Fire. There was a world of fire around her. The burning was the only light in the windowless room that she was trapped in. The girl was hiding inside a corner, hoping the flames wouldn't scorch her flesh. It had felt like a relief to be out of here, even though her life was filled with terrors earlier on. Even her cursed life was better than this madness. Why, oh why, did she have to leave that day? Why did she leave the Dark Castle for a stroll, just when she had returned from her last prison?

She buries her head inside her legs, curling up in fetal position. When she was trapped without escaping before, she met a very special boy. He was handsome, she did not deny that. He was sweet towards her, helping her whenever she needed. She could even appreciate his hint of possessiveness over her. How he caressed and comforted her when she was frightened. If he was here right now, he would have sat by her side and help her escape.

Only to entrap her himself right after.

Princess Winter was young back then, around the age of thirteen. Though it were only a few years, it felt like a lifetime in his presence. She fell in love easily, believing he could be her One True Love. She agreed to do something she never would have agreed to had she known what a cunning, conniving boy he really was.

But now, she just wishes he was here to help her. Him or Rumplestiltskin or Belle. Anyone, really. Because not only did the flames hurt, they isolated her. Trapping her in her loneliness.

Wasn't she always, deep down inside of her, a little lost girl?

It was all their fault. Their fault she would never marry Philip. Their fault she will never get to see him again. Their fault she will never have a sister-in-law and husband. Aurora was angry, and her anger was only fuelled by Mulan's seemingly indifferent behavior towards the two invaders.

She followed the group through the forest to attack at least one of the two with a dagger that Philip had given her. Mulan stopped them and Emma fired a bullet, alarming the ogres. They started running and split up in two groups. Snow saved Emma by shooting the ogre in the eye. The four of them find each other again and leave to find Snow and Charming's castle, where there might be a portal back home.

Back to Storybrooke.

They were camping, watching the flames dance as they enjoy the warmth of the fire. Emma looks under her eyes at the princess. "Aurora, you are.. Sleeping Beauty, right," she asks. The princess frowns at her. "Is that what they call me in your land? I can't say I'm not flattered, but it is a little strange." Emma rolls her eyes.

"Listen, princess, were you the one cursed by Maleficent to sleep for hundred years, to be saved after one by your prince, who thought you are a poor girl while in fact you were the girl he was bethroted to," she asks. Aurora's eyes widen as she shakes her head. "No, not really. I guess our story is different in your world," she whispers.

"Can you explain us your story maybe? It would help.." Snow White responds. Aurora sighs. "I was born to King Stephen and Queen Briar Rose. I was the miracle child they've always wanted. When I was older, I was having breakfast with my family when two men come inside our palace. A storm was coming and they sought refuge at my castle."

Aurora grins. "They introduced themselves as Prince Philip and Prince James. The latter also goes by 'Prince Charming', if I'm correct." She quickly glances at Snow. "My father took them in. I quickly became good friends with Philip. He told me he was on a journey to find his sister, a girl named Winter. She had disappeared long ago and he was still on his way to find her."

"And you.. fell in love? Just like that, within a few days," Emma asks, sounding quite skeptically. Aurora shrugs her shoulders, hugging her cloak closer to her body. "We did. I know it sounds silly, but we truly love each other. The storm layed down and Philip was leaving, but before that he promised to marry me when he came back, Winter at his side. But then.. Maleficent cursed me. I was asleep, waiting for him to come back to me."

The princess wipes a few leaking tears away. Mulan adds in by saying:" After he left Aurora's palace, I joined his journey." Emma sighs and looks sideways at her mother. "We need to find a way to help her."

"Well, let someone give her a True Love's Kiss," Aurora responds. "I don't think Mr Gold has enough love in his heart to kiss her and she doesn't have a boyfriend, so.." the blonde shrugs.

"There's nothing we can do."

The boy was pacing back and forth by his tree, silently seething. His shadow flies by his side, watching the boy walk from place to place constantly. "It must be a protective barrier that he put around her. What else did you find?"

"Nothing. She was just lying motionless in her bed. It was no natural sleep, that much I can tell," the shadow responds to its owner, sad to disappoint. He would have loved if he came back with this girl, but he also knew it wasn't going to be this easy. Peter Pan runs a hand through his wild, short hair.

"I will get her back. After all, this is just a part of the game Rumple and I are playing, though he doesn't know yet." The boy smirks as he plays with a wooden ring around his ring finger. "After all.. she promised me something. No one breaks a promise with Peter Pan, especially not my princess."

The boy hears the sound of wood snapping, the leaves rustling and a cough. Someone was trying to warn him of his appearance. When Peter looks up, he sees his second in command and dear friend, Felix. "I thought I was clear when I said I didn't want to be disturbed," the leader asks his loyal servant.

"I know, Pan. It's just that.. there are rumors. That you got news over.. Winter?" Felix gently pushed the subject forward, but it was clear what he wanted to know: is Winter coming to Neverland?

"She is trapped in a Sleeping Curse, but don't you worry Felix." The boy shows yet another smirk. "After all, all curses can be broken by one's True Love, and I just happen to be hers."