The dark Lilith [OUAT Peter Pan X oc]

Chapter nineteen: Glamour

"Hey, that's cheating!" Lillian called out as Neal lunged, aiming for her feet. With a flicker of purple smoke, she vanished, reappearing just a few feet away, smirking.

"So is that!" Neal shot back, teaming up with Henry as they both charged toward her. Laughing, Lillian parried Henry's blow and skillfully swept her sword down to tap Neal's legs. Even after all these years, her swordsmanship was as sharp as her magic.

Neal watched her closely. She looked noticeably better than she had yesterday. After their ordeal with August, Rumple had insisted she rest at his house instead of with the Charmings, and it showed. Her eyes sparkled with a rare lightness, and the tension that had plagued her seemed to have faded.

From the sidelines, Mr. Gold observed the scene quietly, noting his son, grandson, and adoptive daughter's ease together. He was quickly joined by the Mayor. "Looks like we've both been sidelined," Regina remarked. Her eyes narrowed at the sight. "But what exactly is your son doing with my son?"

"Oh, didn't you hear? Guess you missed the announcement." Gold pointed toward Neal, who was currently being overpowered by Lillian and Henry's combined assault. "That's Henry's father."

Regina's face twisted in disbelief. "What?"

Gold let out a dry laugh. "Do I have to spell it out? Ms. Swan and my son—"

"You're Henry's grandfather?!" Regina looked positively appalled.

"Seems that makes us family." Gold smirked, glancing back at Henry. "He's got my eyes, wouldn't you agree?" Turning away, he caught a last look at Lillian, noting a faint shimmer around her face. He could see through her glamour—her brightened eyes and fuller smile hiding dark circles and strained features beneath. Making a mental note, he resolved to question her later about her time on Neverland with his  father.

Lilith sat with Peter, discussing the plans for Killian and his crew's arrival. Peter had sent some of the Lost Boys to gather "supplies"—his favorite euphemism for alcohol. She was about to tease him when Felix and Darren came running toward them, breathless, their faces tense.

Lilith frowned at the two Lost Boys as Peter rose, extending his hand to help her up, his arm slipping around her waist once she was on her feet.

"What's gotten into you two?" she asked with a smirk, raising an eyebrow.

"Pirates," Felix panted, struggling to catch his breath. "Down by the beach."

She gave a half-smile. "You mean Killian? We're expecting them."

But the boys shook their heads, their expressions darkening.

"Not Killian," Darren clarified. "These aren't our friends—they're looters."