The dark Lilith [OUAT Peter Pan X oc]

Chapter eight: Emma's choice

A/N 

Just imagine him as Peter

Walking alongside Henry, Lillian moved through the woods, each step heavy with worry. They had been searching for hours, desperate to find Emma. Henry had insisted on coming because she was his mother, and Lillian, knowing firsthand what it was like to lose control of magic, had decided to join him. She understood Emma's struggle more than anyone else could.

As they neared the clearing, Lillian spotted Emma standing next to her yellow car, her head hung low. The air around her seemed charged with tension, and Lillian instinctively slowed her pace, knowing how fragile the situation was. She wanted to bridge the distance, to make Emma see they meant no harm.

"Mom?" Henry's voice broke through the silence, his concern evident as he called out to her.

Emma looked up, startled. Her eyes softened when they landed on her son, but there was still an unmistakable wariness in her expression. "Henry, Lillian... what are you doing here?"

"We've been out all night, looking for you," Lillian said gently, taking a cautious step closer. Henry added quietly, almost as an afterthought, "Everyone's been looking for you."

Emma's gaze flickered with guilt, and she shook her head, her voice filled with frustration. "I told them all to stay away. I can't control my powers right now." She tightened her arms around herself, as if trying to physically hold in the storm brewing inside her. "Listen, I'm going to find a way to fix this, but until I do... you've got to go."

Lillian stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Emma, that's why we're here. I can help you control your magic. I've done it before." She glanced at Henry, who was now standing closer to his mother. "And Henry... he's always been able to calm you down. Give us a shot."

Henry reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he gently grasped Emma's. "Please, Mom. Let us help."

Emma looked at them both, her face a mixture of guilt and pain, her powers pulsing with raw energy just beneath the surface. "You don't understand," she whispered. "I don't want to hurt you."

Before Lillian could respond, Henry moved closer, wanting to offer comfort. But as his hand touched Emma's, a surge of magic crackled from her, pushing him back with force. Lillian gasped as Henry was sent flying across the clearing, crashing hard against a fallen tree.

"Henry!" Lillian's heart leaped into her throat, and she scrambled to her feet, rushing to him, fear and concern flooding her chest.

Emma was right behind her, guilt written all over her face. "Henry, are you okay?" Her voice was shaky, but she hesitated, unsure whether she could bring herself to touch him. She knew she couldn't risk hurting him again. "Are you okay?" she repeated, her words soft and filled with remorse.

Lillian knelt beside Henry, inspecting the spot where he had fallen. "Is that a cut?" She looked behind his ear, noticing the small gash that had appeared. Her brow furrowed as she gently reached out, her magic flowing over the wound, causing it to heal instantly. But the small act of magic didn't bring the comfort she hoped it would. Emma's face remained strained, full of guilt and uncertainty.