Regina stood frozen, staring at Daniel as if seeing a ghost. The warmth she once associated with him was gone, replaced by an icy dread that seeped into her bones. Emma, standing beside her, tensed, her hand instinctively moving toward her hip, even though there was no weapon to draw.

"You," Regina whispered, her voice barely audible, "Why?"

Daniel tilted his head, a smirk stretching across his lips, "You already know why, Regina."

Emma stepped forward, "You gave Henry the drugs." It wasn't a question.

Daniel's smirk widened. "I just gave him a little push. He was already looking for an escape. I merely provided an option."

Regina's hands clenched into fists, magic crackling at her fingertips. "You put my son in a coma to punish me?"

"Call it what you want," Daniel said, his tone infuriatingly casual. "I wanted you to feel what I felt. To lose someone you love. You didn't lose me in the barn, Regina. You let it happen. You wanted me dead."

Regina flinched at his wording. "I couldn't help you, and you know that."

Emma stepped in front of Regina protectively, sensing the dangerous edge in her posture, "Where did you get the drugs?" she demanded. "Who are you working with?"

Daniel chuckled, turning his gaze to Emma, "You think this is about some petty supplier?"

In a blur of movement, he stepped toward Regina, brushing his thumb against her bottom lip before leaning in, his breath unnervingly cold against her ear. "This is about breaking you, Regina. No magic can fix this. No deals, no second chances. Just you, watching Henry slip away."

Regina's magic flared, but she forced herself to stay in control. "You're wrong," she hissed, stepping back. "I will save him. And I will stop you."

Daniel simply shrugged, "Then you'd better hurry—Henry doesn't have much time left."

Emma's face burned with anger. Neither Regina nor Daniel—hell, even Emma herself—had anticipated her next move. She lunged forward, aiming to hit him, but the impact never came. Instead, she hit the cold, hard floor.

Daniel was gone in a wisp of dark smoke, leaving nothing but the feeling of dread behind.

"Emma?" Regina knelt beside the blonde.

Emma rolled over, sitting now. She draped an arm across her propped knees, the other hand holding her head, "That hurt."

"No shit," Regina raised an eyebrow.

Through it all, Emma smirked. Regina was picking up her speech patterns—like their vocabulary had started blending together.

"I think that should cover all my enemies. Doubt we'll have any more surprises," Regina snarled.

"Gina, that covers your lovers. Your enemies aren't even this vengeful. Besides, I thought Daniel was a nice guy—what the hell was that?"

Regina exhaled sharply, pressing her fingers to her temple, "I don't know. But we need to find out."

Emma reached out, squeezing her arm in reassurance, "We will."

Regina stood and reached out her hand for Emma to take. Emma hesitated for a beat before grasping it, helping herself up. As they steadied themselves, Regina muttered, her thoughts suddenly shifting, "Gold always seems to know more than he lets on."

Emma scoffed, "Because it's Gold. When has he ever done anything without payment?"

Regina frowned, a realization settling over her, "He never warned me about Samedi. Why?"

Emma studied her for a moment. "Maybe because he didn't think it was his problem? Or maybe… he had a reason not to."

Regina's jaw tightened, but before she could dwell on it, Emma tugged her closer, pressing a light kiss to her forehead. Emma guided Regina's hands around her waist and embraced the woman. "You've been through a lot today."

"Saying that I've been through a lot doesn't make it better, Emma." Regina dropped her arms from around Emma, but the minute she did, her chest tightened.

Emma noticed the short gasps for air when Regina spoke again. "I think I need a drink." The room around her felt like it was spinning, and Regina began to hyperventilate.

"Gina, baby. Listen to me, okay?" Emma asked calmly. She held Regina's hands again, this time taking them to her own chest. "I need you to breathe with me. In—" she inhaled slowly, "Out."

She did this a couple of times, but it wasn't working. Regina was still breathing erratically.

"I need to get this off." Regina abruptly pulled her hands away from Emma and removed her blazer. "Emma, I can't breathe."

Emma distanced herself slightly, resting her hands on Regina's shoulders. "Okay, totally unrelated—but did you enjoy our short time in Boston?"

Regina's eyebrows knitted together as she tried to figure out where Emma was going. "I suppose so. Yeah."

"What did you like about it?"

Regina took a moment to think. "I liked spending time with you. We were away from home, and it felt good to lock this town away from my mind for a bit."

Emma was distracting her.

"Would you like to go again?" She was making progress now—Regina's breathing slowed.

At the thought of the answer, it quickened again. "How can we? There's so much going on here."

Emma sat on the floor and pulled Regina down with her. "Well, we can always plan another trip in a year or so? Would you like that?"

Regina nodded. "I guess."

"We should plan early. Anything you want to do? This time we didn't plan an itinerary, but next time we can."

Regina was calm now, her breathing back to normal.

Emma let out a huff. "Let's move?" She smiled at Regina, took hold of her hand, and led them back into the parlor. "Let's leave Storybrooke. Leave the mess and the trouble behind." She let go of

Regina's hand and poured them both a scotch.

"Trouble tends to follow us, dear." Regina sat on the couch, removing her shoes and tucking her legs beneath her. Emma handed Regina her glass and sat beside her.

Emma considered her words for a moment. She thought about life outside of Storybrooke. Her parents could visit them in Boston, Henry would be able to get the care he needed, and they'd live in peace.

"We could fake our deaths," Emma chuckled. It was a joke… at first.

She saw the seriousness in Regina's eyes. "That's a joke, Gina."

"No, actually. You're right. Faking it would make things so much easier. My enemies—and apparently lovers now—would be off our tail."

"That's a lot of effort. How could one possibly fake a death?"

"Easy." Regina took a sip. "We say we're going on a trip to the Alps. A week later, we use the masking spell to disguise our voices, phone your mother, and tell her we've died on the mountain." She shrugged and took another sip. "No bodies. No trail. No doubt."

Emma nudged her. "Have you been thinking about this for a while?"

Regina playfully rolled her eyes. "Have any better ideas?"

"None at the top of my head. But how do we explain taking Henry away when he isn't even awake?"

"We tell Dr. Whale we're seeking better treatment in the Alps?" Regina said, more question than statement.

Emma thought about it. It wasn't a brilliant plan, but it was the best they had.

xxx

The next morning arrived quicker than either woman anticipated. Emma woke up to find herself asleep in Regina's arms, not in a bed but in the parlor. Regina's arm was draped loosely across her torso. When Emma made a move to get up, she almost rolled onto the floor. She gasped, catching herself before the fall and also feeling Regina's grip tighten around her in her sleep.

Emma rested her head on Regina's chest, taking a deep breath—letting the warmth and scent of the woman fill her senses, almost as if she were afraid it would be the last time. A quiet ache settled in her chest at the thought.

Slowly, carefully, she pried herself free from Regina's grasp and stood. Emma kissed the brunette's forehead before tiptoeing out of the parlor. The cold floor sent a shiver up her spine as she scurried to the second floor of the mansion.

Emma turned on the shower and stripped out of her clothes. Once inside, she allowed herself a moment to think.

Of course, Daniel loved Regina. It didn't make sense for him to do something as extreme as putting Henry's life on the line—just to make Regina suffer the way he did? But how did he suffer, anyway? Sure, it must have been agonizing to have your heart ripped out. WAIT. He had his heart ripped out and crushed. How was he still alive?

Then again, Graham had been in town not too long ago. But Gold had brought him back. Gold had done that, did it also mean he brought Daniel back, too? If so—why?

Bringing Graham back had a clear purpose: Killian. But Daniel? What reason could Gold possibly have for that?

She couldn't dwell on it any longer. Emma rinsed off quickly, dried herself, and threw on whatever clothes she could find—a grey top, black leggings, and boots.

She almost made it out the front door before she heard Regina's voice.

"Where are you off to?" Regina ran her fingers through her hair, attempting to tame the mess from sleeping on the couch.

Emma stopped dead in her tracks. She knew the shower had slowed her down. "I wanted to get a head start on the day," she said, keeping her back turned.

When it came to lying, Emma couldn't do it to Regina's face. She didn't want to feel guilty, either. The best option was to avoid eye contact and slip away unnoticed.

"Emma," Regina's tone sharpened, "A head start with what, exactly?"

That was it. She'd been caught. But she wouldn't give in—not until she was sure about Gold's motives.

Emma turned, reluctant to face her. "I want to see Henry?" It came out as more of a question than a statement.

Regina raised an eyebrow. "Really? Without me?"

After last night's episode, Emma didn't want to subject Regina to anything until she had answers. She stepped forward and forced a smile. "You should get some rest. I thought you needed it."

The closer Emma got to her girlfriend, the more defined Regina's features became in the dim morning light. A flicker of concern crossed Emma's face as she took a closer look.

She squinted and touched Regina's face.

"What?" Regina asked.

"Gina, let me see your hands."

Regina stretched out her arms.

Emma's eyes narrowed as she examined them. Red blotches marred Regina's skin, spreading along her forearms. Emma's fingers picked at the hem of Regina's blouse, lifting it slightly. Her suspicions were right. "You have a rash."

Regina glanced down. Emma was right.

"Whale?" Regina asked.

Emma nodded. "Whale. We can drop by and check on Henry too."

xxx

Dr. Whale had Regina sit on the examination bed. "Open for me," he instructed. Regina obliged as he pressed a tongue depressor into her mouth, examining the inside. He discarded the stick into a nearby bin before taking his stethoscope and placing it against Regina's chest. "Deep breath in."

Once finished, he gestured for her to sit properly. "Given the current circumstances surrounding Henry's condition, it's understandable that you'd experience stress. You had a panic attack last night."

"A panic attack? I don't have anxiety," Regina countered.

Whale nodded. "Yes, of course. However, I doubt anyone is born with anxiety."

Regina scowled at him. "I know that, dimwit. That doesn't explain the rash."

"Actually, it does. The symptoms you're experiencing fall under what we call psychosomatic responses. When stress or anxiety manifests physically. In this case, hives."

"Can you just give me the treatment and get it over with?"

"I could, but you'd end up with a bigger problem later on. Your hives are severe. If your stress levels continue to spike, it could block your airways."

"So, you're not treating me? Do your job, Whale."

"I didn't say I wasn't treating you, Regina." He reached for his prescription pad, tearing off a sheet as he scribbled down a note. "Take this under your tongue when you feel anxious. It will calm you within five minutes." He handed the paper over to her. "And again, I strongly recommend seeing Archie."

Regina read over the foreign words. "You're only giving me seven?"

"Use them in extreme cases. The dosage is high, and I wouldn't want you becoming dependent on them. Once you see Archie, we can determine whether to adjust or discontinue them."

Regina nodded, feeling the gentle squeeze of Emma's hand on her knee. A silent reassurance—Emma was here, and she wasn't alone.

"Is Henry getting any better?" Emma leaned forward, sitting at the edge of her chair.

Whale shook his head. "Unfortunately not. I was planning to call you in today, but since you're here…" he trailed off, glancing at his clasped hands. He hesitated, unsure how to deliver the news.

Regina instinctively grabbed onto Emma's hand, her fingers tightening.

Whale sighed. "His condition is worsening. With the treatment, I'd estimate about a week before his organs shut down completely."

The silence was suffocating. Regina felt her chest tighten again, but this time, so did Emma. Whatever strength she'd been holding onto evaporated in an instant.

"We've moved him to one of the wards," Dr. Whale informed them. As if anticipating their next move, he stood and led them out of his office.

Emma pulled her phone from her pocket, sending a quick text to Killian before sliding it back in and following Regina to Henry's room.

Henry looked pale. An IV dripped from the left side of the bed, a heart monitor on the right. Tubes ran into his nose, framing his delicate face.

Regina and Emma stepped inside, eyes bloodshot and wide. Both women took a side of the bed, kneeling to Henry's height.

Regina brushed his hair back, cupping his cheek. "Sweet boy, don't give up. Come back to Momma," she whispered.

The steady beeping of the heart monitor echoed in the room. Emma turned toward the window, exhaling a heavy breath. Her gaze was locked onto Henry—until a glint outside caught her eye. Killian.

She watched as he approached the building, phone in hand. A second later, hers buzzed.

"Gonna grab coffee. Want anything?" she asked Regina.

Regina's focus never wavered from Henry's face. "Yeah. Coffee for me."

xxx

"Swan," Killian nodded towards the blonde, his tone unusually cautious. "Everything okay?"

"Henry's dying." The words barely made it past her lips before she collapsed against him. Killian stiffened for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden vulnerability. Then, as her shoulders shook, he wrapped his arms around her, letting her sobs wrack through his frame.

"Did you bring it?" Emma finally asked, her voice muffled against his chest.

He pulled back slightly, searching her eyes. "Why do you need this, Swan?"

Emma's gaze dropped to the object in his hand—the magic-suppressing cuff. Without another word, she plucked it from his grasp.

"I need to cut off Regina's magic for a bit."

Killian's brow furrowed. "The last time I did that, I was left dangling in thin air. What's your reason, love? Are you in trouble?"

Emma hesitated. "Sort of. Do you know someone by the name of Baron Samedi?"

Killian's expression darkened. "Who doesn't? He's a sorcerer from the Enchanted Forest. Nasty piece of work. Is he after you?"

"Not me. Regina. They have some sort of history."

Killian crossed his arms. "And you're thinking of cutting off her magic instead of letting her protect herself? That doesn't sound like you."

Emma exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair. "I just need to be sure of something first. Before I let her fight this battle."

Killian studied her for a beat, then nodded toward a nearby bench. "Alright, Swan. Sit. Tell me everything."

Emma hesitated, gripping the cuff tightly in her palm. "You brought Graham back. How did you do it?"

Killian let out a dry chuckle. "That's some dark stuff you're looking into. I had to retrieve him myself. Gold gave me a charmed necklace—something old, powerful. But it was a temporary fix. Graham should've only lasted a day or two."

Emma's jaw clenched. Killian caught the shift in her demeanor. "You need help, don't you?"

"Daniel is back too," Emma admitted, watching his reaction carefully. "I don't know who brought him back, but he's the reason Henry's in this mess."

Killian blinked. "Daniel? As in 'the love of Regina's life' Daniel?"

Emma sighed. "Yes, that Daniel."

They reached the vending machine, and Emma skimmed the options. Killian, meanwhile, jabbed at the buttons with his hook. The machine whirred. A chocolate bar dropped.

Emma narrowed her eyes. "Dude. Why?"

Killian grinned. "Thought I could use some sugar. Now—why take Regina's magic?"

Emma retrieved the chocolate bar and shoved it against his chest. "Consider this a thanks for the cuff."

He tore it open with his teeth. Emma grimaced. "What did I ever see in you?"

"My charm, my devilish good looks, and—"

"Right," Emma cut him off, biting back a smirk but giving him an eye roll. "Look, Samedi showed up, stole our magic, lured me to his apartment, gave it back. Then Daniel—" Her voice dropped. "Daniel gave Henry drugs. He overdosed."

Killian's smirk vanished. "Bloody hell."

Emma rubbed at her temples. "Killian?"

"Yeah, love?"

"Why would Daniel do this? From what I've heard, he loved Regina."

Killian exhaled. "And besides—when I brought Graham back, Gold made me pay a hefty price. That charm? It can't be used again for another decade."

Emma stilled. "Why?"

"Didn't ask. Didn't care. At the time, I just wanted Regina gone."

Emma turned sharply to face him, eyes narrowing. "Do you still feel that way? That she doesn't deserve to be here?"

Killian sighed. "I never said she doesn't deserve to be here, love. I just didn't think she deserved you." He lifted a hand before Emma could respond. "But that was then. Can we not make this about her?"

Emma shook her head and stepped past him. "This is about her. Everything in my life is about her. Protecting her. Loving her. Don't you get that?"

Killian hesitated, then muttered, "Aye. I get it."

"Then stop trying to talk me out of this." Emma jabbed a finger at his chest. "I don't need saving. And definitely not from someone who thinks I'm incompetent. I needed a favor, not the third degree. You're either helping me or staying out of my way. Make your choice, Hook."

Killian regarded her, then exhaled sharply. "Swan, you leave me no choice."

"Oh? Asking you to choose is giving you a choice."

He smirked slightly. "Yes, but you know I can't just leave you to your own devices. So, tell me—how exactly are you planning to get that thing on her?" He gestured to the cuff.

Emma's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out.

Killian peeked over her shoulder. "Speak of the devil."

Emma shot him a glare before answering, forcing a casual tone. "Hi, baby."

"Hi baby?" Regina's voice was laced with suspicion. "You've been gone for twenty minutes."

Killian made a dramatic whipping motion with his hand.

Emma elbowed him while forcing a smile. "I'll be there in a bit."

The call ended. Killian chuckled. "You are so whipped."

Emma rolled her eyes. "I am not!"

xxx

Regina sat rigidly in the chair beside Henry's bed, her fingers barely grazing his hand as if her touch alone could anchor him back to her. The steady beeping of the machines filled the sterile hospital room, each sound simultaneously a comfort and a torment. Her son was still here, but barely. Every second felt like an eternity, waiting for a sign—for something, anything—to tell her he would be okay.

When the door creaked open, Regina's shoulders tensed. She turned sharply, her expression immediately shifting into a glare as she stormed toward Emma.

"Where were you?" The words were cold. Her sharp eyes flickered to Emma's empty hands. "Thought you went for a coffee run."

Emma sighed, rolling her shoulders like she was shaking off the weight of the past hour. "Faulty machine, all around," she muttered, trying to sidestep Regina and glance at Henry. "Any improvements?"

Regina folded her arms, her stance unmoving. "No," she said flatly. Her voice wavered just slightly at the end, but she swallowed it down before it could betray her. "How would there be?"

Emma pressed her lips together, biting back the frustration rising in her chest. It wasn't directed at Regina—she knew that. But damn, this was hard. Seeing Henry like this, feeling so utterly helpless, and now being met with Regina's wrath on top of it.

"Okay," Emma said, exhaling. "Don't snap at me, Missy. I'm just as upset as you are."

Regina's glare softened, her arms loosening from their crossed position. She hesitated for a second, then let out a breath. "I'm sorry, dear," she murmured.

The unexpected gentleness made Emma pause. Her gaze flickered between Regina's lips, slightly pursed in a pout, and the deep brown eyes that—despite their exhaustion—still held that familiar fire. Damn it. How was she supposed to stay mad when Regina looked at her like that?

Emma swallowed, shifting her weight awkwardly. "Yeah, well…" She cleared her throat. "Just… don't make it a habit."

Regina's lips quirked, a ghost of a smirk teasing at the corners. "No promises," she said, voice softer now, the bite from before gone.

Emma took a step closer, lowering her voice. "Seriously, though. You should rest."

Regina scoffed. "And leave him?" She glanced back at Henry, the steel returning to her spine. "No. I won't leave his side."

Emma's chest tightened. She reached out instinctively, her fingers brushing against Regina's arm, just barely. "I get it. But you're running on fumes."

Regina turned to her, her breath hitching for just a moment at the warmth of Emma's touch. She looked tired, yes—but more than that, she looked scared. And Regina Mills did not scare easily.

xxx

"You've been awfully quiet. Wanna talk about it?" Regina asked from across the dinner table.

They'd spent hours at Henry's bedside until exhaustion finally forced them home, both silently agreeing to return in the morning. Now, the mansion felt unsettlingly empty, its grandness suddenly cold without Henry's presence filling the space.

Regina shivered slightly, wrapping her arms around herself. "This will never feel like home without Henry."

Emma nodded, poking at the food on her plate. "Yeah. I know."

Regina studied Emma for a beat, then sighed. "I'm gonna get out of these clothes." She stood, giving Emma a pointed look. "Try not to burn the place down while I'm gone."

Emma smirked. "No promises."

After her shower, Regina wrapped herself in a towel, another coiled around her wet hair. Spotting the overflowing laundry basket, she huffed. "Fantastic. Because this is exactly what I need right now."

She hesitated before stepping out of the bathroom, then decided she might as well take care of it before she got distracted and let it multiply into an even bigger headache.

"Just a towel?" Emma's voice carried an unmistakable grin as she leaned against the counter, watching Regina cross the kitchen toward the basement.

Regina stopped mid-step, fixing Emma with a flat look. "Oh, please. It's just us two. Unless you've suddenly developed the maturity of a thirteen-year-old boy, I don't see the issue."

Emma dramatically placed a hand over her heart. "Regina, I'm shocked. And hurt. Deeply hurt. I would never—"

"Save it, Swan." Regina rolled her eyes and disappeared into the basement.

As she unloaded the basket, a plastic fell from Emma's jeans, landing with a soft plop on the floor. Regina leaned down, frowning as she picked it up. Her expression shifted from confusion to disbelief to fury in about three seconds.

A bag of cocaine.

She stormed back up to the kitchen, gripping the bag tightly. "Emma? What the hell is this?"

Emma spun around, eyes widening at Regina's tone. "What are you—"

Then she saw it.

She opened her mouth, closed it, then opened it again like a fish out of water. "I— Uh. Okay. Look. I didn't think you'd find it until—"

Regina's expression darkened. "Oh, well, that makes me feel so much better."

"I just— I was going to—" Emma struggled for words before sighing.

Regina raised a hand, cutting her off. "Let me ask you something. And I expect honesty, or so help me, Swan." She shook the bag. "Have you ever done this before?"

Emma hesitated.

Regina's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Emma."

"Yes," Emma mumbled, staring at the floor like a guilty teenager.

Regina threw her hands up. "Fantastic. Absolutely wonderful. First, I have a son in the hospital from an overdose, and now I find out I've apparently been living with a secret drug enthusiast."

Emma groaned. "Oh my god, Regina, I am not a drug addict!"

"No? Because from where I'm standing—"

"It was a few times! A long time ago! I was young, dumb, and had bad influences, okay?"

Regina folded her arms. "So, this is what? A nostalgia trip?"

Emma's jaw clenched. "You know what? Screw this." Emma strode to the end of the counter and picked the casserole, "I'm taking this." She pouted and turned on her heel.

Regina scoffed. "Oh yes, very mature. Running away with a casserole. That'll show me."

"Immature? For taking the food that I made?"

"For running, mostly. And yes, taking the casserole too!"

Emma turned in the doorway, eyes flashing. "I'm not running. I'm giving you space. You know, the thing you clearly need since you'd rather attack me than actually listen. Call me when you decide to be an adult."

Regina let out a slow breath, trying to calm herself. "Then explain it to me. What was it doing in your pocket?"

Emma's grip on the casserole dish tightened. "You'd know if you gave me a chance to talk instead of jumping down my throat."

Regina's eyes flicked to Emma's hands, then back up to her face. "You're gonna drop that dish."

Emma scowled and set it down. "I was going to get prints. I wanted to know who supplied the kid."

Regina blinked. "You— wait, what?"

Emma crossed her arms. "Yeah. But hey, thanks for assuming I was snorting lines in the basement. Real vote of confidence."

Regina pinched the bridge of her nose. "Bags. You said bags. As in more than one?"

Emma shrugged. "Yeah. But we know Daniel gave it to him, so what's the point in keeping it for prints?"

Regina studied her for a long moment, then finally sighed, rubbing her temples. "Tell me about the time you took it."

Emma groaned. "Seriously? Are we doing this now?"

Regina dragged Emma to the kitchen. She took a seat, looking expectantly at Emma. "Emma, I love you. I didn't mean to imply you're an addict, I just— I was angry, and I lashed out. But I do want to understand. Maybe it'll help us figure out Henry."

Emma hesitated, then exhaled, "Fine. First time was with Lily. Studying for finals. Second time was because I was too drunk to drive and needed to sober up fast. It kinda became a party thing after that."

Regina rolled her eyes. "Did you make all life's bad choices with that woman?"

Emma considered. "Most of them, yeah."

Regina sighed again. "Emma."

"I know, okay?" Emma rubbed her temples. "And if I'm being honest… when I saw the bag, part of me thought about using it. Not because I'm an addict—before you start—but because I just wanted to not feel like this for a second."

Regina moved around the counter, taking Emma's hands. "You're not that person anymore. I know you. And I love you. But you have to let that part of your life stay in the past."

Emma swallowed, nodding slightly. Then, her expression shifted, and she stepped back. "Would you do anything to protect me?"

Regina furrowed her brows. "Of course, sweetheart. Without a doubt."

Emma nodded towards the microwave. Beside it sat the magic-canceling cuff.

Regina's expression immediately darkened. "Oh, hell no."

Emma took a deep breath. "Regina, your magic is tied to your emotions. And right now, you're… not exactly in control."

Regina crossed her arms. "So your solution is to disable me? Great thinking, Savior."

"Gina—"

"No. Nope. Absolutely not."

Emma sighed. "You're not thinking straight. Henry is—"

Regina's magic crackled at her fingertips. "Finish that sentence, Swan, and I will—"

"See? That right there." Emma pointed. "Not in control."

Regina's nostrils flared. "Get. Out."

"No."

Regina whirled around, fury flashing in her eyes. "Emma."

Emma stood firm, "You don't get to do this. You don't get to shut me out and pretend you're fine while you tear yourself apart."

Regina's fists clenched, "If you won't leave, then I will." She stormed toward the hallway, toward her bedroom, but Emma is right behind her with the cuff in her hands.

The second Regina stepped into the room, Emma followed, moving faster than Regina expected. Before Regina could react, Emma snapped it onto her wrist.

Regina gasped as the connection to her magic vanished. "Emma!" She lunged to rip it off, but Emma was already backing away, lifting her hands.

A golden glow flashed in the air as the protection spell snapped into place. The entrance to the room sealed shut with a magical film.

Regina yelled at Emma, "You did not just-"

"I did." Emma's breathing was heavy, her chest tight, but she didn't waiver. "Because I love you too much to let you destroy yourself."

Regina rushed forward, but the spell was too strong without her magic. She glared through the barrier, "Let me out."

Emma swallowed, her voice quieter now, "No."

Regina slammed her hand against the invisible shield, but without her magic, there was nothing she could do. She let out a shaky breath, eyes glistening with rage and something else—something dangerously close to heartbreak.

Emma watched her for a long moment, then turned, "I'm sorry, babe." Her voice was barely above a whisper. "But I can't lose you too."

xxx

A/N:

Update took longer than usual due to a change in direction to the storyline.

Dear Reader,

Please could you leave a short review (Just want to know where I can improve)

Thank you.

Much love xo