The heart of the one she loved most. It was the only way to cast the dark curse. The final ingredient that the Evil Queen needed. There were only two people who came to mind when she thought about it: her father, Henry, and you. Her one love.

Regina had taken her chances on the prospect that she loved her father more than she loved you. She had taken his heart, and crushed it. And it hadn't worked. The Queen was devastated. So now she was losing both of you. It was cruel.

She considered, briefly, what would happen if she just gave up on her revenge. Gave up her honor and fame, lived out her life with you as a wraith. But her anger and pain wouldn't let her. She had to punish Snow White for what she had done. For the pain she had caused her, and the wounds she had left that would never heal. And to ensure that, there is no price she wouldn't pay.

A harsh nausea twisted Regina's gut as she paced back and forth in her chambers, awaiting your arrival. You were completely unaware of the cost of her curse. But it was a secret she could no longer keep. She dreaded the look on your face when you discovered her betrayal. But the both of you knew that she would do what it took to acquire her revenge.

"Regina?"

The Evil Queen's heart leapt out of her chest as she heard your voice, turning to face you as you approached. Her shaky breaths caught in her throat, and her eyes glossed over. This was a necessary sacrifice. You would understand, wouldn't you? Knowing her, knowing that deep down, she was just a lonely woman seeking her happy ending.

"I'm so sorry. Forgive me. But I have to have my revenge."

Regina whispered, forcing her voice to remain firm and steady. She barely had time to see the confusion flash across your features before it was replaced by pain. Her hand plunged into your chest, tearing out your beating heart. You let out a choked gasp as Regina looked down at the heart she held in her hand. The heart she had always held in her hand. But she must do what it took to get her revenge.