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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We'd been walking for what feels like hours when Hook finally slows his pace. I had reluctantly let him lead us, keeping him in my sights.
"Up ahead." He calls over his shoulder. "We'll find the compass just over the ridge."
Emma and Snow hurry to catch up.
"Do you get the feeling he's leading us exactly where Cora wants us? That this whole thing's a trap?" Snow whispers.
I purse my lips, having wondered the same thing myself. If she'd asked me yesterday, I would've jumped on that bandwagon without hesitation.
"It's definitely a trap," Emma says without hesitation.
"I'm not so sure," I murmur.
"What? Don't tell me you trust him?" She asks, brows furrowed.
"Of course not," I say through a scoff. "But he's a pirate. He's not loyal to us, but nor is he loyal to Cora. As long as we keep him on our leash, he'll be helpful."
Or maybe that's just what he wants me to believe, and we really are walking right into Cora's trap.
Or maybe I'm fooling myself, unwilling to believe anyone would willingly align themselves with Cora. Even pirates have their own codes of honor, right?
"But keep your guard up regardless."
Hook finally comes to a stop at the tree line, looking over a small slope. I come to stand beside him and let out a heavy sigh at the sight in front of me. A giant beanstalk that reaches up to the clouds. Vines as thick as tree trunks are twisting around each other.
"Let me guess. The compass is up there?" I ask bluntly.
"Naturally." He answers, sending a sly smirk in my direction.
Even with his hands bound, nothing seems to dampen his spirit.
"So we climb?" I ask through an accepting sigh.
"It's not the climb you need to worry about, love. It's the giant at the top."
The others look at the beanstalk with differing levels of concern. I take one last deep breath, lifting my chin.
"Let's go then."
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