The events of The Enchanted Forest unfold in a significant timeline, as they occur after "The Stable Boy" and just before Regina's flashbacks in "It's Not Easy Being Green". Meanwhile, the happenings in Storybrooke take place following the episode titled "Broken".
In this mystical realm, a young Regina, portrayed by Lana Parrilla, finds herself on a horse ride filled with turmoil, as her mother Cora, played by Barbara Hershey, uses magic to prevent her from escaping. Cora is adamant that Regina must adhere to her wedding to King Leopold, claiming that Regina's anxiety derives from the new power that she would possess as a queen. However, Regina boldly expresses her desire for freedom, declaring, "I want to be free." In response, Cora ominously remarks that true power is synonymous with freedom.
Haunted by her daydream in which she envisions herself harming a young Snow White—brought to life by Bailee Madison—Regina confides in her father Henry, portrayed by Tony Perez, about her fears of turning into someone like Cora. In a moment of vulnerability, Henry shares tales of Cora's past, revealing how she once encountered a man who gifted her a mysterious book of spells.
That very night, feeling emboldened, Regina sneaks under Cora's pillow to snatch the book, summoning the enigmatic Rumplestiltskin, expertly played by Robert Carlyle. Rumplestiltskin, who has known Regina since her youth, is taken aback by her kindness—an unexpected trait among her family. When she inquires about confronting Cora, he offers her a magical looking-glass, which serves as a portal to another world.
On the fateful day of the wedding, Regina tries to send Cora through the mirror. In her first attempt, she falters, but with Rumplestiltskin's encouragement through the mirror, she gives it another shot and ultimately shatters the glass. Now liberated from her mother's control, Regina contemplates fleeing but is confronted by Rumplestiltskin, who queries if she enjoys using magic. When she affirms, he offers to teach her the ways of magic but insists that she will owe him a favor in return.
Simultaneously, in Storybrooke, seven dwarves led by Grumpy, or Leroy as played by Lee Arenberg, gather at the town's border to determine who will venture beyond the city limits. The unfortunate Sneezy draws the short straw, leading to him losing all recollection of his fairytale origins, transforming entirely into his Storybrooke counterpart, Tom Clark. Meanwhile, following the recent tumult caused by a wraith's attack, Geppetto, portrayed by Tony Amendola, is busy taking down missing person flyers in search of Pinocchio.
As Prince Charming, brilliantly played by Josh Dallas, heads to Regina's residence seeking answers about the Mad Hatter’s hat, he is met with her feigned ignorance regarding Emma Swan, portrayed by Jennifer Morrison, and Snow White, played by Ginnifer Goodwin. Instead, Regina acts more concerned about Henry, portrayed by Jared S. Gilmore. When Charming consults the Blue Fairy, or Mother Superior as played by Keegan Connor Tracy, about a way to send them back, she sadly informs him that there is no fairy dust available to facilitate their return. When the dwarves return with news about Sneezy’s fate, panic ensues among the townsfolk.
Charming, determined to unite the residents of Storybrooke, calls for a meeting to present his plan. The tension rises as Regina’s magic appears to diminish, prompting her to seek Rumplestiltskin’s assistance again to reclaim Henry. Though he refuses her request for full powers, he provides her with a book, subtly remarking on how Regina has started resembling her mother, Cora.
While Charming practices a motivational speech for the people of Storybrooke, Henry identifiably recognizes the Mad Hatter's hat, leading Charming to seek out Mr. Gold for a locator spell, under the condition that he must stay clear of Gold’s affairs. As Charming explains the dire consequences of crossing Storybrooke’s borders, Mr. Gold reacts with anger, shattering glass in his shop.
At the town hall, residents express astonishment when Regina arrives, wielding her powers until halted by Henry, who agrees to accompany her. During this unfolding drama, Charming successfully locates Jefferson, the Mad Hatter, only to discover he has no knowledge of the fairytale world still existing. As Jefferson makes his escape, Charming chases him down, being interrupted by Ruby, played by Meghan Ory, who discloses that Regina has taken Henry and warns that the locals are desperately attempting to leave Storybrooke.
In a dramatic moment, Charming positions himself in front of the townsfolk just as they are about to cross the boundary, clarifying that they risk losing all memories of their loved ones and past lives. He urges them not to succumb to despair but to embrace their dual identities of David and the Prince. Movingly, he reassures the citizens that together they can uncover a way to overcome Regina. Touched by Charming's heartfelt words, the residents resolve to remain in Storybrooke.
Charming then proceeds to Regina's home, arriving with sword at the ready, only to find that Regina relinquishes Henry without resistance. In a moment of introspection, she reveals the existence of the fairytale land, battling with the notion of whether to destroy the spellbook or secure it away for later use.
Meanwhile, in a diner setting, Henry informs Geppetto about Pinocchio's whereabouts, but Geppetto's search reveals that the boy has vanished from his room. Back in the enchanted realm, Emma and Mary Margaret awaken after being transported to the fairytale world by the wraith, only to be captured by Mulan, played by Jamie Chung, and Princess Aurora, portrayed by Sarah Bolger. As they are taken to an isolated beach, Emma seizes an opportunity to escape. Yet, her efforts are thwarted when Mulan knocks out Mary Margaret, ordering the captive pair to be brought to "the pit." In a twist of fate, Emma suddenly hears a familiar voice—it's Cora, Regina’s estranged mother—offering her assistance in this bewildering tale.
