Chapter 6
Regina sat in the silence of the sparse room, her thoughts a whirlwind of doubt and frustration. The flickering glow of a lantern on the wall cast shadows that danced erratically, mirroring the storm in her mind. She could feel the ache in her body with every breath, a reminder of just how close she had come to death. But it wasn’t just the physical pain—it was the gnawing emptiness in her chest.
Emma.
The name was a lifeline and a torment all at once. Somewhere, somehow, she had to believe Emma was alive. Morrigan’s words had been designed to destroy her, but Regina clung stubbornly to the hope that the dark sorceress had lied.
A faint creak broke the silence, and Regina’s head snapped toward the door. She tensed, her fingers curling into the blanket, but no one entered.
Instead, she heard the muffled murmur of voices outside.
“…are you sure about this?” It was Selene’s voice, low but sharp with concern.
“Absolutely not,” came the reply, a man’s voice, deep and gravelly. “But what choice do we have? If she’s connected to Morrigan—if she’s the catalyst—we can’t risk it.”
Regina’s heart pounded as she slid off the bed, her bare feet soundless against the cool wooden floor. She crept toward the door, pressing her ear against it.
“She doesn’t even know,” Selene said after a pause, her tone softer now. “You saw her—she’s terrified, confused. She’s not the enemy.”
“And what if you’re wrong?” the man countered. “What if she’s playing us? What if she’s the reason the darkness is spreading?”
A long silence followed, heavy with tension.
“I’ll watch her,” Selene finally said. “If she’s hiding something, I’ll find out.”
“And if she’s not?”
Selene didn’t answer.
Regina’s fingers itched to throw the door open and confront them, but she held back. She needed information, and storming out now would only put her at a greater disadvantage.
The conversation moved away, their voices fading down the hall. Regina stepped back from the door, her mind racing. What darkness were they talking about? What catalyst?
She paced the small room, her fists clenching and unclenching. If Selene and her ally thought she was part of some grander threat, then they clearly didn’t know her at all.
Her pacing stopped when she caught sight of herself in the small, cracked mirror hanging on the wall. The woman staring back at her was someone she barely recognized. Her face was pale and drawn, her lips cracked, her hair disheveled. She looked like a shadow of her former self, and for the first time, she felt the weight of just how broken she’d become.
A sharp knock at the door made her jump.
“It’s me,” Selene called from the other side.
Regina took a steadying breath before opening the door.
Selene stepped inside, carrying a small satchel. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a wariness in her eyes that hadn’t been there before.
“I brought some things for you,” Selene said, setting the satchel down on the bed. “Clothes, bandages, a bit of coin.”
Regina arched an eyebrow. “Planning to send me on my way already?”
Selene shook her head. “Not yet. But I thought you might feel better with a few comforts.”
Regina crossed her arms, leaning against the wall. “Why don’t you just tell me the truth? You don’t trust me. You think I’m dangerous.”
Selene didn’t flinch, to her credit. She met Regina’s gaze head-on. “I don’t know what to think yet. But I’ve learned not to take chances when the stakes are this high.”
“The stakes,” Regina repeated bitterly. “You keep talking about this darkness, this threat. What does any of it have to do with me?”
Selene hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. She sat on the edge of the bed, her posture relaxed but her eyes sharp. “We’ve been tracking a force—a presence—that’s been disrupting the balance between realms. It’s been spreading for months, growing stronger. It draws people to it, twists them, uses them.”
Regina frowned, her stomach churning. “And you think I’m… what? A puppet?”
“I think Morrigan is a puppet master,” Selene said bluntly. “And if she’s gone through the trouble of targeting you, then you’re either part of her plan… or a threat to it.”
Regina’s jaw tightened. “I’m not working for Morrigan.”
“Then prove it,” Selene said, her voice calm but unyielding.
Regina stared at her, anger bubbling beneath the surface. “You want proof? How about the fact that I’m here, barely alive, after she sent her shadows to kill me?”
Selene tilted her head. “Or to capture you. Maybe she wanted you alive for a reason.”
Regina’s hands clenched into fists. “You’re unbelievable.”
Selene stood, stepping closer. “Look, I get it—you’ve been through hell, and you’re looking for answers. But so am I. And until I know for sure you’re not the storm I’ve been chasing, I’m keeping you close.”
“Close,” Regina echoed with a bitter laugh. “You mean locked away.”
Selene’s expression softened slightly. “I’m trying to help you, Regina. But you need to meet me halfway.”
Regina turned away, her chest heaving with frustration. “If you really want to help me, then tell me what you know about Emma.”
Selene hesitated, and that hesitation told Regina everything she needed to know.
“You know something,” Regina said, spinning back to face her.
Selene’s face was unreadable again. “I don’t know anything that will help you.”
Regina stepped closer, her voice sharp. “Don’t lie to me.”
“I’m not lying,” Selene said firmly. “But even if I did know something, I wouldn’t tell you. Not until I know you’re not a danger to her.”
The words hit Regina like a slap. She staggered back a step, her heart pounding. “She’s alive,” she whispered, barely able to get the words out.
Selene’s lips pressed into a thin line, but she said nothing.
Regina’s hands shook as she pointed at her. “You’re keeping her from me.”
“I’m protecting her,” Selene said quietly.
The silence between them stretched, heavy and suffocating.
Finally, Selene spoke again. “Rest, Regina. Heal. When the time is right, you’ll understand.”
And with that, she left the room, leaving Regina alone with her swirling thoughts and a single, undeniable truth: Emma was alive. But she was farther away than ever.