The eyes of the staff glowed like the wish rubies or whatever they are. He probably needs the the rubies to sustain his magic. And like Alice said, u can’t steal wishes. He needs to get them willingly.
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"I could have the giant duck as my steed!" --Daniel Radcliffe
Keeper Of Tamara's Taser , Jafar's Staff, Kitsis’s Glasses , Ariel’s Tail, Dopey's Hat , Peter Pan’s Shadow, Outfit, & Pied Cloak,Red Queen's Castle, White Rabbit's Power To World Hop, Zelena's BroomStick, & ALL MAGIC