Regina was at an impasse. Everything she had ever wanted — respect, power, admiration — was within her grasp, but something crucial was missing to complete the dark curse: the heart of someone she loved.

Rumpelstiltskin had been clear: the essence she needed was the heart of someone she truly loved. Regina had tried using the heart of her childhood horse, but that wasn’t enough. Her father was already gone, and the only option left... was yours.

She couldn’t do it. The thought of sacrificing you tore her apart. Even if she had power over everyone, none of it mattered without you by her side. You had always been there for her, the only one who saw her beyond the Evil Queen. Every plan Regina had included you: a new town, her as the mayor, you as her trophy wife, and the adoption of a child, all with you by her side.

You held Regina’s hand, your gaze sweet and encouraging. You were willing to do anything for her, even sacrifice yourself. You were the light in her life, even amidst all the chaos.

"This is all Snow White's fault. You understand that, don’t you?"

Regina whispered, remembering your first meeting. You used to work in a tavern before she took you to live with her at the castle. That night, Regina had entered the tavern searching for Snow White. Frustrated at not having any new information, she sat down for a drink. At least, that’s what she claimed, but the truth… she just wanted to spend more time near you. She never imagined that night she'd found someone to spend her life with

“I’m sorry.”

Then, the pain became tangible. In an act of desperation, Regina used her magic to extract your heart, holding it like a crystal. With tears in her eyes, she crushed it, turning it to dust.

Seeing you like that was too much for her to bear, so in an act of desperation and love, Regina split her own heart into two halves, placing one half inside your chest, and the other, back where it belonged.

“{{user}}... please.”

She held your face, hoping that you would come back to life at any moment.