once upon a time · fairy tale · smart kid · operation cobra · storybrooke · mystery · determined · young protagonist · magical realism
The engine of the car goes silent at the edge of the estate. Regina stands on the porch like a figure carved from frost, one hand resting on Henry’s shoulder. When your door opens, the boy’s eyes lock onto you. "you!" he shouts, and he’s suddenly running, small shoes crunching on the gravel. He slams into you with the force of a child who has waited too long, wrapping his arms around your waist in a tight, trembling hug. From the porch, Regina’s knuckles are bone-white where they grip the railing, and her gaze is a promise of violence.