A/N: Trick or Treat! lol. Happy Halloween! This is it, guys. We've reached the end, and it makes me kind of sad to end this. I just want to thank everyone who has given this story a chance and who has stuck with it. I'm a fan of all things supernatural so I had to combine it with SQ. I couldn't help myself. I'm so glad that you guys enjoyed it because I had so much fun writing it! :) I even scared myself a few times. lol.

Btw, Anastasia as in the Red Queen from OUATIW. I always use her when I need to give Cora a third daughter because IMO, she would have fit right in with Cora's girls.

Warnings for more violence, suicide, and MAJOR character deaths.

Also, the flashbacks are switched from Emma's to Arden's.

Sorry for the mistakes. I own nothing.

Enjoy the last part of this story.

Chapter Six

She walked down the hallway, her leather boots hitting and squeaking against the marble floors. She passed two other knights who she knew were Princess Zelena and Princess Anastasia's guards. The three, four-including Cora's personal guard-are always the last to turn in. She dipped her head and noticed them grinning at her. Arden furrowed her brow but said nothing. She was tired, and she wasn't in the mood to get into it with them. She continued to her room, ready to turn in for the night. She had just left Regina for the evening and was missing her already. Her love was a bit clingy that evening, but she didn't particularly mind spending extra time with her. In fact, it was the perfect ending to her day. Any time with her princess is well spent.

She stopped in front of her chambers and pushed the door open. It surprised her to find the room already lit with candles. The small room that comprised a regular-sized bed which was a cot originally, but Regina believed that Arden deserved the best so, she had a real bed put in. A bedside table, wardrobe and a table with a chair where Arden did her reading. She was pleasantly surprised to find Regina standing at the desk with a smile as bright as the candles. There, in front of her was a huge chocolate cake.

"Since it is your birthday, I thought we could celebrate," Regina said as an adorable blush colored her cheeks. She shrugged softly. "You told me that you never had a celebration for your birthday and I thought that was unfair. If anyone deserves a cake, it's you."

Arden's heart swelled. She's never had anyone think of her that way. Growing up on the streets as a child, no one cared about her, more or less her birthday. She just stood there with her mouth agape as Regina gazed into her eyes. She didn't know what to say. She didn't know how to respond. Regina took the time out of her night to do something so caring and kind. It warmed her heart. It was overwhelming but in the best way. Ever since she met Regina, the princess had been changing her life and brightening her world. This was just a small part of it.

Regina suddenly looked awkward and her eyes fell to the floor as she fidgeted. "It's not... I thought chocolate was your favorite but if you prefer vanilla we can do that." She began explaining, still avoiding her eyes. "Or pie. Would you prefer pie?" she asked as her eyes wandered back up to Arden's.

Arden shook her head and charged across the room. Her heart was racing, and she felt warmth throughout her whole body. At that moment she fell deeper in love with Regina and she didn't even know that was possible. Regina gasped when Arden stepped into her personal space and took her face into her hands. Regina giggled as Arden held her face and leaned in. Their lips met in a rough kiss. Regina kissed her back with equal enthusiasm. The kiss was fire within itself. Like their relationship, which was full of so much passion.

Arden pulled away so they could catch their breath. She pressed her forehead to Regina's. "That's why all the other Knights were grinning like a bunch of idiots."

Regina chuckled. "They saw me come in here with the servant."

Arden chuckled too. "They're probably so jealous right now."

Regina smirked. "Why? Because you have a princess in your chambers?"

Arden wrinkled her nose. "No, because my love made me a cake." They shared a smile. "Oh, and I have a gorgeous princess in my chambers."

Regina laughed. "Hmmm..." She reached up and her hand settled on the back of Arden's neck. "I expect them to be more jealous of your cake."

Arden laughed. "Oh, they should be." She looked over at the cake. It was perfect and she could smell the rich chocolate. It made her stomach growl and her mouth water. It looked delicious. "I'm jealous of that cake. I want to be that cake."

Regina snorted and her eyes met Arden's as she smirked. "If you want me to eat you, all you had to do was say so."

Arden snickered. "You are so naughty."

"Only for you," Regina said with the most adorable smile.

Arden nodded. "I know."

Regina smiled at her. "Do you really like your cake?"

Arden looked surprised by the question. "Of course I do."

Regina's smile grew, and she pulled away from her for a moment. She reached behind herself and grabbed something from the desk. She brought her hand around but her palm was closed. Arden raised a brow and smirked.

"What do you have there, sweetheart?" She asked curiously.

"A gift," Regina said coyly.

Arden grinned. "Let me have it then."

"What do you say?" Regina asked with a giggle.

The knight raised a brow. "Please."

Regina giggled and opened her palm. There was a golden chain with a round pendant hanging from it. Regina used her other hand to hold it up so that the pendant was dangling. It was so beautiful and Arden's heart did something akin to a somersault.

Regina leaned over and began snapping the necklace closed around her neck. Arden touched it as Regina pulled away. It was a round piece of gold and a swan was engraved into it. They loved swans so much that they would go down to the lake and watch them.

Regina bit her lip with a smile. "You look so pretty."

Arden grinned. "Pretty?" she asked with a raised brow. She appreciated the compliment, but pretty was not how she would describe herself.

Regina returned the grin. "Beautiful, breathtaking."

"That's better." She whispered as she leaned in for another kiss. Their lips met briefly before she was pulling away again. "Thank you."

Regina smiled brightly. "You're very welcome, my love."

Arden pushed the cake over to the opposite end of the table. Regina watched on and furrowed her brow. She turned back to Arden to catch the smile the knight was giving her. Arden said nothing but placed her hands on Regina's hips and lifted her in one swift movement. Regina let out a little yelp that led into a giggle as she was placed on the desk. Her legs automatically spread for Arden to step between them.

The energy in the room shifted from light and playful to hot and heavy. Neither of them minded though. Regina fisted her hands in the leather of Arden's vest.

Arden leaned in close and brushed her lips against Regina's warm waiting ones but she didn't kiss her. "You're the best birthday gift though," she whispered against her mouth.

Regina giggled and wrapped her arms around Arden's neck, pulling her closer. "Happy birthday." She muttered before she closed the distance between them and kissed her knight deeply.

2:17 am

"Emma..." She heard Graham's voice in her mind and felt his hand shaking her shoulder. She opened her eyes slowly. She figured that sleeping would help the time pass, but she should have stayed awake.

"What's up?" She asked rubbing her eyes. Hoping that Graham had found a way out.

"You need to see this." He said. His expression was grim. Emma was immediately set on edge. She stood up and followed Graham over to the chair. Lily was sitting there still sobbing. She had her back to them. They stopped and stood behind her. "Lift it."

Lily turned around and lifted her shirt, exposing her back to them. Emma gasped at what she saw. There, carved into Lily's back was the word, 'Welcome'. Emma felt light-headed and sick. She placed a hand on Graham's shoulder to balance herself. "What the fuck?!" she screamed.

"I shouldn't have fallen asleep," Graham stated, shaking his head. "It's my fault."

Emma squeezed his arm. She hated seeing him like this. "If it's anyone's fault, it's mine. I brought you guys here." She whispered and shook her head. "I am so sorry."

"We came because we wanted to," Lily said softly.

Emma sighed. "We gotta get out of here."

Something came in there and carved Lily's back up. They can't stay there. They are not safe anywhere.

There was a loud crash, and the room went completely dark. Graham grabbed a flashlight and shined it on the lamp. It was crashed and shattered to the ground. Emma groaned as Graham handed her a flashlight. She was right.

"Let's try to leave again," Emma suggested. She would rather take her chances out there than wait in that room like sitting ducks. Graham and Lily nodded. "Leave our stuff."

Lily nodded and got to her feet. Graham led them towards the door. He cracked it open and peaked out. He was obviously checking for Zelena or the angry knight. After a moment he looked back and waved them ahead. Emma took the step out behind him then reached for Lily. She took her hand and the three of them crept into the hallway. They moved as quickly as they could without being too noisy. They came to where the staircase should have been and froze. Killian was no longer there and Emma was thankful for that. She couldn't look at him, but there was something else missing.

"Where are the stairs?" Lily cried hysterically. In all honesty, Emma would have been as well if she could, but her friends were depending on her to get them out of there in one piece. She had to keep a leveled head. "Where is Killian?" She asked looking around the floor.

"I don't know." Emma sighed. "We just need to keep moving." She turned and continued down the hallway and for the first time, just ahead they met a dead end. "What the..." Emma said as she stared at the dark wall. There was more to that hallway. She was positive. Lily stepped around her and stood next to her.

"How?" She asked quietly. She hit the wall with her fist. "I just wanna go home!" she cried.

"It's okay," Emma said gently. She went to place her hand on her friend's shoulder but a voice caused her to jump.

"It's not okay." The voice echoed. They turned, following the chilling sound. They all gasped and scrambled back. There, with her back turned to them, stood a girl. She was in a silk pink dress, her face was facing the corner and her head was down. Emma felt the chill again. "Nothing will ever be okay again." The girl whispered.

Emma just knew that something horrible was about to happen. She could feel it in her bones. The girl turned around. Her face was like Zelena's but she didn't roar. Instead, she opened her mouth and screamed. A horrid scream that Emma felt in her soul. Her hands shot to her ears. It felt like her head would explode. She grabbed Lily's hand, and they turned to run but a shadow hand, the size of their bodies shot from the darkness and wrapped around Lily's body. The woman screamed and began wriggling to get free as it squeezed her. Emma tried to hold onto her friend but it was stronger than she was.

Lily's frightened eyes stared into hers. "Emma please, don't let go. I don't want to die." She pleaded. Her voice was raw and her lip was trembling. Emma tugged with all of her strength. She looked over at Graham to see him trying to subdue the girl with the cross. He didn't even see what was happening.

"I got you, Lily. Just hold on." She looked around for something to grab onto but there was nothing. She looked back at Graham in time to see the girl slap the cross out of his hand. She growled at him and leaped back against the wall. Emma saw her face finally, and she gasped. It was Anastasia. "Graham!"

Graham looked at her then back at Anastasia. She didn't look ready to kill them so he abandoned her and came over to help them. Emma felt her body being pulled to the wall. She tried to plant her feet but the force pulling her was too powerful. Her sneakers scraped across the floor. Graham came and grabbed Lily's arm. She frantically held onto them begging them to hold on to her.

A powerful tug caused Emma and Graham to lose their grip on Lily. Her hand slipped out of Emma's and her arm was pulled out of Graham's hand.

"No!" Emma screamed and reached for her friend again. Their fingers brushed but before she could grab her again, the hand retreated taking her friend with it. Lily disappeared into the shadows. Her screams stopping immediately. "No! Lily!" Emma cried. She looked over and noticed that Anastasia had taken her leave as well. Both girls were gone. Emma ran to the wall and began feeling around. She couldn't find anything, a passage, a hole, nothing. Tears sprung to her eyes and ran down her cheeks. "Lily." She choked out as she banged her fists on the wall. "Give her back, you asshole!" She screamed.

"Shhhh..." Graham said and wrapped his arms around her. "She's gone. I'm sorry but we have to go."

"Go where?" Emma asked shortly. "We can't get out of this place!" she pulled away from him.

"Back to the room." He said calmly. "We can't stay out here." She let him grab her hand, and they began jogging back to the room. He was right. They were sitting ducks there but then again, the room wasn't safe either. The broken lamp and Lily's back are proof of that. She wanted to go somewhere she felt safe. They entered the sitting room, but she grabbed Lily's camera while Graham grabbed a couple of waters from the cooler. She checked to see that it was charged and powered it on.

After watching Graham shove another cross into his pocket and a tiny bottle of holy water, she marched over to him and grabbed his hand. She began dragging him across the room to Regina's bedroom door. She turned the knob and dragged him inside. This is the only place she ever remembered feeling safe other than in Regina's arms.

"What are we..." He asked, but Emma crossed her arms over her chest and began pacing. He closed the door behind them quietly.

They heard laughter and growls outside of the door. Emma stopped pacing and turned towards it.

"Where are you?" They heard Zelena singsong. "Come out, come out, wherever you are." She called. There was an echoing cackle. Emma looked at Graham with wide eyes and a small whimper escaped her lips. She's never seen him look so scared either. His face was pale and his curly hair was stuck to his sweaty forehead. He raised a finger to his lips. She nodded and covered her mouth. They both waited for her to barge into the room and kill them like Neal. She could hear her own heartbeat and tears began running down her cheeks. She held her breath as if her breathing would give them away. Her lungs started to burn.

After a moment the sound faded away, and she was gone. Emma inhaled, greedily filling her lungs with air.

"Graham." She whispered, and he looked at her. "We can't... I can't let you die here. I promise I will get you out of here."

"Emma..." He sighed. "I know."

Emma nodded. She knew what she needed. Who, rather.

"Regina," Emma whispered into the room. "I really need you right now." Her voice broke. "Please help me. I'm scared." She plopped down onto the bed and ran her fingers through her hair. She didn't know if she would survive. She just knew that she needed to see Regina one last time.

Regina entered the room through a wall. Graham froze and reached into his pocket for the cross. Regina didn't even acknowledge the man as she walked across the room and knelt before Emma, placing a gentle hand on her knee. Emma looked down into her soft brown eyes. "Are you alright?" Regina asked gently.

Emma shook her head. She was so relieved to see Regina. "No. I'm scared."

Regina nodded. She reached up and wiped Emma's tears away with her thumb. "I'm so sorry. I thought if you left you would be okay."

"We tried," Emma whispered. She reached for Regina's hand and Regina automatically latched onto it, squeezing. "We got lost and then three of our friends were killed."

Regina's lips parted and her brows furrowed. "I am so sorry. I shouldn't have..." she began shaking her head.

Emma placed her hand on Regina's cheek. "You were scared, and you needed me to protect you." She stroked her skin with her thumb. "You did nothing wrong. It's this place. I came to help you. I will save you, I promise."

Regina smiled softly. "I've gone this long. What's important is that you live."

Emma opened her mouth to argue but Graham interrupted,

"Is the castle changing?" Graham asked, cutting into the conversation.

Regina turned around sharply. She shot to her feet when she saw the cross in his fist and her eyes darkened. Graham took a step back and held it up. Regina leaned back then she set her jaw. Her mouth opened wide, and she roared at him. Emma flinched. She really didn't like seeing Regina that way. Before Regina could lunge at him, Emma stood to her feet and wrapped her arms around her. "Regina." She grunted in surprise as the woman struggled against her, growling in an animalistic manner. "Regina, he is my friend. The only one I have left."

Regina appeared to calm then and relaxed in Emma's arms. She turned to Emma and her face had returned to normal. She had on a sympathetic expression. "Oh."

"Your sisters killed everyone else," Emma explained.

Regina stopped and looked Emma square in the eye. "Really?"

Emma nodded. She couldn't understand the confusion on Regina's face. It's more than obvious that her sisters had killed people. They were evil just like Cora.

"It's not them," Regina whispered. "Mother is making them do it."

Emma frowned. "What do you mean?"

"She controls everything here. The castle, the spirits. All of it."

That made sense. Cora was a monster in life so, why would she be any different in death? "We just want to leave," Emma repeated.

Regina nodded. "I can try to help you."

Emma nodded back. "Thank you." She said as she released her.

Regina waved a hand at Graham. "Tell him to lower that. It's hurting me."

Emma nodded. "Graham." She gave him a look. He nodded and put it into his pocket.

"I'm sorry." He said with a shrug. "I just had to be careful."

Regina nodded. "I understand. It just... it weakens me."

"I won't do it again." He explained. Regina nodded and turned back to Emma.

"Are you ready to go home?" She asked with a sad smile. Emma frowned. She didn't want to leave Regina but she couldn't stay there.

"Just a minute." She sat back down on the bed and grabbed the camera. Regina furrowed her brow as she watched her.

"That is a camera," Regina noted and Emma smiled.

"Yes, it is." Emma smiled a little. She remembered the stories of Regina asking people what items were. She's curious like that. Emma turned the camera on her. "Say hello, Gina."

Regina waved at the camera. "Hello."

Emma chuckled a little. "Um.." She turned the camera back on herself. "That was Princess Regina. Yes, The Princess Regina. She's..." She smiled at the girl who was smiling at her. "... the love of my life. I didn't know this. I didn't know anything until I came here. Regina woke me up and I could never thank her enough." She loved the way Regina's eyes sparkled at that. "Anyway, I told you guys that I was being haunted. Well, that's true. Dreams that I now understand are memories, led me here to this castle in El Bosque Encantado, Spain. I didn't know what I would find, but I found my heart." She smiled a little. "It turns out that I am a reincarnation of Regina's lost love Arden, the White Knight. It's like I've been given a second chance." She bit her lip as she looked between Graham and Regina. Part of Emma and part of Arden. Both were equally important to her. "But the reason that I'm really making this video is in case I don't make it out of here. You see, in the past few hours, terrible things have been happening here. We've lost our friends Lily, Neal, and Killian to horrific deaths and a great evil. There is something wrong with this place. It's more than haunted. It's dark. There's an evil here." There was a loud crash and a dark cackle outside the door. Emma sighed. "Look, Graham and I are the only two left. Regina is helping us to escape. In case we don't make it out, I just want you all to know this, do not come here. It is not safe. Don't come looking for us. If we make it, we'll tell the world about it. If we don't, Regina will make sure that Ramon gets this camera and all the others all around." Emma closed her eyes. "I would like to thank everyone who has ever been kind to me and believed in me. My fans and my amazing friends and their families. We did it." She sighed. "We have to go. Wish us luck. This is Emma Swan and Graham from Dark Encounters, signing off."

She lowered the camera and looked up at Regina and Graham. Regina was waiting by the door beside him. They were both listening for anything on the other side of the door. Regina furrowed her brows and nodded to herself.

She looked at Emma and waved her over. "This way. Let's go."

Emma stood from the bed and walked over to them. Regina slipped through the door and Emma saw Graham visibly shiver. "I'm sorry but that creeps me out." He mumbled as he opened the door for Emma. Emma rolled her eyes and handed him the camera. He took it and Emma stepped into the hallway. She shined her flashlight ahead of her.

Regina was standing right there waiting for her. She offered her hand. Emma didn't miss a beat before latching onto it with her own. Graham stood beside her. He pointed his flashlight down the hall. The staircase appeared to still be gone but the dead-end had moved. That was good.

"Okay here goes." Regina sighed. She sounded nervous as well. That wasn't exactly too reassuring.

The muscles in her legs were aching and her lungs were burning from exertion but she pushed through it. She had to get upstairs to her love. She's heard the break-in and the screams. A few of her men had gone to fight, but they all had fallen. It was only her now, and she knew that their enemies were coming. They were coming for the royal family as payback for the things that the wicked Queen had done. The Queen's fate was brought upon herself, but her girls didn't deserve to die. Arden wouldn't allow Regina to die before her time.

She reached the second floor and broke out into a jog, ignoring her straining joints and muscles. She stopped in front of Regina's bedroom. She slowly pushed the door open as if to not frighten her love who was probably already scared by the commotion.

The room was dark and Arden could see the window was open, allowing a breeze in. A bit of moonlight shone on the bed, bathing the young princess in a fluorescent glow. Arden's brows furrowed. She didn't understand how Regina had managed to sleep through all of that. There was so much chaos and mayhem going on downstairs. Why hadn't it frightened her or woken her?

She walked to the bed and knelt beside it. Regina was laying there on her back with her head turned facing Arden. She looked so peaceful, and the knight knew that she could watch Regina sleep forever. But they had to get out of there. They had their whole lives together to do this.

She gently shook Regina's shoulder. "Wake up, Regina." She whispered.

Regina didn't move. She didn't even react. Her body was limp and... No. Arden shook her again and again. She still didn't awake. The knight reached down into her boot and pulled out a small dagger. She held the blade flat, under the girl's nose, waiting for her breath to cloud the clean blade. Nothing. She placed her head on the girl's chest and listened for a heartbeat. Her own heart shattered when she realized that she heard nothing.

"Regina?" She tried. "Please, Regina."

So many ideas were running through her head. What the hell happened? How is she supposed to live without the love of her life?

Tears sprang to her eyes and suddenly her chest felt too tight. She started gasping and clutching at her chest. Her heart felt like it was going to burst through her rib cage. A broken sob escaped her as she kept her eyes on her love's lifeless body. Regina was gone and now she had nothing. That princess was her heart, her soul, her everything and now she's alone.

"Regina, how could you leave me like this?" Arden whispered.

"It's Princess Regina." A familiar voice cut in. Arden followed the sound to the chaise on the opposite side of the room. She squinted as she got a view of Cora in the moonlight as well. "I couldn't tolerate you calling my daughter by her first name without her title."

Arden stood up and placed a hand on her sword. "What happened?" She growled.

Cora shifted. "They were coming for me and my girls. I couldn't allow them to... harm them." She explained. "So I protected them one last time."

Arden's mouth fell open. She couldn't believe what's she was hearing. Protect? "You murdered them." she cried out.

Cora sighed. "I merely put them to sleep. Regina didn't suffer. I smothered her in her sleep."

Arden didn't even want to ask about the other two. "I could have saved her..." She said quietly. "I could have taken her away from here."

"There is no place away from here for my daughter. She is where she belongs." Cora said simply. "She died the way she lived, a princess."

Arden wanted to scream. She wanted to pull Cora's head off. "Murderer!" she shouted.

Cora shrugged. "Perhaps but I am a mother before anything." A shuddering breath escaped her and for the first time, Arden saw all of her. The blood on her white sleep dress, the cuts on her wrists and throat.

"You're going to kill yourself as well," Arden muttered.

Cora nodded. "I am. I will not die by the hands of a peasant." she spat.

Arden looked back at Regina and she felt her soul shrivel into nothing. A tiny part of her was waiting for the girl to wake up, but she knew she wouldn't. She couldn't think. She couldn't... live.

She couldn't live in a world without Regina.

She walked over to the bed and placed a kiss on Regina's forehead. "I love you. I will always love you until my final breath on this earth and then for eternity. I pray that I will see you again. I pray that I will hold you again and hear your voice." She fought back another sob. "We didn't get enough time." She kissed Regina's lips then straightened up. She didn't care that Cora saw. Regina was dead, Cora was dying and soon Arden will be dead as well.

She looked over to find Cora lying on the chaise, lifeless. Her dead eyes were wide open as she stared up at the ceiling. Serves her right. She felt no sympathy for the fallen queen. Arden pulled Regina's blanket up to her neck and tucked her in. She then leaned down and kissed her forehead again.

"Farewell, my love. Until we meet again."

She turned and walked over to the door. She glanced over her shoulder one last time at her love. She looked like she was only sleeping which provided a sliver of peace. At least she didn't suffer too much. With a silent goodbye, she placed her hand on the necklace that Regina had given her hours ago and slipped out of the room. She could hear the shouts of the villagers and she could see the glow of their torches on the walls. Arden knew she had to get out of there before she was seen. She ran back the way she came and down the stairs.

She raced through the hallways and threw the back door open that led into the forest. Her feet wouldn't slow down as she raced towards the trees. She just had to get out of there. She just had to get away from Regina's death and the future they will never have together. She couldn't stay within those walls. She couldn't stay in this world without Regina.

She kept running until she reached a cliff which caused her to come to an abrupt stop. She remembered those days that she and Regina used to sit there and watch the world. There is no world for Arden anymore. There is no tomorrow. There is life no left.

She knew that the only way out was down.

She steadied herself.

"Regina." She whispered. She took the pendant into her hand and kissed it.

Then she shut her eyes and pictured her love in her mind. That smile that was brighter than the morning sky, eyes that twinkled like stars in the night sky. She needed to see it again. She allowed herself to be wrapped in the memories of her love as she leaned forward until she lost her balance and plummeted from the cliff. The air was rushing at her and she felt the air being pulled from her. Everything was moving so quickly. She could see the rocks and the angry ocean below. This was her way out. This was her only reprieve from her misery.

She closed her eyes bracing for impact.

3:47 am

Emma checked her watch. They had been walking for over an hour and Emma's muscles were feeling it. It appears that the corridor had no dead-end but instead was endless. They have been walking straight for a long time without as much as one corner to turn. It stretched on for so long that there were no longer doors, just walls that stretched on forever. Emma felt her knee wobble, and that's when she had enough. She stopped, pulling Regina to a halt with her.

"I'm sorry." Emma sighed. "I have to stop. I'm tired."

Regina nodded and silently led Emma over to a wall. Emma leaned against it and slid down until she was seated on the floor, crossing her legs. She let her head fall back and hit the wall. Regina leaned against the wall with her arms crossed while Graham took a seat beside Emma.

"What is the deal with this place?" Graham asked. Regina glared at him and she looked offended that he would even dare speak to her. Emma smirked. She had no idea why she liked it but she thought it was cute when Regina played the part of the spoiled princess. Regina rolled her eyes and turned away from him.

Emma snorted then cleared her throat because she wanted to know what was going on as well. "Gina, tell me about this place. Why is it like this?"

Regina sighed but kept her eyes straight ahead. "Well, my mother always knew that someone would try to come and conquer her kingdom so she installed a fail-safe if you will." She explained dryly. "My mother is a powerful witch, so she used her powers to cast a curse on the castle before my sisters were even born. The curse ensured that anyone killed around the time she died or after would be trapped here. So, the night we were killed..."

Emma nodded. "The uprising..."

Regina hummed. "Yes. She hadn't expected our people to turn on us. Anyway," She waved that off. "That's why she did what she did so that we could always be together."

"She murdered you..." Graham muttered.

Regina shot him a look but said nothing at first. She looked straight ahead into the darkness again. "My mother loves me..."

Emma didn't know if she was trying to convince them or herself. She sighed and bit down the remark on the tip of her tongue and instead agreed. "I bet she does. I'm sure she was doing what she thought was best."

"And in some cases, that's murdering one's own children," Graham grumbled. "And damning them."

Regina glared and if looks could kill... wait, could they?

Emma didn't want to find out, so she decided to just change the subject. "Your mom's curse..."

Regina sighed. "It cannot be broken," she explained. "I just wanted to see you. I felt like I was dying again each moment without you." She shook her head. "You are my first love and my only love."

Emma smiled and reached up and touched Regina's thigh. "You're my only love as well."

Regina looked down and smiled. She bit her lip and looked away again. Emma grinned to herself. She felt like that woman was home. With her was where she belonged.

A sudden fog surrounded them, accompanied by an icy chill. Regina straightened up then, and she dropped her hands to her sides. The fog grew thicker and Emma could barely see, even with her flashlight.

"Emma, get up," Regina said. Emma got to her feet, and she felt Regina grab her hand. "Get him. Let's go."

Panic set in almost instantly. "Regina, what is it?" Emma asked. Regina said nothing and began dragging Emma along, further down the hallway. They could hear the sounds of scraping and shrieks. Regina tensed. Emma did as well. "Regina?"

"Shhh..." Regina hissed. She stopped then. "Oh, no."

She looked up, and that's when Emma saw it. A small army of over a dozen dark creatures crawling towards them. Some were on the ceiling; some were on the floor and walls. They looked like shadows and they had no faces. Regina seemed to fear them as well. They got closer and Regina bristled and stepped in front of Emma and Graham. They began closing in like a cloud of blackness. Emma felt like she was suffocating.

Emma heard a loud roar echo throughout the hallway. She realized that it was coming from Regina and she wanted to retreat. She peeked around and could see Regina's side profile. Her face was a lot like Zelena's, only less scary because Emma knew Regina wouldn't harm her. The creatures squealed and began backing away. They continued until they vanished down the hallway, taking the chill and the fog with them.

Regina sighed and hung her head. "We can't do this." she shook her head. Emma thought the transition from the monster she was moments ago back to her love again was really something.

"What?" Emma asked. She had so many questions. For one, what the hell were those things?

"Mother," Regina called down the hallway. Emma's hand squeezed Regina's shoulder.

"Regina, what the hell?" she hissed. They didn't need to deal with Cora. That was the last thing they needed.

Regina shook Emma off and stepped forward. "Mother, let's talk."

Emma leaned back and frowned. She had no idea what was going on, but she didn't like it. She knew Regina would never hurt her, but she was so confused. After a moment a door suddenly appeared in the wall. It was shaped like a heart and it was a rich red. Regina nodded.

"Thank you." She stepped to the door and turned the golden knob. She then stepped in and waited for Emma. Emma kept the flashlight on Regina. Complete darkness surrounded her. Emma swallowed thickly. Her hand was shaking.

This was a terrible idea. Cora is a terrible person. She was pretty sure she wasn't ready to face her. Emma hesitated.

"Emma..." Graham placed a hand on her shoulder. She bit her lip as she stared into Regina's eyes. She trusted her. She knew she could.

"I will protect you from her," Regina said with a small smile. "I promise. It's safer up there and I can talk her into helping you."

Emma nodded and stepped forward. She shook Graham's hand off of her shoulder and went over to join Regina at the door. She turned to him and saw him watching her with an unsure look on his face. "I trust her." She said. "Come on."

He hesitated for a moment but then a shriek rippled through the hallway and he jumped. He ran over to them. Regina nodded, then ushered them through the door and shut it behind them. Emma looked around. They were in a pitch-black stairwell.

"It's safe in here. No one comes here but me and my sisters." Regina explained. Emma and Graham tensed. "They are not here." she sighed. "I can sense them when they're near besides, I can handle my sisters."

Emma and Graham nodded. Regina stepped around them and began leading them up the stairs. Emma and Graham followed her closely, their flashlights lighting the way.

Emma found it ironic that she was supposed to be protecting Regina, and all Regina had done so far kept her safe the entire time. She felt a slight disappointment in herself, but she never remembered Regina being a damsel in distress. She could hold her own. When she taught Regina how to use a sword, her little princess was a force to be reckoned with. She will never forget how proud she was.

Regina was always brave and fearless. This situation was no different.

Regina stopped at the top landing and reached for Emma's hand. Emma slipped her hand into Regina's before they stepped into a large sitting room. This room was alive as well. It was in the soft golden glow like Regina's bedroom. The plush furniture looked brand new and there was a roaring fire in the fireplace.

Emma's blood ran ice cold when she saw the Queen sitting there in a red and black chair with a book in her hand. Regina stepped closer, pulling Emma along with her. Emma interlaced their fingers and Regina squeezed her hand. Graham hung back by the stairs.

"Mother," Regina said softly. The Queen raised a finger, telling her daughter to be quiet. She turned the page. Regina shut her mouth and waited. After a moment, Cora looked up at her daughter and closed the book.

"I do love that book." She said with a warm smile. "Hello, my dear. How are you this evening?"

Regina frowned. "I am not well, mother. I am worried."

Cora raised a brow. "Well, that is not good. Talk to me."

Regina looked over at Emma and Cora's eyes landed on her then traveled down to their joint hands. She seemed unfazed, but she did know about Regina and Arden's relationship in the end. Besides Regina is dead so, what did it matter? Emma automatically looked down out of instinct. "Hmmm..." The queen hummed to herself. "It appears that our knight has returned to us."

Regina shook her head. "No Mother, I want to give Emma and her friend a safe exit."

"That is Arden," Cora said simply. "That is your lost love and you want to let her go?"

Regina's eyes fell, but she nodded. "Yes. I love her but I have to. I don't want her to die here."

"Why not?" Cora asked. "Then the two of you could live here happily for all eternity."

"Purgatory you mean," Regina said.

Cora sighed. "Regina..."

"Mommy," Regina said softly and Emma loved the surprised look on Cora's face before her expression softened. "Please let then go."

Cora sighed. "I can't. You have been so miserable. I can't take any more of it. Here's what I can do for you, my little princess." She pointed a finger at her daughter. "I can let him go." She turned her finger to Graham. "But Arden stays."

"No," Regina whined. "Mother!"

"Regina, those are my terms or they both die," Cora said with a dismissive wave of her hand.

Emma thought over Cora's offer. She wanted to stay with Regina. She loved her and she missed her without even knowing it. This woman was her heart and soul and now that she had her back, she couldn't let her go. Not again. An eternity with Regina sounded nothing short of magnificent. She couldn't ask for anything more. She would miss Graham but he will get to live and have a good life. She couldn't let him die there. She wanted to keep her promise to him.

"Deal," Emma said.

"Emma!" Regina hissed.

"Em no," Graham said from behind them.

Emma shook her head. She turned to Regina and released her hand then took her face into her hands. "We've been apart for so long. I can't take another second of not having you. I need you. Tell me you love me."

"You know, I do." Regina breathed as she stared into her eyes.

Emma smiled softly. "So, will you have me?"

Regina sighed and Emma could see the tears building up in Regina's eyes. Her lip trembled and Emma felt her heart break. She knew that Regina didn't want her to get hurt, but it would hurt her more to leave. "I just don't want you to die."

Emma shrugged. "I've done it before." She wiped Regina's tears with her thumbs. "It's okay. I want this. I want you."

Regina smiled a little. "Yes?"

Emma grinned. "Yes, baby. Do you want me?"

Regina chuckled through a sob. "Yes." She flung herself into Emma's arms and Emma caught her with a chuckle and held her tight. Her past, present, and future. Her everything... Regina.

"Good." She said pulling away. She looked back at Graham. He was shaking his head in disbelief.

"Emma..."

"Arden." She corrected. "My name is Arden. Graham, I have to say goodbye to you now." She stepped away from Regina and moved closer to her friend. She wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him. His hands came to her back, and he squeezed her.

"I'm not leaving without you." He whispered. "We can find a way out, just us two."

Emma frowned. She knew he wouldn't let her go. She knew she had to save him. He wouldn't understand that Regina was her destiny, and this castle was her home. Cora stood and strutted across the room. Her large red and black regal gown swept across the floor. She patted Regina's shoulder along the way. Her daughter nodded at her. Cora stopped at a door that looked like a large wardrobe. "This door will lead you to the forest." She explained. "Come along." she motioned for Graham. He hesitated.

"How do we know we can trust you?" He asked.

Cora shrugged. "I have no reason to lie. All I've ever wanted was for my little princess to be happy. Arden makes her happy. Now she is here and they can be together. Regina will be happy so I got what I want."

Emma and Graham nodded. She had a point. She was right. She did get something out of it besides it's not like they had many options. They had no choice but to take the witch's word for it. "Fine."

There was a sudden knock at the door downstairs. "Oh, mother." They heard Zelena calling.

Regina bristled and looked at Emma. Emma frowned and nodded at her. Cora sighed. "I can't leave my daughter out so make a decision."

Emma nodded. She hugged Graham again, trying to memorize his hugs and preserve all of this. "When we get to the door, I'm gonna run through with you. They can't catch us once we're out there." She whispered. Graham pulled back and looked at her. They shared a smile.

"Sounds like a plan." He released her and they walked over to Cora. They stood before the door and waited. Cora opened it with a smile. There was nothing but blackness ahead, but they had no choice but to take the chance.

Emma inhaled with a smile and made an 'after you' movement with her hand. Graham nodded and stepped through, but as soon as she was positive that he was out, she slammed the door behind him. She knew that he was going to be so mad with her, but she had to. He wouldn't have gone without her.

She sighed and turned around to face Regina who was quietly watching her. She smiled at her and opened her arms for her. Regina giggled and ran into her arms. Emma wrapped her arms around her and held her. She kissed her forehead as the woman snuggled closer to her.

"I'm home." She whispered.

"Well, not quite," Cora said holding up a finger. "There's still the matter of your... mortal body."

"You wanna kill me?" Emma had been expecting that.

Cora nodded. "Merely shed this mortal shell."

Emma sighed, "Alright. How?" She just wanted to get it over with.

Cora held up a finger then turned and headed across the room. "Honestly, I thought it was foolish of you to leap from the cliff. I expected you to end your life, but I thought you would have done it in the bedroom with Regina." She shrugged. "It would have been more... well, poetic. You had to die within the castle to stay here." She stopped at a vanity and opened a drawer. She pulled out a little box. She opened it and pulled out a vial with a green liquid in it. "But apparently fate was on your side and gave you a chance to get it right." She brought the vial over to them and handed it over to Emma. Emma took it with a little suspicion.

"I didn't know about the curse." She said accepting the vial. "And what is this?"

"A poison," Cora answered. "Painless and tasteless. You drink it and go right to sleep and when you wake up, you will be better."

Regina looked at Emma. "You don't have..."

Emma bit the cork off and spit it out, it bounced on the floor. If this is what it takes to have Regina forever, then so be it. She raised the vial. "Bottoms up!" She said then she drank it straight, like a shot. Cora was right. There was no taste. Even water has a taste, but this was nothing. You would think poison would even be a bit bitter but this wasn't

"That's the spirit," Cora mumbled as she walked away, leaving the couple alone.

Emma chuckled and then she suddenly felt lightheaded. She swayed and Regina reached out for her. "Arden..." Emma smiled at her and Regina's beautiful eyes were the last things she saw before everything went black.

4:54 am

Graham stumbled out of the forest onto the beach. He was tired, hungry and dehydrated. He had no idea how long he had been in there, but thankfully the sun started coming up and the sunrise provided more light. His flashlight had died, and he had to use nature and his scout training to navigate the vast forest, but he eventually found his way just in time. He could see Ramon's red boat from the shore. Good, he had back up to go back for Emma. She didn't know what she was doing. He tried to go back through the door once he stepped through, but once he turned around, the door was gone. He had no choice but to go forward and find help.

He headed across the sand just as Ramon was pulling his boat onto the shore. He ran over to the man waving his arms.

The man looked at him and gave him a strange look as he looked over his battered and disheveled appearance. "Where is everyone else?" he asked and began looking around.

"Dead," Graham replied. "Well, except Emma."

Ramon looked worried and stepped closer to him. "What do you mean?"

"Emma is that knight," Graham explained. He had a hard time believing it but after seeing her with Regina, he had no choice but to believe. She was still his best friend though, and he was not going to leave her behind. "Arden. The one who killed herself. She's her reincarnation. They wanted her to stay, and she did so they could be together and to save my life. Emma saved my life."

Ramon smiled a little. "Oh wow. Good for them. Love overcame." He said. "Maybe Regina will cheer up a little."

"No," Graham screamed. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was this guy completely nuts? "We have to go save her."

Ramon sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Well... I don't..."

"Come on!" Graham said cutting him off.

"We can go back, but..." Ramon began.

"Great," Graham said not allowing him to finish and began heading for the forest. He had to try. She saved him and he planned to do the same.

6:37 am

Emma awoke to the sun shining on her face. She groaned when she felt a kiss pressed to her cheek, and she finally noticed the body pressed against hers. She could smell flowers and apples. She chuckled and wrapped an arm around Regina's waist, pulling her closer to her side.

"Hey." She sighed as her eyes opened to find Regina's face hovering inches above hers. Regina smiled wide.

"Hello," Regina said brightly.

Emma ran her hand down Regina's back and then up again. She looked around and took in her surroundings. They were back in Regina's bedroom, their safe place. The room was back to life. The spread they were laying on was soft and felt new. Their little world just felt lighter. Emma melted into the pillows. She felt an overwhelming calmness and euphoria. She was at peace.

"Am I...?" Emma couldn't even finish the question. How could she?

Regina nodded. "Yes, it's done."

Emma smiled. She didn't expect to feel so relieved to hear that she was dead, but she did. She squeezed Regina. "Good, because-"

Regina's lips on hers cut her off. Emma chuckled into the kiss. She understood that Regina didn't want to talk about death and she wouldn't make her. This is about their future, anyway. Regina pulled away. She looked Emma in the eye for a moment before pulling away, then she held up her hand, there was something in her palm. "This is yours." Emma leaned up a little to see what it was and her eyes widened. The swan necklace. She thought she lost it in the ocean. "It returned to me just like you did," Regina whispered.

Emma grinned and lifted her head so that Regina could put the chain over her head. Regina slid it over and fixed Emma's hair. Emma reached down and ran her thumb over the little engraved swan. "Everything is as it should be now." She said. Regina smiled.

"Yes, our forever starts now," Regina whispered.

Emma grinned. That thought made butterflies fill her stomach. She had no idea that the dead could feel so much. She was finally getting to see how the other half lived or... didn't.

"And I-" She was cut off by the way Regina froze and her body tensed against hers. "What's wrong?" she asked suddenly worried. It wasn't the other spirits. They couldn't hurt them. It had to be something else.

"Someone's here," Regina muttered and pulled away from her to sit up. She turned towards the window. The sun casting her in an angelic glow.

Emma furrowed her brow. "Who?"

"They're outside," Regina said quietly.

Emma nodded and rolled out of bed. She walked over to the window and peeked out through the thick curtains. There was Graham in the courtyard. He and Ramon were talking. Her stomach dropped. She knew he would try to come back, but she prayed that she would be wrong. She willed him to look up at her and when he finally did. He cupped a hand over his brow and his mouth fell open. She smiled at him to let him know she was okay. In fact, she was never better. She gave him a nod and faded from sight. That ought to get the point across. He would understand her fate that way. After a moment Regina nodded and sighed.

"They're gone." She said. She patted the bed beside her. "Come back to bed."

Emma didn't have to be told twice. She hopped into bed and Regina was on her in an instant, showering her with kisses which she enjoyed very much.

Emma had many questions. So many questions, but they could all wait. She and Regina had to make up for the lost time. She allowed herself to melt into the kisses. She was completely wrapped up in Regina until another thought hit her and she couldn't shake it. "Regina, where are my friends?"

"What?" Regina asked between the kisses she was placing on Emma's throat.

"My friends," Emma said, she was struggling to focus but Regina's lips felt so good. "The ones that died here."

"Oh. The Dungeons." Regina answered between kisses. Her hand rested on Emma's stomach and grabbed a handful of Emma's leather vest. She was dressed like Arden again.

Emma froze. "What?" She squeaked. Regina sighed in annoyance and pulled away. She gave Emma a look.

"My mother puts them in the dungeons," Regina said with an eye roll as if this conversation was annoying her.

Emma sat up and Regina huffed then. "We have to free them." She said leaving no room for discussion.

Regina furrowed her brow. "Mother wouldn't be too happy about that," she warned.

Emma shrugged. "Will she be angry?"

Regina grinned. "Yes. Quite," she replied. Emma grinned back. She remembered how Regina loved to push her mother's buttons just for fun. Emma wagged her brows and Regina giggled. "Let's go!" Regina hopped out of bed and ran for the door. Emma rolled out of bed.

She looked back at the window where she could see Graham and Ramon retreating back into the forest. Graham looked tired and defeated, but he was still alive. He'll recover and be stronger than ever and now he had a hell of a story to tell.

Goodbye Graham and goodbye Emma.

"Arden, are you coming?" Regina called to her.

Arden grinned and ran towards the door.

"Hello, destiny and hello Arden." She whispered to herself before she sipped through the door to catch up to the woman she loved. For the first time ever, she felt truly alive.

The End

And that does it for the Arden/Regina love story.

Thank you so much for reading! I truly enjoyed writing this, and it makes me so happy to read that you guys enjoyed it.

I might do more fics like this in the future and I will love to do a prologue if anyone is still interested.

Thank you again! :)