you to stay out of my way."

Snow blinked, her hurt evident, but she stepped back, her voice soft. "I'm still your mother, Mia. Whether you like it or not."

Mia scoffed, turning away. "You're not making a great case for it."

Snow swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm trying."

Mia didn't respond, her hands gripping the edge of the bed as she stared down at the floor. Snow lingered for a moment before retreating to the door. She paused, looking back at her daughter.

"I love you, Mia," she said softly before stepping out and closing the door behind her.

Mia let out a shaky breath, her anger momentarily replaced by an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. She lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, her mind churning with everything she couldn't bring herself to say. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the walls, and she squeezed her eyes shut, wishing for sleep to take her away from it all—if only for a little while.

—-

The castle bustled with activity as the search party prepared to leave. Snow and David coordinated with the guards, their movements efficient yet laced with visible worry. Mia lingered in the corner of the courtyard, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Red stood nearby, leaning against the stone wall, watching Mia with a careful eye.

Mia didn't want to be near her parents, let alone involved in their planning. The idea of facing them again, especially after the conversation with Snow, made her chest feel heavy. She glanced at the search party as they mounted their horses, wondering if her sister and friends were out there somewhere, scared and alone.

Red broke the silence, her voice low but steady. "You know, keeping everything bottled up like this isn't going to help."

Mia shot her a sideways look. "You sound like my parents."

Red smirked faintly, her tone lighter. "And here I thought I was more of the cool aunt."

Mia's lips twitched, but the faintest hint of a smile faded quickly. She kicked a loose stone on the ground, her voice dropping. "I'm not trying to be difficult. I just... I don't know how to deal with all of this."

"You don't have to figure it out all at once," Red said gently. "But shutting everyone out isn't going to make it easier."

Before Mia could respond, David's voice cut through the air. "Mia, Red. Over here."

Mia stiffened but followed Red toward where her parents stood with the head of the search party. Snow's eyes softened when they landed on Mia, but she didn't push for interaction, clearly treading carefully.

"We're sending the search party to comb the nearby woods," David said, his tone measured. "If Emma and the others are close, they'll find them."

Mia nodded stiffly, her jaw tight. "Good."

Snow stepped forward, her voice gentle. "We'll find them, Mia. I promise."

Mia's gaze flickered to Snow but quickly dropped to the ground. She didn't trust herself to say anything without letting her emotions slip through. Instead, she gave a curt nod and stepped back, her distance clear.

Red cleared her throat, drawing the attention away from the tense exchange. "What about the rest of the kingdom? If there's anyone else from Storybrooke out there, they could be scattered far and wide."

"We'll need to send out more scouts," David replied. "But first, we need to make sure Emma and the others are safe."

Snow turned back to Mia, her voice softer now. "You should eat something and rest while we wait for news."

"I'm okay," Mia said quickly, though the dark circles under her eyes and her trembling hands told a different story.

Red raised an eyebrow, but she didn't press the point. Instead, she placed a hand on Mia's shoulder. "Come on. Let's find somewhere quieter."

Mia let herself be guided away, her parents watching her go with a mixture of worry and helplessness. Snow turned to David, her voice barely above a whisper. "She's so angry. I don't know how to reach her."

David placed a reassuring hand on her back. "She's hurting. Give her time."

Meanwhile, Red led Mia to a small, quiet alcove overlooking the castle's gardens. The distant sounds of the courtyard faded into a low hum, leaving them in relative peace.

Mia slumped onto the stone bench, burying her face in her hands. "I don't know how they expect me to be okay with any of this."

"They don't," Red said, sitting beside her. "But they're trying. And so are you, even if you don't see it."

Mia let out a long sigh, her hands dropping to her lap. "I just want Emma and the others to be okay."

"They will be," Red said firmly. "Emma's tougher than she looks. And your friends—they're resilient."

Mia nodded slowly, her gaze distant.

—-

Mia was sitting cross-legged in a chair by the library window, the golden light filtering through the stained glass casting fractured patterns on the table in front of her. She had a book open in her lap, though she wasn't reading. The words blurred together as her mind raced, too overwhelmed by everything that had happened.

The door creaked open, and Mia glanced up to see Snow step inside. Her mother hesitated at the entrance, looking uncertain, which only annoyed Mia more. Snow used to be this brave, fierce warrior—at least according to the stories Mia had half-skimmed in the book Emma gave her. Now she was... tiptoeing around her like Mia was made of glass.

Snow approached slowly, her voice soft. "I thought I might find you here."

Mia's gaze flickered to her briefly before returning to the book. "Yeah, well, congratulations on your excellent powers of observation."

Snow didn't bite at the sarcasm. "I know you're upset—"

"Stop," Mia interrupted, snapping the book shut. "Just stop. You don't have to keep trying to fix things, Snow. It's fine."

Snow flinched slightly at the name, but she pressed on, her tone calm. "You're not fine, Mia. None of us are."

Mia leaned back in the chair, crossing her arms. "Oh, really? Because it seems like you're adjusting just fine to this world. Must be nice to feel like you're home again."

Snow's face softened, her voice steady but tinged with sadness. "This might feel like home to me, but it's not the same. Everything's different. And seeing you struggle—it makes it impossible to feel like this is right."

Mia looked away, her throat tightening. She hated how Snow's words got under her skin. "I don't know what you expect me to say."

"I don't expect anything," Snow said quietly. "I just wanted to check on you."

Mia didn't respond, and after a beat, Snow sighed. "The search party should be back soon. Maybe they'll have news about Emma and the others."

Mia's hands tightened into fists at the mention of her sister and friends, but she stayed silent. Snow lingered for a moment longer before retreating, leaving Mia alone with her tangled thoughts.

A few minutes later, another voice broke her solitude. "You look like you're having the time of your life."

Mia glanced up to see Red leaning casually against the doorframe, her arms crossed. "Did Snow send you to babysit me again?"

Red smirked. "Nope. Just thought you might want a break from all the brooding."

Mia rolled her eyes but stood, stretching. "Fine. What's the plan? Are we going to go find some medieval Netflix to binge?"

"Not quite," Red said, tilting her head toward the hallway. "But you might want to come with me. Something's happening in the main hall."

Mia followed, her curiosity piqued. The castle felt colder as they walked, the drafty halls doing little to comfort her nerves. When they entered the main hall, the sight made her pause.

A group of people was gathered in the center of the room, their clothes torn and faces weary. Mia recognized a few of them—townsfolk from Storybrooke. Relief washed over her, though it didn't ease the tightness in her chest completely.

"What's going on?" she asked Red quietly.

"More people from Storybrooke," Red replied. "Looks like they made it here on foot."

As Snow and David moved through the crowd, offering reassurances, Mia stayed near the edge of the room. She spotted one of the newcomers—a woman with dark hair and a sharp, knowing gaze—stepping forward to speak with Snow.

"Regina," Mia muttered under her breath.

Red raised an eyebrow. "Well, this just got interesting."

Mia crossed her arms, watching as Snow and David exchanged words with the former queen. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but the tension in the room was palpable.

Regina's gaze swept the room, landing on Mia briefly. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of recognition—of something deeper—that made Mia's stomach churn.

Mia shifted uncomfortably as Regina's gaze lingered on her. It wasn't exactly hostile, but it wasn't warm, either. The former queen's expression was a mix of curiosity and calculation, and Mia couldn't help but feel like she was being sized up.

"Mia," Regina said smoothly, her voice carrying across the hall. "It's been a while."

"Yeah, well," Mia replied, crossing her arms tighter. "It's been a weird week."

Regina's lips twitched, almost forming a smile, but her eyes remained sharp. "Weird doesn't begin to cover it."

Snow stepped forward, her tone gentle but firm. "Regina, we're glad you made it here safely. Have you seen anyone else from Storybrooke?"

Regina's expression shifted, a flicker of something softer breaking through. "A few. I've been trying to gather as many as I can, but the woods aren't exactly hospitable these days."

David stepped in, his voice steady. "The search parties are already looking for others. If there's anyone else nearby, we'll find them."

Mia clenched her jaw, resisting the urge to snap at the optimism in his tone. Instead, she turned her attention back to Regina. "So what's your plan now? Lurk around the castle and bark orders like you did back home?"

Regina raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "It's good to see your sharp tongue survived the trip."

Before Mia could respond, Red leaned over and whispered, "Might want to pick your battles."

Mia rolled her eyes but stayed quiet, her gaze dropping to the stone floor.

Snow glanced between Mia and Regina, her brow furrowing. "We'll need everyone to work together if we're going to get through this."

Regina's gaze softened slightly, though her tone remained measured. "I'm here, aren't I?"

The tension in the room eased slightly, but Mia's shoulders remained stiff. She wasn't sure what to make of Regina's presence here, and she wasn't sure she cared. What mattered was finding her sister and friends—and figuring out why they'd all been dragged back to this place.

Before anyone could speak again, a guard entered the hall, his expression urgent. "Your Highnesses," he addressed Snow and David. "More survivors are arriving from the northern woods. They're injured."

Snow's face immediately shifted to concern. "Bring them to the infirmary. We'll meet them there."

David nodded, already moving to follow the guard. Snow turned to Mia, her voice gentle. "Stay here. You've been through enough."

Mia opened her mouth to argue but thought better of it, nodding tightly instead. Snow hesitated, her gaze lingering on her daughter, but eventually followed David out of the hall.

Regina watched them leave before turning back to Mia, her expression unreadable. "You don't like it here, do you?"

Mia blinked, caught off guard by the question. "What gave it away? The sarcasm or the constant brooding?"

Regina smirked faintly, her tone almost amused. "You'll adapt. Whether you like it or not, this world has a way of forcing you to."

"Great," Mia muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "That's exactly what I needed to hear."

Regina stepped closer, her gaze steady. "You're strong, Mia. Stronger than you think. But strength doesn't mean much if you don't know what to do with it."

Mia narrowed her eyes, unsure whether Regina was offering advice or something else entirely. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Regina didn't answer, instead turning on her heel and walking away, her cloak sweeping the floor behind her. Mia watched her go, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. Everyone seemed to know more than they were letting on, and it was starting to drive her crazy.

Red nudged her shoulder gently. "Come on. Let's find something to do before you implode."

Mia let out a long breath, nodding reluctantly. "Yeah. Sure."

—-

Mia paced the castle's stone corridor, her hands balled into fists at her sides. The faint sound of voices drifted from the main hall, but she had no desire to join whatever meeting Snow and David were hosting. Being in the castle was suffocating, a constant reminder of how out of place she felt.

Red leaned against the wall, watching Mia with an arched brow. "If you keep stomping like that, you'll wear the floor out."

Mia shot her a glare. "Better the floor than my patience."

Red smirked but didn't press further. She knew better than to poke too hard when Mia was in one of her moods. Instead, she handed her a hunk of bread she'd swiped from the kitchens. "Eat something. You're not much good to anyone when you're hangry."

Mia took it reluctantly, muttering a quiet "thanks" before tearing into the bread. She wasn't about to admit how hungry she was.

Just as the silence settled between them, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor. A young guard approached, his face pale and drawn. "Lady Red, Princess Mia—your presence is requested in the map room. Immediately."

Mia's brows shot up, the title grating in her ears. "Princess?"

The guard looked flustered but didn't correct himself. "It's urgent."

Red straightened, her expression sharpening. "What's going on?"

"The scouts returned," the guard said, his voice low. "They found something."

Mia exchanged a wary look with Red before following the guard. Her heart pounded as they made their way to the map room, her mind racing with possibilities. Had they found Emma and the others? Or was it something worse?

When they entered, the tension in the room was palpable. Snow and David stood over a large map spread across the table, their expressions grim. Regina leaned against the far wall, her arms crossed, looking more irritated than concerned.

"What's this about?" Mia asked, her voice cutting through the tension.

David glanced up, his jaw tightening. "The scouts found remnants of... something. A campsite in the woods, but it wasn't abandoned. Whoever was there left in a hurry."

Snow pointed to a spot on the map marked with a hastily drawn X. "It's here, just north of the castle. They found traces of magic—dark magic."

Regina pushed off the wall, her voice dripping with skepticism. "Traces? That's all? It could be anything."

Snow shook her head. "It was deliberate. There were runes carved into the trees around the site. They're old, but they're powerful."

Mia frowned, stepping closer to the table. "What kind of runes?"

David hesitated before answering. "Binding runes. They're used to trap something—or someone."

Mia's stomach twisted. "You think they're after me?"

"We don't know that," Snow said quickly, her voice firm. "But we're not taking any chances."

Regina rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. Everything doesn't revolve around the teenager."

David shot her a warning look. "This isn't the time, Regina."

Mia ignored the exchange, her focus on the map. "If they're so close, shouldn't we be doing something about it?"

"We are," David said. "The scouts are already tracking them, but we're not rushing into anything blind. Not with you here."

Mia's jaw tightened. "I'm not helpless."

"No," Snow said softly, her eyes meeting Mia's. "But you're our daughter. And we're not losing you again."

The words made something twist painfully in Mia's chest. She didn't trust herself to respond, so she looked away, her gaze landing on the map.

Red cleared her throat, breaking the silence. "What's the plan, then? Sit around and wait?"

David shook his head. "We're gathering supplies. If they're still in the area, we'll be ready."

Mia felt the weight of their words but couldn't shake the gnawing frustration. She hated feeling like a liability, hated being kept in the dark. But more than that, she hated the idea that whoever was behind this might be one step ahead.

As the room began to disperse, Snow approached her, placing a gentle hand on her arm. "Mia, I know this is hard—"

"Save it," Mia said quietly, pulling away. "Just let me know when there's something I can actually do."

Snow's face fell, but she didn't argue, stepping back to join David. Mia lingered for a moment before turning on her heel and walking out, Red following close behind.

When they were alone in the corridor, Red broke the silence. "You know, you don't have to shut everyone out all the time."

Mia let out a laugh. "Thought you were supposed to be on my side."

Red shrugged, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "I am on your side, but sometimes you're your own worst enemy. I am also your mother's best friend, and I know what they did hurt you, but they are trying."

Mia didn't respond, her mind too busy churning with questions. Whoever had set those runes wasn't just playing games. They had a purpose. And deep down, Mia couldn't shake the feeling that she was at the center of it.

—-

Mia stood at the edge of the castle's courtyard, staring out at the dense woods beyond the gates. The rising sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone, but its warmth did little to ease the tension knotting her shoulders. She tightened her grip on the sword strapped to her side, her mind racing.

She was interrupted by the sound of hoofbeats approaching the castle. She turned, her heart lurching in her chest when she spotted a group of riders entering through the main gates. Even from a distance, she recognized them—Scarlett, Emma, Ava, Nick, and Graham.

"Holy shit," Mia breathed, taking off toward them at a sprint.

As the group dismounted, Scarlett caught sight of Mia running toward them, her face lighting up despite the weariness etched into her features. "Mia!"

Mia barely stopped herself from crashing into Scarlett, pulling her into a tight hug instead. "You're okay," she said, her voice muffled against Scarlett's shoulder. "You're okay."

Scarlett hugged her back just as tightly. "We're fine. Are you?

The moment Emma dismounted her horse and stepped into the castle courtyard, Snow and David were there, their expressions a mix of relief and worry. Snow reached her first, wrapping her in a tight hug.

"You're okay," Snow breathed, her voice trembling.

Emma stiffened slightly at first but eventually patted Snow's back awkwardly. "Yeah, I'm fine. No need to get all mushy."

David approached next, his relief palpable as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "We were so worried."

Emma glanced between them, her jaw tightening. "Well, maybe you should have worried about not dragging us back to this place in the first place."

Snow stepped back, her brows knitting together. "Emma, we didn't mean—"

"To what? Lie?" Emma snapped, her voice cutting through the air. "You promised Mia you'd stop looking for a way back until we were ready. And now, surprise, here we are."

David opened his mouth to respond, but Emma didn't give him the chance. "And another thing—where's Mia?"

"Right here," Mia said, stepping out from behind Red with Scarlett trailing close behind.

Emma's gaze softened when she saw her sister, her hands dropping to her sides. "You okay, kid?"

"More or less," Mia said, her tone light despite the tension hanging in the air. "You look like hell, though."

Emma huffed a small laugh. "Right back at you."

Snow stepped toward Mia, her face a mix of concern and guilt. "We are sorry you were separated. If we'd known—"

"Yeah, well, it doesn't matter now," Mia said, her voice cool but not sharp. She crossed her arms, shifting her weight. "We managed."

Scarlett placed a hand on Mia's arm, her touch grounding. "We're all together now. That's what matters."

Mia gave a faint nod, but her gaze flicked back to Snow and David, her walls firmly in place. Emma, however, wasn't done.

"You told Mia you'd stop looking for a way back," Emma said, her voice steadier now but no less frustrated. "You promised her. And now we're stuck here, in a place neither of us knows or wants to be."

David ran a hand through his hair, his voice calm but strained. "Emma, we didn't bring you here. We don't even know how this happened."

"But you were looking," Emma countered. "You don't get to act surprised when someone else finished the job for you."

Snow stepped in, her tone soft but pleading. "We wanted to help the people of Storybrooke. To give them a chance to go home. We didn't mean for this to happen."

Mia let out a humorless laugh, shaking her head. "Funny how things just 'happen' when it comes to you two."

"Mia—" Snow started, but Mia cut her off.

"No, it's fine," Mia said with a forced smile. "I'm just gonna go... not be here."

Scarlett hesitated, but Mia gestured for her to follow, clearly not wanting to stay any longer. Emma watched them go, her frustration bubbling over.

"This isn't just about you two trying to play heroes again," Emma said, her voice quieter but no less pointed. "This is about the fact that Mia and I finally had a home. A real home. Now we have to find a way back"

Snow froze, her eyes widening. "Emma, we got brought over here, Storybrooke, it was destroyed. I'm sorry."

Emma frowned, looking between her parents. "Storybrooke's gone. When we came here, it—" She stopped, swallowing hard. "It doesn't exist anymore."

David paled, and Snow pressed a hand to her mouth, horror flashing across her face. "Emma, I'm so sorry. We didn't mean for it to happen this way." she whispered.

Emma's throat tightened, but she forced herself to stay composed. "Yeah. Well forgive us if we're not exactly thrilled to be back here."

Red stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm. "Okay, maybe we all need to take a breath. No one wanted this to happen like this, and no one's happy about it, but we're here now. Let's focus on keeping everyone safe and figuring out what's next."

Emma exhaled sharply, her frustration simmering but contained. "Fine. But don't think this conversation is over."

Snow nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "We'll fix this, Emma. I promise."

Emma didn't respond, her gaze dropping as she turned and walked away. Red followed, giving David and Snow an apologetic look as she passed.

Mia and Scarlett sat in one of the quieter courtyards, the air heavy with silence. Scarlett leaned against the edge of a stone fountain, watching Mia pace.

"You're not okay," Scarlett said softly.

Mia stopped, glancing at her before forcing a grin. "Sure I am. Just another day in paradise."

Scarlett gave her a pointed look. "You don't have to act like this doesn't bother you."

Mia shrugged, shoving her hands into her pockets. "What's the point? Being mad isn't going to fix anything."

"No, but bottling it up isn't going to help either," Scarlett said, her tone gentle but insistent. "I know you, Mia. You don't have to do this alone."

Mia's jaw tightened, her walls firmly in place. But when Scarlett reached out and took her hand, her grip warm and steady, Mia felt her resolve waver.

—-

The castle buzzed with activity as everyone tried to settle into their new reality. Snow and David had been meeting with villagers all morning, trying to establish some semblance of order, while Emma had taken off to patrol the castle grounds, her frustration simmering just beneath the surface. Mia, on the other hand, had claimed a quiet corner of the courtyard, trying to process everything that had happened.

Scarlett sat beside her on the stone steps, fiddling with the hem of her dress. Nick and Ava were nearby, leaning against the railing, while Graham lingered a few feet away, keeping a watchful eye on the bustling courtyard.

Mia tossed a small rock in her hand, her focus distant as Scarlett nudged her lightly. "You okay?"

"Define 'okay,'" Mia said with a faint smirk, the cheeky comment masking the churn of emotions underneath.

Scarlett gave her a knowing look but didn't push further. "Fair."

The relative calm was broken when Ava walked over, her expression somewhere between amused and exasperated. "So, guess what I just overheard."

Mia raised an eyebrow. "I don't know. The villagers finally figured out I'm not a princess?"

"Nope. Better," Ava said with a grin. She jerked her thumb toward a group of townsfolk gathered near the castle gates. "Apparently, you've got a fan."

Nick perked up. "A fan? Like someone actually likes her?"

Mia tossed the rock at him, hitting him lightly on the shoulder. "Watch it, Nick."

Ava crossed her arms, her grin widening. "No, seriously. There's a girl over there who thinks you're 'the chosen one.'" She made air quotes with her fingers for emphasis.

Mia frowned, glancing toward the group Ava had indicated. Sure enough, a girl about her age was sneaking glances her way, her cheeks pink every time Mia caught her looking. "Wait, what?"

"She thinks you're the chosen one or something," Ava said, clearly enjoying this far too much. "Like, destined to save everyone. It's apparently very attractive."

Mia smirked, leaning back against the stone wall. "But I am the chosen one..."

Scarlett eyes widened, her green eyes sparkling with amusement. She gave Mia a light smack on her arm.

"I mean….Hard pass," Mia said with a guilty look towards Scarlett. Mia shrugged, tossing another rock in her hand. "I'm already taken." Mia turned to her with a smirk. "By you, obviously."

Scarlett's laughed as she looked at Mia. "Aww, you're so sweet." She said, her voice laced with sarcasm.

"Yeah, but you like it," Mia said, her grin widening.

Ava groaned. "I liked it better when you two were just awkward around each other."

Nick pretended to gag. "Same. This is worse."

Mia rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the warmth in her expression as Scarlett leaned closer, her shoulder brushing Mia's.

"Don't let it go to your head," Scarlett muttered, her voice soft but playful.

"No promises," Mia said, her voice equally low, though her smile turned more genuine.

The teasing banter was cut short when Graham approached, his expression serious. "Snow and David want to see us. They've got news."

Mia stiffened, her good mood evaporating. "What kind of news?"

"Not sure," Graham said, glancing toward the castle. "But it sounded important."

Mia exchanged a look with Scarlett, her playful demeanor fading into a quiet determination. "Guess we'd better find out."

As the group headed toward the main hall, Mia felt a familiar knot of unease settle in her chest.

—-

The midday sun hung high over the castle courtyard, casting long shadows as the group made their way toward the main hall. The air was thick with unease, a tension that had been present since they'd arrived at the castle. Mia walked beside Scarlett, her fingers grazing the hilt of the sword she hadn't let out of her sight since the woods. Despite her attempts to project calm, the weight of everything—her missing home, her scattered friends, and the strange entities after her—lingered in the back of her mind.

As they entered the hall, the hum of conversation grew louder. Snow and David stood at the head of the room, flanked by guards and a few townsfolk who had gathered to hear the latest updates. Emma leaned against a pillar nearby, her arms crossed and her jaw tight. She caught Mia's eye and raised an eyebrow, clearly not thrilled to be summoned yet again.

Mia veered toward her sister, leaning casually against the same pillar. "Another family meeting?"

Emma smirked faintly, though her voice was dry. "You know how they love a good speech."

"Think they'll provide snacks this time?" Mia quipped, earning a quiet laugh from Emma.

"I wouldn't hold your breath."

Scarlett joined them, her gaze flicking between the sisters. "Should we be worried?"

Emma's smirk faded as she pushed off the pillar. "When aren't we?"

Before Mia could respond, Snow's voice cut through the chatter, commanding the room's attention. "Thank you all for coming. We have news."

The midday sun filtered through the castle's high windows, casting long beams of light across the great hall. Snow and David stood at the head of the room, their postures straight but their expressions heavy. The room was packed—townsfolk, knights, and even some of the Storybrooke residents, all waiting for the next set of instructions.

Emma leaned against one of the stone pillars near the edge of the room, arms crossed and her jaw tight. Mia stood next to her, her fingers idly twisting the strap of her leather belt. Scarlett hovered close by, casting worried glances at her but staying silent.

Snow's voice carried over the murmurs. "We've confirmed it—everyone from Storybrooke was brought here when we were transported. Most have made it safely to the castle or nearby villages, but there are still groups out there. And with the dangers lurking in the woods, we can't afford to wait any longer."

David stepped forward, his tone firm. "I'll lead a search party to find the remaining groups and bring them back."

The announcement hit like a thunderclap. Emma's head snapped up, her eyes narrowing. "Wait—what?"

Mia froze, her hand tightening on the strap of her belt. "You're going out there? Into those woods?"

David nodded, his expression unwavering. "It's the right thing to do."

Mia let out a laugh. "The right thing? Just like bringing us here was the right thing?"

"Mia," Snow said softly, her eyes pleading. "We didn't know—"

"Oh come on," Mia said, cutting her off. "You're telling me you didn't know it was dangerous? Really?"

Emma stepped forward, her voice calmer but no less pointed. "She's right. You've seen what's out there, and now you're just gonna walk into it?"

David's jaw tightened, but he kept his tone steady. "I've been in worse situations."

"That's not the point," Emma said, her voice rising. "You're not just some knight anymore—you're a father. You have responsibilities here."

"Emma," Snow said gently, stepping closer. "We know you're scared—"

"I'm not scared," Emma snapped, though her voice betrayed her. "I'm pissed. You don't know that you're going to come back if you go out there, this wouldn't even be a problem if we had never come here in the first place."

Mia crossed her arms, her tone flat, her walls closing up around her. "Yeah, well, don't let us stop you. Seems like we're just along for the ride anyway."

David's expression softened, but his resolve didn't waver. "I know you're angry. And you have every right to be. But this is bigger than us. There are people out there who need help."

Mia's voice cracked, despite her best efforts to keep it steady. "And what about the people who need you here?"

David's gaze flicked to her, and for a moment, his composure faltered. "I'll come back. I promise."

Mia didn't respond, her jaw clenched as she looked away. Scarlett placed a hand on her arm, a silent reassurance, but it did little to ease the knot in her chest.

The castle's great hall buzzed with tension as David finished addressing the gathered crowd. He had made up his mind, and there was no talking him out of it. The air was thick, heavy with the weight of what lay ahead. Snow stood at his side, her face a picture of forced composure, but her hands fidgeted slightly at her sides.

After everyone dispersed, Emma leaned against the far wall, her arms crossed and her eyes narrowed. Mia stood a few feet away, her fingers drumming against the hilt of her sword. She hated everything about this—being here, the woods, the constant unknowns—but mostly, she hated the idea of David leaving.

As the crowd began to disperse, Mia turned sharply to Scarlett. "This is insane. He's insane. They're all insane."

Scarlett gave her a patient look, tilting her head slightly. "You're not wrong. But maybe cut him some slack. He's trying to help. Whether you like it or not Mia, he is the king."

"Yeah, well, maybe he should've thought about that before dragging us all back to this medieval nightmare," Mia muttered, her voice sharp. She kicked at a loose stone on the ground, her frustration bubbling over.

Emma pushed off the wall, walking over to join them. "He's not going to listen, you know. He's got that 'hero complex' thing going on."

"Runs in the family, apparently," Mia quipped, earning a raised eyebrow from Emma.

"Careful, kid. You're not wrong, but pretty sure both of us inherited that gene," Emma shot back with a smirk, though her tone was dry.

Scarlett rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Can we focus, please? Mia, you're upset. I get it. But you're going to regret it if you don't say goodbye."

Mia scoffed, crossing her arms tightly. "Why? So he can make another empty promise about coming back?"

Scarlett stepped closer, her voice softening. "Because he's your dad. And even if you're mad at him, you'll hate yourself if something happens and you didn't say anything."

Mia frowned, her gaze dropping to the floor. She hated that Scarlett was right. She hated all of this. But the thought of not saying goodbye made her chest tighten in a way she couldn't ignore.

Emma nudged her shoulder lightly. "She's got a point, kid. We can't let our pride win on this one."

Mia let out a long breath, running a hand through her hair. "Fine. But if he says anything cheesy, I'm walking out."

Mia found David in the stables, saddling his horse with practiced ease. He looked up when she entered, his face softening slightly. "Mia."

She leaned against the stable door, her arms crossed. "You really couldn't pick a safer hobby, huh? Like knitting or chess?"

David chuckled, though his eyes stayed on her. "Knitting's never really been my thing."

"Shocking," Mia said dryly, but there was no real bite to her tone.

David hesitated, setting down the saddle strap. "I know you're upset."

"Upset?" Mia raised an eyebrow. "Why would I be upset? My father's just heading off into the most dangerous forest in the land. Totally normal."

David sighed, stepping closer. "Mia, I have to do this. There are people out there who need help."

"I know," Mia admitted, her voice quieter now. "I just... I don't want you to end up as someone else I have to miss."

David's expression softened, and he reached out to place a hand on her shoulder. "I'm going to come back to you, Emma, and your mother."

Mia rolled her eyes but didn't move away. "Yeah, yeah. Big hero, lots of speeches. Just... try not to get yourself killed, okay?"

David smiled faintly. "Deal."

As Mia walked back to Scarlett, who was waiting near the courtyard, she let out a long sigh. Scarlett raised an eyebrow. "How'd it go?"

"Fine," Mia said, though her smirk gave her away. "He said something predictably heroic, and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes too hard."

Scarlett grinned, bumping her shoulder lightly against Mia's. "You're impossible."

"And yet, here you are," Mia shot back, the corners of her mouth twitching upward.

For a moment, the tension eased, and they simply walked together, the looming uncertainty pushed to the background. But as they reached the courtyard and saw David mounting his horse, Mia's stomach twisted again.

She didn't say anything, but Scarlett slipped her hand into Mia's, offering a small squeeze.

—-

The castle courtyard buzzed with quiet activity as David's search party made their final preparations. Horses were saddled, supplies were loaded, and the air hung heavy with unspoken fears. Mia stood on the outskirts of the group with Scarlett and Emma, her arms crossed tightly. She had said her goodbye, but it hadn't made her feel any better. If anything, it had just solidified the pit in her stomach.

Snow approached them, her expression a mix of worry and determination. "The search party will leave soon. David knows what he's doing."

Emma shot her a look. "That's the problem. He knows how dangerous this is, and he's doing it anyway."

"Emma," Snow began, her voice gentle but firm, "he wouldn't go if there were any other choice."

"There's always another choice," Emma muttered, turning her attention back to the group. "You just have to look for it."

Mia didn't say anything, but her jaw tightened. She glanced at Scarlett, who was standing quietly beside her, clearly trying to read her mood. The buzz of activity around them only made her feel more isolated, like she was standing still while the world moved on without her.

Ruby appeared at Mia's side, breaking the tension. "Hey, you holding up okay?"

"Define okay," Mia replied, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Ruby smirked. "You sound like Emma."

"Don't insult me," Mia shot back, earning a faint chuckle from Emma.

Scarlett gave Ruby a pointed look. "She's worried. We all are."

Ruby nodded, her expression softening. "David's tough. If anyone can handle this, it's him."

"Yeah, well," Mia muttered, her gaze fixed on the search party, "tough doesn't make you invincible."

Snow stepped forward, her focus shifting to Mia. "We're sending out scouts to search other regions too. If we find anything about Scarlett's parents or anyone else you know, you'll be the first to hear about it."

Mia's eyes flicked to Scarlett briefly before nodding. "Thanks."

Snow hesitated, as if she wanted to say more, but a shout from the other side of the courtyard caught her attention. She gave Mia a small, reassuring squeeze on the shoulder before stepping away.

As the search party mounted their horses, the finality of the moment sank in. Mia clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. Scarlett's hand brushed against hers, grounding her just enough to keep her from unraveling.

"Hey," Scarlett said softly, her green eyes searching Mia's face. "He'll come back. You know that, right?"

"Yeah," Mia said, though her voice lacked conviction. "I just wish I could do something."

"You're doing plenty," Scarlett said, squeezing her hand briefly. "You're here, and that's enough."

Mia forced a small smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. She glanced at Emma, who had stayed unusually quiet throughout the exchange. Her sister was clearly holding back her own frustrations, her jaw tight as she watched David ride out.

When the gates finally closed behind the search party, the courtyard seemed quieter than before, the weight of their absence settling over them like a heavy fog.

Emma broke the silence, her voice sharp. "Alright. Sitting around and waiting isn't my style. What's the plan?"

Ruby crossed her arms. "The plan is to stay put and stay safe. We can't risk splitting up any more than we already have."

Emma shot her a skeptical look. "And what if danger comes to us?"

"We deal with it when it happens," Ruby said simply, her tone unwavering.

Mia raised an eyebrow. "Solid plan. Love the improvisation."

Ruby smirked. "You'd be surprised how often it works."

Despite the banter, the underlying tension didn't fade. As the group dispersed, Mia found herself lingering near Scarlett, the two of them watching the gates as if willing them to open again.

Scarlett broke the silence first. "You know, if you keep glaring at the gates, they're not going to magically swing open."

Mia sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I know. Just... humor me."

Scarlett didn't reply, but she stayed by Mia's side, her quiet presence offering a comfort Mia hadn't realized she needed.

For now, all they could do was wait.

—-

The afternoon sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting the castle in hues of orange and gold. The courtyard was quieter now, with most of the townsfolk returning to their quarters or duties. Snow and Ruby had gone to help organize supplies, leaving Mia, Emma, and Scarlett sitting on the stone steps near the main hall. The atmosphere was heavy, though Mia did her best to mask her unease with sarcasm.

Emma leaned back on her elbows, her eyes scanning the sky. "So, what's the over-under on something else going catastrophically wrong today?"

Mia smirked faintly, nudging a loose pebble with her foot. "Do we count my life as one big catastrophe, or is it strictly by event?"

Scarlett snorted, shaking her head. "You're terrible."

"Yeah, but you're still here," Mia retorted with a cheeky grin.

Emma rolled her eyes but couldn't help the faint smile tugging at her lips. "You two are exhausting."

Before Scarlett could respond, the sound of hoofbeats echoed from the gate. The group straightened, their banter evaporating as a rider approached the castle. The guard at the gate signaled for the visitor to enter, and moments later, a familiar figure dismounted.

"August?" Emma asked, her brows knitting together in surprise.

The man, his dusty cloak trailing behind him, gave a weary smile as he approached. "Hey, Emma. Been a while."

Mia frowned, looking between the two. "Friend of yours?"

"Sort of," Emma said, standing. "He's... complicated."

"Sounds promising," Mia muttered, earning a smirk from Scarlett.

August's gaze shifted to Mia, his expression curious. "You must be Emma's sister. The resemblance is uncanny."

"Lucky me," Mia said dryly, crossing her arms.

Scarlett elbowed her lightly, muttering, "Be nice."

August chuckled, his eyes scanning the courtyard. "Didn't think I'd see you two here, didn't know if you got brought over with everyone else."

"Yeah, well, it wasn't exactly our choice," Emma said, her voice tinged with frustration. "What are you doing here?"

"I was in the neighboring kingdom," August explained. "Word spread fast about the castle being a safe haven. Figured I'd check in."

Emma nodded, though her expression remained guarded. "Good timing. Things have been... complicated."

Mia raised an eyebrow. "You keep saying that word. Starting to think it's just code for 'a complete mess.'"

"Smart kid," August said with a small grin. "Must run in the family."

Scarlett leaned closer to Mia, her voice low. "Who is this guy?"

"Honestly, no clue," Mia whispered back. "But he's got that 'mysterious stranger' vibe down."

August's smile faded slightly as he looked at Emma. "We should talk. There are things you need to know."

Emma sighed, gesturing for him to follow her. "Fine. Let's hear it."

As they walked off, Scarlett turned to Mia, her green eyes thoughtful. "Think he's trouble?"

Mia shrugged, her gaze lingering on their retreating figures. "Probably. But what's one more problem, right?"

—-

The dining hall was filled with the comforting hum of quiet conversations and clinking silverware. Torches flickered along the walls, their warm light doing little to ease the tension that lingered over the group. Snow sat at the head of the table, her shoulders squared and her face calm, though her eyes betrayed her worry for David.

Mia sat near the end of the table, her plate barely touched. Scarlett sat beside her, trying to coax her into eating, while Ruby leaned against the wall nearby, keeping an eye on them all. Emma walked in with August, both looking grim.

"Well?" Mia asked, raising an eyebrow. "Did our mysterious stranger spill anything interesting?"

Emma gave her a tired look but nodded. "Plenty. And none of it's good."

"Shocking," Mia muttered, pushing her food around with her fork.

August folded his arms, leaning against the table. "There's been talk in the other kingdoms—rumors about why we're back here. It wasn't an accident."

Scarlett frowned. "What do you mean? Someone did this?"

August nodded. "It's deliberate. There's a name I've been hearing: Morpheus."

Snow straightened in her seat, her face paling slightly. Ruby tensed, her expression darkening. Even Emma froze for a moment, the name clearly unfamiliar but ominous enough to spark concern.

"Morpheus?" Ruby said quietly. "That's... not good."

"Who is he?" Scarlett asked, her voice cautious.

Ruby exchanged a glance with Snow, her tone careful. "He's a figure from legend—someone they told stories about in the Enchanted Forest. Supposedly, he's tied to dreams and illusions, able to manipulate people's minds. But those were just bedtime stories to scare kids. I didn't think he was real."

"Well, great," Mia said, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Turns out your campfire stories have a body count. What's next? Boogeymen?"

"It's not funny," Snow said, her voice tight. "If these rumors are true, and Morpheus is real... he's dangerous."

"Awesome," Mia quipped, leaning back in her chair. "So we've got a shadowy nightmare guy pulling the strings. Totally normal."

"Mia," Snow began, her voice soft but insistent.

"No," Mia snapped, standing abruptly. "I can't do this. I need air."

She stalked out of the room, her footsteps echoing in the stone hallway. Scarlett stood, glancing at the others before following her out into the courtyard.

Mia paced near the fountain, her hands clenching and unclenching as she tried to tamp down the storm of emotions swirling inside her. Scarlett approached cautiously, her green eyes studying Mia's tense posture.

"Mia," she said gently.

Mia stopped but didn't turn around. "I'm fine. You don't need to check on me."

Scarlett crossed her arms, her tone light but firm. "You're a terrible liar, you know that?"

Mia huffed, running a hand through her hair. "What do you want me to say? That I'm losing my mind? That I want to scream at the universe for dumping all of this on me?"

"Maybe," Scarlett said softly. "Or maybe you could just let someone in for once."

Mia turned to face her, her hazel eyes blazing. "What's the point? Nothing's going to change. David's out there risking his life, Snow's probably planning the next big mistake, and now we've got some mythical bogeyman to deal with. Meanwhile, I'm stuck here, pretending like I know what I'm doing."

Scarlett stepped closer, her voice steady. "You're not pretending. You're doing your best. And that's all anyone can ask."

Mia shook her head, her voice cracking. "It's not enough."

Scarlett reached out, taking Mia's hand. "It is. You're enough, Mia."

For a moment, Mia couldn't speak. The sincerity in Scarlett's words hit her harder than she expected, cutting through the layers of anger and fear she'd been carrying.

Without thinking, Mia leaned forward, her lips brushing Scarlett's in a fleeting kiss. It was tentative at first, as if testing the waters, but when Scarlett didn't pull away—instead leaning into the kiss—Mia felt something in her chest ease for the first time in days.

When they finally broke apart, Scarlett's cheeks were pink, and Mia couldn't help the small, sheepish smile tugging at her lips. "Uh, sorry. That was probably..."

"Exactly what I wanted," Scarlett finished, her voice soft but steady.

Mia blinked, her surprise evident. Scarlett's confidence brought a quiet laugh to her lips. "You're impossible."

"And yet, here I am," Scarlett teased, her green eyes sparkling.

Before either of them could say more, the sound of the castle gates creaking open drew their attention. Ruby stepped out into the courtyard, her expression urgent. "Snow wants everyone back in the hall. Something's happening."

Mia exchanged a glance with Scarlett, her chest tightening again, though a small warmth lingered. "Let's go."