Alice's plan to overthrow the Queen of Hearts is thwarted by a dashing pirate with a hook. Years later, after the curse is broken, they reunite once again.
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"I don't know if I can do this," Aurora groans as we near the village. "I'm not a very good liar."
"It's not really a lie, Aurora. Lancelot did die an honorable death, and Cora did escape. All true." Snow says, but Aurora looks unconvinced.
"As long as you're vague, you'll be fine. There's no reason to cause unnecessary panic amongst-" I stop speaking when Mulan abruptly stops just at the treeline.
"Wait."
She holds up a hand. I yank the cloak that Mulan gave me from some bushes before coming to stand beside her. Something uneasy stirs in the pit of my stomach. The village, once full of life, is dead quiet, not a person to be seen.
"The tower." Mulan whispers, looking at me with wide eyes. "We always have sentries guarding the entrance."
I draw my sword and walk ahead cautiously into the open. I hold up a closed fist, indicating for the others to stay put. I walk out into the open field, on guard for an ambush. When nothing happens, I wave my hand for them to follow.
"Be prepared for a fight and keep close," I order softly.
We all run toward the village, weapons drawn. When we finally reach the outskirts of the village, it becomes obvious why it's so quiet. I stop dead in my tracks.
Bodies upon bodies strewn everywhere.
There's not a survivor in sight. Bile threatens to come up at the sight. I close my eyes tightly.
"Oh my god." I hear Snow whisper.
"This can't be." I hear Mulan say tearfully. "Our land, we were protected here, hidden. How did the Ogres find us?" Mulan approaches the bodies to inspect further.
I stand beside her, the blood in my veins freezing at the sight of the man's chest.
It's been torn wide open.
I look behind me at a young woman to see that she has a matching wound.
"They didn't. This was Cora." I whisper, my brows pulling down.
"What?"
Her head whips in my direction.
"Look here,"
I point to the area where the man's heart should be.
"Their hearts have been ripped out. This is her magic, twisted and evil."
"We have to stop her." Snow exclaims.
My stomach rolls at the sight of Mulan's unfocused gaze. I understand that expression all too well.
"We're too late. She killed them. She killed them all." She says, almost to herself, unable to look away from the slaughter.
I stand in front of her, grabbing her by her shoulders. I duck my head, forcing her to look at me. She doesn't, her eyes still distant. I squeeze her shoulders hard. Finally, her eyes snap up to meet mine.
