Crimson Hearts

𝐹𝒾𝒻𝓉𝑒𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒽 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 ౨ৎ

The courtyard was a scene of stark contrast, drenched in a persistent, cold rain that mirrored the heavy tension in the air. The vibrant lanterns and colorful banners, meant to celebrate unity among the royal families, now hung limp and forgotten, their cheerfulness overshadowed by the storm. Guests hurriedly departed, leaving behind a silence punctuated only by the rhythmic patter of raindrops.

The crowd shifted uneasily as Uliana barged in, her presence a sudden, unwelcome intrusion. Her eyes were alight with malice, and she moved with a confidence born of chaos. Uliana's laughter echoed through the courtyard, cutting through the tension like a blade.

"Well, isn't this quite the gathering?" Uliana taunted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "The Queen of Hearts herself, with all of Auradon's finest at her feet. Tell me, Bridget, how does it feel to finally have your revenge?"

Bridget's eyes narrowed, her anger flaring at Uliana's taunts. "This isn't your fight, Uliana. You have no place here."

Uliana chuckled, unfazed by Bridget's warning. "Oh, but it is my fight. I love a good spectacle, and seeing you turn against those who wronged you? Delicious."

Nearby, Hook watched the exchange with mounting concern. He understood the weight of Bridget's rage and knew Uliana's presence would only fan the flames of her vengeance. He had to act quickly.

"Bridget's!" Hook called out, stepping forward, his voice carrying over the rain. "Don't let her manipulate you. This isn't the way to heal."

Bridget's gaze flicked to Hook, her eyes betraying a mix of longing and resentment. "And what would you know about healing, Hook? You're part of why I'm here."

Hook took a deep breath, steadying himself. "I know I've made mistakes, and I'm sorry for the pain I caused. But don't let anger and revenge consume you. It's not who you are."

Red moved through the rain with a sense of urgency, each step a testament to her determination. She had known the truth of her parentage for some time, the whispers of revelation growing louder until they could no longer be ignored. Now faced with the woman who had raised her with harsh love, she knew she had to speak her truth.

"Mom," Red called out, her voice steady but tinged with emotion, "I know who my dad is. I know the truth."

Bridget's eyes flickered with surprise, a vulnerability flashing momentarily being replaced by a familiar armor of bitterness. "Does it matter?" she replied, her voice carrying the weight of years of disappointment. "Love is just a fairytale, Red. It's what got us here in the first place."

Red felt a pang of empathy for her mother's hardened heart. "It matters to me," she insisted, meeting Bridget's gaze with unwavering resolve. "I know he made a terrible mistake , but he's trying to make to amends. He wants to fight for you, for us."

Bridget turned away, her arms crossed tightly against her chest. "Fight for me? Love didn't protect me when I needed it most. It left me shattered."

Red reached out, her hand gently resting on Bridget's arm. "I used to think love was a lie too, especially after everything that happened. But I realized that real love is messy and flawed, just like us. It's worth fighting for, even when it hurts."

Bridget's defenses wavered at Red's words. Her heart had grown cold, encased in layers of hurt and betrayal. But Red's presence was a warm light, threatening to melt the ice she had carefully constructed.

"Love is a gamble, Red," Bridget said softly, her voice trembling with the sorrow that had become her constant companion. "And it doesn't always end well."

Red nodded, understanding the fears and scars her mother carried. "It is a gamble but it's also the reason we keep trying. It's why we don't give up on the people we care about. It's why I can't give up on you."

Bridget closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the emotions Red's words stirred within her. She felt the tension within her loosen, a small chunk in the armor she had built to protect herself. For so long, she had held on to the idea that being strong meant shutting everyone out. But Red's unwavering belief in love and redemption was beginning to shift her perspective.

"Please, Mom," Red continued, her voice filled with sincerity and hope. "Don't let the past dictate your future. Let us help you find a way to heal, to move forward."

Bridget opened her eyes, meeting Red's gaze with flicker of vulnerability. There was a moment of silence, the rain pattering softly around them, as Bridget contemplated her daughter's words. In Red's eyes, she saw a reflection of her younger self, untainted by the bitterness that had taken root in her heart. It was a reminder of the love and potential that still existed within her, waiting to be reclaimed.

As Bridget stood on the precipice of forgiveness, a sudden clap of thunder shook the sky, mirroring the turmoil within her. She hesitated, her resolve teetering on the edge.

Uliana, sensing the shift, tried to intervene, her voice slicing through the moment. "Don't fall for their lies, Bridget."

But Bridget shook her head, determination shining in her eyes. "No, Uliana. Strength isn't about holding on to anger. It's about finding the courage to forgive, to let go."

Hook stepped forward, his heart pounding with hope. "Bridget, I swear, I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you. We can start anew, for Red's sake, and Harry's sake."

"Harry?" Red asked out of confusion. "He's your older brother," Bridget said quietly. With shock on everyone's face, Bridget walked down the steps. The tension in Bridget's shoulders eased, her heart finally opening to the possibility of healing. She took a deep breath, the rain washing away the remnants of her bitterness.

"I won't forget what happened, but I can choose to forgive," Bridget said, her voice steady and resolute. "For us, we'll find a way forward."

The storm began to subside, the rain tampering off as if acknowledging the shift in the atmosphere. Red, Hook, and Bridget stood together, united in a newfound understanding.

"This is not over Bridget." Uliana said, she walked away stomping, "I'm sorry for her, she's a little out of it," Uma said following Uliana. "I'm quitting soon," She said under her breath.

As the clouds parted, revealing a glimpse of the sun, a sense of hope blossomed in the courtyard. The path to healing would not be easy, but together, they were ready to face whatever lay ahead.

But, you didn't think this was the end of the story? Did you?

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•We finally reached the end of this story, which is kinda sad cause I love writing it clears my mind I just wanna say thank you all for the support, I might be making a special extra chapter soon, but I also wanna make another story I just don't what I would do, so recommend some idea!!

• 8k reads is absolutely insane, and I'm #1 for the hashtag Bridget!!??!!?? My mine is so blown, also I lowkey redid Uliana's entrance so😭