(Everard's pov)

I woke to the sounds of birdsong. I jolted upright in bed and rushed to the window.

Birds!! There were birds in the trees again!

I smiled and made my way to my desk after pulling back the thick maroon curtains. I took in a deep breath and righted my toppled over desk. Perhaps I'd been a bit rude to Belle yesterday. I hadn't seen her since my explosion. 

I deeply regretted my harsh words. Though they came from a place of deep pain, Belle didn't deserve my outburst. I returned all the items to my desk in their proper places. And stood. 

I walked over to the cracked mirror and took in my ghastly appearance. 

The eerie green orbs that served for my eyes made me shudder. I looked down at my clothing... Perhaps it Belle was right, it was time to put my trust in Hook, to have the hope that Rose might be free from the curse I brought on her. It was time to shed my mourning clothes.

I dressed in a maroon suit vest over my white shirtsleeves and sighed heavily as I brushed the dust off of my brown overcoat. Okay. It was time to start fresh with Belle. I decided.

I attempted to run a brush through my unruly head of hair but ended up giving up when i almost lost the brush. I glanced in the mirror again on my way out, flashing a fanged grin.

Damn.

Well she didn't come here for my looks... Id' have to charm her with my personality.

I left my room and walked down the hallway towards Belle's.

"Sir!" Violet's voice stopped my hand on the door.

"Hello Violet." I replied impatiently. 

Violet spoke with a slight shudder, "Mistress isn't up yet."

"I know. I just need to talk to her."

"Well can't it wait?" she asked impertinently. 

"It's not that early." I replied defensively. 

"But she was ill master...Ill and angry, I think it foolish to try to speak with her."

"I-Well- What am I doing, I do not need your approval..."

I opened the door and walked over to the window and opened the thick blue curtains.

"Good morning Belle, I need to speak with you..." I spoke gently.

...

No response.

I walked over to the bed and perched on the end of it looking at her form.

"Belle." I repeated, shaking the form... wait a moment...

I pulled back the covers. And Belle was not there.

"VIOLET!!!" I growled.

"Yes Master?" Her voice trembled.

"Where. Is. Belle?" I seethed. 

"I....I'm not sure..."

I stood angrily and approached the voice.

"If you are lying to me Violet..." I threatened, my voice raspy.

"I... I will not tell you where she is."

I swiped at the air angrily with my paws.

And could hear her footsteps as she scrambled away from me and out the door.

"Fine." I growled to myself. "I don't need you. There are other ways of finding her."

...Ancient ways.

Ways I'd sworn never to dabble in again.

Mirror magic.

I stormed up the flight of stairs that led to the attic. I swiftly found the vanity and pulled off the sheet covering it.

"Magic mirror... Show me Belle." I commanded. 

The fog cleared from the mirror and I could see her...

She was somewhere very dark... and full of crates... She was moving...

...Hook's ship.

"Magic mirror... Show me Hook."

Hook was at his desk writing something down with a quill.

"Show Hook me."

Hook's eyes flickered over to the mirror in his wall.

"Everard? What's wrong?" he asked, standing and walking over to the mirror. 

"Belle is on your ship."

"That's impossible."

"Check your cargo hold..."

Hook shook his head, "...I'll be right back."

"I'll wait." I huffed.

Hook's boots thudded down the steps into the darkness of the Jolly Rodger.

He sighed heavily.

"Belle..."

Belle's breath caught.

"Belle I know you're here, Everard told me."

He lit a lantern and walked closer to Belle.

"Belle?"

"Belle come out, I'd really appreciate not having to open every crate in here..." He huffed, running a hand down his face.

Belle stood to her feet slowly. She follow him out, feeling like she was headed to a death sentence.

They arrived at the captains cabin as she shrugged off the curious stares of the other pirates.

"Belle." I growled.

Belle gasped, "Everard?!"

"What did you do?!"

"Isn't it obvious?!" she laughed nervously. 

"Don't sass me." I snapped. 

"Well I had to do this... I'm sorry Everard." She held her hands behind her back.

"You didn't have to go!" I argued.

"I'm doing this for us!" She shouted.

Hook took a step back, seemingly studying a star chart on the wall. 

"If I could Belle, I'd come get you myself, but the curse prevents me from leaving." I frowned.

"Im staying. And that's final."

I glared at her through the mirror.

Then with one wave of my hand the magic ended. I threw the sheet back over the mirror and stomped down to the servant's quarters.

_____

Hook sighed heavily, walking back over to Me.

"I don't think that's the last we'll see of him Belle. But you should probably get some rest lass." He smiled gesturing to his cot. "I'll sleep with the men."

"I wouldn't want to put you out." I argued.

"You haven't. Good night Belle." he waved, closing the door behind him. 

"Good... night." I replied. 

The candle on the table flickered. I blew it out and lay down on the cot... It was going to be a long night.