Set Fire To The Darkness
Art by:Â @nicole-nikla
Author: @celestial-fire-writer
Summary: Princess Emma of Misthaven has been the Dark One for ten lonely years, hiding away in her castle from the rest of the world, trying to find a way to destroy the darkness. One day, Prince Killian of Camelot seeks her out, hoping that she can save his dying brother. Emma, knowing Camelot is the best place to defeat the darkness, agrees, and the unlikely duo set off on an adventure together, comprised of trials, battles, family and true love.
Rating and reason for the rating: T, for mild violence.
Triggers: Mentioned death of minor characters, brief description of anxiety/panic attacks.
A/N: Iâm so happy to finally be sharing my FFCS story! I loved working on this fic and I hope everyone will enjoy reading it just as much as I enjoyed writing it. Iâd like to thank the mods for creating this lovely event and for helping out so much. Thank you!
Shout out to @snidgetsafan for beta reading some of my story although she was busy, thanks a lot! Thank you, @demisexualemmaswan for beta reading the rest, and at such short notice too! And many thanks to my artist who made such a beautiful banner for my story!! I absolutely love it, itâs amazing!
âKillian, are you out of your mind?â
Killian, the prince of Camelot, winces at the sheer incredulity in Belleâs voice. In all the years heâs known the lovely librarian, heâs never heard her so much as raise her voice or lose her temper or even sound particularly frustrated.
Until now.
âBelle, I know it sounds insane-â he tries, but she cuts him off abruptly.
âInsane is one word for it. Do you honestly think Liam is going to agree to this plan?â
Killian frowns. âHe wonât be agreeing to anything, because I wonât be telling him.â
The war between Snow White and the Evil Queen has been going on for nigh three decades now. Camelot has been aligned with Misthaven and they are against the Queen as well, despite all her efforts to lure them over to her side. Liam, Killianâs brother and the king of Camelot, remained firm in his decision to ally themselves with Misthaven.
Five years ago, the Queen staged an uncalled for, unprovoked attack on Killian and his fiancĂŠe, Milah. Killian had lost his hand and Milah, her life. Fueled with rage on the behalf of his brother and his dead fiancĂŠe, Liam promptly declared war against the Queen.
This led them to the situation they are in right now.
Liam is bedridden, poisoned by the Queen, and only has a few weeks to live.
None of the best healers and sorcerers in the land could do anything to help Liam. When all of their attempts failed, Killian and Belle began their own research, working desperately to find a way to save him.
While searching through the many texts on magical ailments and cures in the library, Killian has come across a legend about of the most powerful being to ever live:
The Dark One, a mighty magician who has the power to alter the laws of magic itself.
Or so the legend told.
Belle is vehemently against this plan.
âSeeking out dark magic is never a good idea, Killian,â she insists, nervously wringing her hands. âAnd the Dark Ones are known for their penchant for making deals. Trust me, that is one price you do not want to pay.â
âWeâve run out of options, lass,â Killian says forcefully. âLiam only has a few weeks to live and I donât plan on sitting around and waiting for him to die.â
âAnd you think I am?â Belle asks shrilly, and the pure hurt in her voice makes Killian flinch. He knows that Belle and Liam have had feelings for each other for quite a while now, although both are too stubborn to admit it. When Liam was poisoned, Belle was beside herself with grief, spending the few hours she wasnât slaving in the library with Liam, trying to raise his spirits and hiding her worry from him. âI want to save Liam as much as you do! But if we resort to seeking out the Dark One, weâre liable to be killed and weâre not much good to Liam dead, are we?â
Killian nods slowly. âYouâre right,â he says, and Belle almost sighs in relief but his next words throw her for a loop, âThatâs why Iâm going alone.â
âKillian, you could die!â
âIf Iâm trying to save my brother, then so be it Iâm happy to,â Killian says resolutely. âAnd if I fail, I have faith that you will find a way to save him instead.â
Belle is quiet for a long minute and Killian wonders if heâll have to try harder to convince her. But then she speaks, her tone resigned,
âYouâll need supplies for your journey.â
âIâll pack them up myself,â Killian assures her, inwardly sighing in relief that he doesnât have to resort to drastic measures. âIn the meanwhile, could you please scrounge up any information you can get about the Dark One?â
Belle nods. âThat I can do. When will you leave?â
âAt night. No one must know about this save for you and me. I suspect that there are spies of the Queen among our court members. We cannot risk any of this getting back to her.â
âAgreed,â Belle says grimly before another thought occurs to her. âWhat shall I tell Liam?â
Killian shrugs. âIâm sure youâll think of something. The castle of the Dark One, according to the maps I referred to, lies between the borders of Misthaven and Camelot. With luck, I should be back within four days.â
âYouâre really doing this,â Belle says, exhaling loudly.
âAye, that I am.â
âJustâŚjust be careful.â
âAlways am,â Killian says, but Belle simply narrows her eyes at him. Relenting with a sigh, he nods.
âI promise. Take care of Liam for me.â
Belle only nods. Killian accepts it, knowing that heâs leaving his brother in good hands.
Itâs a two day journey to the Dark Oneâs castle.
Killian travels through most of the night, stopping to rest for only a few hours before he starts again. By the time he reaches the castle, he is immensely exhausted from the journey; yet triumphant that he has finally made it.
Now the next step is actually confronting the Dark One.
Belle had told him that the previous Dark One, Rumplestiltskin, had been killed ten years earlier. Not much is known about the current Dark One.
They only know that the she is a woman, who has kept to herself for the past decade, rarely coming out of the castle. Killian finds this strange, wondering why a being of such great power would choose to lurk in the shadows, instead of using her power to command nations and make the people of the world bow to her.
According to the texts heâs read, whoever kills the Dark One is doomed to take on the darkness next. Killian wonders if killing the Dark One was an accident, if this woman did not want the power at all and so is hiding away from the rest of the world. He can certainly sympathize if thatâs the case. Of course, it then begs the question as to whether she will even help him now.
She has to. Killian does not want to think about what would happen if he lost his brother. He knows tragedy quite intimately, having lost his father to illness seven years prior; as well as his love and hand to the Queenâs Black Knights two years later. He cannot lose his brother. Even if it means resorting to dark magic, he will save him.
Killian enters the castle cautiously, his hand on the hilt of his sword and his prosthetic tucked behind his back, out of habit. Itâs a huge, formidable fortress; the doors opening into a large, elaborate room which is covered with layers of dust, books and all manner of trinkets strewn about a large table in the center. In a dark corner, there lie the remains of what might have once been a spinning wheel, but the object is now destroyed beyond recognition.
A flash of gold catches his eye. Killian approaches the table and picks up a dream catcher that perches on the pile of books. A shudder wracks through him and he quickly drops it. He might not have too much experience with dark magic, but he can tell that the dream catcher is absolutely soaked in it.
Belle was right, this is a terrible idea.
But itâs too late to turn back now.
The doors at the back of the room swing open with a bang and Killian spins around, his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword. A woman strides into the room and pauses when she spots him, her eyes narrowing. Killian knows without a doubt, at this moment, that she is the Dark One.
She doesnât look evil. Her face is hard and her posture stiff but she doesnât seem menacing, only defensive. Her silvery hair is gathered in a severe bun at the nape of her neck, and she wears a long, sweeping dress of midnight black, a cutlass at her side. Killian takes a hesitant step forward, letting his hand fall from his sword.
âWhat do you want?â the Dark One asks. She sounds almost bored. Her voice is soft, yet seems to echo in the silence of the castle. Killian stares at her blankly for a moment before he recollects himself.
âMy name is Killian. I am the prince of Camelot,â he says, a little surprised at how steady his voice sounds. âIâŚheard that you are a being of great magical power. I have come to seek your help.â
The Dark One simply watches him, her brow creased. After a long moment, she sighs and turns away.
âSeek help elsewhere. Iâm not interested.â
Panic blooms in Killianâs chest.
âNo, wait! Please,â She glances back at him, raising a brow at his frantic plea. âItâs my brother, the King. Heâs been poisoned. By the Evil Queen,â For some reason, the green of her eyes blackens with anger at the mention of the Queen and her hands curl into fists. âHe only has a few weeks to live, and he needs help. None of the sorcerers or healers in my kingdom have been able to help. Please, Iâm begging you, help him,â Killianâs voice cracks. âHeâs all I have.â
Silence reigns as the Dark One thinks his request over. When she finally speaks, her voice is curiously sympathetic.
âYouâre the prince of Camelot, you said?â
Killian nods. âIndeed.â
âTell me, does a wizard named Merlin reside there?â
He frowns, perturbed by at the strange question. âNo, he died many years ago.â
The Dark One lets out a harsh sigh, and then glances to the side, a dark scowl crossing her face. Killian follows her gaze but can see nothing.
âSome of his spell books remain,â he offers. âIf that could be of any use to youâŚâ
Itâs true that the spell books remain, but they are also treasures of Camelot, treasures that only Liam himself has access to. Killian knows his brother will be furious with him, but it will be worth it.
She looks back at him. âThen let us makeâŚa deal,â She speaks the words almost reluctantly, glancing to her side again. âIâll come with you to Camelot and help your brother, and you allow me access to Merlinâs spell books.â
âDeal,â Killian says instantly and her lips tug into a slow smirk. She crosses the space between them, the heels of her boots clicking against the floor. Killian swallows and resists the urge to back away. Her very presence radiates power and might, and it dazzles him.
The Dark One snaps her fingers and a large scroll appears, hovering in the air. She hands him a quill, and Killian takes it hesitantly, his fingers brushing against her cool skin.
âSign on the dotted line,â she says smoothly.
Liam is going to kill me , Killian thinks wryly as he signs. When he draws away, the parchment glows gold and vanishes.
âPleasure doing business with you,â the Dark One drawls. âShall we, then?â
âWait,â Killian stops her. âYou havenât told me your name yet.â
An odd expression flashes across her face and for a moment she looks strangely vulnerable.
ââŚEmma,â She says at last, slowly, as if sheâs not used to saying it. âMy name is Emma.â
A beautiful name, Killian thinks and then hastily shakes the thought away. The Dark One, no, Emma strides past him to the entrance and he quickly follows, thinking that she is dangerous; not just for the darkness flowing through her veins but for the strange effect she has on him.
Frankly speaking, Emma thinks this is a terrible idea.
When the Prince of Camelot, Killian, he said his name was, showed up on her doorstep begging for help, Emmaâs first instinct was to turn him away. She has no use for random people who come hoping to gain from her powers, nor does she have any desire to use said powers. Itâs been ten years since she became the Dark One, and in those ten years, sheâd refrained from using her magic as much as possible.
Possible being the keyword.
Dark magic is like a drug. It entices you at every step, luring you in despite your best efforts to stay away. And if you use even a little, even if itâs just a tiny spark to light a candle, thatâs it. Itâs hopelessly addicting and even the smallest taste leaves you thirsting for more. Even the simple act of conjuring the scroll for Killian to sign had caused an itch under her skin, a terrible urge to use more and more of it.
Emma was born with light magic flowing through her veins, being the product of True Love. The very idea of giving into the darkness she had been cursed with had disgusted her, and she refrained for as long as she could. But in the end it had been too much; the darkness that was always flickering in the corner of her eye tempted her to the point when she eventually gave in, and there was no turning back.
Still, she stubbornly tried to resist. Ignoring the temptations of the darkness as best as she could, she kept from using magic as much as she could. Giving it up altogether was impossible, but resisting and struggling as much as possible⌠well, that Emma could do.
Once, she was a princess.
Once, she was the beloved of Misthaven, the heiress to the throne, the warrior princess who grew up with a sword in her hand and who joined the fight against the Evil Queen when she was merely eighteen, much to her parentsâ protests. The Queen had almost won when she had teamed up with Rumplestilkskin to defeat them, but Emma had had a plan. A rather stupid plan, when she thinks about it now, but a plan, nonetheless.
On the day of the battle, she stole away and to Rumplestiltskinâs castle to find the dagger she knew could control him, thinking that that would be the first step to ending the war.
The dagger could control Rumplestilkskin. That was the extent of her knowledge.
Emma found the dagger, rode back to the battlefield to see Rumplestilkskin standing over the broken, battered body of her little brother, Leo. She had snapped.
Giving into pure rage and hatred, she had driven the dagger through his chest. As she did, Leoâs body vanished in a wisp of smoke, Emma realizing too late that his death was a trick and her vengeance was for nothing. However, her revelation was too late and she was consumed by the darkness.
Now, she is the Dark One.
Even now, she has futile dreams of one day defeating the darkness, of vanquishing it for good and going home. For she cannot return as she is now, cannot face her parents as the Dark One, cannot bear to see the horror and disgust that will surely be there in their faces when they lay their eyes on her. The darkness taunts her, telling her that it is a pipe dream, that what she wants can never be accomplished, that she should simply give up.
But Emma is nothing if not stubborn.
Through the numerous texts and books in the castle, she learned that Camelot is the place where the darkness was born and that the wizard Merlin was the only one who was ever thought to be capable of defeating it.
If Camelot is the place where the darkness was born, then surely it can be the place where it can be defeated.
And having access to Merlinâs spell books will make it all the easier.
Hence her reason for agreeing to Killianâs request.
(And perhaps she sympathizes with him because she knows what itâs like to lose a loved one to the Evil Queen. Emma has suffered much at the Queenâs hands, both directly and indirectly and she has no desire to see another suffer as well.)
Itâs still a terrible idea, though.
âWeâll be traveling through the woods,â Killian says, breaking her out of her thoughts. âItâs easier than traveling through the towns. The Queenâs spies are all over the place and Iâd rather not have her acquainted with my plans.â
âFine by me,â Emma says shortly. She definitely prefers the woods to the towns. Itâs been almost a decade since she has been in the company of actual, breathing human beings who didnât approach her for reasons beyond wanting her power, and getting used to being around one person is hard enough, let alone towns and villages of them.
Though sheâll probably have to get used to it pretty quick once they arrive in Camelot.
This is really a terrible idea , Emma thinks with a stifled groan.
She glances at the man walking beside her curiously. Unlike most people who had dared to approach her, he had been quite calm and fearless when he had asked for her help. At first glance, one wouldnât think that heâs a prince. The clothes he wears are quite plain - although that may be more out of a desire to go unnoticed than anything else and he doesnât seem to have the stuck-up, snobbish nature that most royals have.
Of course, as a former princess herself (because Emma refuses to think of herself as a princess anymore, not after she practically abandoned her kingdom.) Emma really doesnât have much room to talk. Her parents had always taught her to be kind and respectful to her subordinates, but the other royals at court didnât always share their views.
Emma has always been good at reading people, a skill that seems to have been sharpened when she became the Dark One. However, she canât quite get a read on Killian. He seems perfectly normal at first glance, but there are shadows in his eyes and a quiet tension in his shoulders as if he carries the weight of the world upon them. Again, Emma canât help but sympathize.
âWhy do you want Merlinâs spell books?â
Emma looks up at the question to see Killian studying her curiously as they walk through the woods. âYou are the Dark One and you have plenty of magic at your disposal. Why would you need any more?â
âLight and dark magic are quite different,â Emma replies. âThis has to do with, letâs sayâŚa personal project of mine.â
âYou could easily tear apart Camelot and take the books by force, if you wanted to,â Killian points out. âWhy make a deal?â
âI may be the Dark One, but I still have honor,â Emma says sharply and he has the grace to look abashed at her words. âI wouldnât simply hurt innocents to get what I want.â
âMy apologies,â Killian says quietly. âI didnât mean to assume, I justâŚhavenât had very good experiences with people of your kind.â
âWelcome to the club,â Emma says wryly. Killian gives her a long look before speaking again.
âReginaâŚthe Evil QueenâŚwhat did she do to you?â
Emma stiffens at his question. âWhat makes you think she did anything?â
âWhen I mentioned her before, you grew angry,â Killian says and Emma reels, stunned at his perception. âSurely she did something to incur your wrath?â
Emma looks away, unwilling to answer. Killian catches on, thankfully and doesnât push the issue.
They continue to travel in silence.
Whatever Killian had expected the Dark One to be like, it certainly wasnât this .
Frankly, his mind had conjured up all sorts of terrifying images of monsters and demons cloaked in darkness with insincere voices and harsh deals. Instead, he has found a guarded, somber woman with haunted eyes and clenched fists. She seems to have a vendetta for some reason against the Evil Queen and Killian finds that he can hardly blame her for that.
The Queen has stolen from him, too.
Of course, Emma doesnât tell him why she hates the Queen. Which is understandable, of course-she obviously isnât the type who trusts easily or spills her secrets in the blink of an eye.
They trudge through the woods in silence and Killian stops only at sundown.
âEmma?â He ventures and she whips around to look at him, her eyes widening in shock, and Killian is confused for a moment before he realizes that he used her name for the first time. His heart pangs with sympathy, and he wonders just how long it has been since anyone called her by name.
âWhat is it?â Emma asks after a beat, a strange, soft note in her voice that sends a shiver down his spine. Trying to ignore the feeling, he continues.
âWe should stop for the night and get some rest. We can continue at dawn.â
âOhâŚright, of course.â
Killian frowns at the pause; itâs as if she never even considered the fact that they might have to rest at one point. Perhaps she doesnât tire easily? Or pushes herself too hard? She certainly seems like the type.
Why does he care, anyway?
They find an empty clearing, and Killian offers his satchel to Emma, telling her to pick freely from his stash of food while he starts a fire. Soon enough, they are sitting on opposite sides of the camp, eating some of the meat pasties from Killianâs stash, an awkward silence hanging between them.
After his meal, Killian pulls out his flask and offers it to her, hoping to break the strained quiet. âRum?â
Emma quirks an eyebrow, but accepts it anyway. âAre you sure youâre a prince and not a pirate?â she asks dryly and Killian chuckles.
âPerhaps Iâm a bit of both.â He had never been an orthodox prince anyway, always preferring the taverns and the open seas to his castle. Before Fatherâs death, heâd been lax in his duties, serving as a great source of frustration for Father and Liam. Killian had sobered up quite a bit after his fatherâs sudden death, but it wasnât until after losing Milah that he threw himself into his princely duties; especially duties that pertained to winning the war against the Queen. Heâd once thirsted for outright vengeance, but Liam and Belle had talked him down, serving as voices of reason to break through the anger and sorrow that had surrounded him.
âWe should get to bed,â Killian says presently. âWe need to be well rested if we are to leave at dawn.â
âSleep,â Emma tells him, her voice quiet. âIâll keep watch.â
Killian opens his mouth to protest-they are a quite a way from the villages within the domain of the Queen, and it would be ungentlemanly on his part to let her keep watch while he rests - but something in her face makes him stop, and he instead agrees reluctantly.
âIf youâre certain.â
She gives him a terse nod and he obeys her wishes, lying down on his side with his back to her before he closes his eyes.
Sleep does not come easily to him that night. Whenever Killian turns, subtly, to glance at Emma, he finds her curled up under a tree, fiddling with an unfinished dream catcher, her movements fevered and hasty as she hurries to complete it. Her eyes are almost black with the shadows that lurk in them and her fingers tremble from time to time, causing the twine sheâs weaving to slip out of her hand, eliciting a curse from her before she returns to her task.
The flames have burned down to mere embers by the time Killian slips into a restless slumber, full of dream catchers and Milahâs laughing eyes and darkness swallowed by fire.
The nights are really the worst, Emma reflects, as the sky blushes pink with the early light of dawn. If thereâs one thing she misses about being mortal, it is sleep. It has been a decade since she has slept, or even felt that physical need to sleep, for that matter. She has been spending the nights by weaving dream catchers and immersing herself in memories of the past, in hopes of chasing away that darkness that always lurks by her side.
It never works.
With a sigh, Emma tucks the finished dream catcher away into a pocket of her dress and grimaces at the sight of her fingers, rubbed raw from the twine she had been weaving all night. The marks will disappear soon, but Emma hates the thought of Killian noticing and asking her about it; as he undoubtedly will.
Emma absently rubs at the marks on her hands, flinching when the darkness cackles.
Go on, dearie, vanish them away. After all, you donât want him to see you for what you truly are: a monster.
Shut up, Emma thinks savagely, magic sparking under her skin with the force of her anger.
As if on cue, Killian stirs and Emma draws back her magic, breathing in deeply as she tries to calm herself.
He sits up and rubs the sleep from his eyes and gives her a lopsided smile. âGood morning, love.â
Emma raises a brow at the endearment and says nothing, but warmth builds in her chest.
The darkness hisses in disapproval, and retreats.
Killian takes an apple out of his satchel and offers it to Emma, but she declines, wrinkling her nose. Ten years as an immortal being, and she still isnât quite comfortable around apples.
Well, given her family history, itâs understandable.
Killian looks puzzled at her aversion, but lets it go, taking a bite out of the apple.
âWhy did you not sleep last night?â he asks casually, and Emma sighs, having expected him to ask.
âDark Ones donât sleep,â she replies shortly and rises, brushing leaves off her dress. âWe should get a move on.â
âAs you wish.â
While they continue travelling, Killian keeps up a light stream of conversation, Emmaâs replies and comments are few and far in between, but she enjoys listening to him speak. Itâs been a long time since she was given the comfort of good company, and even the small talk that the prince makes is welcome.
Killian speaks of his brother often, clear admiration and love in his voice when he does. Through what he tells her of him, Emma finds herself respecting Liam, he sounds like a good and honorable man. Killian does not say why Camelot is at war with the Evil Queen, however, a shadow crossing his face at the very mention of it. Emma doesnât ask, knowing from experience that some things are just too painful to talk about.
The pleasant time comes to an end soon, as the sound of heavy footsteps clamoring through the forest makes them pause and look at each other in dismay.
âBlack Knights,â Killian says grimly and they both draw their swords.
There are about a dozen of them and the leader gives Killian an ugly smirk. âWell, if it isnât the Prince of Camelot. Far from home, arenât you? And who is yourâŚcompanion?â
He leers at Emma and she gives him a smile that is all teeth and no humor. Killian remains defiantly silent, his knuckles turning white as he grips his sword tighter.
The leader nods at the other knights. âKill them.â
The knights may be well trained, but they are no match for them. Killian is a skilled swordsman, Emma notices, disarming the first who charges at him and running the second through. Emma, on the other hand, steadfastly ignores the darkness that whispers to her, tempting her to use her magic to kill them all and instead wields her cutlass to either disarm or wound them so they are unable to get up. She only kills the ones who arm persistent; shuddering as every drop of blood spilled adds another black patch to her already darkened heart.
Emma has killed before, of course. Not too long after she became the Dark One, Black Knights of the Queen came to her castle, looking for answers about what had happened to Rumplestiltskin. When they found that the new Dark One was actually the Princess of Misthaven, they had laughed cruelly, taunting her even as she tried to ignore them.
âThe Crown Princess has gone dark,â One of them taunted. âI wonder how the people of Misthaven would react to this. They would surely turn on Snow White and Prince Charming, and the Queen would win.â
Emma snapped.
Before she knew it, she was striding across the expanse of floor to him and he got little warning before she plunged her hand into his chest and took a hold of his heart. He let out a cry of pain and his fellow knights gasped in fear.
Emma ripped her hand out, clutching the beating organ as the knight gripped at his chest, staring at her with fearful eyes.
âGo ahead,â the darkness whispered. âCrush it.â
âNo,â Emma mumbled blankly, gazing down at the heart, her hand trembling. âI canât.â
âYes, you can,â the darkness hissed. âHe deserves it. He deserves to die.â
Emmaâs grip around the heart tightened, and the knight let out a pained gasp as he collapsed to the floor, begging for mercy. She ignored him, her gaze focused on the darkness that hovered at her side, encouraging her.
âIf you let him live-let them live, they will tell the kingdom about what happened to you. They will turn on your parents and the Evil Queen will have the opportunity to kill them. Is that what you want?â
âNo!â Emma gasped out, her voice tortured. âI canât let them die!â
âThen do it. Crush his heart.â
âIf I kill him, I will become just like him. Like Regina.â
âItâs not murder, dearie, itâs an execution,â the darkness tempted. âThink about the many he must have killed while serving the Queen. Itâs what he deserves.â
âYou deserve to die,â Emma told the knight, mindlessly parroting the darknessâ words as she squeezed the heart tighter. The knight screamed in pain and rasped out broken pleas.
âMercy, please! Iâll do anything-â
He abruptly cut off as the life faded from him and his body hit the floor. Emma stood still, gazing at the dust seeping from between her fingers.
The other knights made to move, to run away. Emma spun around, her hardened gaze freezing them in place.
âDonât show them any mercy,â the darkness said. âKill them.â
Emma raised her hand and twisted it. Suddenly, the knights were clutching at their necks, struggling for air as an unseen pressure curbed any of their attempts to draw in breath. Emma held it up for a few minutes until they collapsed to the floor, dead.
âVery good, dearie,â the darkness said, before promptly vanishing.
The dull crimson haze that had covered Emmaâs vision disappeared as well and she gasped, staring at the bodies that lay around her in horror.
âNo. No! What have I done?!â
Her knees weakened, and she sank to the ground, drawing in harsh, labored breaths. âNoâŚ.â She muttered, as darkness engulfed her. When it vanished, the gold of her hair had faded to silver, her skin had become unnaturally pale and the armor and breeches sheâd worn before had turned to a leathery costume of stark black.
At that moment, Emma knew (and the darkness never failed to reassure her of it) that there was no going back.
Killian lets out a sharp hiss of pain, rousing Emma from her memories, and she whips around to see him gingerly brushing his prosthetic across his right shoulder, blood seeping through the thin material of his shirt. The knight who injured him raises his sword, preparing to lop off his head and an urgent bolt of panic rushes through Emma. She hastily waves her hand, and the knight flies into a tree and promptly falls unconscious.
The other guards, stunned by Emmaâs display of magic, take to their heels and flee.
Killian sinks down onto a log and with a bit of struggle, manages to lift the sleeve of his shirt with his prosthetic, inspecting the wound with a grimace. Emma hovers awkwardly. The wound isnât too deep, but it looks nasty. And painful.
âI could, uh, heal it. If you want,â Emma says hesitantly. Killian glances up at her, looking rather surprised at the offer, and shakes his head.
âThereâs no need, love. IâŚnoticed that you were rather averse to using your magic during the fight. I donât want you to needlessly use it on my behalf.â
Emmaâs heart does a little flip in her chest, so startled and touched is she at his perception. She sits down next to him and offers him a genuine smile.
âItâs no problem. Really.â
Killianâs cheeks tinge crimson and he ducks his head shyly, holding out his arm. Emma takes his hand in hers, pretending not to notice the shiver that wracks through his body at the contact. She pauses momentarily, shutting her eyes. She knows sheâs already promised to heal Killianâs brother, but this, somehow, is different. It shouldnât be, really. But it is, and the thought of messing it up frightens her far more than the thought of failing to heal his brother does.
âItâs alright,â Killian murmurs gently and Emma opens her eyes in shock. He smiles up at her gently. âI trust you.â
Emmaâs heart stutters painfully in her chest at his words and without another thought, the magic flows through her body. Killian lets out a gasp as the wound closes smoothly, not even leaving a scar. Emma smiles in triumph, withdrawing her hand.
âThank you,â Killian says gratefully. Emma gives him a short, jerky nod, her fingers still tingling from where she touched him (and not from the magic) and glances down at his arm, her attention diverted by the crimson tattoo that decorates it.
âWhoâs Milah, on the tattoo?â
The warmth in Killianâs eyes vanishes, and he quickly stands, yanking down the sleeve of his shirt to cover the tattoo. âNo one,â He says quietly, sheathing his sword and slinging his bag over his shoulder. Emma stands as well, realizing his aversion to discussing the topic.
âWeâd better get a move on,â Killian continues, avoiding her gaze. âIf we move fast, any knights that are still around wonât be able to catch up.â
âRight, letâs go.â
When night falls, they are only a few hours away from Camelot. They stop and set up camp as they did the night before, and Killian glances at Emma as he lights the fire.
She has not spoken since he dismissed her question about the tattoo. Killian sighs as he thinks of itâŚthe knowledge of what had happened five years ago is so common in Camelot that no one has questioned him about it in a long while. Emmaâs question came as a shock, and his first instinct was to shut her down completely, the wound left by Milahâs passing still raw and bleeding; even the loss of his hand not comparing to it.
Killian looks at Emma again. He fears that he might have offended her by his silence on the topic. Heâs not sure why he cares about her opinion of him so much. Itâs true that sheâs the key to saving his brother, but itâs much more than that. Sheâs not the cold, ruthless demon he had pictured in his mind, but instead a rather complex woman; a witch who avoids using her magic, who remains awake during the night and weaves dream catchers. She healed his wound like it was nothing, and her touch had sent flames shooting up his arm. She carries the weight of the world upon her shoulders and her eyes are full of old pain and buried hopes.
âEmma?â He begins tentatively and she looks over at him, raising her eyebrows in silent question. âI apologize for being short with you earlier, itâs just that-â
âItâs alright,â Emma interjects. âI brought up a painful topic. I apologize for that.â
âHow do you know itâs painful?â Killian asks defensively. Emma smiles wryly.
âYouâre something of an open book,â She says simply. âAnd it takes one to know one.â
âYou lost someone?â
Emma nods. âA lot of someones, actually,â She says. Killianâs heart pangs in sympathy.
âMilah was my fiancĂŠe,â He begins haltingly. âShe was killed by the Queenâs black knights,â Killian holds up his prosthetic. âItâs how I got this.â
He expects to see pity in her face, but finds nothing but a quiet understanding. âIâm sorry,â Emma says sincerely.
They remain in companionable silence, after that, the only sounds being the crackling of the fire and the occasional snapping of a twig. It feels like they are closer, somehow, as if at least one of the many walls that stand between them has been broken down. Killian finds himself drifting off soon, and the last thing he hears is Emmaâs whispered âgoodnightâ before he falls into a deep slumber.
Emma does not weave her dream catchers that night.
Instead, she thinks of things she hasnât allowed herself to ponder for a long time. She thinks of the way her motherâs brow crinkled every time she laughed, of how her father lovingly cradled the back of her head every time he hugged her and of the way she and Leo would run around the castle, staging mock sword fights and driving the staff to near distraction.
She thinks of Killian and the gentleness of his smile when he told her he trusted her.
She thinks of the way using her magic had felt right , for once, when she wielded it to vanish away Killianâs wound.
And for once, the darkness remains silent.
The next day, they reach Camelot by noon.
Emma swallows apprehensively at the large number of guards and courtiers waiting at the gates to greet them, or rather, to greet Killian.
Killian, as if sensing her discomfort, slips his hand into hers and squeezes reassuringly. Emma glances up at him sharply, his touch sending heat through her body.
Killian retracts his hand and gives her a last smile; just as a dark haired woman comes running out of the gates and towards them.
âKillian!â She hugs him tightly, and Emma takes a step back, irrational jealousy flaring in her gut. Is she his lover? Or his wife, perhaps? Heâd never mentioned having one, though.
â Belle ,â Killian grunts. âI canât breathe, lass.â
The woman, Belle, draws away slightly and sniffs. âI was worried,â she says. âCan you blame me?â
Belle glances past Killian at Emma and her eyes widen. âIs that-â
Killian releases her and nods. âAye. Emma-â he turns to her. âThis is Belle, the castleâs librarian. Belle, Emma.â
âYou succeeded,â Belle breathes, a large grin lighting up her face.
âDid you doubt I would?â Killian teases and then his eyes grow serious. âHowâs Liam?â
âNot good,â Belle says somberly. âHeâs finding it hard to even stand, now. And heâs worried about you.â
Killian rolls his eyes. âOf course he is,â He mutters, but thereâs affection in his voice. âBloody idiot wonât even worry about himself. Well, thereâs no time to waste,â he nods to Emma. âShall we?â
âOf course.â
Belle looks nervous. âUh, maybe I should talk to him first. Heâs not going to be happy that you, uh-â She glances hesitantly at Emma.
âBrought the Dark One into his home?â Emma finishes for her, dryly, and Belle flinches, as if waiting for Emma to blow up in her face. When she does nothing of the sort, Belle looks visibly relieved and leads them into the castle.
âWait here,â she tells them when they stop outside the kingâs chambers and slips into the room, shutting the door behind her.
Emma and Killian wait in awkward silence and she catches him wincing when the sound of raised voices reach their ears. They hear Belleâs voice, soft and pleading; and then a noise of assent before Belle exits the room, looking harried.
âI take it my brother isnât exactly an ideal patient?â Killian asks with a forced grin. Belle looks unamused.
âHe wants to talk to you,â She informs him and Killian nods, glancing back at Emma.
âGo ahead,â Emma tells him. âIâll be fine.â
Killian smiles and Belle narrows her eyes, looking back and forth between them sharply. Emma ignores her curious gaze, but feels heat creeping up her neck.
Killian casts her one final glance before entering the room.
âHello, Liam,â Killian greets his brother with forced levity, his heart sinking at the sight of Liamâs condition. His brother is gaunt and pale, black veins from the poison creeping up his arms.
âWhat the bloody hell is wrong with you?â
Well, at least it seems like Liam still has his temper.
âLiam-â Killian begins, but is abruptly interrupted.
âYou brought the Dark One into our castle?â
Liam speaks the words with disgust and Killian feels a sharp jolt of anger rush through him. He forces it down, trying to maintain his calm.
âItâs the only way to save you.â
Liam scoffs and Killian flinches at the harsh sound. âBy resorting to dark magic? Aye, sounds like a wonderful plan.â
âIâd rather use dark magic than watch you die,â Killian snaps defiantly and Liamâs eyes flash.
âAfter all that weâve suffered-â He begins lowly. âAfter all that youâve suffered because of dark magic-shouldnât you be disgusted at the very idea of seeking it out for help?â
âAny magic that could be used to save your life could never be dark,â Killian says passionately and Liam seems to soften slightly at that. But the next moment, heâs protesting again.
âAnd the Dark One , at that, KillianâŚdo you know how dangerous that is? He could have killed you.â
âShe, actually.â
âWhat?â
âThe Dark One is a woman.â
Liam raises his eyebrows at that, but continues. âRegardless, how do we know that we can trust her?â
âYou can trust me ,â Killian says steadily. âYou can trust me that sheâs not lying, that she really is ready to help you.â
Liam regards him in silence for a long moment and then sighs in relent. âVery well, you can send her in.â
Killian nods, relieved, but before he can call Emma in, Liam stops him. âWait. I know that the Dark One makes deals. What did you promise her in return?â
Killian shifts uncomfortably, reaching up to scratch behind his ear. âAhâŚabout thatâŚâ
âSpit it out, Killian.â
âI promised her access to Merlinâs spell books.â
âYou did what ?!â
âAlright, Iâm calling her in,â Killian says quickly, ignoring Liamâs outraged protests. He hurries to the door to open it and ushers Emma in, smiling weakly when she raises a brow at him.
âGood to see youâre still alive. I heard shouting.â
âRight as rain, love,â Killian promises, and over Emmaâs shoulder, sees Belleâs eyebrows disappear into her hairline. âCome on in,â He mumbles hastily, blushing.
Emma notices, and smirks at his embarrassment before sweeping past him into the room.
Liam pushes himself up on his pillows and tries to look as intimidating as possible, but Emma doesnât look the least bit fazed by the effect.
âHello,â She says softly. âMy name is Emma, Iâm-â
âI know who you are, Dark One ,â Liam says tersely and Killian groans, wanting to punch his brother. Emma looks unaffected.
âI was going to say that Iâm here to save your sorry ass,â Emma says calmly, and next to Killian, Belle chokes. âBut itâs nice to see how grateful you are.â
Liam goes red at the chastisement and Killian struggles not to laugh, reflecting that Emma really doesnât seem to give a damn about whether theyâre royalty or not. Then again, she is the Dark One; she has no reason to be intimidated by them when she could easily snap their necks in the fraction of a second.
For some reason, that really doesnât bother him at all.
âMy apologies,â Liam mutters, and Emma makes a noise of dismissal, moving closer to the bed. She observes his condition in silence, the inky veins travelling up from his arm, disappearing into the sleeve of his shirt. The veins on his chest are obscured by his clothing, but can be seen inching up from the collar of his shirt, dangerously close to reaching his face.
Emma releases a deep breath. âAlright,â she murmurs. She positions her hand over Liamâs chest, slowly rotating it, stretching and motioning her fingers as if to draw something out. Emmaâs arm shimmers a bright gold and Killian stares, transfixed, unable to look away.
This may be dark magic, but it also may be hands down the most beautiful thing heâs ever seen.
Beside Killian, Belle squeezes her eyes shut, clasping her hands together; as if sending up a silent prayer.
Liamâs body glows, and a ripple of magic pulses through the room, nearly knocking Killian and Belle off their feet. Liam gasps in shock as the veins marring his skin vanish, the color returning to his cheeks and the strength to his limbs.
Killian sags in relief and before he can even say or do anything, Belle rushes past him to the bed, practically collapsing on it as she flings her arms around Liam. His eyes widen in pleasure, and he draws her closer, pressing a kiss to her head.
Emma backs away from them, looking visibly exhausted. Killian lays a tentative hand on her shoulder, smiling at her gratefully.
âThank you, Emma.â
âNo problem,â Emma says brusquely, but her pale face flushes, her mouth curving into a pleased smile.
Killian feels the oddest urge to kiss that smile from her lips.
Coughing, he hastily backs away, just in time as Liam and Belle part from their embrace.
Liam stands up and offers Emma a courteous smile. âI owe you my life, milady.â
âThereâs the gratitude,â Emma quips and Liam has the grace to look abashed. âItâs no big deal,â She continues. âAs long as your brother there follows up on our deal, of course,â She gives Killian a pointed stare.
Belle looks confused. âWait, what deal?â
âAccess to Merlinâs spell books in exchange for the Kingâs recovery,â Emma says breezily and Killian shifts uncomfortably under Belleâs incredulous stare. âThatâs the deal we made.â
âIâll retrieve the spell books for you,â Liam says briskly. âBelle, would you escort Lady Emma to the library? Killian, you should accompany them.â
Killian sees Emmaâs lips twitch into a knowing smile, clearly understanding that Liam wants him to go along for Belleâs safety. Thankfully, Emma doesnât seem insulted by Liamâs lack of trust in her, only amused.
Before they leave, Liam strides up to Killian and hugs him. âThank you, little brother,â he murmurs. âI was right to trust your judgment.â
â Younger brother,â Killian corrects him, but he canât hold back his delighted smile.
âItâs quite the collection you have here,â Emma remarks when they step into the castleâs expansive library. âDo you manage this all by yourself?â
The question is directed to Belle, who flushes.
âI have help, of course,â She stammers, still clearly intimidated by Emma. âBut mostly, yes.â
Emma hums in reply. The library in the castle of the Dark One was possibly as expansive as this one, but that had more of texts concerning dark magic and ancient spells. Most of the books had been dangerous, even; the spells written in them could be blown off the page and towards a target. The library itself had been dark, musty and unorganized; and the airy, bright and neat room in this castle is a stark contrast to it.
Belle goes to arrange something at the counter, and Emma and Killian find a table at the back and settle down.
âSo,â Emma begins casually. âHow long has Camelot been at war with the Evil Queen?â
âAbout five years, now,â Killian replies. âWhy?â
âJust curious,â Emma mumbles, picking at the sleeve of her dress. Killian clearly doesnât buy it, and opens his mouth to question her further, but is interrupted as Liam appears with the spell books. Emmaâs eyes light up at the sight of them. There are only a couple of them, but they could be the first step to finally defeating the darkness.
The darkness cackles in amusement. Quite naĂŻve of you, dearie , it sneers. Havenât you learnt by now? The darkness cannot be vanquished; youâre wasting your time with this little endeavor. Your time could be spent in a better way, like taking revenge on the Queen for all that she has done.
Emma firmly ignores the darkness, clenching her fists under the table in an attempt to curb the prickling under her skin.
âThese are all of them,â Liam says, setting them down on the table. âBut itâs getting quite late. I asked the servants to prepare a room for you, so perhaps you could rest for the night instead.â
âThank you,â Emma says, deciding against mentioning that she really doesnât need rest. âThatâs very kind of you.â
âYouâre welcome,â Liam says and turns to Killian. âThereâs a Council Meeting. Your presence is required.â
âI just got back,â Killian protests but Liam just gives him a stern, no-nonsense look and he sighs and acquiesces, rising to his feet.
âIâll see you later,â He tells Emma with a rueful smile and she nods, ignoring Liamâs suspicious frown.
The room that has been prepared for Emma is large spacious, a huge, four poster bed by the window as well as a desk, a vanity and a wardrobe. Itâs not unlike Emmaâs own bedroom back when she used to be a princess, and for a minute, she aches with homesickness, wishing for nothing but to go back to those simpler times.
The wardrobe has been furnished with clothes as well, most of them beautiful dresses of bright colors, ranging from cotton to satin. Emma ignores them completely, finding a grey silk nightgown and putting it on. She has no intention of sleeping, of course, but itâs far more comfortable than her black dress.
Emma sits at the desk with one of Merlinâs spell books open, a roll of parchment next to it. This particular book is in a foreign language, but thankfully, during her time as the Dark One, she dedicated a lot of her time to learning new languages. This one is a bit trickier than most, but Emma sets her quill to the parchment determinedly, ready to do whatever it takes to get some answers.
As the hours pass, the light dims and the shadows lengthen. Just as Emma flicks her wrist to light the lamps in her room, thereâs a knock on her door. She rolls up the parchment and tucks into the book before going to the door to open it.
Itâs Killian.
âGood evening,â he greets. âI just wanted to see if everythingâs alright with your room.â
âIts fine,â Emma assures him. âYour brother is very kind,â Killian looks a bit awkward, standing in the doorway, and she steps aside. âWould you like to come in?â
Killian looks startled. âIâm not sure that would be appropriate.â
Emma rolls her eyes. âIâm not inviting you in for anything inappropriate, just so we can talk more comfortably.â
Killian gives her rakish grin, though the effect of it is lessened by his flushed face. âI wouldnât object toâŚ.more pleasurable activities, milady.â
âOf course you wouldnât,â Emma says dryly although she is rather surprised that he even tried to flirt with her. Heâs never made an advance before. Still, it must be easier now that he doesnât have the threat of his brotherâs death hanging over him. âCome on in.â
They sit side by side on the huge bed and talk about many things and Killian asks her how the progress with the book is coming along.
âSlowly,â Emma says. âBut I know Iâll get through soon.â
âWhy do you want those books?â Killian asks. Itâs not the first time heâs asked her this and Emma isnât surprised, knowing her never bought her lies before. Still, she doesnât tell him the truth.
The Dark One lies, the Dark One tricks.
âWhy every great wizard does,â She says offhandedly. âTo gain more power.â
âYou donât even like using your power,â Killian points out.
âDonât worry, I wonât be using it to level your kingdom,â Emma says acidly, her temper getting the best of her. Killian looks taken aback.
âI know you wouldnât do that,â He speaks the words which so much certainty that it makes her heart ache. Emma ducks her head, feeling guilty.
âSorry,â she mumbles. Killian waves it away.
âSâalright, Emma.â
He lingers a bit more than is strictly necessary, talking about such mundane things that Emma wonders if heâs doing it on purpose to spend more time with her. Then she shoots the idea down, not wanting to explore that line of thought now. Or ever.
Killian chuckles, dragging Emma out her musings and she looks at him inquiringly. âWhat?â
âNothing,â He says with a grin. âI was just thinking that if Liam knew I were here, heâd certainly kill me.â
Emma frowns. âWhy?â
âWell, itâs not very gentlemanly to be in a ladyâs quarters at night.â
Emma snorts. âArenât you the type of prince who prefers the taverns and towns over the comfort of his own castle?â Sheâd know. She was the same.
âA rake I may be, but I still believe in good form,â Killian insists. âAnd as for a lady such as yourself-â
Emma cuts him off. âIâm not a lady,â She says shortly. âIâm the Dark One.â
âYou may be the Dark One, but you are still a woman,â Killian murmurs, his eyes sweeping over her form in a manner that leaves her pulse racing. âAnd a breathtakingly beautiful woman, at that.â
Emma swallows, feeling the blood rush to her cheeks. Suddenly the large, spacious room feels far too small, the respectable space they had put between them suddenly not enough. She searches his eyes for the lie, but finds nothing but sincerity.
Her eyes flicker to his mouth, then, and the irrational urge to haul him into a kiss startles her out of her daze.
âI think itâs time you go,â Emma breathes, curling her hands into fists so she doesnât give into the temptation of touching him. Killian nods slowly, seemingly as dazed as she is.
âRight. Of course.â He rises and holds her gaze for a long moment before giving her a short bow. âGoodnight, milady.â
Killian leaves the room quickly and Emma allows herself to collapse on the bed, drawing in her breaths harshly.
What the hell had just happened?
When Killian is done with his duties the next day, he goes straight to the library to see Emma. Belle barely acknowledges him when he enters, practically buried in a pile of books.
He finds Emma at the back, writing on a parchment while referring the books scattered on the table. Killian sits down from across her, waiting patiently for her to finish.
Finally, Emma sets down her quill and looks at him expectantly. âWhat?â
âGood morning to you too, Emma,â Killian chuckles, a little relieved to see that she doesnât seem to be bothered in the least about the moment they had shared the night before.
Looking back on it, Killian honestly doesnât know what he was thinking. Going into her rooms in the first place had been a bad idea. Calling her beautiful an almost kissing her, for Killian is sure that if she had not asked him to leave he would have definitely kissed her-was an even worse idea.
But Emma had looked so relaxed, the nightgown she wore giving her a younger, girlish appearance, that Killian had let any rational thought fly out of the window.
âGood morning,â Emma replies. âNow then, what did you want?â
âAs charming as ever, I see,â Killian teases. Emma actually laughs, as if enjoying an inside joke, and the sound is like music to Killianâs ears. âI simply wanted the pleasure of your company.â
âDonât you have Council Meetings and princely duties?â
âDone,â Killian gives her a mock pout. âAre you truly that eager to get rid of me?â
Emma huffs, looking amused. âFine, you can stay. Just donât disturb me.â
âAs you wish, milady.â
Killian busies himself with an administrative text, but ends up not paying much attention to it; constantly distracted by the curve of Emmaâs jaw, the way she frowns in frustration upon encountering something particularly trying, the few strands of hair that slip out of her normally immaculate bun when she rakes her fingers through it in frustration.
Bloody hell, Killian thinks, forcing his gaze away from her and back to his book. Iâve got to stop this.
Emma sets down her quill after a while, rubbing at her tired eyes with a groan.
âAlright, love?â Killian asks in concern, the text forgotten.
âYeahâŚjustâŚthis isnât exactly easy,â Emma sighs. âIâm getting there, butâŚ..â she rotates her neck, wincing at the tension.
Before Killian can think twice, he gets up and moves to stand behind her. Emma twists in her seat to look at him.
âWhat are you doing?â
âI thought Iâd help you relax,â Killian murmurs. The dress sheâs wearing today exposes her back and shoulders and when Killian ghosts his palm over the bare skin, Emma stiffens momentarily at the contact.
âIs this okay?â Killian asks tentatively. Emma hesitates for a moment and nods.
Encouraged by her assent, Killian settles his hand at the base of her neck and begins to gently knead at the muscles, slowly easing out the knots. Emma lets her head fall back with a soft groan of approval. Killian freezes at the sound, heat rushing to his cheeks, but continues with his task, forcing himself not to react to the little sounds she makes.
Killian rubs at her shoulders next, massaging until he feels all the tension seep out. He then moves to gently toy with her hair, twisting and weaving the strands that have escaped her up do.
He should move away. He really should, itâs probably the gentlemanly thing to do, but Killian doesnât and Emma doesnât tell him to, either, her eyes closed in content.
She is like a siren, Killian thinks, rousing feelings and desires that he has not felt in a long time, causing his broken heart to beat again.
He wants to kiss her, right at the spot where her pulse flutters in her neck, to map out the freckles dotting her skin with his lips and teeth, to draw out those intoxicating sounds from her again and again.
Killian lets out a barely audible groan at his own thoughts. What is this woman-this beautiful, mysterious woman-doing to him? He hasnât felt such a swift, powerful attraction to anyone in so long, no, not since Milah-
Milah.
The reminder of his lost love is like a swift punch to the gut. Killian steps back from Emma like heâs been burned, eliciting a small noise of confusion from her as she turns to look at him.
âI-Iâm sorry,â Killian gasps out, his mind whirling, the very thought of Milah sending flaming agony and guilt through his veins. âI-I have to go.â
Before Emma can say a word, Killian turns and strides out of the library.
Emma knows that she has been starved of physical affection for a long time, but this is just insane.
As she slowly got to know Killian over the past few days, it quickly became obvious that he was a very physically affectionate person, casual with his touches.
Every touch sets her off, causing an intense buzz in her veins. His touch shouldnât affect her this much, but it does, heat flaring in her stomach at the slightest brush of skin against skin. And as for Killianâs gentle way of easing the tension from her shoulders, it had left her positively addicted. Every rational part of Emmaâs brain screamed at her to get away, but she was helpless to move. Killian might be a mere mortal, but he has still bested her.
But then Killian had sharply pulled away, leaving the library with stammered apologies. Emma sits at her table quietly, her work abandoned as she tries to figure out the reason for his hasty departure.
He probably came to his senses, dearie, the darkness taunts. He mustâve finally realized that itâs the Dark One heâs dallying with, not a normal woman.
âHe doesnât think that,â Emma mutters aloud, digging her nails into her palm until she draws blood. The wounds vanish instantly, but the sting of the act remains. Then Killianâs words from the previous night come rushing back to her.
âYou may be the Dark One, but youâre still a woman.â
He wasnât lyingâŚ.was he? Emmaâs ability to detect lies has always been uncanny, since long before she became the Dark One, but her emotions always tend to cloud her judgment.
They were merely pretty words, the darkness says immediately. Donât believe a thing of what he says. You know better than that. Everybody lies. Everybody leaves. Thereâs no use getting attached.
The darkness is probably right, Emma thinks.
Everybody leaves. Everything good vanishes.
Killian is no exception.
Knowing she wonât get any more work done, not now, Emma gathers up her notes and storms out of the library, ignoring all the fascinated courtiers and maidservants who stop to gaze at her as she passes them by. She sighs in relief when she reaches the solitude of her chambers, slamming the door shut.
Emma hates this. She hates caring so much about what Killian thinks, about whether heâs lying to her or not, about him. She hates the burn of rejection in her gut when he left her hastily. And Emma hates the longing she feels for him to return, to make her smile with his small talk and attempts at flirting.
And she absolutely hates the acute pain in her heart at the thought of him just being someone who leaves her in the end.
Killian escapes the castle for a while and rides to his favorite spot to think, a cliff that overlooks the sea. The sight of the waves crashing over the rocks and the ships in the harbor and the sea gulls flitting around the cliffs calms his heart slightly, the pain ebbing to a dull ache.
What was he thinking?
To be harboring such romantic thoughts about a woman is surely a dishonor to Milahâs memory. When she died, heâd sworn to himself to remain faithful to her memory forever, to never love again.
And the worst part is that Killian doesnât even know if this is love. With Milah, it had been easy. Heâd fallen hard and fast and knew without a doubt what his feelings towards her were.
But with Emma, itâs different.
He knows that his heart beats faster whenever sheâs around, that a rare laugh or smile from her builds an indescribable warmth in his chest, that he always wants to seek her out and be by her side, that he wants to chase away the shadows in her eyes and the sadness in her heart.
But he doesnât know if he loves her.
And thatâs probably the worst thing out of this whole mess, not knowing .
Light footsteps sound behind him and before Killian can turn, Belle appears by his side suddenly, offering him a kind smile as she sits down.
âEverything okay?â
Perceptive as ever. Killian lies, trying to play it off as nothing. âOf course, lass.â
Belle hums in disbelief, clearly not buying it. âUh huh. Then why did I see you leave the library as quickly as you did? Not to mention, Emma did the exact same thing not too long after.â
Killian curses inwardly, knowing that he mustâve hurt or offended her with his abrupt departure. He can deal with her hating him, but he canât stand the thought of her being hurt because of him.
There it is again.
âYouâre falling for her, arenât you?â Belle asks knowingly. Killian stiffens.
â Belle -â he pleads. âDonât.â
Belle crosses her arms and looks at him expectantly. âDonât what?â
âJust donât,â Killian says shortly. âI canât fall in love with her.â
âWhy in the world not?â Belle demands.
âMilah. Iâd be dishonoring her memory-â
âThatâs utter crap and you know it,â Belle snaps and Killian blinks in surprise at her curse. âYou know Milah would want you to be happy, not wasting away like this.â
âWasting away?â Killian repeats indignantly.
â Yes. Thatâs exactly what youâre doing, shutting the world out, even Liam and I at times and not allowing yourself to fall in love.â
When Killian says nothing, instead staring at the horizon, Belle sighs and reaches over to take his hand.
âYou deserve this, Killian. You deserve a second chance at love.â
âI-â
âJust because youâre falling in love again doesnât mean youâre loving Milah any less,â Belle says patiently. âYouâre honoring her memory by moving on.â
Killian simply nods, absently brushing his prosthetic over the tattoo on his arm. Belle sighs, and pulls him into a one armed hug.
âCome on,â She says presently. âWe should get back to the castle.â
The next day, Emma is back working in the library again. Belle throws her an odd look when she enters, but quickly covers it with a welcoming smile. A little puzzled by it but deciding to brush it off, Emma returns to the books.
A passage in one of Merlinâs books makes her pause. The word âExcaliburâ is mentioned, along with a theory about it being a weapon with the ability to destroy the darkness.
Excitement surges through Emma, her heart racing and she quickly flips through the pages. Sure enough, Merlin has written the details of how the darkness came to be. The first to be tethered to it was a woman named Nimue and Merlin broke the sword Excalibur in half, using one half to create the Dark One dagger, which he tied the darkness to. The other half of Excalibur was set in a stone, not too far away from Camelot, only to be drawn out by its rightful owner.
Emma closes the book and leans back, thinking. If only she could get her hands on this âExcaliburâ and translate the rest of Merlinâs works, then maybe, just maybe she could finally destroy the darkness.
Of course, there is the problem of finding Excalibur. And according to what Merlin wrote, only the rightful owner of the sword could draw it out of the stone. Emma isnât quite sure as to what that means. Does that mean the Dark One, as the dagger that controls her is the other half of Excalibur. Or is the meaning a little more traditional, the rightful owner being someone of great courage and a true heart?
If that is the case, then all is in vain, Emma thinks a little bitterly. After all, she has none of those things.
Still, itâs a start.
Emma rises and hurries to Belle, who is sorting out books at the counter. âAre there any books on magical artifacts here?â
Belle nods. âYes, anything in particular?â
Emma hesitates before she answers. âAnything that mentions the sword Excalibur.â
Belle looks skeptical. âExcaliburâs only a myth,â she points out. âAre you sure thatâs what youâre looking for?â
â Yes ,â Emma says impatiently. The darkness is hissing in disapproval and she can feel it struggling for dominance, to try and quell her desire to destroy it. Magic threatens to seep from her hands and Emma clenches them into fists, ignoring the burn.
Belle, thankfully, doesnât seem to notice and is about to agree to her request when the doors to the library slam open.
The young librarian swings around with a scowl, ready to scold whoever it is but falls short when she sees Liam and Killian stride in, looking tense.
Emma carefully averts her gaze from Killianâs, clenching her fists even tighter as the darkness continues to struggle.
âWhatâs wrong?â Belle asks worriedly, her gaze darting between them. Liam and Killian share a glance before the older brother speaks.
âBad news,â Liam admits, quiet fury in his voice. âMisthaven has been overtaken by the Evil Queen.â
Liamâs words, while said under a calm façade, absolutely knock the breath out of Emma. She staggers back, suddenly finding it hard to breathe, her vision blurring.
Oh God. Oh God.
âAre you certain?â Next to her, Belle is speaking frantically, but Emma barely hears it.
Then Killian speaks, his voice strained and itâs enough to break Emma out of her daze. âIâm afraid so, lass.â
âThe King and Queen,â Emma says suddenly, through gritted teeth and the other three glance up at her in surprise. âAre the King and Queen, the royal family, are they still-âHer voice cracks and a shudder wracks through her. âAre they still alive?â
âWe-we donât know,â Killian answers slowly, his eyes narrowed in confusion. âThey are nowhere to be found, apparently, they might have gone into hidingâŚâ
And then the dam breaks.
Suddenly thereâs a crash, and then chairs and tables are upturned, decorations hanging from the ceilings are shattered and the shelves shake ominously, books falling to the floor.
Belle lets out a little shriek, Liam stumbles back, his hand flying to the hilt of his sword.
Killian, astonishingly enough (when will he stop surprising her?) takes a step forward. âEmma, whatâs wrong?â
Emma clasps her hands together desperately, as if that will stop her magic from going out of control and her gaze darts around, flitting from Belleâs fearful eyes to Liamâs distrustful ones and back to Killian again, to the gentleness in his face and she breaks and for the first time in a decade, she feels like she might break down into sobs then and there.
âI canât-â she chokes out because itâs hard to breathe and her family might be dead and-
And then Emma does what she does best, and runs.
When Emma runs out of the room, leaving chaos in her wake, Killian hesitates only for a moment before following, ignoring Liamâs calls, faintly hearing the sounds of him and Belle arguing as he moves further away from the library.
âHe canât, sheâs dangerous , she might do something-â
âNo, she isnât. Not to him, at least. Let him go to her, Liam.â
Killian finds Emma soon enough, huddled in a stairwell, her skirt hiked up as she hugs her knees to her chest, her body shaking uncontrollably.
Killianâs heart hurts at the sight.
âOh, Emma.â
She glances up sharply and then shakes her head fervently as he comes closer. âNo, donât. Donât. I might hurt you, Killian, you canât-â
âYou wonât hurt me,â Killian insists, kneeling down before her. âIâm not afraid of you.â
â Damnit Killian-â
âI mean it,â Killian says. âI could never be afraid of you, love.â
Emma actually shrinks away at the endearment and Killianâs heart sinks, but he plows on.
âTell me whatâs wrong.â
Emma remains silent for a long time, stubbornly picking at the hem of her skirt before she finally gives in.
âI told you my name was Emma, when we met,â she begins haltingly and Killian frowns, confused, but doesnât interrupt. âThat was the truth, but I also didnât tell you something else. Iâm actuallyPrincess Emma, daughter of Queen Snow White and King David.â
Killianâs jaw drops as he struggles to process the information.
Bloody hell.
âI-everyone thought the princess was dead,â He splutters out. Emma lets out a harsh, humorless laugh that makes him wince.
âAs you can see, the truth is far worse,â She mutters and Killian wants to refute it, tell her sheâs wrong, but Emma continues.
âNobody knows the truth. Not even my parents.â
âWhat happened, love?â Killian asks, almost dreading the answer.
Emma sighs and averts her gaze. âIt was Rumplestiltskin,â she murmurs. âThe previous Dark One. He tricked me into thinking he killed my little brother Leo.
âThere is a powerful dagger that can control the Dark One. It is also the only object capable of killing the Dark One. I knew that at the timeâŚI just didnât know that whoever kills the Dark One is next in line.â
âAnd you killed him to get revenge,â Killian guesses. He hurts for her, wants nothing more than to take her in his arms and comfort her, but knows she will never allow it. He settles for simply reaching for her hand, not taking it in hers, but simply drawing soothing circles over the skin.
Emma gazes at the movement of his fingers, seemingly fascinated before answering. âYeah. And the rest, as they say, is history.â
âIâm sorry,â Killian whispers. âYou shouldnât have had to go through that. No one should.â
Emma nods. âIf my family is dead-â she begins.
âThey arenât,â Killian says firmly. Emma laughs bitterly.
âHow can you be so sure?â
âCall it hope. Or optimism. Or something.â
âYou sound like my mother.â
âA wise woman, to be sure.â
Emma laughs again, but this time itâs not forced, and itâs like music to Killianâs ears.
âOur army is preparing for battle,â He says presently. âWe leave at dawn tomorrow.â
âIâll fight with you,â Emma says immediately and Killian smiles.
âIâd expect no less, love.â
He almost says my love and holds himself back at the last moment, instead giving her a last smile before he goes back to the library to explain things to Liam and Belle.
And hopes selfishly, for a day when he might be allowed to call her his.
âRest up well,â Liam tells Killian as they exit the Council Room that evening. âWe have a long day tomorrow.â
Killian acquiesces with a nod. Liam had softened a bit after hearing Emmaâs story and did not hold the incident in the library against her, much to Killianâs relief. They went to the Council Room to discuss battle plans after that, and two hours later, are finally done.
After wishing his brother good night, Killian heads straight to Emmaâs chambers, not even hesitating before he knocks. Emma opens the door, and his heart practically stops at the sight of her. Sheâs wearing a silvery dress that clings to her figure, the sleeves belling out elegantly and her hair is braided loosely, draped over her shoulder.
 âEyes up here,â Emma teases when he takes a little too long to recover and Killian coughs, embarrassed.
âSorry, love.â
âNo problem. Was there something you needed?â
âActually yes,â He extends his hand to her. âIf you would come with me, thereâs something Iâd like to show you.â
Emma raises a brow at this but agrees readily enough.
âYou know, if you just told me where weâre going, I could easily poof us there,â Emma says as Killian leads his mare out of her stall. He chuckles.
âCall me old fashioned, but I prefer this method of travel better,â Killian teases and Emma huffs. âTrust me, youâll enjoy it,â He continues. âShall we?â
Emma hoists herself up behind him and he can hear the smile in her voice when she speaks. âLead the way, then.â
They ride away and to a meadow Killian had discovered a few years ago blooming with middlemist roses. Emma lets out an audible gasp when they arrive and dismounts from the horse, looking around in wonder. Killian grins in triumph.
â Wow . Killian, this is-itâs beautiful ,â she says, awed. âIt doesnât look quite real.â
âThereâs still beauty in the world, Emma,â Killian says. He takes her hand in his, interlacing their fingers together as he leads her out into the field. âAll you have to do is look for it.â
Emma smiles at him gratefully. âThank you. For bringing me here, I mean.â
âYouâre most welcome,â Killian bends to pluck a flower and moves closer to Emma, tenderly tucking it behind her ear. Her cheeks flush, the same pale pink of the middlemist rose. â Lovely ,â He murmurs, gently stroking her face; her eyes falling half-shut at the caress.
They remain there in silence for a while, standing far closer than is appropriate and Killian takes Emmaâs hand again.
âIâm afraid,â she says suddenly and Killian glances down at her, his brow creasing in confusion.
âOf what?â
âOf facing my parents,â Emma says softly, barely a whisper. âI donât want them to see what Iâve turned into. A monster .â
Killian flinches at the self loathing in her voice and squeezes her hand tighter. âYouâre not a monster, Emma.â
She shakes her head. âYou donât know. The things Iâve done, Killian-â
âI donât need to know,â he says firmly. âI see you . The woman who saved my brother when he lay at deathâs door. Who healed my wound without a secondâs thought in the forest. Who saved me from the Black Knight that tried to kill me.â
When Emma says nothing, Killian continues, determined to get her to see what he does. âAfter all of that, how could you call yourself a monster? Youâre not. And your family will see that, too.â
âHow can you be so sure?â
âBecause theyâre your family and theyâll always love you, no matter what youâve done.â
Emma meets his gaze, tilting her head to one side. âYou sound like youâre speaking from experience.â
Killian nods. âIâve done a lot of foolish things, Emma. When Milah died, I was consumed by rage and hatred for the Evil Queen. I tried to seek revenge, but it only resulted in endangering Liam and Belle. Yet, after all that, they forgave me.â
âThis is different, though.â
âIt doesnât matter. They will forgive you.â
Emma nods shakily. Suddenly, she says,
âMerlinâs spell books. I was lying to you about why I wanted them.â
âAye, I gathered as much.â
âIâmâŚhoping to destroy the darkness.â
Killian looks at her in shock and she continues. âI know that the darkness was first born in Camelot, and that Merlin had something to do with it. Thatâs why I wanted the books.â
âBecause you think he might have a way to destroy it,â Killian guesses.
âYeah. I think I might have had a breakthrough, but thereâs still a lot more to be done.â
âYouâll do it,â The conviction in his voice makes her look up at him in surprise.
âYou think so?â
âIâve yet to see you fail.â
Emma says nothing, seemingly at a loss for words. She simply holds his gaze, her green eyes brighter than ever.
Then she pulls him closer, pressing their joined hands to his chest as she kisses him.
Killian stills in shock for a moment, before closing his eyes and responding in kind. The kiss is sweet and tender, tasting like gratitude and affection. Emma sweeps her tongue over his lips and he lets out a soft sigh of pleasure, opening for her.
When they have to part for breath, Killian moves to kiss her cheeks, the curve of her jaw, the hollow of her throat. He canât get enough of her, Killian thinks, as he presses an open mouthed kiss to her pulse point, teeth scraping over skin. Emma lets out a little, keening moan at his ministrations and drags him up to kiss her again.
â Emma ,â Killian murmurs against her lips. If there was any doubt before, it has all vanished. He knows what this is. âEmma, I-â
âShh,â she interrupts, cutting him off with a kiss. Killian groans against her mouth, cradling the back of her head as he pulls her into him.
â Later ,â Emma promises, pressing a kiss against his jaw. Killian struggles for a moment before giving in.
âFine. Later, then.â
The next day, they prepare to leave Camelot by the early light of dawn.
Belle is to remain behind, and Emma watches from the sidelines as she says goodbye to Liam and Killian. Belle hugs Killian fiercely, murmuring something in his ear that makes him flush in embarrassment before releasing him. Emma idly wonders what it is. She doesnât feel jealous, knowing quite well that Belle has eyes only for the older of the brothers and even if she didnât, from what happened the previous night, Emma has it on pretty good authority that Killianâs feelings for herself go way beyond platonic.
â Emma, I- â
There was no doubting as to what he was going to say. It scares Emma, but also leaves her with unspeakable joy, warmth flooding her at the thought that Killian is capable of loving her despite what she is.
But there are more important things to worry about.
Like the war. And the Evil Queen. And her family.
A low murmur ripples through the air and Emma glances up to see that Belle has shocked the entire crowd waiting to see them off, and the army, by pulling Liam into a fervent kiss. Emma canât help but grin at the sight.
Liam seems just as shocked, but returns it with equal fervor.
Killian is grinning like the Cheshire Cat at the sight.
Then they ride away from Camelot, the mood becoming somber once more at the reminder of the grim battle ahead.
Misthaven is in chaos.
Now that the Evil Queen has taken over the castle, the common people donât seem to be satisfied with sitting back and waiting for the battle to be over. They have joined it, instead, fighting against the Queenâs knights ruthlessly, wielding pitchforks and axes. Although the Black Knights are well versed in combat as compared to the peasants, they are hopelessly outnumbered.
The army of Camelot waits at the border, awaiting Liamâs orders.
âItâs clear that the Queen has employed most of her army in eliminating the rogue warriors outside the castle,â Killian begins.
âWhich means the castle will be left unprotected,â Emma finishes. âWe can sneak in, rescue my parents and take the Queen by surprise. The rest of the soldiers can take out her army, so sheâll be left defenseless. â
âExcept for her magic,â Liam points out.
âI think youâre forgetting that you have an extremely powerful sorceress on your side,â Emma says dryly. âLeave Regina to me. Iâll deal with her. She has a lot to answer for.â
Yes, you can finally kill her , the darkness suggests.
No oneâs killing anyone, Emma retorts inwardly. Get out of my head.
And much to her astonishment, the darkness retreats.
Emma doesnât dwell on it, returning to the discussion. âThere are underground passages that lead into the dungeons. I can guide you through them. Regina has most likely imprisoned my family there.â
Liam thinks it over for a minute before nodding. âSounds like a plan. Iâll go give the soldiers their orders.â
He walks away and Emma is about to follow, but is stopped by Killian.
âWait, love.â
âWhat is it?â
In response, Killian tugs a chain over his head, one that she hasnât noticed before, except for the previous night, because itâs always hidden beneath his clothes. Thereâs a beautiful ring attached to it, silver with a crimson stone set in the metal. Emmaâs breath catches.
âYouâre not gonna get down on one knee, are you?â she jokes weakly. Killian doesnât smile, looking solemn.
âThis ring belonged to Liam,â He begins. âGiven to him by our father. Liam gave it to me when he became King. Itâs whatâs kept me alive, all these years.â
Emma glances up at him sharply.
Killian presses it into her palm, curling her fingers over it. âI want you to have it, love.â
âI canât die today, Killian,â Emma says gently. âIâm immortal.â
Killian exhales. âThe Dark One is immortal. But the strong, brave lass I know- you arenât. Keep it, Emma.â
âWhat will protect you, then?â Emma asks.
Killian grins at her. âI have you by my side, love. What more protection do I need?â
Overcome by emotion, Emma leans into him, pressing her forehead to his, shutting her eyes. In a few minutes, they go into battle, to face possible death.
But for now, they can have this.
I love you , Emma thinks, but doesnât dare to say it aloud.
The underground passage leading to the dungeons is exactly as Emma remembers and she guides Liam and Killian through the twisting, maze-like pathways with little difficulty. There are a few of the Queenâs guards stationed there, much to their surprise, but Emma makes short work of them, knocking them unconscious with her magic.
Liam looks impressed. âNice work, milady.â
Emma nods in thanks and hides a grin. Liamâs opinion of her has bettered considerably and she canât say sheâs disliking it too much.
Everything abruptly goes to hell then, as the sound of running reaches their ears and before they can react, or do anything, a dark haired man rounds the corner, catching hold of Killian and holding a knife to his throat.
âKillian!â Liam draws his sword, but the man presses the knife hard enough to draw blood.
âDonât even think about it,â he warns. Emma snarls wordlessly, raising her hand to dispose of him, when something makes her pause.
The man looks strangely familiar, his defiant glare and the blue of his eyes tugging at a long lost memory.
Then he looks at her and lets out a cry.
âEmma?!â
And thatâs when Emma instantly knows.
âLeo?â she croaks out, her eyes watering. Leo promptly lets go of Killian and runs to her, embracing her tightly. Tears flow down Emmaâs cheeks as she hugs him back. Itâs her little brother, whoâs all grown up now.
âGods, Emma,â he mutters into her hair. âWe thought you were dead.â
âI know. Iâm sorry.â
Leo pulls back to take a good look at her. âWhat happened to you, Emma?â
Terror seizes her, she knows that this is the moment of truth. But thereâs no point lying now. She canât .
âBecause theyâre your family and theyâll always love you, no matter what youâve done.â
The memory of Killianâs words gives her a boost of courage and she swallows before answering.
âI turned into the Dark One,â Emma says steadily. âRumplestiltskin, he tricked me into thinking he murdered you and I-â
âOh, Emma.â
And then Leo is hugging her once more and Emma cries again, because Killian was right and he doesnât hate her, and-
âYouâre all grown up now,â Emma says with a half laugh, half sob. Leo snorts, drawing away.
âItâs been ten years, sis.â he glances at Killian and Liam and frowns. âBut who are they?â
The brothers, who had been watching the reunion in silence (Killian smiling proudly all through it) look at each other before Liam answers.
âIâm King Liam of Camelot. And this is Killian, my brother.â
Leoâs eyes widen and he lets out a sheepish laugh. âOh, youâre our allies. My apologies, I thought you were part of the Queenâs army.â
âSpeaking of,â Emma says anxiously. âWhere are Mom and Dad?â
Leo sobers. âRegina captured them. I managed to get away, thankfully, and Iâm here looking for them.â
âSo are we.â
âThere are more Black Knights stationed further in the dungeons, guarding them.â
âNot a problem,â Emma says, her eyes hard. âI can take them out. Are there any more in the castle?â
âYeah, but not many,â Leo replies.
Emma nods and turns to Killian and Liam. âYou two should go take care of the rest of the knights. Leo and I will find my parents and after that, Iâll go face Regina.â
Killian looks upset at the idea. âEmma-â
â Please ,â Emma says quietly. âThis is something I have to do.â
Killian holds her gaze for a long moment before nodding. âAlright.â
âLetâs be off then,â Liam says. âYou stay safe, milady.â
Emma grins and nods. But before they go, Killian hastily turns to pull her into a lingering kiss. Forgetting about their audience, Emma clings to him desperately, tears burning at her eyes.
âCome home to me,â she murmurs against his lips when they part.
Itâs not quite an I love you , but it will do for now.
âI will.â Killian vows.
And like that, heâs gone.
âWhat was all of that about?â Leo demands as they run further into the dungeons.
âShut up,â is all Emma says, but sheâs smiling, clutching at the chain around her neck.
The Black Knights guarding the cell Emmaâs parents are trapped in barely get a warning before she knocks them unconscious with a blast of her magic. Leo whistles, impressed.
Snow and David come running to the bars and when they see Emma, expressions of pure shock appear on their faces.
â Emma? â Snow breathes, as if barely able to believe what sheâs seeing.
Emma melts the bars with a wave of her hand and then sheâs running into her parents arms, the tears coming back in full force as her mother tackles her into a bear hug and her father cradles the back of her head, kissing her forehead tenderly. Leo joins the embrace, slinging his arm over Emmaâs shoulders.
âWe thought you were dead,â David whispers brokenly. Emma nods guiltily.
âIâm so sorry,â she says and then recounts her tale again.
When Emma finishes, her parents are crying as they pull her to them again.
âWeâre so sorry we werenât there for you, Emma,â Snow murmurs, clinging to her daughter like she might disappear any moment.
Emma shakes her head. âIt was my fault for not seeking you out before. I just-â her voice breaks. âI was so afraid that youâd despise me,â she confesses.
Snow cups her cheeks in her hands. âEmma, you are our daughter,â she says firmly. âNever think for a moment that we do not love you.â
When their tears have been dried, David finally asks,
âDid you come here by yourself?â
âNo, she came with Camelotâs army,â Leo says wryly.
âCamelot?â Snow questions. âI know theyâre our allies, but how on earth did you get affiliated with them?â
âItâs a long story,â Emma says quickly. âWe really donât have the time-â
âYou could at least tell them that youâre engaged,â Leo butts in. Emma splutters and Davidâs face turns purple.
âEngaged?!â He demands, outraged. Emma tosses her brother a furious glare.
âWeâre not engaged! Where did you even get that idea?â
âWhatâs the ring around your neck for, then?â
âWhat it is , is none of your business,â Emma retorts smartly. âKillian-â
Snow gasps loudly. â Killian ? The Prince of Camelot is courting you?â
âWeâre not courting,â Emma says defensively. âAnd anyway, donât we have more important things to discuss right now? Like ending this war once and for all?â
Her parents sober up instantly at that. âRight, of course,â David says. âWhatâs your plan, Emma?â
âIâm going up against Regina,â Before they can protest, Emma holds up a hand. âIâm not taking no for an answer. We all know that Iâm the only one capable of facing her right now.â
âWe can be back up,â Snow argues, but Emma disagrees.
âLiam and Killian will need help with the rest of the Black Knights. You three can to that. Iâm facing Regina alone.â
Snow and David clearly realize that thereâs no point arguing with her, and sigh and relent.
âBe careful,â David says softly.
Emma smiles. âAlways am.â
âThatâs all, I think,â Killian says as he pulls his sword out of the body of the last knight, grimacing at the blood that coats the steel. Next to him, Liam nods, exhausted.
âAye. What now?â
Before Killian can reply, they hear the sound of footsteps and swing around. A tall woman with steel grey hair, dressed in black, with a wicked smirk on her face strides into the hallway.
The Evil Queen.
âYou,â Killian snarls and Liam holds him back, just barely.
âHello, little prince,â Regina mocks, but her smile disappears when she sees Liam, angry confusion replacing it. âHow are you-you should be dead-â
âUnfortunately for you, Iâm not,â Liam says with a grim smile. âPerhaps this time youâll fight fair, Your Majesty.â
âOh, how naĂŻve of you,â Regina practically purrs. âI never fight fair.â
Before Liam can blink, she snaps her fingers and suddenly he is bound by an invisible force, unable to budge an inch. Regina moves towards Killian swiftly and plunges her hand into his chest. He lets out a cry of pain, his head slumping forward.
âNo!â Liam shouts in panic, desperately fighting against his bonds.
But before Regina can rip Killianâs heart out, a shockwave of magic pulses through the room and the Queen is thrown to the floor. Killian gasps in relief, clutching at his chest and then looks upwards.
Itâs Emma.
She walks towards Regina, eyes black with anger, the air around her crackling with magic, looking like an avenging angel ready to destroy whatever stands in her path.
Regina looks up at her, eyes narrowing in uncertainty. âWho are-â
âYou shouldâve done your research first, Regina,â Emma says coldly. âThen maybe you wouldâve known better than to touch what is mine .â
The possessiveness of her tone sends a sharp thrill through Killian.
Regina stands up, studying her carefully. âYouâre the Dark One, arenât you? Rumple-â
âI killed him, ten years ago.â
âWho are you?â
Emma bares her teeth. âGuess.â
Recognition dawns over Regina. âYouâre Snowâs daughter, arenât you,â her face twists in a sneer. âWell, well. I do wonder how your mother took the news of her daughter going dark.â
Emma ignores her taunts. âIâm not here to talk, Regina. Iâm here to defeat you, so letâs get on with it.â
Regina snorts. âPlease. You might be the Dark One but I can tell you never bothered training your magic. Youâre no match for me.â
âWell then, letâs test that theory, shall we?â
Without further warning, Emma draws back her hands and emits twin bolts of grey light, sending them straight towards Regina. The older woman stumbles back, but quickly regains her footing, conjuring fireballs to throw at Emma.
Emma dodges them nimbly, the last one singeing her hair, but she barely flinches at it, attacking again.
The fight continues like this for what seem like hours to Killian but in reality are only a few minutes. Regina begins to get visibly tired, her earlier boasts falling flat as the Dark Oneâs magic proves to be superior to hers. Hope flares brightly in Killianâs chest, thinking that they might win.
But he thought too soon.
âYouâre good, Dark One,â Regina sneers between pants. âBut you made a mistake.â
Emma raises a brow.
âYou revealed your weakness.â
And before Emma can do anything, Regina swings around, and sends a greenish-black bolt of magic towards Killian. It hits him squarely in the chest and he collapses to the ground.
The last sounds he hears are Emma and Liamâs panicked voices calling his name before everything fades to darkness.
âNo! What have you done?!â
Emma gazes at Killianâs unmoving body in horror. Her magic threatens to fly out of control again, pure fear coursing through her veins.
Regina chuckles and thrusts her hand out and suddenly, Emma crashes into the wall. She slumps down on the floor, raising her hand gingerly to the blood that flows down her forehead.
âI may not be able to kill you, but I can at least incapacitate you,â Regina says, stalking over to Emma. At that moment, Snow and David enter the scene, but neither women notice them.
Emma pushes herself up with some difficulty. âDonât get ahead of yourself, Regina,â She waves her hand and blasts her back, and before the Queen can stand again, restrains her with magic.
âYou canât run now,â Emma snarls, towering over the woman.
Regina laughs mockingly. âAre you going to kill me?â
Yes, the darkness insists. Make her suffer for all that she has done.
âYour parents will despise you, you know,â Regina continues. âThey do so hate the idea of killing. And youâre the exact same. Dark One or not, you wonât do it.â
Do it, the darkness commands, itâs voice rising to a high shriek. Donât go back to being nothing .
âYouâre nothing,â Regina hisses. âYouâll never be able to protect them. Any of them.â
Something in Emma snaps. The weight of the ring against her chest burns and all the memories of being too weak to fight the darkness, of losing control wash over her, and-
âI am not nothing!â Emma growls , her hands clenching into fists until her knuckles turn white. âI was never nothing! I donât need to kill you to prove a point. I will never turn into what you are. I amstronger than you ever will be!â
Emma reaches into her pocket and pulls out a black leather cuff. Regina glances at it, and her eyes widen in fear.
âI wonât kill you,â Emma says. âBut I will make sure you never hurt anyone again.â
And in a swift motion, she clamps the cuff over Reginaâs wrist.
Abruptly, the magic holding Liam down vanishes and he stumbles forward. Emma backs away from Regina and into the arms of her parents and Leo.
âYou did it, Emma,â Snow praises. âOh, weâre so proud of you.â
Emma gives her a weak, watery smile and then glances at Killian, her eyes widening. She runs to him, kneeling beside his prone form.
âWhatâs going on?â Emma looks up frantically at Liamâs stricken face. âAll of Reginaâs spells were cancelled, he shouldâve woken up, too.â
She reaches over to feel his pulse and itâs like a punch to the gut when thereâs nothing.
â No,â Emma whispers. Behind her, her parents are murmuring sympathies, but she ignores it, shaking him desperately.
âKillian, please,â she begs. âPlease, come back to me.â
âCanât you do anything?â Liam demands, his voice shaking. âYour magic-â
âI donât even know whatâs wrong with him.â Emma says brokenly.
Thereâs a terrible pain eating at her heart, so dreadful, that Emma can barely hold herself up, slumped over Killianâs body; her breaths coming out in heaving pants.
She never told him she loved him .
The thought just sends a fresh wave of agony through her and Emma sobs like she never has before, clutching at the lapels of his coat as she begs him to come back to her.
âI love you,â Emma whispers and as a last, desperate resort, she presses her lips to his.
For a moment, nothing happens.
Then a wave of pure love rushes through her, nearly knocking her over. Emma barely has the time to register to startled gasps of the others before her vision turns a dazzling white, light magic swirling around her.
When she opens her eyes again, the darkness is gone and Killian wakes with a gasp.
Itâs a flood of warmth and magic that jerks Killian into wakefulness, his eyes flying open as he gasps for breath. He sees Emma immediately and lets out a low cry of surprise.
The silver of her hair has turned to gold, silky waves that spill down her shoulders and chest. The black dress sheâd worn previously has transformed into garments of pure white.
She looks like an angel .
âEmma,â Killian breathes, reaching up to cup her cheek. She lets out a little, relieved cry, tears spilling down her cheeks.
âKillian,â Emma says. âI-I thought you were-â
âIâm fine, darling,â He reassures her immediately. âI didnât mean to make you worry,â Killian sits up, gazing at her in wonder. âWha-What happened?â
Emma looks down at herself, then, as if not having noticed her transformation before. Her voice shakes when she speaks.
âThe darkness,â Emma whispers in awe. âItâs gone .â
âGone?â Killian repeats. âHow?â
âTrue Loveâs kiss,â Emma realizes. âWhen I kissed you, it broke the curse, and-â
The breath flies out of Killianâs lungs. âTrue love?â he croaks.
Emma meets his gaze and smiles, gently brushing her knuckles over his cheek. âI love you,â she says simply. âIâm sorry I didnât say it before, I-â
Killian doesnât let her finish, pulling her into her arms, burying his face in her hair. âI love you, too,â He says, his voice muffled. âAnd you have nothing to apologize for, my love.â
Emma wraps her arms around him tightly, holding to him as if she fears heâll disappear any moment. âI didnât need Merlinâs help to defeat the darkness, in the end,â she says, sounding awed. âI didnât even need Excalibur. All I needed to do was open my heart to love.â
Killian chuckles, drawing away. âI told you youâd do it, Emma.â
Emma laughs, a pure, delighted sound before she pulls him into a kiss. And this time, when Killian kisses her, it feels like coming home and the darkness and walls which separated them have finally been vanquished.
When she releases him, Liam embraces him, calling him a âbloody idiotâ and ordering him to never nearly get himself killed like that again.
(âIâm the King, you know. You have to obey my orders.â âWhatever you say, brother.â)
Emma is in the arms of her family, all of them laughing and crying at the same time as they cling to each other. Snow then moves to hug Killian and Liam, thanking them profusely for their help. David shakes Killianâs hand, thanking him gruffly for ridding Emma of the darkness. In the background, Leo elbows Emma slyly and she scowls at him in response.
When Camelotâs army comes back, victorious and Regina is locked away in the dungeons, Emma turns to Killian, grinning brightly.
âIâm glad I met you, Killian,â she says, brushing her lips against the corner of his mouth. Killian turns so he can kiss her properly, relishing in the sound of her pleased moan when his tongue slides over hers.
He breaks away, and rests his forehead against hers.
âIâm glad I met you, too, love.â
Fin
















