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.
---------------------------------
slowly editing! You'll see at the end of each chapter if th...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Consciousness comes to me slowly, like moonlight creeping through the curtains, illuminating the shadows of the night. I have no idea where I am or who is touching my arm, but for some reason, I can't seem to open my eyes. I'm reminded of the mornings in the asylum when even opening my eyes was a chore that I couldn't complete. I know that I'm not in the asylum, though; too much wind and no damp mildew smell.
"She's alive, Hook. She's just out cold." I hear a voice through the fog of my brain, but I can't place who. I feel the person holding onto my arm squeeze tighter.
"How can you be sure?" Killian. That's Killian's voice. Suddenly, awareness washes over me. Neverland, my heart, Pan. I reach groggily towards the sound of his voice, cracking open my eyes with all the energy I have. I grab his hook softly, fingers wrapping weakly around the cold metal.
"I'm alright," I say, my voice rough and dry, but he doesn't seem to notice. In fact, you'd think he'd just heard the most beautiful song in the world by the way his face crumples. He pulls me up and brings me into his embrace, and I allow myself to melt into him. I smile into his shoulder. I knew he wouldn't let me die.
"I'd appreciate it if you'd stop dying, love," he says through a sigh in what was meant to be a lighthearted way. But I can hear the serious undertone in his words. I let out a weak laugh, holding him just a little bit tighter to let him know that I'm okay.
"How do you think I feel?" I joke lightheartedly. When he doesn't respond, I sigh before lowering my voice even quieter than before. "Thank you."
"Are you okay?" I lift my head from Killian's shoulder at the sound of Henry's timid voice. The poor kid has guilt written all over him. I pull back from Killian and grab Henry's wrist with a small smile.
"Hey, Henry. I told you everything would work out," I say, and he swallows hard before hesitantly nodding his head.
"I'm so sorry. I wanted to save magic," he tells me, a repeat of what he'd said at Skull Rock.
"It's okay, Henry. Minimal harm done," I say sincerely, making sure to show my teeth when I smile, despite the muscles in my face protesting against the movement. I feel myself being tugged to the left before being wrapped in someone else's embrace. Emma's, I realize when my face is shoved into her blonde hair.
"I'm okay," I whisper. I feel her nod against my shoulder before pulling back. She smiles at me, the relief evident on her face.
"You were dead," comes Regina's deadpan voice. I tilt my head to the side nonchalantly.
"Details." She crouches down and puts her hand over my heart, and I feel a strange sensation in my chest as her hand begins to glow.
"What was that?" I ask, putting my hand over my chest. The strange sensation is gone, and I don't feel any different.
"A spell, that way no one will be able to rip your heart out again," she explains, and I smile thankfully. Killian grabs my right hand, putting his other arm around my waist to help me stand.
