The Clash, Book One

Chapter 40: The Eighth Witch, Part A

Hyperion Heights, Present Day

The emergency room doors burst open. A team of paramedics rushed Lucy into the hospital as Jacinda clutched her daughter's hand - the worried mother then tried to soothe her unconscious little girl.

"Mama's right here, baby. I'm right here. It's gonna be fine. We're almost there."

New Enchanted Forest, Years Ago

Henry held a baby in his arms, trying to soothe her cries. A proud smile then overtook his features as he introduced his daughter: "I'd like you all to meet... Lucy."

Hook, Tiana, and Jack gazed upon the baby girl with bright smiles and joyous claps. With a tilt of his head, Jack then spoke, "That is amazing. Henry Mills is a father."

Tiana then added, "Congratulations. She looks strong."

Henry glanced back down at his precious baby before he looked back up and questioned, "Uh, where's my mom? She should be here by now?"

He then turned around at the sound of Drizella's voice: "Oh, Regina's fine. She's just a little detained." His expression - as well as those of his friends - formed somewhere between surprise and horror.

Jack pulled out his sword while Tiana held her hand over the hilt of hers. Henry's hold became more protective as he warned the witch: "Stay away from my daughter."

Drizella condescendingly began: "Such a worried papa. No need to be. I'm only here to deliver a message. Well, more accurately, a prophecy," her tone shifting to that of a warning as she continued, "A curse is coming. On your darling child's 8th birthday, all your lives as you know them will end."

Each of them slowly moved closer to her. Hook then unsheathed his sword and pointed out, "Perhaps you misread the prophecy, love, because you missed the part where we defeat you."

Drizella seethed as she lifted her hands and prepared to unleash her magical wrath. Henry then cautioned, "Drizella, I wouldn't. Look down," glancing at the ground where she stood as he wore a smug smile.

Hook wore a similar smile as he sheathed his sword - as Drizella began turning into stone.

With a sharp exhale, she spoke, "This is blood magic. How is this possible?" Disbelief clouded every part of her features, as well as her voice.

Lady Tremaine then strolled up and bragged, "With a spatter of my blood, of course. I simply can't have you casting the curse, dear," as Jack returned his blade.

Disbelief shifted to determination as Drizella warned all of them: "This changes nothing. In eight years, I'll be back, and you'll learn what true suffering is."

She then moved her hands as though attempting one final spell when her transformation completed. She now stood a statue.

Eight Years Later

In the palace courtyard, Tiana clinked a glass and began, "Thank you all for coming," looking around at Regina, Hook, and Henry, who stood near the end of a long table. The table was covered with gifts, as well as a three-tiered birthday cake.

She then looked toward Lucy and continued, "To celebrate the birthday of a special little girl." Ella wore a smile as she stood beside her daughter, while Jack and Alena stood on the other side of Tiana, wearing smiles of their own.