The aftermath of the battle left the Hollow Veil eerily quiet. The toxic mist hung heavy in the air, carrying the bitter stench of sulfur and blood. The ground was littered with the signs of the struggle: claw marks etched into the dirt, patches of fur caught on jagged branches, and crimson stains that soaked into the ashen earth. The silence was deceptive, a fragile reprieve after the chaos. But for Regina, the battle was far from over.
Her wolf form began to melt away, muscles shrinking, bones shifting with an agonizing slowness that left her trembling. When the transformation was complete, Regina stood in her human form, swaying on unsteady feet. The remnants of her hospital gown clung to her bruised and bloodied frame, its once-white fabric now torn, streaked with mud, ash, and her own blood. The tattered garment hung loosely, barely covering her, as she struggled to steady her breathing.
Every muscle in her body screamed in protest, torn and overstrained from the brutal battles she had endured. Her shoulders sagged under the weight of exhaustion, her legs trembling as though they could no longer bear her weight. Her skin was slick with sweat and grime, and streaks of blood trailed down her arms and legs, mixing with the dust and dirt that clung to her like a second skin. Her amber eyes, though clouded with pain, still burned with the unyielding fire of an alpha.
She refused to fall. Not yet.
Ashley lay motionless on the ground nearby, her face pale, her breathing shallow. The sight of her stirred something deep within Regina, a flicker of protective instinct that pushed her forward despite the agony. With trembling hands, she crouched low, her knees almost giving out beneath her as she reached for Ashley. Her arms wrapped around the unconscious woman, and Regina strained to lift her.
The effort was too much.
Pain ripped through her arms and shoulders, sharp and unforgiving, as if her body was tearing apart under the strain. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed back to the ground, gasping for air. The world spun around her, the mist of the Hollow Veil blurring into a dizzying haze. Sweat dripped from her forehead, stinging her eyes as she fought to stay conscious.
"Not now," she whispered, her voice hoarse and broken. "Not yet."
But her strength had left her, drained by the relentless battles and the toll they had taken on her body. Blood loss, dehydration, and sheer exhaustion weighed her down like a suffocating shroud.
Sabine and Cosette moved in, their movements sluggish but determined. Both were bloodied from the fight with Elliot, their fur matted with dirt and crimson streaks. Despite their injuries, they worked together, each supporting the other as they approached Ashley.
"We've got her," Sabine murmured, her voice strained but steady.
Cosette nodded silently, her towering frame showing the faintest signs of a limp. The two wolves shifted into their human forms, their faces etched with exhaustion but resolved. Together, they lifted Ashley, each taking an arm as they began the slow trek out of the Hollow Veil.
Regina watched them go, relief flickering in her tired eyes, but her focus quickly shifted back to her surroundings. Her body swayed again, and she nearly collapsed before Ruby appeared at her side, steadying her with a firm grip.
"Regina, you can't keep pushing like this," Ruby said, her voice thick with worry. She wrapped an arm around Regina's waist, trying to support her weight. "Let me help you."
Regina's breathing was shallow, her voice barely a whisper. "Ruby… Find the baby."
Ruby hesitated, her brow furrowing as she looked at her alpha. "Regina, you're barely standing. Let me get you out first."
"No," Regina growled softly, the fire in her eyes flaring despite her weakened state. "Selene will look. She'll find the baby."
From the shadows of the mist, Selene emerged, her white-and-silver fur glowing faintly in the dim light. She shifted into her human form, her piercing silver-and-blue eyes meeting Regina's for a brief moment. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a connection steeped in history and regret. Regina knew exactly who Selene was but said nothing, guilt twisting in her chest like a knife. She had failed Selene once, unable to save her before Leopold's cruel decree had banished her and her mother.
Selene's gaze lingered for a moment before she nodded. "I'll find the baby," she said simply, her voice steady and resolute. Graham, battered but still standing, stepped forward to join her.
"I'll go with her," he said, his voice rough but determined. Together, they disappeared into the mist, their forms swallowed by the toxic fog as they began their search.
Ruby stayed close to Regina, her arm still wrapped tightly around her waist as they slowly made their way toward the edge of the Hollow Veil. Every step was a struggle for Regina, her legs trembling with each movement. Sweat poured down her face, mixing with the grime and blood that covered her skin. The world spun around her, and her breaths came in short, labored gasps.
"You need to stop," Ruby said urgently, her voice shaking. "You're going to collapse."
Regina shook her head weakly. "We need… to get out," she murmured, her voice barely audible. But her body betrayed her resolve. Her vision blurred, dark spots dancing at the edges of her sight. Her knees buckled, and this time, even Ruby's support couldn't keep her upright.
Regina fell to the ground, the impact sending a jolt of pain through her battered frame. Ruby cried out, dropping to her knees beside her.
"Regina! Stay with me!" Ruby's voice was frantic as she cradled her alpha, her own tears mixing with the dirt on her face. Regina's eyelids fluttered, her amber eyes dulling as unconsciousness threatened to claim her. Regina whispered something before her eyes closed completely.
Ruby fumbled with her phone, her hands trembling as she dialed 911. Her voice shook as she spoke to the operator, explaining the dire situation. "We need two ambulances," she said, her voice cracking. "One for Ashley… and one for Regina."
Nearby, Sabine and Cosette had made it out of the Veil, waiting anxiously for Ruby to emerge. When she finally stumbled out, carrying the weight of both the alpha's unconscious body and her own guilt, they rushed to her side.
The pack was broken and exhausted, their bodies battered and bloodied. Ruby, distraught and angry, sat beside Regina as they waited for help. Her emotions warred within her—rage at Regina for putting herself in danger, guilt for not being able to protect her better, and gratitude that they were all alive. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, "You can't die on us, Regina. Not now."
As the first light of dawn began to creep through the trees, the sound of sirens echoed in the distance. Help was coming, but the scars of the night would remain with them all.
Selene stepped forward, her silver-and-blue eyes meeting Regina's for a fleeting moment before she turned toward the unknown. Her white-and-silver coat shimmered faintly as she moved, her resolve unshaken. Without a word, she shifted back into her wolf form and began to track the faint scent that lingered in the air.
Graham, limping but determined, followed silently. He had seen enough of Selene to know she wasn't to be underestimated. Her movements were purposeful, and despite her own injuries, she radiated strength. The two wolves moved deeper into the mist, heading toward the craggy silhouette of the mountains where Elliot had made his home.
The climb was treacherous. Jagged rocks jutted out from the mountainside, their edges sharp and unwelcoming. Strange symbols were etched into the stone, their shapes twisting in ways that seemed unnatural, almost alive. Graham paused, running a hand over one of the carvings. "These weren't made by nature," he muttered, his voice barely audible.
Selene, still in her wolf form, growled softly in agreement before shifting back. "This is his sanctuary," she said, her voice laced with bitterness. "Everything about this place reeks of him."
The air changed as they climbed higher. The acrid stench of the Hollow Veil faded, replaced by something cleaner, almost refreshing. It was a stark contrast to the desolation below, and it unsettled them both. The silence here was heavier, deeper, as if the mountain itself was holding its breath.
They climbed in silence, neither one willing to speak. Selene's anger simmered just beneath the surface, her thoughts a storm of blame and conflict. She remembered stories her mother had told her, fragments of a time when Regina had been her friend, her ally. But those stories were stained with pain. Her mother had died alone, banished and broken, and Selene couldn't shake the feeling that Regina was responsible.
Graham noticed her tension but said nothing. He focused on the task at hand, his sharp eyes scanning the rocks for any sign of the baby.
The first sign of the cave was a faint echo, a sound that carried through the mountain like a whisper. It was faint at first, barely audible over the wind, but as they approached, it grew louder. The unmistakable cry of a baby. Selene froze, her heart pounding in her chest as the sound reverberated through the stone.
They found the cave entrance nestled between jagged rocks, almost hidden from view. Vines and wild growth crawled over the opening, creating a natural barrier that seemed to shield it from the outside world. Selene and Graham exchanged a glance before stepping inside.
The air changed immediately. It was warm, almost unnaturally so, and carried a faint scent of lavender and cedar. The interior was pristine, a startling contrast to the wild exterior. The floor was smooth and clean, with no trace of dust or debris. Shelves carved into the walls held neatly arranged supplies: jars of water, dried food, and soft blankets.
The deeper they ventured, the stranger it became. The baby's cries guided them, echoing faintly through the tunnels until they reached a chamber bathed in sunlight. The ceiling opened to the sky above, creating a natural skylight that illuminated the room. The light fell on a soft nest of blankets and pillows where the baby lay, unharmed and peaceful.
Selene and Graham stopped in their tracks, their eyes wide with disbelief. The baby cooed softly, its tiny hands reaching for the sunlight. Everything about this place felt otherworldly, untouched by the chaos outside.
"He kept her safe," Graham murmured, his voice filled with awe.
Selene's jaw tightened, her emotions warring within her. "Why?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "Why go through all this?"
Graham had no answer. Together, they approached the baby, carefully lifting her from her makeshift sanctuary. The child stirred but didn't cry, her innocent eyes blinking up at them.
Outside the Hollow Veil, Sabine and Cosette waited anxiously. Their injuries were severe but manageable, and their priority was ensuring Ashley received the care she needed. They flagged it down when the first ambulance arrived, quickly explaining the situation. Ruby waited with Regina's unconscious body until the second ambulance arrived about thirty minutes later.
The paramedics moved swiftly, loading Ashley and Regina into separate ambulances. Ruby insisted on accompanying Regina, her worry etched into every line of her face. "You can't die on us," she whispered as the doors closed.
Meanwhile, Selene and Graham emerged from the mountains, the baby cradled safely in Selene's arms. The second ambulance waited, its engine idling as Graham approached. He handed the baby to the paramedics, his voice calm but firm. "Take her to safety."
As dawn broke over the forest, the pack began their slow journey back to Safe Haven. Their bodies were battered, their spirits frayed, but they had survived. Ruby sat silently in the ambulance, her eyes never leaving Regina as the paramedics worked to stabilize her. The fire of the alpha might still burn within Regina, but for now, her body had reached its limit.
Selene, however, did not follow. She wasn't part of the pack, and she had no intention of joining them. Her path led her elsewhere, back to the solitary sanctuary she had carved out for herself. She descended the sheer cliffs that no one else dared to climb, her movements agile and sure despite her exhaustion.
Nestled within the rock face was her home, a hidden cave filled with her belongings. Shelves lined the walls, crowded with jars of herbs and potions her mother had taught her to make. A small fire pit glowed faintly, casting a warm light over the meticulously organized space. This was where she healed, where her mother's memory lingered strongest. Selene carefully laid out the herbs she had gathered earlier, her hands steady as she began preparing remedies for her wounds. The anger she carried against Regina simmered beneath the surface, unresolved and potent. But for now, she focused on the task at hand, knowing she needed to heal before the next storm came.
The ambulance carrying Regina pulled into the hospital's emergency bay just as the first rays of morning sunlight crept over the horizon. Henry, standing at the doors with Emma, rushed forward the moment he saw the vehicle. His heart pounded in his chest as he strained to catch a glimpse of his mother.
When the paramedics wheeled her out on a stretcher, Henry screamed. "Mom!" His voice cracked with anguish as he tried to push past Emma and Ruby to reach her. Tears streamed down his face, and he fought against Ruby's hold, his small fists pounding against her arms. "Let me go! I need to see her!"
"Henry, stop!" Ruby said firmly, though her voice wavered. She tightened her grip, refusing to let him break free. Her own eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she held herself together for his sake. "She's going to be okay. Let the doctors do their job."
Henry sobbed, his cries echoing through the emergency bay. Emma placed a hand on his shoulder, her face pale and stricken as she watched the paramedics rush Regina inside. The sight of her friend—broken, bloodied, and unconscious—left her speechless. "What the hell happened out there?" she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.
Dr. Whale was the first to meet the stretcher, barking orders to the nurses as they wheeled Regina toward the operating room. His expression was grim but focused. "Get her prepped for surgery. She'll need stitches… again. And a full transfusion."
Ruby stayed behind, watching until Regina disappeared through the double doors. The nurses approached her, urging her to go home and rest, but she shook her head. "I'm not leaving," she said firmly. When they insisted, she relented only enough to allow them to stitch her own wounds and guide her to a shower and clean clothes.
Inside the hospital, Cora and Henry Sr. waited in a private room assigned to Regina. Cora sat rigidly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "She won't die," she said firmly, though her voice carried an edge of uncertainty. "But it was too close this time."
Henry Jr. frowned, his expression grim. "Cora, this obsession with her power needs to stop. Henry shouldn't be dragged into this."
Cora ignored him, her focus shifting to her grandson as he entered the room with Emma. Henry's face was streaked with tears, and he refused to look at her.
Hours later, Dr. Whale entered the room, his scrubs speckled with faint traces of blood. His expression was neutral but carried an air of fatigue. "She'll pull through," he said, his voice steady. "But it's going to be a long recovery."
Cora leaned forward, her face unreadable. "How bad is it?"
Dr. Whale sighed. "She lost a lot of blood and required over twenty stitches. We've given her a transfusion, but the cumulative strain on her body is severe. Torn muscles, ligaments, and extensive bruising. She's lucky to be alive."
Henry's voice broke through the tension. "Can I see her?"
Dr. Whale offered a small smile. "In a few minutes. She's being moved here now, but she'll remain unconscious for a while. Think of it as her body forcing her to rest."
Emma asked, "What… what could have done this? Are you sure it was wolves?"
Dr. Whale hesitated, but his answer was firm. "The injuries are consistent with an attack by wolves. I can't say more than that."
Emma frowned, frustration bubbling beneath her concern. "Wolves don't just attack humans. That doesn't make sense."
Henry Sr. interjected. "Emma, let it go for now."
Dr. Whale nodded. "She'll need to stay here for a few days for observation. After that, she's strictly confined to bed rest for two weeks. I'll provide medications for pain and recovery."
Cora nodded sharply. "We'll stay with her."
When Regina was finally wheeled into the room, Henry rushed to her side, his small hand clutching hers. Tears welled in his eyes as he whispered, "I knew you'd make it, Mom. I knew you would."
Emma stood nearby, holding a coffee cup with trembling hands. She watched the scene unfold, her heart aching as she tried to make sense of everything. The morning sun cast long shadows across the room, but for the first time in hours, there was a sense of calm.
Ruby waited outside, her loyalty unwavering. The nurses had stitched her wounds and offered her a place to rest, but she refused to leave her alpha's side. She would stand guard until Regina woke, no matter how long it took.
The entire pack had returned to Safe Haven, their sanctuary, to recover from the grueling events. Each member was scattered across the property, tending to their injuries and leaning on one another for support. The living room, though still in disarray from the earlier battle with Elliot, was filled with the sounds of hammers and drills as a contractor worked tirelessly to repair the damage. The sharp scent of sawdust filled the air, mingling with the faint iron tang of blood that lingered in the pack's senses.
Far from Safe Haven, Selene walked alone in the forest, her steps silent but deliberate. The cool evening air caressed her fur as she shifted back and forth between her human and wolf forms, unable to find solace in either. The events of the Hollow Veil haunted her thoughts, and a burning curiosity drew her back toward the site of the battle.
The mist had thinned now, leaving the Veil in an unnatural stillness. Selene moved cautiously, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings as if expecting something to leap from the shadows. Her gaze flickered to the symbols etched into the rocks and trees, their meaning lost to time but their presence heavy with unease. She knelt by the ground where Elliot had fought and pressed her hand to the earth, feeling the faint residue of power that lingered.
"This place…" she whispered, her voice heavy with suspicion and anger. She couldn't shake the conflict within her—memories of her mother's stories about Regina clashing with the bitterness of her own reality. She blamed Regina for so much, but pieces of the truth still felt missing, buried in shadows she couldn't yet illuminate.
Meanwhile, Will Scarlet had returned to Neal Gold's pack, his steps weary but purposeful. The camp buzzed with quiet energy as the pack gathered to hear what had transpired. Will recounted the events with grim detail—the ferocity of Elliot's attack, Regina's unwavering strength, and the strange presence of Selene.
"She held her own against him," Will admitted, a note of respect in his voice. "Elliot wasn't just testing her strength. He was looking for something—or someone."
Neal's brow furrowed, his sharp eyes narrowing as he considered the implications. "The Keepers," he said finally. "They're playing a longer game than we thought."
Deep within the Eden Club, the Keepers and Guardians gathered in their hidden chambers. The air was thick with the scent of incense and wine, their celebratory mood palpable. For the first time in years, they felt victorious.
"We finally pushed her to the brink," one of the Keepers said, a sly smile curling on his lips. "Regina may have survived, but she's not untouchable. Elliot proved that."
"Elliot failed to retrieve Alexander," another Keeper countered, swirling a glass of wine in his hand. "But it doesn't matter. The pregnant mother is progressing faster than we anticipated. Her strength, and the child's, are growing exponentially."
A third Keeper leaned forward, his voice filled with quiet satisfaction. "The ninth iteration of Elliot will be unlike any before him. This one will rise as the true alpha—the King of Storybrooke—and the Keeper's chosen champion."
They toasted to their plans, their laughter echoing through the chamber. The battle with Regina had been nothing more than a test—a measure of her strength and endurance. And while she had endured, they believed her days as the unchallenged alpha were numbered.
As dawn crept over the horizon, the pack stirred within Safe Haven. The smell of fresh coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy scent of the forest that surrounded their home few days later. Ruby sat on the porch, her gaze distant as she sipped from a mug. Her body ached, her wounds throbbing, but the pain was secondary to her concern for Regina. Inside, the contractor worked diligently to repair the damage in the living room, the rhythmic pounding of hammers offering a strange sense of normalcy. Few of Regina's pack, though still healing, had joined in the effort, helping to clear debris and reset furniture.