Emilie is filming! Belle does still exist on the show!
I’m guessing the first few episodes of 5B will be exclusively focussed on the Underworld and Finding Hook (aka Neverland and Finding Henry) before perhaps we get an episode on what’s going on in Storybrooke before refocussing on the Underworld lot before they and the story return to Storybrooke. In other words, 5B is following 3A for episode structure.
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All magic comes with a price!
Keeper of Felix