The latest episode of ABC's Once Upon a Time was an intense one, with the Author (Patrick Fischler) losing Cruella de Vil (Victoria Smurfit).

'Once Upon a Time' Star Talks 'Sea Devil' Shippers & Cruella's Happy Ending

The Author is reacting to losing the potential love of his life Cruella in the latest episode of the series. Emma (Jennifer Morrison) shockingly killed Cruella after she took Henry (Jared Gilmore), not knowing that Cruella was incapable of killing anyone.

The episode also revealed Cruella's tragic backstory with the Author developing a relationship with her and doing what he could to protect her. Fischler spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about this relationship and what the Author has planned going forward.

Regina & Emma Receive Harrowing Message in New Episode of 'Once Upon a Time'

"He really cares about her. Even after what she did to him ... I think he loved her," Fischler admitted. "I don't think Isaac has gotten a lot of love in his life. And I believe this was The One in his mind. Even though she betrayed him and wanted him dead, he has a certain amount of respect for her. I definitely think they respected each other; that's the irony here. They're a little more Romancing the Stone, or couples who love-hated each other."

Of course, we still don't know all about the Author's true intentions going forward, but Fischler said that his plan is to simply stick with Mr. Gold (Robert Carlyle).

"As of now, his mission is to stick with Gold. We still don't know his true intentions. We know everyone still wants to get their hands on him," he said. "But we know [Gold's] trying to keep Emma on her path toward darkness. It was a great manipulation by Gold."

With only two episodes left before the two-hour season finale, fans are bound to learn more about the Author sooner rather than later.

Once Upon a Time airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Watch the promo for the next episode of Once Upon a Time here:

Tags: Once Upon A Time television ABC