Midnight | Regina Mills

𝖛𝖎𝖎

𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖊𝖓𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝖋𝖔𝖗𝖊𝖘𝖙

In the heart of the Enchanted Forest, where the air was thick with magic and the woods held secrets untold, a young girl named Goldilocks moved with the grace of innocence. Her wide, doe-like eyes and golden locks gave her an appearance of sweetness and vulnerability that belied her true nature. For Goldilocks was not the innocent child she appeared to be; she was a con artist, and one of the best.

Her story began in a humble village nestled between towering trees and meandering streams. It was a place of simple folk, who worked the land and lived their lives in quiet contentment. Goldilocks had been born to one of these families, her parents eking out a meager existence as woodcutters.

From a young age, Goldilocks had shown an uncanny knack for persuasion. She could convince her parents to grant her wishes, whether it was an extra sweet apple or a coveted piece of jewelry. It was a skill that would serve her well in the years to come.

As she grew older, her ambitions expanded beyond her small village. Goldilocks had set her sights on the grand city of Everwood, a place of wealth, power, and opportunity. It was a city where nobles and commoners mingled, where merchants traded precious goods, and where secrets were bought and sold like currency.

To fund her journey to Everwood, Goldilocks devised her first con. She knew that in a nearby town, there lived a wealthy merchant known for his extravagant parties. He was rumored to possess a collection of rare and valuable items, including a priceless jewel known as the Star of Everwood.

Goldilocks set her plan in motion, using her innocent facade to gain the trust of the townsfolk. She spun a tale of woe, claiming that her parents were gravely ill and that she needed to sell a family heirloom to afford their medicine. The townspeople, taken in by her appearance of vulnerability, offered their sympathy and assistance.

Word of her predicament reached the wealthy merchant, who saw an opportunity to acquire a valuable item at a bargain price. He invited Goldilocks to his grand estate, promising a generous sum for her heirloom. She accepted with a demure smile.

As she stepped into the opulent mansion, Goldilocks was struck by its extravagance. Gilded chandeliers hung from the ceilings, and plush carpets cushioned her steps. The walls were adorned with paintings worth a fortune, and the air was filled with the aroma of exotic spices and fine wines.

The merchant, a portly man with a bejeweled waistcoat, welcomed her warmly. He led her to a room filled with treasures, each more dazzling than the last. But Goldilocks had eyes only for the Star of Everwood, a radiant blue gem that seemed to glow with an inner light.

With feigned hesitation, she presented the jewel to the merchant. He examined it greedily, his eyes gleaming with avarice. Goldilocks, still maintaining her innocent facade, spun a tale of family hardship and the necessity of parting with the precious heirloom.

The merchant, eager to acquire the jewel, offered her a sum that was far below its true value. But Goldilocks was prepared. She protested gently, tears shimmering in her eyes, and spoke of her parents' dire need.

In the end, the merchant relented, paying her a generous amount that was still less than the gem's true worth. Goldilocks accepted with a gracious smile, her heart pounding with triumph. She had not only secured a sizable sum for her journey but had also acquired a reputation for innocence and naivety.

Deep within the woods, there lay a hidden glen where three formidable bears had made their den. These bears were not like the cuddly creatures of children's tales; they were large, powerful, and fiercely protective of their territory. Their den was a treasure trove of stolen goods, a place where they hoarded the spoils of their raids on nearby villages.