Consuming Darkness

CHAPTER 5: Deal?

I apologize for the awful delay in this chapter. I've been busier than ever, my life has been crap lately and I didn't have time to write, read (because I read a lot of fanfic too) or do anything with my life at all besides homework. I'm starting exams this week so hopefully I'll update soon.

I already had this story planned out and I just need to write it, but with all the fuss this past month I've had to keep all my ideas in my head which is bloody hard.

Thank you so much for all your reviews! I love reading them and I'm so grateful for all of those who keep on reading this story! I hope you enjoy this chapter :)

oOo

CHAPTER 5: Deal?

Two days had passed since Elsa's visit and just one since Robin's confession to Regina. So far, no one had dared to pay a visit to the infamous Evil Queen and no one had come looking for her. Regina's paperwork sat in her office's desk untouched for days, her mansion had started gathering dust in all corners, her king sized bed was left unmade, the kitchen was untouched, and the dining room was still in the same condition she had left it in. There was broken glass everywhere and the spilled wine and blood had already impregnated on her white carpets and light walls. This was something everyday-Regina would never do; everything around her was always perfectly taken care of, but this wasn't everyday-Regina, this was a broken-Regina.

She had been sitting in her library's loveseat since Robin's visit just thinking and never moving anywhere, but the restroom. She hadn't showered, nor eaten anything for the past days. She was too busy thinking and considering her options regarding every aspect in of her life: Henry, Elsa's offer, Robin... it was all too much.

She kept on dueling on everything. The most lingering thought was no longer Robin, but Elsa. She had come with an offer -a very good one- and she had said she would be collecting in two days' time, which was that same day. At first she thought that accepting her offer was absurd. Not a chance in hell she had thought. She had been hesitant at first and in all honesty - she still was. Regina was perfectly aware of the consequences that would come with every choice, and she was going to embrace them no matter what they were.

Was she scared? Immensely - not that, she would ever admit that to herself- but Regina Mills was determined to get what she wanted, problem was: she wasn't sure she knew what that was anymore.

oOo

Meanwhile, Emma was walking down the forest. There had been a drastic change in the weather since the day she brought Marian back. It had turned from autumn to winter in a matter of hours, clearly something was wrong; she could feel it.

She had been walking around with David following an ice trail that went deep inside the forest. Neither of them said a word to each other. David had tried making friendly conversation with the blonde, but she cut his attempts as soon as they started.

They had reached some part of the forest, which was so deep, the trees blocked the morning sunlight rays that would normally pierce through the plants and lighten the mood making it somehow pleasant, relaxing. The ambiance wasn't as dark, but it was dark enough for long shadows to form in the dirt beneath their feet.

When they reached the end if of the ice trail, they decided to split up and scan the small, dark clearing. Emma went left - towards the big trees and short grass, while Charming went right - to foggy part with the tall grass that reached up to his knees.

Charming walked with his sword at hand, looking for any clue as to who had frozen the streets. For some time the path lead nowhere but deeper into the dark forest. There was no sign of life anywhere so he decided to lean on a tree and catch his breath before going back, when he heard a noise close by. He immediately straightened himself and waited to see if he could hear a sound again, and he did. It was a small whimper coming from behind a tree a few feet away from him.