The Clash, Book One

Chapter 46: The Eighth Witch, Part G

Hyperion Heights, Present Day

Henry's voice broke through as he read to Lucy, who still lied motionless in her hospital bed. "Every curse can be broken. You just need belief, maybe the help of your family, but Emma learned that."

Near the bed, Jacinda slept in a chair, her knees curled up to her chest - as Henry continued to read: "And when she did, she knew she could believe in anything if it would save her child."

He then gazed at the little girl before his attention fell on the book in his lap. He looked over the illustration of Emma breaking the first curse with a True Love's Kiss with ten-year-old Henry.

Henry couldn't help but sigh as his eyes strayed back over to Lucy. He then told her, "Now I get it. I really get it. Because I would do anything to save you, no matter how crazy. So, Lucy, if that means there's some other world where I really am your dad, then... I believe it, Lucy. I believe."

He ran his hand over the illustration before he slowly leaned over her. He then pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead. When he pulled back, he waited for her to open her eyes.

His countenance deflated and his shoulders slumped as she continued to lie there. He then closed the book as his heart broke - matched by the sadness written in his eyes and on his face.

San Francisco, Present Day

Zelena closed the trunk to Alena's bug as Regina leaned against Henry's car, her cell phone at her ear.

"That was Henry. Lucy's no better," she then lamented once she came to stand by her sister.

A saddened expression overtook Zelena's features. She then perked up and suggested, "Well, tell him to try True Love's Kiss."

"He already did," Regina began, "Belfry must have done the one thing she's been trying to do for years...she took Lucy's belief."

Anger then exploded on Zelena's face as her sister then bemused, "It doesn't work unless both of you believe in True Love."

"So, if we want to help Lucy..." the red-head began with a shake of her head, knowing the heartbreaking price of an otherwise sound idea, "we both have to get our magic back - and help Alena control her growing powers. And there's only one way to do that."

Her somber expression was matched by the lifeless gesture of her hands. With her eyes welled with tears, Regina supplied, "Break the curse."

Lucy's hospital room then flashed as the brunette continued, "But if we do that, Henry dies," as he took his little girl's hand in his.

"And if we don't, Lucy does," Regina finished as her granddaughter's stillness is shown.

Zelena then sighed and planted her hands on her hips. She then surmised, "At least Alena knows what's at stake."

Regina averted her eyes and pulled on the hem of her jacket. She received narrowed eyes from her sister.

With crossed arms, Zelena then chided, "Don't tell me you haven't told her about Henry's heart."

"Don't look at me like that," Regina stated. She then defended, "Between dealing with Victoria and Drizella every day, pretending that this curse is nonsense and like she just met her family, and having Jack have no idea who she is, Alena's life is pretty much a nightmare. I didn't want to add to it."

Zelena considered her sister's word. She then sympathized, "I get it. This curse is horrid for everyone and makes our lives a living hell."

Regina offered a nod before Zelena pointed out, "But you and I both know that Alena needs to know about Henry. She needs to know exactly what we're dealing with."