The Clash, Book One

Chapter 45: The Eighth Witch, Part F

Thunder cracked over a jagged dark mountain. An open cave revealed the Coven symbol carved into the ground. The witches then appeared in black robes, and they began to chant.

Gothel looked at her sisters while Drizella removed her hood. She held an object in her hand - she and Gothel exchanged a glance before the young woman unfurled the object, revealing the Dark Curse's scroll.

Drizella gazed down at the scroll. Longing filled her voice as she spoke, "I have waited so many years to cast this curse."

She then flitted her brown eyes toward Gothel and told her, "Thank you for everything." The witch offered a dignified nod.

"You finally found a mother figure," Lady Tremaine interrupted. Gothel seemed a bit taken aback while annoyance fumed over Drizella's features. Tremaine gestured with her bound wrists and stated, "You do realize she's just using you."

Drizella pointed out, "You can't control me anymore. Now I'm going to control you," fury breaking through her triumph. With a breath, the triumph then returned: "You see, in this new land, you're going to think that you cast this curse."

"Why the hell would I cast a curse?" Tremaine challenged, her face conveying the absurdity of the notion.

"To save Anastasia, of course," Drizella offered, "You're going to think that you did all of this to help her, when actually, you'll be in service to me. And then, I'm going to rip her from your arms...forever."

Tremaine gave her daughter a stare that reeked of both anger and annoyance - as well as slight worry. Drizella then finished, "Now, stop asking silly questions, and go to sleep," flicking her wrist and causing her mother to collapse unconscious on the ground.

Regina then strolled up and quipped, "Still working through those mommy issues, I see. I bet we can help with that."

Zelena then added, "We pretty much invented that."

"Regina. Zelena," Drizella stated, a little surprised but not at all threatened. She then bragged, "Sisters together again. Afraid that's not going to be enough."

With a smug smile, Regina told her, "Oh, she's not the only one I brought."

"Hello again, love," Hook seethed as he appeared behind Gothel and held his hook against her neck. Ella and Jack did the same to two of the witches as they drew their swords.

"Always a pleasure, Captain," Gothel flirted - only for Hook to move his hook closer to her neck.

With a saccharine smile, Drizella feigned fear: "Ooh. A pirate, a princess, and Jack and the beanstalk. Ooh, how will I ever defeat you?"

Regina then threw her across the cave, and she landed on her back. Drizella grunted as she struggled to sit up.

"You want a witch fight? Happy to oblige," Regina challenged, an air of triumph in her voice. Drizella then managed to rise to her feet - only for Regina to flick her wrist and shove her against one of the stone pillars.

She choked and grunted in pain. Zelena then poofed the scroll out of her hand and into her sister's.

Regina held up the scroll as she pointed out, "But as you can see, you will not be casting this curse."

"That's wistful thinking, and you know it. You know this curse will be cast," Gothel matter-of-factly interjected - receiving a glare from the woman in question.

With her words strained, Drizella spoke, "Exactly. That's why you - Regina - are going to cast it."

Regina still choked her as she questioned, "What?"