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Chapter Text

Prologue

The day had started out perfectly, the sun shining, the Wind Spirit dancing, and the laughter of friends and family celebrating her young daughter's third birthday. So how had things ended up like this?

"Come on, Nokk! Faster!" she urged, her voice barely audible above the howling wind and crashing waves. The Water Spirit surged forward, its powerful strides carrying them across the churning North Sea as a jagged bolt of lightning crashed into the water beside them. Her daughter screamed, clinging to the spirit's icy mane with all her might. The woman looked back, her heart pounding in her chest, to see the swirling darkness of the storm closing in. Another lightning bolt, crackling with destructive energy, hurtled towards them. Leaning forward, she shielded her daughter with her body, summoning a massive ice shield behind them. The lightning struck the shield with a deafening crack, shattering it into a thousand glittering fragments.

Gasping for breath, she looked ahead, her eyes fixed on their destination – a towering glacier that held the promise of sanctuary and the source of her powers. Ahtohallan. If they could just reach it, they would be safe. The mystical power of Ahtohallan would protect them.

As they reached the shore, she quickly dismounted the water horse and lifted her daughter down. "Run inside! Quickly!" she ordered, her voice strained with urgency. The little girl, her eyes wide with fear, hesitated for a moment, then scrambled towards the glowing entrance of the glacier. But before she could reach safety, a bolt of lightning exploded in front of her, the shockwave throwing her back against the icy ground. Sobbing, the child crawled back to her mother, burying her face in her skirts.

Growling, the woman turned to face the swirling vortex of the storm, her eyes blazing with defiance.

"Hand over the child," a deep, booming voice commanded from the heart of the storm.

"I will not let you have her!" the woman shouted back, her voice echoing across the desolate landscape. "She is not yours to take!"

"It is too dangerous to leave her in your care. You do not understand the powers she possesses," the voice boomed.

"Of course, I understand!" the woman retorted, her voice laced with desperation. "She is my daughter! I can help her! I would never let her lose control… not like I did."

"It's not just your power that she possesses," the voice thundered. "You cannot help her the way we can. Now, give me the child."

"NEVER!" the woman screamed, her voice raw with defiance.

"You leave me no choice," the deep voice declared.

In an instant, a blinding light engulfed the glacier, the woman, and the child. The wind howled, the waves crashed, and then… silence. The storm dissipated, leaving behind only the echo of its fury and the lingering chill of despair.

***************************

Once upon a time, long, long ago… Well, more like twenty years ago, Belle married her Beast in front of six thousand of their closest personal friends. Upon their marriage, Beast united all of the kingdoms and was elected King of the United States of Auradon. He rounded up all the villains and their sidekicks and imprisoned them on an island off the coast of Auradon called the Isle of the Lost. With Fairy Godmother's help, he erected a magical barrier to keep them confined there.

Life in Auradon was perfect. No longer were the heroes tormented by those who wished to cause them harm. They were free to live their lives without fear. While some magic was still used in the kingdom, magic use was, for the most part, banned to encourage the new generation to work hard, be creative, and succeed on their own merits. Most people rejoiced at this, as they would all be considered equal.

Years passed, and the older generations, heroes and villains alike, gave birth to their successors. Queen Belle and King Adam were blessed with a little bundle of joy and named him Benjamin Florian Beast, or Ben for short. The crown prince was perfect, and the happy couple enjoyed the life they had created. One day, a little girl with platinum blonde hair was found wandering the castle grounds. She did not know where she came from and could only give them her name, Elecia. She could not give them any information to help them determine who she belonged to. The King and Queen searched high and low for the little girl’s parents, but to no avail. They offered rewards for any relevant information and looked into any possible missing persons, though there were none.

During this time, Elecia stayed in the castle with the royal family. Time passed, and with each passing day, it became clear that her parents were not to be found. Queen Belle could not bear to send Elecia off to an orphanage, as she had become a part of the family. Elecia had charmed her way into their hearts. The young prince and the girl, in particular, had become inseparable. Belle appealed to her husband for them to adopt her and raise her as their own. King Adam agreed, and Elecia was formally adopted into the family, becoming the Princess of Auradon.

As the princess grew, it became clear that she was a special child. She had the power to create ice and snow. Given the magic ban in Auradon, they compelled Elecia to keep her magic hidden from the rest of the citizenry. However, given that it was part of who she was, they allowed her to use it only within the castle walls and swore the servants and staff to secrecy. With that dealt with, the King and Queen raised their children to be the epitome of good and kindness.

Elecia and Ben, now fifteen and sixteen years old and in high school, were about to take the next great step in Auradon's history. King Adam had declared that he was stepping down, and Ben would soon be crowned the next King of Auradon. As Ben's coronation approaches, this story begins…

Chapter Text

Chapter 1

Perfect Princess, Perfect Life

Princess Elecia woke with a start, causing ice to shoot from her fingers. Breathing heavily, she looked down at her hands and now-frozen bedding and sighed. Another nightmare. She didn't always have nightmares, but when she did, it was always the same one. A dark, swirling cloud gave chase, hurling lightning bolts at her heels. No matter how fast she ran, it always caught up. A deep booming voice that sounded like thunder told her to go to it. The dream always ended with her getting caught.

She sat up and took a deep breath to slow her breathing. With a wave of her hand, she made the ice disappear. Looking out her dorm window, she could tell that dawn was approaching, but it was still rather dark outside. Grabbing her phone, she scooted to the edge of her bed and started to look through her itinerary for the day. Other than school, she had a date with her boyfriend, Sean, that night.

The princess got up and opened her curtains to look out into the lightening sky. It was going to be another perfect day in the perfect life of the perfect Princess Elecia. She rolled her eyes. Ellie, the nickname that her family and one friend called her, was, in actuality, unhappy and far from perfect. Since she was first adopted by the King and Queen, her life had been hard. Sure, within the castle walls, she was safe, loved, and waited on. It wasn't her family that made her unhappy; she loved her parents and big brother greatly, and she would always be grateful to them for their kindness and love that they, in no way, had to give her. In fact, she and Ben were extremely close. It was their life that made her discontent.

The life of a royal was not all balls, glitz, and glamour. There were the rules, the expectations, the manners, and propriety—the need to be perfect. To the citizens and her parents, that's what was demanded of her, so that's what she was. On the inside, though, she was a mess. For one, she had her powers, and she was expected to keep them hidden. She didn't have complete control of them. Her powers were prone to slipping when her emotions ran high—fear, anxiety, anger, all threatened her control. While she was out in the world, she had to conceal her emotions as much as possible, which came with its own set of issues.

The need to conceal her emotions caused others to think she was cold or pompous. That wasn't who she truly was, but she could never show that side of herself. That was how most of her schoolmates saw her. She could handle that, even if it made her a bit sad. It was the other Royal kids that gave her the most trouble. For as long as she could remember, to them, she was nothing but a peasant in royal clothing—a fake princess—and they treated her as such. Behind their smiles and kindness was a cruelty that hardly anybody knew about. Even Ben and her parents didn't know. Some of the parents didn't like her, either. She never understood why. It wasn't her fault that no one knew who her biological parents were and that the King and Queen adopted her. That wasn't her choice, and yet here she was, a princess by the winds of chance.

Some of the Royal kids didn't treat her that way, but a lot of them did. Prince Sean, her boyfriend, was one of the nice ones. He was one of the most handsome boys in school, and a lot of girls liked him. Sean was…princely, and it showed. Being the son of Queen Snow White and her Charming, he acted in every way a prince should act. His parents were even sweet to her. Queen Snow and King David (you didn't really think his name was Charming, did you?) were the epitome of good and kindness, just like her parents were. Elecia liked them a lot. So when Sean asked her to go out with him, she agreed, and her parents were really happy.

On the opposite side of that coin, though, was Princess Audrey. Out of all the Royal kids, she was the worst. She was vain, shallow, and even mean. Everyone thought she was so perfect and sweet, just like her mother, Queen Aurora, or as she's more commonly known, Sleeping Beauty or Briar Rose. Her family was one of the ones that were cruel to her. Not her mother, but her husband, King Phillip, and both sets of their parents thought of Elecia as little more than a nuisance. Audrey was Ben's girlfriend, and Elecia couldn't, for the life of her, see what he saw in her. She tried to talk to Ben about it when they very first got together, but he dismissed her and told her that Audrey was really sweet. After that, she dropped it.

Elecia sighed, stepped away from her window, and went to get ready for her day. This was the life she had. All she could do was continue to hold to the expectations laid before her and do her best to make her parents proud. She couldn't help but think, though, how trapped she felt in this role that had been forced on her. Ellie, more than anything else, just wanted to be herself, to be free. As long as she was the Princess of Auradon, she knew that was never going to happen. The best she could hope for was that she would find that one person and get a happily ever after, like her parents did. She hoped with all her heart that she would at least find that.

Since Ellie was up way earlier than she wanted to be, she took her time getting dressed. She pinned her platinum blonde hair into a low, neat side bun and made up her face to go with her crystal blue eyes and the outfit she was planning on wearing that day. Once she was finished, she went over to the full-length mirror and gave herself a once-over. Deeming herself acceptable, she grabbed her things for school, texted her brother and parents their normal "Good Morning" texts, and went on her way.

As quietly as she could, she made her way to the stairs. Her dorm was on the top floor of the girls' dormitory. It housed the dorms reserved exclusively for the Royals. Everyone else had at least one roommate, but not the Royals, of course. She decided to go down to the cafeteria, as there would be few people up this early. Elecia stopped when she heard her message tone ring. The princess took out her phone and saw a message from her brother. This surprised her; he normally wouldn't be up this early.

"Hey, where are you?" the message asked.

"Heading to the cafeteria. Are you okay? You're up really early," she replied. About thirty seconds later, another message came in.

"I'm fine. Save me a seat?"

"I suppose, as long as you don't bring beast stink with you. I'd like to be able to eat stench-free, thank you very much. 😏" she typed back with a teasing smile on her face.

"I will, as long as you won't try to freeze me or my breakfast before I get the chance to eat it! 😉 I'll see you in about thirty."

She giggled, put her phone back in her purse, and headed to the cafeteria. When she got there, she saw that she was right. There were only a few other students in the room. Looking for a place to sit, she decided to sit at one of the tables by one of the big opulent windows. As she passed by the others, they bowed their heads in respect with a quiet, "Good Morning, Highness."

In return, she nodded her head towards them with a demure "Good Morning" of her own.

Once she reached the table, she placed her bags down and seated herself. Ellie chose that table because it was far enough from the other students that she could relax. Being around others made her nervous. She put in one of her earbuds and turned on some music. Getting some paper out of her bag, the blonde decided to work on the next topics for the Student Council meeting coming up next week.

One of the topics was Auradon Prep's annual Family Day. Most of it was already planned out, but there were still some final preparations that needed to be done for it. Elecia was President of the Student Council, and it kept her pretty busy. Ellie had been working for about twenty minutes when she heard a bag plop down beside her. Looking up, she saw her big brother, Ben, smiling down at her.

"Morning," Ben said cheerily. He sat beside her and placed a large tray with several plates and two coffees in front of him. "Hungry?"

Elecia smiled and shook her head. "Maybe I already ate? Wouldn't want to risk getting a whiff of 'beastly stink,' would I?"

"You haven't," the prince said with a smirk. "Otherwise, you'd have coffee or something else in front of you."

"Know-it-all," she said, playfully shoving his arm.

"And don't you forget it," he teased as he put the plates in front of her. They had all her favorite breakfast things: oatmeal, cottage cheese, a variety of fresh fruit, bacon, sausage, eggs, hash browns, waffles, and pancakes—a variety that would fit one of royalty. One of the cooks came up and put down sugar, cream, and some other condiments to accompany their meal. "Thank you, John."

"No problem at all, Your Highness. If there's anything else we can get you, please don't hesitate to ask." John bowed to Ben and then to Elecia. "Your Highness."

"Thank you," she said, smiling at him. The cook took his leave as Ben began dishing up a plate. "Ben, we are not going to be able to finish all of this. Why did you get so much?"

"Well, I didn't know what you were in the mood for today, so I just got a bit of everything," said her brother. The blonde sighed and just shook her head. "You better eat before this stuff gets cold," he nodded towards the food. "Besides, who said it wasn't all going to get eaten? I feel like I can eat a whole castle right now."

Chuckling, Ellie grabbed a plate and began getting herself some food. "Why are you up so early?" the princess asked as she picked up a grape and popped it into her mouth.

"I was having a hard time sleeping. So when I got your text, I figured I would come find you." He took a sip of his coffee and then continued. "What about you?"

"Nightmare," she said dully.

Ben looked at her sympathetically. "The same one?"

"Always." Trying to act as if it was no big deal, Elecia put some salt and pepper on her eggs and hash browns and began to eat. Even though her dream always bothered her, she didn't want to show it to her brother. He had enough to worry about. She felt him still staring at her and decided a change of topic was necessary. "So, why were you having a hard time sleeping anyway?" she asked nonchalantly.

After a few moments, the prince resumed eating his pancakes. "The meeting today has my stomach in knots."

"You mean the Council of Royals meeting, right?"

"Yeah," the prince said somewhat bitterly.

The princess glanced at her brother briefly before scooping some cottage cheese into her mouth. She felt bad for Ben. Dealing with the Royal Council was giving him such a hard time. Elecia had never seen her brother so defeated. The Council of Royals was just as the name described. It was a council filled with all the Royals who ruled the different realms or territories that made up Auradon.

There were ten territories in the United States of Auradon. Each territory was then divided further down into regions. The territories were each ruled by one of the Royal families, and they reported to King Beast and Queen Belle, who were the High Rulers of them all. Altogether, there were fifteen regions within the ten territories. There were also four 'independent' territories that were still a part of Auradon. They interacted with them as such but had a treaty in place to be able to rule independently. The rulers of the independent territories were not on the council. So, in all, there were ten Royals on the council.

With Ben being crowned King soon, King Beast started making the prince take on some of the responsibilities of King as a way to familiarize himself with the role. One of the responsibilities the King had made Ben do was take Beast's seat on the council. Beast, as King, was the leader of the council. Their father would still be at the meeting but as a spectator and not in his normal capacity as leader, letting Ben essentially run the meeting under supervision.

The Royal Council meetings were designed as a way for the other rulers to report to the King on a variety of subjects. As King Beast was voted to be the ruler of Auradon, the council was also a way for the other rulers to still be given a voice in what they believed should be happening in Auradon. They helped make laws and, overall, were advisors to the King. However, King Beast still had the ultimate say in official decisions.

The King had also encouraged Ben to start making proclamations, but the soon-to-be King had yet to do so.

Elecia looked at her big brother again. She wanted to help him, but there was little she could do. "Is there any way I can help?" she asked, even though she was sure there wasn't.

"Maybe," said the prince.

Surprised, Ellie gave him a questioning look. "I can?"

Ben was looking down, using his fork to move around his food. "I guess…I don't know, Ellie. I don't know what to do. The other royals—they aren't listening to me."

Elecia was still looking at Ben; she wasn't sure how she could help him with that. "Okay…so…what do you need me to do?"

"Tell me what to do? What to say?" he said, looking broken. "I'm at the end of my rope here. Mom keeps telling me just to be myself, and Dad says that, as King, I need to be the most powerful in the room. Strong. Powerful. Kingly. But I don't even know what that means! Especially since they're all Kings! I tried to take control, and it came off as more of a tantrum, which obviously didn't go over well."

"So…you want my advice?" the princess asked skeptically.

"Anything," he said, sounding desperate.

"All right." She turned her full attention to her brother and gave him what she hoped was a peaceful smile. Ellie reached over and put her hand on Ben's, hoping she could be as gentle and understanding as her mother always was. "I'm not exactly sure what advice I can give you…but I can try. What exactly is the problem?" If there was one thing she learned from her mother, it was that being able to be heard could be a powerful tool.

Ben looked at his sister. As he studied her, she could see the tension in his posture and face release somewhat. She felt him take a deep breath. "You know the basics of how we run the kingdom…right?"

"Yes," she said, a little indignant. "I may not be the future Queen, but I have been taught how we run the kingdom."

"Right," he chuckled a bit. "Sorry." He cleared his throat. "Anyway, the realms bring the citizens' complaints with them to the meeting. If they're deemed important enough, the issues are addressed." Concern spread over his face. "Elecia, there is a whole stack of complaints. Over the last couple of weeks, I've read them all. A lot of the sidekicks feel overworked and under-compensated. I feel like this is a major issue, and I tried telling the others that, but most of the other royals feel like the complaints aren't…valid. And then there are some of the issues that I feel shouldn't have even been in the stack at all. They should have been addressed by the leaders and not even brought to the meeting.

"But, like I said before, they're not listening to me. I'm not sure how to get them to see reason. Most of them just say that this is how things are run, that Dad has been doing it this way for years, and that I will learn in time. How do I argue against that? If that's how things have always been done…what do I do?"

Elecia listened to Ben, idly swirling her coffee with a small, knowing smile. The other royals would never dare admit that anyone could ever be unhappy in Auradon. She also knew that there were some of them that were a lot more selfish than anybody would be able to guess. The princess took her coffee, added some creamer, then sugar, and stirred it. She wasn't sure what to say. Ellie had her own opinions about the Royals, but those wouldn't help here. She needed to focus on Ben. He said that they weren't listening to him, so she would go from that angle.

Taking a deep breath, she started, "Well, without knowing all the details, there is little that I can really advise on here…" Ben's face fell at her words. "But I do know this: Both Mom and Dad are right." The prince looked at his sister like she had gone insane.

"Elecia, I just said that I didn't understand what they meant. Well, Mom's advice was pretty straightforward but doesn't help me much in this situation. Dad's advice is easier said than done. Like I said, I tried taking control, and they saw it as me throwing a tantrum."

"You're looking at this like they're two separate pieces of advice. Have you tried putting them together?"

"What do you mean?"

"Ben, you are not Dad, and no one should expect you to be. You are you, and whether the other Royals like it or not, you are going to run the kingdom differently than he has. It's just a matter of making them understand that. You need to come up with a plan to handle these issues and then tell them that your plan needs to be taken into effect. You are taking Dad's place on the council, so you have overall say. Don't get angry, but be assertive, and don't let there be room for doubt. Remind them that you are not Dad, and, as such, you are going to rule differently. You are going to be King—the King. They need to accept that."

Ben looked at her like he had just been slapped in the face.

Elecia gave her brother a sheepish look. A faint flush crept up her neck. "Does…that make sense? Mom's right in the fact that you need to be yourself. You're not Dad, and that's okay. But Dad's right in the fact that you need to be strong, be assertive. Don't let them push you around, and don't let them make you feel that your opinion doesn't matter. It does matter. In fact, it's your opinion that matters most. You're going to be King, not them."

The prince just stared at his sister in complete shock.

"Ben? Um…did I say something wrong...?" He shook his head and started to laugh. "Why are you laughing? I don't think I said something funny…"

"N-no! It's not that!" he said, still laughing.

"Then what is it? Why are you laughing at me?" Elecia asked, her brow furrowing.

Ben took a couple of deep breaths. "Sorry, Sis…I'm not laughing at you. I promise. I'm laughing at me, mostly."

"Why would you be laughing at yourself?" Elecia asked, taken aback. "I thought this was a serious conversation."

"What you said makes total sense, and I kind of feel like an idiot."

"So that made you…laugh?" she asked, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"I've been so stressed out these last several weeks trying to make Dad proud, trying to make a good impression on the other Royals—so much so that I forgot why I was doing this to begin with. Dad made me do this to get the feel of being King, and not once did I ever go into these meetings with the thought of 'I'm in charge.' I was trying to placate. I felt so small, intimidated. But you stating the facts so plainly like that, it makes sense."

Ellie relaxed. "So…I helped?"

The prince leaned over and kissed her on the forehead and then looked at her. "Immensely. Thank you."

Elecia beamed at him. "I'm glad."

"But that means I need to get to work now since the meeting is this afternoon after school," said the brunet teen.

"Get to work?"

"On an efficient plan to handle the complaints. I had already been thinking about one when I realized that the others weren't handling them properly." Ellie giggled. "What?" questioned Ben.

"Forming your own opinions about the issues and already coming up with a way to fix it sounds pretty kingly to me."

Ben looked at her dumbfounded. "Huh…guess so."

The siblings started working on their projects. They ate the rest of their breakfast and talked about upcoming school events. Soon, the clatter of trays, the murmur of conversations, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as students began to fill the cafeteria. Once they were spotted, friends of Ben's went over to either sit or say hello. Elecia, not liking to be surrounded by people, said goodbye to her brother and excused herself.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

A Not-So-Perfect Date

Elecia paced in her dorm room, the carpet muffling the sound of her footsteps. The thought of her date with Sean tonight filled her with a nervous energy that made her skin prickle. Sean's behavior as of late had been odd. When they first got together about six months ago, he was respectful, kind, and caring. He never seemed to want to take things fast, and he did things the right way. They went out on a few dates before he asked her to be his girlfriend. Then after that, their relationship just… fizzled.  

He'd started with little gifts, poems, or little notes in her locker, and overall, he was really sweet.  The Princess tried to do normal girlfriend things with him, even if it made her feel a bit awkward. But she did try. When the time came for their first kiss, even though she was filled with nerves, she let it happen. As time went on, she allowed her walls to come down and started to become more comfortable with him. 

Then the changes started. They were small at first, things that, by themselves, wouldn't have caused alarms. Lingering touches, possessive squeezes, and roaming hands when they kissed. Couple those with attitude changes, and there was the issue she had now. It's like he didn't care about her boundaries anymore. He'd been pushing to take their relationship farther, deeper. Ellie wasn't ready to make that step. Not yet. And when she told him this, the annoyance was obvious. He held back, but not by much. 

Then there were the conversations. Talks about the future. A future of them being the best power couple next to Ben and Audrey. She didn't like those conversations. While the laws were easy enough to look up and weren't hidden by any means, not many people knew of Elecia's unique position within Auradon. All the royals knew, however.

Due to her status as the adopted daughter of Beast and Belle and not a born natural royal, her title was nothing more than for show. While she was still expected to act and maintain propriety as the Princess of Auradon, she would never be qualified to be in line for the throne. Not by herself. The only way she would ever be in line is if she married a prince from one of the other royal families, as they were qualified to rule... should anything happen to her family.

Ellie had always known this, and never really minded. She was content in her position for the most part. Her situation, however, created an opportunity for the other royal kids. Should one of them marry her, they would automatically be next in line to rule should something happen to Ben. Elecia had never thought Sean was one of the ones who would ever use her that way. But their conversations recently had raised red flags. Everything combined made her uneasy. 

Taking a deep breath, the princess paused in front of the ornate, full-length mirror that dominated one corner of the room. Her reflection stared back – a young woman with platinum blonde hair swept up in an elegant bun, a delicate braid weaving its way around the base. A touch of pale blue ribbon was woven into the braid, complementing the flowing azure gown that fell to her knees. The soft fabric shimmered in the light, its vibrant hue accentuating her fair skin and bringing out the icy blue of her eyes. 

A sharp rap on the door interrupted her thoughts. "Ellie, you in there?" Jane's voice called from the hallway.

"Come in," Elecia responded, composing herself.

The door swung open, and Jane entered, her eyes widening as she took in Elecia's appearance. "Wow, Ellie," she breathed. "You look... incredible."

Elecia chuckled. "You always exaggerate, Jane."

Jane blushed. "No, I mean it! That dress… it's stunning."

"Don't be silly," Elecia said gently, giving her friend a reassuring hug. "You look lovely too."

Jane mumbled something about her hair and outfit, but Elecia brushed off her self-deprecating remarks.

"So," Jane began, changing the subject, "you're going to that fancy restaurant downtown with Sean, right?"

Elecia nodded, her stomach tightening.

"Ellie," Jane said, her voice laced with concern, "are you sure you're okay with this? With how he's been acting lately..."

Elecia sighed. "I know, Jane. But what am I supposed to do? He's my boyfriend..."

Jane's brow furrowed. "I know, but... I just don't want to see you get hurt."

"I appreciate that, Jane. Really, I do. But I need to do this."

Jane nodded, her expression a mix of worry and support. "Okay. But if he makes you uncomfortable, if he pressures you at all... you call your mom or dad. Or even the royal guard. Have them come get you, okay?"

Elecia managed a genuine smile. "Thanks, Jane. That means a lot."

Jane and Elecia had been friends since they were toddlers. Jane, shy and kind, was drawn to Elecia's confidence, while Elecia cherished Jane's genuineness. With Jane, she could be herself, free from the expectations and judgments of the other royal children. Jane was also the only person outside her family who knew about Elecia's powers.

As she grabbed her small clutch and headed out the door, a sense of foreboding still lingered, but Jane's unwavering support offered some comfort. This is a test, Elecia thought, her grip tightening on the clutch. If Sean can't ease my doubts about him and our relationship, then…. Well, I'm not sure what I'll do.

The Princess stepped out of her dorm building and into the crisp evening air. A sleek, black car idled at the curb, its polished surface gleaming under the glow of the streetlights. Sean emerged from the driver's seat with a charming smile on his face. He was dressed in a tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and athletic build, his dark hair styled perfectly. 

"Ellie, you look..." Sean paused, his eyes widening slightly as he took in her appearance. "Wow. You look incredible."

"Thank you, Sean," she replied, a blush forming on her cheeks. She couldn't deny that his gaze was flattering, and the effort he'd put into his own appearance was obvious. Unfortunately, there was still the underlying tension that had grown between them these last few weeks.

Sean opened the passenger door for her with a flourish, and she slid into the luxurious car, the scent of leather and expensive cologne filling her senses. "I hope you're hungry," Sean said grinning as he slid into the driver seat. 

“I am,” said Elecia with a small smile.

“So am I,” he said with a wink, his eyes lingering on her a little too long.

Elecia's stomach knotted with unease at his words. The underlying suggestion left a bitter taste in her mouth. The Prince had already made her uncomfortable, and they hadn't even left for the restaurant yet. As Sean pulled away from the curb and headed to Auradon City, Elecia couldn't shake the feeling of anxiety that had started to brew within her. She glanced down and noticed ice forming and snaking up her fingers to her hands. No, not now, she thought, her heart pounding. I can't lose control. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to relax, and the ice receded.

“Everything alright?" the prince asked, noticing the change in the air.

Elecia flashed him a bright smile. "Of course," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "Just… excited for our date."

Sean reached over and intertwined their hands, lifting them to his lips to kiss the back of hers. "Me too."

Relieved Sean hadn't noticed her near-slip, she breathed a sigh of relief. She scolded herself and inwardly reminded herself to stay calm. This was the main reason why Sean's behavior was so worrying. Every time Sean would do or say something that made her uncomfortable, her emotions would spike, and she would use her powers by accident. Keeping calm was key to keeping her powers in check. Elecia prayed the rest of the night would go well.

The car stopped in front of The Enchanted Rose, and Elecia's eyes were drawn to the elegant building bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. It was even more impressive than she'd imagined. A nervous flutter danced in her stomach, but it was overshadowed by a hopeful anticipation. This was it, a chance to reconnect with Sean, a chance she desperately wanted to seize.

Sean emerged from the car, a charming smile gracing his lips as he opened her door. "Here we are," he said, his voice warm and inviting. "What do you think?"

"It's beautiful," Elecia replied, a genuine smile mirroring his. The restaurant exuded an air of refined luxury, and she couldn't help but be impressed.

They stepped inside, and Elecia was enveloped by the hushed atmosphere. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow on the richly upholstered furniture and the impeccably dressed patrons. The air hummed with quiet conversation and the clinking of silverware, the tantalizing aroma of gourmet cuisine wafting through the air.  Elecia felt a touch of nervousness, but she took a deep breath and reminded herself to relax.

A host, radiating an air of quiet efficiency, led them to a secluded table draped in crisp white linen. A waiter appeared, presenting them with menus bound in supple leather. Elecia scanned the list of French dishes, a wave of nostalgia washing over her. The names evoked memories of her childhood, of grand dinners and lively family gatherings in the palace dining room.

"See anything you like?" Sean asked, his voice gentle.

"A few things," she replied, her gaze meeting his. "It all looks wonderful."

They perused the menus and made their selections. As they waited for their food, a comfortable silence fell between them. Elecia felt her nervousness ease, replaced by a cautious optimism. Maybe this date would be the turning point they needed.

The waiter arrived with their first course, breaking the silence. As they ate, Sean filled the silence with effortless chatter. He talked about his classes, his friends, and his ambitions for the future. Elecia offered polite responses and contributed to the conversation, but a part of her remained guarded, her earlier anxieties still lingering.  As dinner went on, Elecia felt herself relax, grateful for a normal date night. Easy talk and chatter. It made her hope they had finally gotten past the tension that had become so palpable. 

Just as she was starting to truly enjoy herself, Sean shifted the conversation. "You know," he began, a thoughtful expression on his face, "I was thinking about the coronation."

Ellie's heart skipped a beat. "Oh?" she said, trying to sound casual.

"We should coordinate our outfits," Sean continued, his eyes sparkling. "Imagine how good we'll look standing together. It'll be like getting a glimpse into our future."

The Princess’ face grew warm. While his words seemed innocent enough, the underlying assumption that they already had a future like that bothered her. Despite her feelings, she gave Sean a small smile. "That's a nice idea," she said slowly, trying to keep her tone light. "I don’t see why not."

Sean beamed. "I can already picture it," he said, his voice filled with a dreamy anticipation. "The two of us, side-by-side, ready to take on the world." He squeezed her hand, his thumb gently stroking her knuckles.

Elecia forced a smile, the unease growing in her stomach again.

"You know," Sean continued, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "I can't wait to see you in that coronation gown. You'll be absolutely breathtaking." His eyes lingered on her, a hint of possessiveness in their depths.

The blonde shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Why couldn’t we just have a normal date without all of this awkwardness? she thought, her anxiety returning. She needed to steer the conversation back to safer territory. "So, about those classes..." she began, but Sean was already lost in his own thoughts.

As they finished their meal, Sean leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You know," he began, "I know a place with an amazing view. I'd love to show it to you."

Elecia hesitated for a moment and took a deep breath. Her mind raced at the thought of being alone with him. But the prospect of escaping the confines of the crowded restaurant and enjoying the fresh air appealed to her. Besides, just because they were going someplace more secluded, didn't mean anything would happen. She breathed out slowly. "Sure," she agreed, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.

Sean settled the bill, and they left the restaurant, the cool night air a welcome contrast to the warmth of the bustling dining room.  He led her to the waiting car, opening the passenger door for her with a flourish.  As she slid into the luxurious vehicle, Elecia couldn't help but notice the way his gaze lingered on her, a possessiveness that made her stomach churn.

He drove them through the winding streets of the city, eventually leaving the bustling urban landscape behind. They ascended a winding road that snaked its way up a forested hillside, the city lights twinkling below like a sea of distant stars.

The car finally came to a stop at a secluded overlook, offering a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape. Sean turned off the engine, plunging them into a hushed silence broken only by the chirping of crickets and the distant hum of traffic.

He turned to Elecia, a hopeful expression on his face. "What do you think?" he asked, his voice softer now.

Ellie gazed out at the glittering expanse of lights, a sense of calm washing over her despite the unease that still lingered. "It's beautiful," she admitted, a genuine smile gracing her lips.

Sean's smile widened in response. "I knew you'd like it," he said, picking up her hand and kissing her knuckles. She smiled shyly, trying to keep calm. After a moment of staring at each other, the Prince leaned over and kissed the Princess.

This time, Elecia didn't resist. She met his kiss, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. But as the kiss deepened, Sean's hands began to wander, his touch becoming more insistent. He pulled her closer, his fingers tracing the curves of her body. His hand roamed up, cupped her breast and squeezed.

Elecia gasped and pulled away, her breath catching in her throat. "Sean," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Please stop."

"What?" he asked, his voice laced with confusion.

"You're moving too fast," she said, her voice trembling. "I'm not ready for this… We talked about this, remember?"

Sean's expression darkened. "Why not? Don't you trust me?" he asked, his tone growing accusatory.

"It's not about trust," Elecia replied, trying to stay calm. "It's about boundaries and respect."

A tense silence fell between them. Elecia felt a wave of frustration and disappointment. She had hoped this night would be a turning point, but she had obviously been wrong. Ellie took a sharp breath and got out of the car, trying not to cry. 

She walked to the edge of the overlook, the cool night air soothing her troubled mind. The Princess stared out at the city lights, trying to calm her racing heart.

After a few minutes, Sean joined her. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Ellie, I'm sorry," he whispered. "I didn't mean to push you. I just get carried away sometimes."

Elecia hesitated for a moment before leaning back into his embrace, her anger softening. "I know," she said softly. "But I need you to respect my boundaries."

Sean turned her around to face him, his expression sincere. "I will," he promised. "I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable."

Ellie nodded, a glimmer of hope returning to her eyes. "It's okay," she said. "I just need time."

They stood in silence for a moment, the city lights twinkling in the distance. Then, Sean took her hand and squeezed it gently. "I promise to be more patient," he said. "I just want to be with you."

Elecia nodded, her heart aching. She wanted to believe him, but only time would tell if he was telling the truth.

As they drove back to campus, a heavy silence fell between them. Elecia stared out the window, lost in her thoughts. She knew she needed to be careful, to set boundaries and protect herself. Ellie knew she couldn’t stop it going farther forever, but she just wasn’t ready. Didn’t her feelings matter at all?

Back at her dorm, Sean walked her to the door. He took her hands in his, his expression sincere. "Ellie, I really am sorry," he said. "I messed up tonight. I'll do better, I promise."

Elecia looked at him, searching his eyes. She saw genuine remorse, and a flicker of hope ignited within her. "I believe you, Sean," she said softly.

He leaned in and kissed her forehead, a tender gesture that sent a warmth through her. "Thank you," he whispered. "For giving me another chance." His eyes searched hers. “May I kiss the Princess goodnight?”

The Princess blushed and smiled, a genuine smile that reached her eyes. “You may.” He cupped her face in his hands and leaned down and kissed her. They kissed for a moment before she pulled away. "Goodnight, Sean," she said.

"Goodnight, Ellie," he replied, stepping back.

As she watched him walk away, Elecia felt a sense of relief wash over her. It wasn't perfect, but it was a start. Maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to make this work.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3

The Burden of Lineage

Elecia sat on her bed in the quiet peacefulness of her dorm room, studying the notebook that was on her lap. It was filled with her meticulous notes about different people, their family trees, and any abilities they may or may not have. She was surrounded by books, each one holding a different purpose for her research. The princess picked up a ledger that detailed the names, families, and members of each family for those who inhabited the place that everyone in Auradon liked to pretend didn't exist: the Isle of the Lost. The musty scent of old paper and ink clung to its worn leather cover, a stark contrast to the sweet fragrance of lavender wafting from her bed linens.

She cross-referenced the names from her notebook to those in the ledger. Sighing, she put the ledger down. At this rate, she'd never find the answers she needed. The answers to the questions that had plagued her for almost her whole life. Her parents. Who were her parents? Where did she come from? The answers to these questions continued to elude her.

Ellie's journey to find her parents started one night when she was ten years old. It had started to storm outside—the wind howling and rain lashing against the windows—and she'd had the familiar nightmare, the dark swirling cloud chasing her, throwing lightning bolts at her retreating back. She had awoken, frightened, and gone to seek solace in her parents’ bed. As she passed the library, she noticed a light spilling from under the door. Curiosity overcoming her fear, she peeked inside.

Her parents were huddled together, their faces etched with concern, poring over ancient texts and faded photographs. The faint crackle of the fireplace and the rustle of turning pages were the only sounds that disturbed the tense silence.

"Her magic is unlike anything we've seen in Auradon," her father had said, his voice heavy with worry.

"Where could she have come from?" her mother had whispered, her eyes filled with a desperate need to know.

"We've searched every record, every family tree," her father had replied. "There's no trace of anyone with similar abilities."

A heavy silence had fallen over the room. Then, her mother had spoken, her voice hesitant, "There is one place we haven't considered looking…"

"The Isle?" her father had said, his voice laced with surprise. "But, Belle, that's..."

"I know, I know," her mother had interrupted. "It's unlikely. But we have to consider every possibility."

Elecia's young heart pounded in her chest. The Isle of the Lost. A place she knew of, of course, but one that always seemed distant, a world apart from her own. Overwhelmed by the implications of their conversation and the storm raging outside, she'd crept into the room and settled onto her father's lap, seeking comfort in his warmth and the faint, spicy scent of his cologne.

Thinking she was asleep, her parents continued their hushed discussion, their voices a low murmur in the dimly lit room. But Elecia wasn't asleep. She listened, her mind reeling, as they spoke of a possibility she had never dared to imagine—that her true origins lay not in the bright, shining kingdom of Auradon, but in the shadowy depths of the Isle of the Lost.

The memory of their hushed voices, their desperate search for answers, stayed with her, fueling her own quest to uncover the truth.

The princess rolled her neck and shoulders, releasing the tension that had built up from being hunched over for so long. She closed the notebook, her thoughts lingering on the Isle and its inhabitants. Elecia kept her search for her biological parents a secret from her family. She didn't want to hurt them or make them feel like they weren't the best family they could be.

Ellie loved her parents and her big brother deeply. The last thing she wanted was to cause them any sort of distress. But, with each passing day, she felt more and more like an outsider in the place she was supposed to call home. Between her powers and others treating her the way they did, she couldn't help it. The only one who knew of her research was Jane, and she had sworn her to secrecy.

A knock interrupted her thoughts. "Ellie? You in there?" 

Ben.

"Just a minute!" Elecia called, panicking slightly as she gathered up the books and shoved them under her bed. She got her notebook and put it in her bedside table drawer.

"Come in," she said, quickly trying to compose herself.

Ben entered, a hesitant smile on his face. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Not at all," she replied, returning his smile. "What's up?"

Her brother sat on her bed next to her, his expression turning serious. "I wanted to talk to you about something important. Something I've been thinking about a lot lately."

Elecia's brow furrowed slightly. "Another disagreement with the Council?" she asked, recalling their recent conversation about his struggles to gain their respect in his soon-to-be-new role as king.

The brunet shook his head. "No, it's not that. This is...different."

The princess’ curiosity piqued. Ben often came to her to discuss his thoughts and concerns, but there was a different tone in his voice today, a hint of unease that she couldn't quite decipher.

"I'm listening," she said, encouraging him to continue.

Ben hesitated, a troubled look clouding his features. "It's just...sometimes I feel like there's something missing in Auradon," he began, his voice low. "Like there's a whole other world out there that we're ignoring."

Ellie's interest deepened. This was an unexpected opening. It resonated with her own feelings of disconnect.

"What do you mean?" she asked, prompting him to elaborate.

"I look around at everyone here," the prince continued, gesturing vaguely towards the window, "and they all seem so content, so satisfied with their perfect lives. But I can't shake the feeling that there's more to life than just...this."

The blonde nodded slowly, not sure where this conversation was going. Elecia had her own opinions about the "perfect" life that everyone in Auradon seemed to have. She knew better.

"The council meeting the other day…it got me thinking," he stood up and went to look out her window. "You, me, Audrey…we were born into a life of privilege and comfort. We've never had a reason to want more than what we have. And it was by pure luck." He turned back to her, his face a mixture of wonder and sadness. "But others, like Flounder, the mice, the Dwarves, and others who are the backbone of our society…they were born into a life that, while not completely horrible, still have needs, desires. Remember when I was telling you about the stack of complaints? One of them was from the Dwarves. Their issue was that they've worked for twenty years to mine for Auradon and have nothing to show for it. They're worried about their families after they retire. These concerns…they're legitimate. But, for whatever reason, no one seems to understand that. The Royals have lived their lives without having to worry about any of that stuff." Ben sighed and ruffled his hair. "It's not fair," he continued, his voice filled with sadness.

Elecia agreed. It wasn't fair. No one should feel like they didn't matter, especially in the land of Happy Endings, where fairy tales came true. It was supposed to be perfect, even though it was far from it. But she still didn't understand where this was going.

“Those issues… I can fix them. When I become king. Maybe even before.” He paused, a thoughtful look on his face. “But…” He looked at her cautiously.

"But what, Ben?"

"Elecia, have you ever felt trapped?" he asked in a rush.

She stilled. Trapped? Of course, she felt trapped. She'd felt trapped her whole life. "Trapped…in what way?"

"In your role as princess."

"Trapped?" Elecia's voice caught in her throat. "More like suffocating," she admitted, her gaze dropping to her hands. "But I never thought anyone else felt the same."

"You do?" he asked, a hint of relief in his voice. "I thought I was the only one."

"No, you're not," Elecia assured him, meeting his gaze. "It's just...everyone expects us to be a certain way, to fulfill a certain role. There's not much room for...individuality."

"Exactly! We're stuck in this role because of our parents. And it got me thinking; there are others like us who are trapped."

"Who?" Ellie asked, quirking an eyebrow.

"The kids on the Isle. They're trapped too, but in a much worse way. They're literally confined to that island, denied any chance to be anything other than what people expect them to be."

The princess sat there and thought about it. She had never thought about the kids of the Isle that way before. Of course, she had been thinking about the inhabitants of the Isle for completely different reasons. But her brother had a point. All those kids, being imprisoned there, for crimes they didn't commit. It was…dare she think it…? Villainous…Almost downright evil. Elecia's heart ached with a mix of empathy and a selfish longing. Empathy for the Isle kids, trapped in a fate they didn't choose.

"We need to help them…that's…it's…Ben…that's evil…" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"We have to do something," Ben agreed.

"But what can we do?"

Ben's eyes lit up. "I've been thinking...what if we brought some of them here? To Auradon? Gave them a chance to experience a different life, a chance to break free from the shadows of their parents?"

Elecia's mind raced. This was a bold idea, a risky idea, but...it also felt right. "That's...that's a possibility," she said slowly. "But who would we bring? And how would we convince everyone else that it's a good idea?"

Ben paused, considering her question. "That's something we'd have to figure out," he admitted. "But I think we could start by looking at their records, learning more about them, and seeing who might be most likely to thrive here."

Elecia sat straighter. "We can look at the official census records ledger. It has everyone's names in it. Not anything substantial for their personalities, but at least their names and who their parents are."

Ben's eyes lightened up. "That's a great idea! It's probably in the Royal Archives at the castle! We'll go there and—"

"It's not there," Elecia said quietly.

Ben looked at her, confused. "It's not? Then where is it?"

Ellie hesitated for a moment before she fished the ledger from under her bed and held it out for him to see.

Ben's eyes widened in disbelief. "Elecia…!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with surprise and concern. "Why do you have this?"

Elecia blushed, avoiding his gaze. "I...may have...borrowed it," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper.

"Borrowed it?" Ben repeated, his voice rising in disbelief. "Elecia, you know you can't just take things from the Royal Archives!"

Elecia's cheeks flushed a deeper red. "I know, I know," she sighed, "but I…I needed it."

"Needed it?" Ben echoed, his brow furrowing in concern. "What for?"

Elecia hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. She took a deep breath and let it out. It was Ben…they told each other everything. He'd understand…wouldn't he? Looking at her brother, she sheepishly said, "I…I've been trying to find my birth parents," her voice trembling slightly.

The surprise on Ben's face was evident. He stared at her for a moment, his expression softening as understanding dawned on him. "Elecia," he said gently, reaching out to take her hand, "why didn't you tell me?"

Ellie tried to keep tears from her eyes. "I didn't want to worry you," she admitted, her voice cracking. "I didn't want you to think...that I wasn't happy here, with our family."

Ben squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Elecia," he said softly. He let go of her hand and embraced her, pulling her close. "You're my sister. Nothing will ever change that. And I want you to be happy. If finding your birth parents is what will make you happy, then I'll support you every step of the way."

Elecia leaned into Ben's hug, a small smile forming on her face. "Really? You aren't mad? Or hurt?"

The prince chuckled. "Of course not, you silly snowflake. It's natural to be curious. I'm surprised you haven't brought it up before now."

Ben's nonchalance about her confession made her feel like an idiot. Of course, he wouldn't be mad at her. This was her big brother, her rock.

He pulled back, a hopeful smile touching his lips. "And who knows," he added, "maybe this plan, this chance to bring those kids here, might lead to something unexpected. Maybe it might even help you find the answers you're looking for."

Ellie's heart swelled with a mix of gratitude and hope. She looked at Ben, her eyes shining with newfound determination. "I hope so," she whispered.

Ben nodded, his gaze returning to the ledger. "Now," he declared, a spark of excitement in his voice, "let's see who we can find."

Elecia's heart pounded with a mixture of anticipation and a strange sense of destiny. This plan, this unexpected opportunity, might finally lead her to the answers she so desperately craved.

"Yes," she agreed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Let's get started."

He looked up at Elecia, a sudden determination in his eyes. "We need to go through this carefully," he declared. "We need to choose the right kids, the ones who are most likely to thrive in Auradon."

Elecia nodded eagerly. "I agree. We need to consider their ages, their families, any potential skills or talents they might have..."

And so they began, their heads bent over the ledger, their fingers tracing the faded ink of the names that held so much potential, so much hope. They discussed each candidate, weighing their strengths and weaknesses, their backgrounds and circumstances. Elecia subtly guided the conversation, drawing on her extensive research. They went through hundreds of names.

"Whoever we choose needs to make a statement. Show that this is the right call," the prince said, looking at a list he'd started on a sheet of paper.

"So what you're saying is that the ones chosen need to have significant parents," Elecia rolled her shoulders. "Makes sense." She looked at her own list. "That means the kids of the Evil Stepsisters are out. As are any of the henchmen's kids."

"Just for now. If this succeeds, we'll be able to bring over more later."

As they discussed each potential candidate, a sense of purpose filled the room. This wasn't just about fulfilling a royal duty or appeasing a guilty conscience. This was about giving those kids a chance, a chance to break free from the shadows of their parents and discover their own potential.

"Ben, have you thought about how to bring your idea to Dad? I don't imagine him being…on board with this," the princess asked.

"Well, Dad has been pushing me to make my first proclamation. I think this is a good chance to," Ben said with a shrug.

Ellie grinned at her brother. Her heart swelled with pride. He was going to make a good king. By the time the last rays of sunlight faded from the sky, they had reached a decision. Mal, Maleficent's daughter. Evie, Evil Queen's daughter. Jay, Jafar's son. And Carlos, Cruella De Vil's son. These were the four they would bring to Auradon.

Ben closed the ledger, a resolute expression on his face. "This is it," he declared, his voice ringing with conviction. "This is my first proclamation as the future king of Auradon."

Chapter Text

Chapter 4

The Isle of Lost Dreams

Across the Sea of Serenity on the Isle of the Lost, Harry Hook, the one and only son of the infamous Captain Hook, stared out from his secluded rooftop spot on one of the highest buildings of the Isle. His spot had a perfect panoramic view of the ocean on all sides, with a good view of Auradon in the distance. Harry could just make out its sparkling lights, a beacon of the life he could only dream of. Besides the respite from the chaos and revelry of Isle life, he liked the view. 

He liked to dream, and scheme, from this spot. The pirate, like every other person on the wretched rock, dreamed (or more plotted and schemed) of the day they would finally be free of this place. He imagined himself at the helm of his own ship, a magnificent vessel with sails billowing in the wind, cutting through the waves towards that distant land. He'd explore uncharted territories, discover hidden treasures, and make a name for himself that would echo through the ages. He'd be more than just Harry Hook, son of a washed-up pirate. He'd be Captain Hook, a legend in his own right.

The Isle of the Lost was a festering wound on the world, a place where dreams went to die and rot. Like all the kids on the Isle, Harry was born in this prison. And like all residents of the Isle, he thrived on the chaos born of this unlawful place. Stealing, scheming, fighting, and causing mayhem were the norm around here. No magic, no wifi, no way out. 

He lingered for a while, lost in his dreams of escape and adventure. But the Isle, with its harsh realities, soon pulled him back. He'd escape this prison and claim his destiny. But first, he had more pressing matters to attend to. The pirate had to head for Serpent Prep, one of the Isle's sorry excuses for a school. He was already late, but if he missed school entirely, his parents would have his hook.

Spotting a conveniently placed rope dangling from a nearby building, Harry grinned. With a practiced flick of his wrist, he attached his hook to the rope and launched himself off the roof. He slid down the makeshift zipline, the wind whipping through his hair, a thrill of adrenaline coursing through his veins. He landed with a thud right in front of a startled figure.

"Whoa there, lad!" his father, Killian, exclaimed, barely managing to avoid a collision.

"Morning, Dad," Harry grinned, unhooking himself from the rope and landing lightly on his feet. "Didn't expect to see you here."

Killian raised an eyebrow, a mixture of amusement and exasperation in his eyes. "You know, there are easier ways to get down from a roof," he remarked dryly.

"Where's the fun in that?" Harry retorted with a wink.

Killian chuckled, shaking his head. "You've got your mother's adventurous spirit, that's for sure." He clapped Harry on the shoulder. "Just try not to break your neck, eh?"

"No promises," Harry replied with a mischievous grin.

"That's my boy," Killian said, pride and affection evident in his voice. He glanced towards the harbor. "I'm heading down to the Inlet. Need to restock the bait and tackle before the fishing crowd arrives."

Harry nodded, picturing the cluttered interior of Hook's Inlet and Shack, the ramshackle fishing shop Killian ran down by the docks. The place was crammed with fishing rods, reels, lines, and all sorts of odds and ends a fisherman might need. He even remembered seeing a dusty pile of used waders tucked away in a corner. It wasn't much, but it provided a meager living for his father and a source of fresh fish for the Isle.

"I'll see you later, Dad," Harry said, already turning towards Serpent Prep. "Maybe I'll stop by after school and see if you've caught anything worth stealing."

Killian chuckled. "Wouldn't dream of selling you anything, lad. You'll have to earn your supper like the rest of us."

Once he got to school, he spotted Uma leaning against a crumbling wall, her vibrant turquoise hair a stark contrast to the drab grayness of the building. Uma was the Sea Witch Ursula’s daughter, and no one usually liked to cross her. Her leather jacket, adorned with seashells and tiny skulls, shimmered in the weak sunlight, and her brown skin glowed with an inner fire. 

Uma was Harry’s oldest friend on the Isle. She’d decided one day to just start ordering him around, and he just went along with her orders. He hadn’t thought about it a lot at first because they had a lot in common. Cruel-intentions, awesome pirate outfits and always up for mischief and adventure. Harry was her confidante, her partner in crime, but unfortunately, he had come to be known as Uma’s second. Sometimes, he wondered if that was all he'd ever be. The brunet pushed the thought aside. He had his own ambitions, his own dreams to chase.

As Harry approached her, he noticed Uma’s usual playful energy was replaced by a simmering rage, her turquoise eyes narrowed and her jaw clenched.

"Uma," he greeted her cautiously, sensing her agitation. "What's wrong?"

Uma's voice was tight with fury. "Mal," she spat. "That little witch crossed a line."

"What happened?" Harry asked, his curiosity piqued.

"She stole something from me," Uma growled, her voice barely a whisper. "Something important."

"What was it?" Harry pressed, his concern growing.

Uma's eyes narrowed. "The map," she hissed. "The map to the hidden cove."

Harry felt a chill run down his spine. That map was more than just a piece of parchment; it was a symbol of their shared dream, their hope of escaping the Isle and claiming their destiny. Mal stealing it was a direct attack on their future.

"That little thief," Harry snarled, his hand instinctively reaching for his hook. "She'll pay for this."

Uma's lips curled into a predatory smile. "Oh, she will. I just have to plan how.”

They entered the school, a dilapidated building that reeked of mildew and despair. They slipped into their class, Sword Fighting with Shan Yu, the imposing Hun warrior with a chilling reputation and a voice that could command armies. Harry and Uma, however, were not intimidated. They saw Shan Yu's class as an opportunity to hone their skills and test their limits.

As Shan Yu barked orders in his gruff, accented voice, Harry and Uma exchanged sly glances. They weren't interested in following the rules. They wanted to push boundaries, to challenge authority, to create their own chaos. When Shan Yu's back was turned, Harry subtly tripped a clumsy student, sending him sprawling to the ground. Uma, with a flick of her wrist, unsheathed her sword and expertly disarmed another student, sending his weapon clattering across the floor.

Shan Yu's eyes narrowed, his gaze sweeping across the room like a hawk searching for prey. "Who dares disrupt my class?!" he boomed, his voice echoing through the room.

Harry and Uma adopted expressions of wide-eyed innocence. Harry even managed to let out a convincingly startled yelp.

"It wasn't us, Master Shan Yu!" Uma chirped, her voice dripping with honeyed sweetness that belied her mischievous nature. "We were just practicing our disarming techniques, as you instructed."

Shan Yu, a warrior who valued strength and cunning above blind obedience, grunted in response. He seemed to appreciate their defiance, a flicker of amusement in his cold eyes. He turned his attention to the unfortunate student who was still sprawled on the floor, his sword lying several feet away.

"Get up, you pathetic whelp!" Shan Yu roared. "This is a training ground for warriors, not a playground for toddlers!"

The student scrambled to his feet, his face flushed with embarrassment. Harry and Uma exchanged a sly grin, their silent communication a testament to their years of shared mischief. As the class resumed, Harry's thoughts drifted back to his rooftop reverie. He longed for the freedom of the open sea, for the chance to prove himself beyond the confines of this island prison. He glanced at Uma, her focus unwavering as she practiced a particularly vicious lunge. He knew she shared his ambition, his desire to escape and make their mark on the world.

The bell signaling the end of class rang out, its shrill tone a welcome relief. Harry and Uma exited the classroom, their laughter echoing in the desolate hallway.

"Shan Yu's face was priceless when that kid's sword went flying," Harry chuckled, recalling the instructor's thunderous expression.

"He'll be sharpening his blades and his temper for weeks," Uma replied, a glint in her dark eyes.

As they rounded a corner, they bumped into Johnny Silver and his gang. Silver, with his sneering smirk and entourage of wannabe pirates, was a constant thorn in Harry's side. Their rivalry was as old as time. Being the son of Captain John Silver, he and Harry had always fought for who was the best pirate on the Isle, as they both had famous fathers for pirates.

Silver blocked their path, his eyes narrowed with malice. "Well, well, if it isn't Hook and his pet," he sneered, deliberately excluding Uma's name. "Come to beg for mercy?" He paused, feigning a sudden realization. "Oh, I'm sorry. Uma and her pet," he corrected himself, emphasizing Harry's second-in-command status with a mocking bow.

Harry bristled at the insult, his hand instinctively reaching for his hook. "You're the one who'll be begging for mercy, Silver," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "Just thought I'd remind you who's top dog around here."

Silver let out a mocking laugh. "You? Top dog? Don't flatter yourself, Hook. You're nothing but a washed-up pirate's son with a rusty hook and a delusional sense of grandeur."

Harry's grip tightened on his hook. He hated Silver's condescending tone, the way he always managed to get under his skin.

"Careful, Silver," Uma warned, stepping forward, her voice laced with steel. "You wouldn't want to lose your tongue."

Silver's eyes flickered towards Uma, a flicker of fear momentarily replacing his arrogance. But he quickly recovered, his smirk returning. "Oh, I'm terrified," he said sarcastically. "What are you going to do, Sea Witch's daughter? Drown me in a puddle?"

Uma's eyes narrowed, but before she could retort, Harry stepped forward, his anger reaching a boiling point.

"You're going to regret that, Silver," he snarled, lunging forward.

Silver, caught off guard by Harry's sudden attack, stumbled back. He raised his arms defensively, but Harry was too quick. His hook connected with Silver's cheek, drawing a thin line of blood.

Silver cried out in pain and surprise, clutching his face. His cronies, sensing their leader's vulnerability, melted away, leaving him alone to face Harry's wrath. Harry pressed his advantage, his movements fueled by years of pent-up frustration and rivalry. Silver, despite his boasts, was no match for Harry's ferocity. He tried to fight back, but his blows were clumsy and easily deflected. Harry landed a final blow, sending Silver sprawling to the ground. He stood over him, his hook glinting menacingly in the dim light.

"Don't ever underestimate me, Silver," he growled, his voice laced with venom. "Next time, it won't be just a scratch."

Harry and Uma turned and walked away. They were the rulers of this kingdom of decay, and they wouldn't let anyone, not even the likes of Johnny Silver, forget it. As they continued down the hallway, a group of girls materialized from a side corridor, their eyes wide with admiration.

"That was amazing, Harry!" one of them gushed.

"You totally took him down!" another exclaimed.

Harry flashed them a dazzling smile, his charm back in full force. "It was nothing," he said with a shrug, though his eyes twinkled with satisfaction. "Just a little lesson in respect."

The girls giggled and followed them down the hallway, vying for Harry's attention. Uma, who had been tolerating the attention with a growing sense of annoyance, decided she'd had enough. With a swift kick, she sent a nearby trash can tumbling down the hallway. It clattered and banged, scattering the girls and sending them scrambling for cover.

Harry, startled by the sudden commotion, turned to Uma with a questioning look.

Uma rolled her eyes dramatically. "Honestly," she scoffed, "those girls are like a flock of seagulls after a dropped fish. Can't they see we have more important things to discuss?"

"Well," Harry said with a wink, "a pirate's gotta have his fun, right?"

Uma chuckled. "Just try not to let it go to your head, Harry."

They continued down the hallway, the echoes of their laughter replacing the now-absent squeals of the girls. They made their way to their next class, and then the next, enduring the remaining hours of the school day with their usual mix of mischief and boredom.

Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of their sentence at Serpent Prep. Harry and Uma burst out of the classroom, their energy renewed by the promise of freedom.

"Finally!" Harry exclaimed, stretching his arms with a satisfied groan. "I thought that day would never end."

"Just the beginning," Uma said. "Now the real fun begins."

They headed towards Ursula's Fish and Chips, the greasy spoon diner owned by Uma's mother.

"Okay," Uma said, her voice taking on a serious tone as they walked. "We need to talk about that map. Mal's going to regret stealing it from me."

"I'm all for getting it back," Harry replied, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "What's the plan?"

Uma outlined her strategy as they navigated the crowded streets, explaining that they would need to create a diversion to lure Mal and her gang away from their hideout while they slipped in and retrieved the map.

"Sounds brilliant," Harry commented, impressed by Uma's cunning plan. "But who's going to create this diversion?"

"I need you to round up Gil," Uma instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument. "He's got a knack for causing chaos, and we'll need all the help we can get." She paused, a thoughtful look on her face. "And find someone who can really stir things up. Someone who knows their way around the Isle and isn't afraid of a little...fireworks."

Harry grinned, already thinking of Ginny Gothel, Mother Gothel’s daughter. "Aye, aye," he said, with a devilish twinkle in his eyes. "Consider it done."

They reached the Chip Shop, the familiar aroma of grease and salt air hitting them like a wave. Inside, the Chip Shop was bustling with its usual clientele of pirates, rogues, and ne'er-do-wells. The air was thick with the smell of salt, grime, and fried food. Gil was holding court at a table near the back, his booming laughter echoing above the din. He was arm-wrestling a burly pirate with a handlebar mustache, his face contorted with effort as he strained against his opponent's grip. Uma walked to the back to start her shift, while Harry headed towards Gil. 

Gil was Gaston’s youngest son. He was just like his dad, brawny and liked to use his muscles more than his brains. Gil was, in a word, a simpleton. He tried his best to keep up with Uma and Harry and their shenanigans. As long as he could use his muscles, he was up for anything.

"Gil!" Harry called out, making his way through the crowd.

Gil, spotting his friend, grinned and gave a final, victorious shove, sending the pirate sprawling onto the table. "Harry!" he boomed, rising to his feet. "Just in time for the main event!"

"Save it for later, Gil," Harry said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "We've got a job to do."

He relayed Uma's plan, emphasizing the need for a grand distraction.

"Sounds like fun!" Gil exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. "Count me in. What do I get to do?"

"Uma will fill you in on the details later," Harry explained. "Just meet us back at the docks before sunset."

"Aye, aye," Gil replied with a mock salute, already envisioning the chaos he would unleash.

Harry left Gil to his boisterous antics and headed out of the Chip Shop. He needed to find Ginny and enlist her help in their scheme. As he navigated the maze of crumbling buildings, a familiar restlessness stirred within him.

He made his way to Ginny's hideout, a secluded room in the abandoned attic of an old theater. He found her sprawled on a tattered velvet chaise lounge, a book of fairytales open but neglected on her lap.

"Lost in a fairytale, love?" he asked with a smirk, leaning against the doorframe.

Ginny looked up, her black curls framing her face, those grey eyes sparking with a mixture of curiosity and challenge. "Just trying to escape reality for a bit," she replied, tossing the book aside. "But you, Harry Hook, are a much more enticing distraction."

"That's what I like to hear," Harry said, stepping closer. He lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Speaking of distractions, I have a proposition for you. A chance to cause some serious mayhem and stick it to Mal at the same time."

Ginny's eyes widened. "I'm listening..."

Harry outlined Uma's plan, emphasizing the need for a grand distraction to draw Mal and her gang away from their hideout.

"Sounds like my kind of party," Ginny grinned. "Count me in."

"Perfect," Harry replied, his smile widening. "Meet us at the docks just before sunset."

Ginny nodded, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I'll be there."

Harry took another step closer, his gaze locking with hers. "I knew I could count on you," he murmured, his voice taking on a husky tone.

Ginny's smirk widened. "You know I can't resist a good scheme, especially when it involves a bit of chaos."

She leaned in, capturing his lips in a searing kiss. Her lips were demanding, her tongue tracing the outline of his teeth, sending a jolt of desire through him. He groaned, his hands finding her waist, pulling her closer.

"Don't forget my payment, Hook," she purred, her voice laced with desire.

He spun her around and pressed her against the chaise lounge, his movements rough and urgent. He pulled her skirt up and wasted no time. It was quick, rough, and purely physical. Just a raw, primal need for release.

He finished quickly, stepping back with a ragged breath. The tension, the frustration, the yearning – it had all momentarily subsided, replaced by a hollow emptiness. He glanced at Ginny, who was smoothing down her hair, her cheeks flushed, her eyes alight with satisfaction. 

He rose to his feet, brushing dust from his trousers. "I should go," he said, his voice rough.

Ginny raised an eyebrow. "Already?"

He shrugged. His need satiated, he felt nothing but indifference. "Got things to do." 

He didn't, not really. But he didn’t see a reason for staying there with her. Harry turned and walked away, leaving Ginny sprawled on the chaise lounge. As he made his way back towards the familiar chaos of the Isle, he couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't enough. He craved adventure, yes, but he also craved something...real. Something lasting.

He met up with Uma and Gil at the docks just as the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of purple and orange.

"Ready for some mayhem?" Harry asked.

"Always," Uma and Gil replied in unison.

The marketplace was in an uproar. Fireworks exploded, dogs barked and chased bewildered villain kids, and stalls were overturned in the ensuing chaos. Harry, Uma, and Gil, hidden in the shadows, exchanged triumphant grins. Their diversion was working perfectly.

"Now's our chance," Uma whispered, motioning towards the alleyway that led to the core four's hideout.

With a shared nod, they slipped away from the commotion and crept towards their target. The hideout was eerily quiet, the usual guards nowhere to be seen. They picked the lock with practiced ease and slipped inside.

***************************

Later that night, with the stolen map safely tucked away, Harry made his way through the Isle, his footsteps echoing in the quiet night. He reached his family's modest dwelling, a small but sturdy cottage nestled amidst the chaos of the Isle.

He slipped inside, the familiar scent of his mother's cooking filling his senses. He found his family gathered around the table, his parents, Emma and Killian, engaged in a lively discussion, while his siblings, Harriet and CJ, playfully bickered over a game of cards.

"Harry!" his mother exclaimed, her face lighting up at his arrival. "You're back early. Come, join us."

Harry pulled up a chair, a sense of calm washing over him as he settled into the familiar warmth of his family. He shoved CJ aside playfully and snagged a handful of cards. "What are we playing?"

"Spit," CJ grumbled, scowling at Harry. "And you're going down, Hook."

"Oh, it's on, shrimp," Harry retorted with a grin.

"So, tell us about your day, lad," Killian prompted, a knowing glint in his eye. "Anything interesting happen?"

Harry grinned. "You could say that." He launched into a detailed account of his day. The brunet even shared some of the more daring details of the heist. 

His family listened with a mix of amusement and concern, their reactions ranging from Emma's raised eyebrows to Killian's proud chuckle. Harriet, his older, ever-competitive sister, expressed her disappointment at not being included in the action, while CJ, the youngest, peppered him with questions about the fight with Silver.

For a brief moment, Harry forgot about the troubles of the Isle, the rivalries, and his yearning for escape. He was simply Harry. As the evening drew to a close, however, he couldn't shake the feeling that there had to be more to life than this. 

Harry went up to his small bedroom, opened up his one window, and glanced up at the sky. The pirate didn’t know when, or how, but he would make a better life for himself. With his hook, he was ready to fight for the future he deserved.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5

The Proclamation

The royal family of house Beast was arguably the happiest in all of Auradon, their lives filled with shared laughter, cherished memories, and abundant love. King Beast, a devoted father and formidable ruler, found joy in playful wrestling matches with his son and tender moments with his daughter. Queen Belle, a scholar and passionate advocate for knowledge, instilled a love of reading in both children. As the young prince and princess grew older, evenings were often spent gathered by the hearth, sharing cups of tea and discussing the books that had captured their imaginations. 

But tonight at the dinner table, things within the normally happy royal family were, in a word, tense. The thick tension that filled the dining room was enough to subdue even the usually boisterous servants. They all sat quietly eating. Where laughter and easy conversation usually flowed at their weekend dinners, there was only the strained silence of small talk. A few days prior, Ben had publicly announced his first official proclamation, and it was the subject of that proclamation that caused the uneasy air. 

"...And so, I hereby decree, that the children of the Isle of the Lost be given the chance to live here in Auradon. In the hope that they will be able to turn their lives around and learn the value of goodness. Four children will be chosen to start this exciting new venture, with the hope that all the children of the Isle will, in time, be given the opportunity to choose their own destiny, free from the shadows of their parents' past." Ben finished, a confident smile on his face. The room hung in stunned silence for a moment, the reporters frozen in place. One reporter's notebook slipped from his grasp and tumbled to the floor.

The proclamation was aired live on the Auradon News Network for all to see. Surprisingly, the proclamation had been met with little resistance from the general public. The Royal council, of course, was divided on the idea. Though King Beast had given his consent—he was, after all, still the King—he was far from pleased. Known for his volatile temper, Beast had grown even more short tempered in the past few days. Belle, his ever-patient wife and voice of reason, did her best to keep him in check.

Elecia sighed, the atmosphere at the dining room table thick enough to cut with a knife. Her father avoided everyone's gaze, busying himself with anything to distract from the simmering conflict. She wished he were more open to the idea, like he pretended to be for the cameras. Behind closed doors, it was a different story. Ben and the King had clashed fiercely when the proclamation was first brought up, their arguments echoing through the castle for hours. Ben was adamant, arguing that the villain kids were innocent, that they hadn't committed any crimes to deserve a lifetime behind the barrier. Belle, ever the voice of reason, had sided with Ben, praising his compassion and reminding Beast of their son's impending coronation. "He's going to be King soon, dear," she'd said, "There's little you can do now except support him and ensure things go as smoothly as possible."

Belle, trying to bring things back to a more even keel, broke the silence. "So," Belle cleared her throat, looking at her children, "how is school going? Anything new?"

The Princess tried not to smile at her mother's choice of words, "Oh, things are fine. The usual."

"How's student council going? Are you taking to your new responsibilities as President alright?" Belle inquired, cutting off a piece of her roast and eating it.

"Fine... we've been really busy. Getting ready for tomorrow. We're going to have a welcoming ceremony of sorts. The band is playing, and many students have agreed to help with the fanfare." Ellie pulled a slight face at her next sentence, “Sean and Audrey have decided that they’re going to join me and Ben to welcome the new students.”

"That sounds lovely, dear," Belle said, a small smile gracing her lips. "I'm sure it will be a wonderful event."

Elecia nodded, but her thoughts were already drifting to the Isle of the Lost, to the villain kids who would soon be arriving in Auradon. She couldn't help but wonder what they were like, what their lives had been like, and how they would adjust to their new surroundings.

"It's just..." Ellie hesitated, her brow furrowing with concern. "I can't help but worry about what will happen when they arrive. Auradon isn't exactly… known… for welcoming outsiders."

Beast grunted, his disapproval echoing in the room. "This whole thing is a mistake," he grumbled, pushing his plate away. "Those villain kids will never change their ways."

“Case and point,” the princess said, rolling her eyes.

Ben's expression hardened, his jaw setting with determination. "We have to give them a chance, Dad," he insisted, his voice unwavering. "They deserve an opportunity to prove themselves."

Belle, who had clearly had enough of the awkwardness and bickering, stood up from her chair. "That's quite enough, you two," she said, her voice firm but gentle. "We are a family, and we will support each other, no matter what. Ben has made his decision, and we will respect that." She fixed Beast with a pointed look. "Won't we, dear?"

Beast, meeting his wife's gaze, softened his expression. "Of course, Belle," he conceded, a hint of a smile touching his lips. "As always, you're right."

"Now," Belle continued, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, "who's up for a rematch?"

Elecia and Ben exchanged surprised glances. "Rematch?" Ben asked, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Yes," Belle confirmed, her smile widening. "A rematch of the Great Book Debate of '25."

Elecia groaned playfully. "Oh, not that again," she said, but a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "You only won because you pulled the 'mother card'."

"And I'll gladly pull it again," Belle retorted, her eyes sparkling with laughter. "Besides, it's tradition."

Beast chuckled, his earlier displeasure seeming to melt away. "Don't forget the time your mother challenged me to a wrestling match," he said to Ben, a hint of pride in his voice. "She nearly pinned me."

"Nearly," Belle emphasized, her smile turning smug. "But I did win."

Ben laughed, the sound echoing through the dining room, chasing away the last vestiges of discord. "Alright, alright," he conceded, "a rematch it is. But this time, no 'mother card' or surprise wrestling moves."

Elecia grinned, the familiar warmth of her family enveloping her. "Prepare to be defeated," she declared, her eyes sparkling with competitive spirit.

The Beast family, their laughter filling the room, launched into a lively debate about their favorite books, their earlier discord forgotten. As the evening progressed and the conversation drifted to lighter topics, a sense of possibility hung in the air. Elecia, despite the renewed camaraderie, couldn't shake the feeling that this proclamation was only the first domino to fall, setting off a chain of unpredictable events that would reshape Auradon forever.

***************************

Unlike the strained conversation of the Beast family in their castle, the Hook household on the Isle of the Lost was fueled by laughter and boisterous conversation. Their small, ramshackled cottage, nestled amongst a maze of crooked alleyways and dilapidated buildings, was filled with a warm, chaotic energy and smelled of roasted fish and spiced potatoes. Their weekly family dinner was in full swing, charged by the unsure fate that awaited all of them tomorrow.

Harry, slumped in a rickety chair, swept his gaze over the familiar scene. His father, Killian, regaled the table with tales of his daring pirate adventures, embellishing the stories with each retelling. His mother, Emma, her blonde hair pulled back in a practical braid, raised a skeptical eyebrow at her husband's latest tall tale, but a fond smile played on her lips.

Harriet, Harry's older sister, a whirlwind of energy with her father's mischievous streak and her mother's sharp wit, peppered Killian with questions. CJ, the youngest of the Hook siblings, a slender girl with a spark of adventure in her golden-brown eyes, sat perched on the edge of her seat, her fingers drumming impatiently on the table as she waited for her turn to share her own daring exploits.

Across the table, Regina, the Evil Queen, and her daughter, Evie, joined in the laughter. Regina, her dark hair perfectly coiffed and her lips painted a vibrant red, traded witty barbs with Killian, their banter a familiar rhythm in the Hook household. Evie, her beauty a striking contrast to the rough surroundings, listened attentively, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Oh, I do hope I'm chosen," Evie sighed dreamily, twirling a lock of her blue hair around her finger. "Just imagine, I could meet a prince!"

Emma chuckled, shaking her head. "Always the romantic, aren't you, Evie?"

"Well, a girl can dream, can't she?" Evie retorted, a playful glint in her eyes.

Harry, however, felt a familiar restlessness stirring within him. He picked at his food, his gaze drifting towards the boarded-up window, his thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He couldn't shake the feeling that something big was about to happen, something that would change his life forever.

The Prince’s proclamation, which had aired on the Auradon News Network a few days ago, had sent shockwaves through the Isle. Whispers of who would be chosen had taken over every conversation. Four villain kids would be chosen to attend Auradon Prep, to have a chance at a life beyond the confines of the Isle of the Lost. A chance at a life he'd never dared to dream of. The response to the possibility of going was mixed. Some were eager and wanted the chance, others scoffed and chided at those who wanted to mingle with their enemies.

Harry glanced at his family, their faces illuminated by the flickering candlelight. He loved them, he truly did. But this chance to get off the Isle was too good to pass up. The pirate in him yearned for adventure, for recognition, for a chance to prove himself. He wondered what it would be like over there. Would they let them do what they pleased, or would he be stuck in a different kind of prison… with their opulent castles and their grand cities. The seas there, but just out of his reach.

Killian, ever perceptive despite his cavalier demeanor, noticed Harry's distraction. "Something on your mind, lad?" he asked, his voice softening.

Harry hesitated, unsure how to articulate the turmoil within him. "Just thinking about tomorrow," he mumbled, pushing a stray piece of fish around his plate.

Emma's smile faded, a hint of concern clouding her eyes. "Worried about who they'll choose?" she asked gently.

Harry shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Just... wondering what it'll be like for those who go," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Aye," Killian agreed, his voice grim. "But they're also offering a chance at a different life. A chance you wouldn’t want to take lightly."

"You know," Evie said thoughtfully, "he might have a point. Imagine the fashion possibilities in Auradon. We could create our own trends, be trendsetters."

"We could start a pirate fashion line," Harriet suggested, her eyes lighting up. "Think ripped jeans, leather jackets, and lots of accessories."

"Boring," CJ declared. "Where's the fun in that? I want to explore hidden tunnels, fight dragons, and discover buried treasure. Besides, I don't know why you're so worked up about it. You're not even going."

Harry looked at his younger sister, his brow furrowed. "What do you mean we’re not going?"

CJ rolled her eyes. "Duh, it's obvious. They're going to choose me."

"You?" Harry scoffed. "What makes you so sure?"

"Because," CJ declared, scrambling to her feet and standing triumphantly on the table, "I'm going to be the most infamous pirate Auradon has ever seen. I'll sneak into the castle, steal the crown jewels, and replace them with chocolate coins. I'll turn the royal gardens into a pirate hideout, and I'll teach those goody-two-shoes princesses how to sword fight."

Evie and Harriet paused to stare at CJ, perched precariously on the table.

"That's... ambitious," Evie said, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Ambitious?" CJ scoffed. "It's brilliant. And besides, who needs fancy dresses and stuffy castles when you can have adventure and treasure?"

Harry watched his sister, a smile tugging at his lips. CJ might be the youngest, but she had a spirit that wouldn't be contained. He admired her unwavering determination, her belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to.

"CJ!" Emma exclaimed, her voice laced with exasperation. "Get off the table! How many times have I told you not to jump on it?"

Killian chuckled, reaching out to pluck CJ off the table and settle her on his lap. "Now, now, lass," he said, his voice teasing, "let's not tempt your mother's wrath."

Harry chuckled. "Just try not to get caught," he said to CJ, a hint of pride in his voice.

"Caught?" CJ scoffed. "Never. I'm CJ Hook, the future terror of Auradon." 

Regina smirked, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh, please," she scoffed, "she's not that much of a threat. You're all a bunch of scaredy-cats."

"Oh, I assure you, Regina," Emma said, her voice laced with a playful warning, "you wouldn't want to test that theory."

“What’s up with you?” Evie leaned into his space, keeping her voice low. “You seem a bit distracted?”

"Just thinking if they'll let us do what we please," Harry admitted, his gaze meeting Evie's, "or would we be stuck in a different kind of prison… with their opulent castles and their grand cities. The seas there, but just out of reach."

Evie's brow furrowed. "You think they wouldn't let you sail?"

"Maybe," Harry said, a hint of defiance in his voice. "But I'd find a way. I always do. What about you? What would you do," he asked, curiosity sparkling in his eyes, "if you were chosen?"

Evie's expression softened, a hint of wistfulness coloring her features. "I'd explore," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'd see the world beyond the Isle, learn new things, meet new people..." She paused, a playful smile curving her lips. "And maybe even find a prince."

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "Never change, Evie."

The conversation continued, a mixture of apprehension and anticipation filling the air. Harry listened quietly, his mind racing. He couldn't deny the allure of Auradon, the possibility of a life beyond the Isle. He felt an anxiousness he'd never known before. Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.

Chapter Text

Chapter 6

Four from the Isle

The next day, a crowd had gathered in the town square, a sea of curious faces peering towards the sleek black limousine that idled near the center of the square, its polished exterior gleaming in the harsh sunlight. Four figures emerged from the shadows, their footsteps echoing in the tense silence. Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos. The chosen ones who would be going to Auradon.

A ripple of murmurs coursed through the crowd, a mixture of awe, envy, and resentment swirling in the air. Uma stood at the edge of the square, her arms crossed, her jaw clenched. Fury burned in her eyes, a tempest threatening to erupt. Mal. Of all the villain kids on the Isle, it had to be Mal. The girl who had humiliated her, who got to have this chance. She was seething.

"Mal!" she spat, her voice barely a whisper, yet laced with venom. “Why was she chosen?! She doesn't deserve this. She doesn't deserve anything."

Harry stood beside her, his expression unreadable. He'd never understood Uma's obsession with Mal. Sure, he knew their past history. Mal had humiliated Uma in front of everyone and called her “Shrimpy”, after Mal dropped a bucket of shrimp onto Uma’s head. Harry, in particular, didn't harbor any particular animosity towards her. But with Uma as his best friend, he was obligated to despise her as well.

He watched as Mal, her purple hair a defiant streak against the drab backdrop, approached the limousine. Her eyes, usually filled with mischief and defiance, now held a flicker of something he couldn't quite decipher. Just before she climbed inside, she glanced up towards the balcony of Bargain Castle, where her mother, Maleficent, stood watching. A silent conversation seemed to pass between them, a chilling exchange that sent a shiver down Harry's spine.

Across the square, the Evil Queen, Regina, stood with her arms crossed, a stoic mask hiding the flicker of sadness in her eyes. She, too, watched her daughter depart, a mix of pride and apprehension battling within her. Jafar, his arms crossed and a scowl etched on his face, muttered under his breath about lost opportunities for gold and riches. Cruella de Vil, her fur coat draped dramatically over her shoulders, wailed about losing her personal fur fluffer and cleaner.

The limo doors slammed shut, and the car began to roll away, turning a corner and disappearing from sight.

Uma's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. "This isn't over," she muttered, her voice low and dangerous. "This is just the beginning. Mark my words, Harry, we will get off this Isle. We will have our revenge, and we will have our glory."

Harry nodded, his own resolve solidifying. "No one's going to stop us," he agreed, his voice firm. "We'll make our own way. We'll become legends."

He glanced at the spot where the limo had vanished, a flicker of envy and ambition burning in his eyes. He might not be in that limo today, but he wouldn't be left behind forever. He would find his own way to escape the Isle of the Lost, to claim his destiny and become the captain he was always meant to be.

***************************

The midday sun beat down on the Auradon Prep courtyard. Elecia, Ben, Fairy Godmother, Audrey, and Sean all stood behind the marching band, their brass instruments glinting in the sunlight. Ellie shifted impatiently, trying to tune out Audrey's incessant chatter about the villain's kids' arrival. The day of their arrival had finally come, and even with her practiced calm and poised demeanor, she could hardly contain her excitement.

A sleek black limousine glided through the ornate gates and up the long driveway, the band bursting into a triumphant fanfare. "Here they come," she announced, her voice a calm counterpoint to the rising excitement inside her.

Fairy Godmother put a wide smile on her face to greet the new arrivals. Ben straightened his perfectly pressed jacket, while Audrey, ever the picture of poised perfection, fussed with a stray curl. Beside Elecia, Sean rolled his shoulders, a cocky smirk playing on his lips. Elecia took a quiet, deep breath, a familiar tactic to keep her emotions, and her unpredictable ice powers, in check.

As the car rolled to a stop in front of them, the driver hurried to open the door, and a boy with white hair came tumbling out, a tangle of limbs and a fluffy blanket. He and a long black-haired boy with a red beanie were locked in a tug-of-war over the blanket, the white-haired boy's screams cutting through the music, while the long-haired boy juggled a precarious pile of electronics in his arms. The band faltered, their melody dissolving into an awkward silence.

“You got everything else, why do you want whatever this is?!” white-haired boy asked.

“‘Cause you want it!” the raven-haired boy exclaimed.

As the two boys argued, a beautiful blue long-haired girl got out of the limo and looked around with awe. She did a graceful twirl in her attempt to look at everything. Another pretty purple-haired girl followed after her, squeezing by the two arguing boys. Fairy Godmother, ever the picture of benevolent authority, stepped forward. The rest of them followed close behind. 

The purple-haired girl noticed them and hissed at the boys, “We have an audience.” She and the blue-haired girl both put their hands on their waists and smiled uncomfortably.

The black-haired boy smiled, “Just… cleaning up!” He forced the white-haired boy up to his feet.

Reaching the group that had just disembarked, Fairy Godmother sang, "Leave it like you found it," she instructed, her voice firm but kind. "And by that I mean just leave it."

The long-haired boy, his eyes landing on Elecia, quickly put the blanket and the electronics back in the limousine and sauntered towards the princess, a flirtatious glint in his eyes. "Hello, Foxy," he drawled. "The name's Jay." He finished with a smoldering look that sent a shiver down Elecia's spine.

A nervous giggle escaped her lips, and she offered a small smile in return. Beside her, Sean bristled, his jaw clenched. So the long-haired boy was Jay, Jafar’s son. Which meant the smaller white-haired boy was Carlos, Cruella’s son. Elecia made sure to make a note.

"Welcome to Auradon Prep!" Fairy Godmother declared, beaming at the newcomers. "I'm Fairy Godmother, headmistress."

The purple-haired girl looked at Fairy Godmother, her green eyes wide with curiosity. "THE Fairy Godmother?" she asked in surprise. "As in 'Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo'?" She mimicked waving a wand.

"Bibbidi-bobbidi, you know it!" Fairy Godmother chirped.

"Yeah," she continued, her voice taking on a dreamy quality. "I always wondered what it felt like for Cinderella, when you just appeared, out of nowhere, with that sparkly wand and warm smile."

Fairy Godmother, clearly charmed, placed a hand over her heart.  

"And that sparkly wand," the green-eyed girl added, clasping her hands together in front of her chest.

Elecia, observing the exchange, couldn't help but think, Well, this is off to a great start…

"That was a long time ago," Fairy Godmother said, her voice regaining its usual briskness. "And as I always say, 'Don't focus on the past or you'll miss the future!'"

The purple-haired girl's eyes widened at Fairy Godmother's unflagging enthusiasm. Ben, Elecia, Sean, and Audrey stepped forward, forming a welcoming committee of sorts.

"It's so good to finally meet you all," Ben said, his voice warm and sincere. "I'm Ben."

" Prince Benjamin," Audrey interjected, clinging to his arm. "Soon to be king."

The blue-haired girl stepped forward with a flirtatious smile. "You had me at 'prince'," she purred. "My mom's a queen, which makes me a princess." She executed a graceful curtsy.

Audrey's smile tightened, becoming a brittle mask. "The Evil Queen has no royal status here," she declared, "and neither do you."

Evie flinched, her smile faltering. 

Ben chuckled nervously. "This is Audrey."

" Princess Audrey," Audrey corrected, her voice laced with possessive sweetness. "His girlfriend. Right, Bennyboo?" She squeezed his hand, her eyes daring anyone to challenge her claim.

Elecia, unable to contain her disdain, side eyed Audrey in annoyance. Audrey wasn’t being as welcoming as Ellie would have liked, which was all around not unexpected. She let out a quiet scoff, and glanced back at the blue-haired girl. The princess noted that the blue-haired girl was Evie, the Evil Queen’s daughter, leaving only one villain kid unidentified: the pretty purple-haired girl with green eyes, Mal, Maleficent’s daughter.

Elecia stepped forward and gave a polite smile to them all. "My name is Elecia," she said, her voice cool and composed. "Ben's little sister. It's nice to meet you all."

Mal, her eyes narrowed, shot back, " Princess Elecia?"

Elecia offered a small, genuine smile and gave a nervous chuckle. "Technically, yes," she admitted. "But I wasn't trying to make a big deal about it." She glanced at each of the VKs in turn, then gestured towards Sean. "This is Sean. He's—"

" Prince Sean," Sean interrupted, puffing out his chest. "I'm Elecia's boyfriend. It's wonderful to meet you all." He delivered the line with an air of practiced princely charm. Elecia couldn’t help but be annoyed at Sean continuing the pretentious title trend.

"Really...?" she muttered under her breath, shooting him a withering look.

"What?" Sean whispered back, oblivious to her disapproval.

Fairy Godmother clapped her hands together, her smile unwavering. "Ben, Elecia, Sean, and Audrey are going to show you all around," she announced. "And I'll see you tomorrow."

Mal and the others offered polite smiles, though Mal's held a hint of mischief.

"The doors of wisdom are never shut!" Fairy Godmother continued, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "But the library hours are from 8 to 11, and as you may have heard, I have a little thing about curfews."

A ripple of polite laughter followed her words. As Fairy Godmother swept away, followed by the band, an awkward silence descended on the group.

Ben, ever the diplomat, stepped forward. "It's so, so, so good to finally meet you all." He extended his hand towards Jay, who, in a gesture that surprised everyone, responded with a playful punch to Ben's shoulder.

Ben, unfazed, continued down the line, shaking each of their hands. He paused in front of Mal, his eyes lingering on hers for a beat too long. A flicker of something unspoken passed between them before he moved on to Carlos and Evie.

"This is a momentous occasion," Ben declared, his voice ringing with optimism. "And one that I hope will go down in history as the day our two peoples began to heal." Elecia cringed inwardly at Ben’s words. He sounded like he was giving a speech.

Mal, obviously a pragmatist, quipped, "Or the day you showed four people where the bathrooms are."

Ben chuckled nervously, then turned back to Mal. "A little over the top?" he asked, a hint of self-deprecation in his voice.

"A little more than a little bit," Mal admitted with a smirk. 

They shared a laugh, the tension momentarily broken. Ellie silently giggled, at least someone pointed out Ben’s ridiculousness.

"Well," Ben said, shaking his head. "So much for my first impression."

Elecia watched as their eyes met again, the lingering gaze undeniable. Interesting… she thought, raising her eyebrows slightly. Audrey, also noticing, shifted beside Ben, her smile straining.

"Hey!" she exclaimed, her faux-sweet voice sharp. "You're Maleficent's daughter, aren't you?"

Mal raised an eyebrow, waiting for Audrey to continue.

"Yeah, you know what?" Audrey said, her voice dripping with faux-sweetness. "I totally don't blame you for your mother trying to kill my parents and stuff."

Mal's eyes widened in surprise.

"Audrey..." Elecia hissed, appalled by her blatant rudeness.

Audrey ignored her, pressing on. "Oh, my mom's Aurora. Sleeping—"

"Beauty," Mal finished, her voice flat. "Yeah, I've heard the name." A mischievous glint returned to her eyes. "You know, I totally don't blame your grandparents for inviting everyone in the whole world, but my mother, to their stupid christening."

"Water under the bridge," Audrey replied with a shrug, her voice tight.  

"Totes!" Mal agreed, her tone equally strained.

They forced a laugh that died quickly, followed by an over dramatic sigh from both girls.

Elecia, sensing the escalating tension, stepped forward with a smile. "Why don't we start the tour now?" she suggested, her voice a welcome balm in the charged atmosphere.

"That's a great idea, Ellie," Ben agreed, flashing her a grateful smile. He gestured for the others to follow him, launching into a detailed history of Auradon Prep.

Sean, ever eager to assert his dominance, interlaced his fingers with Elecia's, pulling her to the back of the group. As they passed a towering statue of King Beast in his human form, Ben clapped his hands, and the statue magically transformed into the fearsome beast. Carlos screamed, jumping into Jay's arms. Ben explained that his father had designed the statue to turn from beast to man, to remind everyone that anything is possible. 

“Does he shed much?” Mal asked curiously. 

Ben looked at her seriously and said, “Yeah, Mom won’t let him on the couch.” He joked.

Another looked passed between the two. Elecia couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in her brother’s head. He was always friendly, but something about the way he looked at Mal, it made her wonder. Ben, with Audrey on his arm, turned and continued to the front doors of Auradon Prep. Mal and Evie followed. Jay, annoyed at Carlos jumping on him, put him down roughly and followed the girls.

Sean snickered as they watched the group head to the doors. "They're ridiculous," he muttered to Elecia. "Tumbling and fighting straight out of the limo, flirting with Ben. Honestly, no respect. You'd think Maleficent's daughter would have shown at least a little remorse for what her mother did." He nodded towards Carlos. "And that one's a scaredy-cat! What a motley crew."

"Stop, Sean," Elecia hissed, her patience wearing thin. "Give them a chance! They're obviously nervous. And Audrey wasn't acting any better than Mal. She was supposed to be nice and help welcome them, not tear them down and cause problems."

"Well, it's not like they gave Audrey much choice but to act that way," Sean retorted. "That one girl went straight for Ben like a bee looking for honey."

"Are you defending her?!" Elecia asked incredulously.

"And you're not?" Sean challenged. "Whose side are you on, anyway?"

Carlos, his curiosity piqued by the transforming statue, clapped his hands, trying to replicate Ben's magic. Elecia looked over and watched as Carlos tried again, this time clapping louder.

"Carlos," Elecia called out, drawing his attention. "It's Carlos, yeah?"

"Y-yeah," Carlos stammered, surprised that she knew his name.

Elecia smiled. "It won't work for you," she explained. "It's designed to only allow certain individuals to work it." She clapped her hands, and the statue reverted to its human form. "Otherwise, students would probably just sit here and play with it all day."

"Oh!" Carlos exclaimed, relief washing over his face. "That makes sense."

Elecia gestured towards the school entrance,  "We're falling behind," she said with a warm smile.

"Oh!" Carlos hurried to catch up, eager to escape Sean's critical gaze.

"I'm not on anyone's 'side'!" Elecia said, her voice rising in frustration as she unclasped her hand from Sean's. "I'm trying to be nice and welcoming, which you and Audrey are NOT being."

"So that was just being nice?" Sean asked, his voice laced with suspicion. He gestured towards her interaction with Carlos.

"Yes," Elecia replied, her voice tight. "What else would that be...?"

"Flirting!" Sean accused.

Elecia's breath caught in her throat. "I—I was not flirting with him," the blonde stammered, heat rising to her cheeks.

"Oh, come on, Elecia," Sean scoffed. "That totally was. There's no other reason to be so nice to him. Or to any of them, really."

Elecia stared at him, speechless. She could feel her powers surging, a tingling sensation spreading through her fingertips. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. She couldn't unleash her ice in front of Sean, not here, not now.

"I need to get in there," she said, her voice strained. "You have other things you need to do today, right? I'll see you later." The princess didn't wait for a response. She turned and walked briskly towards the school, her footsteps echoing on the paved courtyard.

Reaching the imposing oak doors, she paused, her hand hovering over the cool brass handle. Elecia closed her eyes, taking another deep breath, willing her racing heart to slow down. She couldn't go in there like this, not with her emotions threatening to spill over. She needed a moment to compose herself, to regain her composure. Once she felt that she was back in control, she opened the oak doors to see Ben and Audrey heading her way. Confused, she met the couple in the middle.

"What's happening?" she asked Ben, her brow furrowed.

"I just asked Doug to help them with their schedules and find their dorms," Ben explained.

"Great," Elecia said. "I'll go help Doug. But you were supposed to be helping with the tour and stuff, Ben,” a hint of annoyance in her voice.

Audrey gave Elecia a saccharine smile. "Ben has better things to do than to be giving tours," she said sweetly. "Besides, I thought that's what YOU were here for?"

Elecia ignored Audrey and looked at her brother. “Ben?”

Ben's expression was apologetic. "Something did come up, and I have to go," he said. "But I promise that I'll come and help if I can afterwards, okay?"

Sighing, Ellie forced a smile. "Alright."

Ben leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Thanks," he whispered. "See you in a bit. Text me if anything major comes up."

With that, Ben and Audrey disappeared through the huge oak doors, leaving Elecia to find the VKs. She spotted Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos heading up a grand staircase.

"What's going on?" she asked Doug, who was trailing behind them.

"I was just about to show them their dorms," Doug explained. He called out to the VKs, "Uh, guys, your dorms are that way." He pointed to another set of stairs. The four turned and started back down the stairs.

"I have an idea," the princess said to Doug. "Why don't you take Jay and Carlos to their dorm, and I'll take Mal and Evie to theirs. Does that sound good?"

Doug, his eyes lingering on Evie, readily agreed. "Uh... yeah! That sounds great! Are you sure? I don't mind doing it..."

"I'm sure," Elecia said firmly. She turned to Mal and Evie. "I'm going to show you where your dorm is," she said with a smile. “Does that sound alright?”

“Doesn’t matter to us,” Mal said, shrugging.

Ellie smiled and pointed. "It's this way." She led them down a different hallway, away from the others. 

As they walked, Elecia pointed out the bathrooms, the showers, and the common rooms, offering a basic orientation to their new surroundings. She watched their reactions. Evie looked wide eyed at all amenities, while Mal looked around unimpressed, her expression a stark contrast to Evie's wide-eyed wonder. Ellie, wanting to be friendly, decided to try to make a good impression.

"Um... by the way..." she began, glancing back at Mal and Evie.

They looked at her expectantly.

"I wanted to apologize for Audrey," Elecia continued. "Try not to take her too seriously, she’s always like that."

"She's an absolute delight," Mal deadpanned, rolling her eyes. Evie giggled at Mal’s sarcastic tone.

"Yeah, well..." Elie said with a shrug. "Everyone is just nervous. Once we all get to know one another, I'm sure it will get easier."

"I'm sure it'll be fine," Evie agreed. She rushed forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, are there any princes in Auradon who aren't taken?" Mal groaned in annoyance.

Elecia chuckled nervously. "There are a few," she admitted. "But there are a lot more than just princes... the royalty... aren't all that great..."

"What are you talking about?" Evie exclaimed. "They're princes!" She sighed dreamily. "I would think you would know! You're dating one!"

"Well, yes... but..." the princess trailed off, wanting to talk about anything other than Sean. She noticed where they were then announced, "Oh! We're here." Ellie stopped in front of a door, unlocked it, and swung it open. "Here you are. Your new room."

Evie stepped inside, her eyes wide with thinly veiled excitement. Mal, however, looked around the room with a mixture of disgust and amusement. It was undeniably cheerful, with its pink flowery colors and frilly decorations.

"Do you like it...?" Elecia asked tentatively.

"It's... great," Mal replied, her voice flat. She turned to Elecia with a forced smile. "I think we can handle it from here."

"Great!" the blonde said, relieved. "Um... if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. My dorm room is on the top floor. It's the royals' floor, and the dorms are marked with who they belong to. Just find my room if you need anything."

"Super," Mal replied, her tone dismissive.

Elecia stood there awkwardly for a moment, unsure how to end the interaction. "Right," she finally said. "Um... would you like me to come back at dinner time to show you where the cafeteria is? We can also finish the tour with the others if you want..."

"Sure," Mal said. "See you later."

"Later then," Elecia replied with a small smile. She turned and left, heading towards her own room on the top floor. Once she reached her room she quickly closed the door, took a deep breath, and smiled. They were here, and they were definitely more interesting than she imagined. Ellie, determined to make this go without a hitch, would ensure that they felt welcomed and adjusted to life in Auradon.

An hour before dinner, Elecia decided it was time to round up the VKs and finish the tour. She started with the boys, heading towards their dorm room with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Jay had been quite forward during their first encounter, and she wasn't sure what to expect. The princess knocked on the door, and it was flung open by Carlos, his eyes wide with surprise.

"Oh, hi!" he stammered, a nervous smile spreading across his face.

"Hi, Carlos," Elecia replied warmly. "Ready for the rest of the tour?"

"Sure," Carlos said, glancing back into the room. "Jay, come on!"

Jay emerged from the room, a playful smirk on his face. "Well, hello again, Foxy," he drawled, leaning against the doorframe. "Ready to show us around this place?"

Elecia felt a blush blossom on her cheeks. "Just a few more places," she replied, trying to maintain her composure.

"Don't worry, we won't bite," Jay teased, winking at her.

Carlos, sensing Elecia's slight discomfort, elbowed Jay playfully. "Come on, Jay, let's go."

Elecia, relieved by Carlos's intervention, led the way out of the dorm. "Now to get the girls," she said, heading towards Mal and Evie's room.

She knocked gently, and the door swung open to reveal Mal, her green eyes guarded.

"What's up?" Mal asked, her voice laced with suspicion.

"Ready to finish the tour?" the blonde asked, offering a tentative smile.

Mal shrugged, stepping aside to let Elecia in. "Might as well."

Jay poked his head into the room, “Well, then hurry up or we’ll eat your portion of dinner.”

Mal rolled her eyes and looked back at her roommate, “Ready?”

Evie, perched on one of the frilly beds, looked up with a flicker of curiosity in her blue eyes. "Ready when you are," she chirped, jumping to her feet.

With all four VKs assembled, Elecia led them through the remaining parts of the school. She showed them the library, with its towering shelves and hushed atmosphere, the tourney field, where Auradon athletes practiced their skills, and finally, the bustling quad, where students gathered between classes. As they walked, Carlos peppered Elecia with questions about the school's history and traditions, while Jay, ever the charmer, kept up a steady stream of playful banter. Mal remained quiet, her gaze darting around, taking in every detail. Evie, however, was captivated by the Auradonian architecture and fashion, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"And finally," Elecia announced as they approached the cafeteria, "the heart of Auradon Prep social life."

The VKs entered the cavernous hall with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. Ellie braced herself for the inevitable stares and whispers, but to her surprise, the VKs seemed unconcerned.

"So, where do we sit?" Evie asked, glancing around the crowded tables.

"Wherever you like," Elecia replied, gesturing towards a relatively empty corner.

"Why don't you sit with us?" Mal suggested, her green eyes twinkling.

The princess hesitated, caught off guard. "Are you sure?"

"Of course," Mal said with a disarming smile. "We could use a guide to navigate this jungle. Unless, of course, you don’t want to be seen sitting with villains. We,” gesturing to the others, “would totally get it.”

Elecia gave a small gasp and shook her head. “No! It’s not that at all. I’m just… not used to sitting with others.” She flushed with embarrassment. The VK’s all looked at her with a mix of confusion. Ellie shook her head quickly, “It’s nothing. Of course. I would love to sit with you.”

A flicker of warmth spread through her chest as they settled at the table. Normally, she only ever sat with Ben or Jane, so this was new. Elecia couldn’t help but be a bit pleased. She prayed she wouldn’t put them off like she tended to do with others.

The conversation flowed easily at first, with Evie peppering Elecia with questions about Auradonian fashion and social customs. Carlos excitedly recounted his experience trying to morph the King Beast statue, while Jay entertained them with exaggerated tales of his athletic prowess. Mal, however, remained quiet, her eyes scanning the room, observing everything and everyone with an intensity that belied her silence.

Just as the conversation began to lull, a sudden commotion erupted from a nearby table. A student, rushing through the crowded aisle with a tray laden with food, bumped into Audrey, sending the contents of the tray flying through the air. A wave of gasps and giggles rippled through the dining hall as a cascade of mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce splattered onto Audrey's pristine pink dress.

Mal arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow and let out a slow, deliberate clap. "Bravo," she drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "A truly spectacular performance. Though I must say, the choreography with the soup spoons could use some work."

Jay and Carlos erupted in laughter, barely able to contain their amusement at Audrey's misfortune. Evie, ever mindful of her image, maintained a more composed demeanor, but her shoulders shook with suppressed laughter, and a wicked glint sparkled in her eyes as she dabbed at the corners of her mouth with a napkin, stifling a giggle that threatened to erupt.

Audrey, face burning with embarrassment, glared at them with a mixture of fury and humiliation. Her posse, quick to follow their leader's cue, joined in with a chorus of scoffs and disapproving glances, their noses held high in the air as if the VKs' laughter were somehow beneath them. But the VKs, unfazed by their disdain, continued to revel in the moment, their laughter echoing through the dining hall.

Elecia, who had been struggling to maintain a neutral expression, finally burst into giggles, her attempts to stifle them proving futile. "Okay, okay," she admitted, wiping a tear from her eye, "maybe that was a little funny. But after the way she treated you all earlier, she kind of deserves it."

"So," Mal said, leaning back in her chair with a curious glint in her eyes. "This Auradon seems like a pretty magical place. Are there any other enchanted objects besides that transforming statue?"

Ellie, caught up in the moment, found herself eager to share more about her world. "Oh, yes," she replied, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Auradon has a rich history of magic. We have a whole museum dedicated to magical artifacts from all the fairy tales."

Mal's interest piqued. "A museum?" she echoed, leaning forward. "What kind of objects are in there?"

"All sorts of things," Elecia said with a smile. "Spinning wheels, glass slippers, magic lamps…,” She paused, thinking of what might interest them, "Fairy Godmother's wand is in there too."

Mal's ears perked up at the mention of the wand. "Fairy Godmother's wand, huh?"

Elecia nodded. "It's, arguably, the most powerful magical item in the whole museum.”

Mal let out a low whistle. "Wow," she breathed, "that's incredible." She paused, then added casually, "It must be heavily guarded, though, right?"

The princess shrugged. "I guess so," she replied, not really thinking about it. "But no one here would ever try to steal it. We all know it's too important to risk losing."

Mal's lips curled into a subtle smile, and Ellie couldn't help but wonder what the girl was thinking. She decided not to dwell on it, assuming Mal was simply impressed by the idea of such a powerful artifact.

The conversation moved on, and Elecia felt a sense of ease and camaraderie with the VKs. She was glad she'd decided to trust her instincts and give them a chance.

As the dinner conversation continued, Evie turned to Elecia with a hopeful expression. "Do you think I could get a sewing machine?" she asked. "I have so many ideas for new outfits."

Elecia, surprised by the request, but ready to please, readily agreed. "Of course," she said. "I'll have one brought to your room."

Evie's face lit up with delight. "Thank you!" she exclaimed, her blue eyes sparkling.

Elecia smiled back, a genuine warmth spreading through her. She couldn’t believe this was already going so well. With any luck, their camaraderie would continue.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7

An Unwritten Rule

Elecia navigated the bustling hallways of Auradon Prep. The main school day was over, and her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts about the VKs. They were officially enrolled, attending classes, and she couldn't help but wonder how they were adjusting to this unfamiliar world of pristine hallways and manicured lawns. A flicker of Mal's mischievous grin, Evie’s wide-eyed curiosity, Jay's playful swagger, and Carlos's nervous energy flashed through her mind. Ellie hadn't seen them since dinner the night before, and couldn't help but worry. She intended on going to see them after the student council meeting that afternoon.

Lost in her thoughts, the princess almost bumped into Jane just as Elecia reached the student council chambers. Jane was practically bouncing with excitement. "Elecia!" Jane exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "Look!"

Jane gestured towards her hair, no longer the simple black bob Elecia was used to. It now flowed past her shoulders in a cascade of black waves, styled in a chic side-swept 'do'.

"Jane, your hair!" Elecia gasped, genuinely surprised. "It's gorgeous!"

Jane beamed, a blush rising on her cheeks. "I know, right?" she gushed. "Mal did it for me."

"Mal?" Elecia echoed, her brow furrowed with surprise. "How did she do that?"

Jane bounced on her toes as she explained. "Mal actually approached me! She said she wanted to make a friend, and she offered to fix my hair with a spell from her spellbook. She told me her magic could only get it started, but Mom's wand could totally finish it – even do my nose, which Mal said she couldn't do yet, not 'really big magic' like Mom's. And then she asked if she could be there to watch if Mom agreed! I, of course, told her yes!"

Ellie stood there stunned. Given Auradon's stance on magic, she was surprised that Mal had used magic so openly. Out of all their planning, the possibility of the Isle kids being able to use magic wasn't something she and Ben had even considered. A spark of excitement shot through her at the thought. Someone else with powers. It was a novel, almost liberating thought. 

There were others with magic of course, but they had to ask special permission to be able to use it. Merlin, the three good fairies—Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather—Genie and his daughter Jordan, just to name a few. And, of course, Fairy Godmother. Elecia was the only one within the royal families to have any actual magical abilities, which is why it was impressed upon her to keep them a secret.

Elecia looked at Jane in wonder; the change was undeniable. Her best friend, normally shy and lacking confidence, was now happier and more confident. Jane was acting more like the girl Ellie knew was hiding beneath the shy exterior—all because she had experienced something wonderful from magic, the very thing Auradon was trying to get away from.

"It's amazing, Jane," Elecia said, reaching out to touch a strand of her friend's newly transformed hair. "You look fantastic."

Jane giggled, her eyes sparkling with newfound confidence. "I feel fantastic," she admitted. "I can't believe Mal did this for me. Maybe she's not so bad after all."

Elecia smiled, happy to hear her best friend warming to the thought of the VK’s being in Auradon. "I'm so happy to hear you say that. They really aren’t what you would expect," she said, recalling her own positive interactions with them the night before.

"Maybe not," Jane agreed, her smile soft. “Come on, we should get going. The student council meeting starts soon."

Together, they made their way into the grand room with high ceilings and ornate chandeliers. As they entered, the other council members—Vice President Ariana Rose, Treasurer Chloe Charming, and Public Relations Officer Jordan—greeted them with a chorus of excited chatter.

"Jane, your hair!" Chloe exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration. "It's incredible! Where did you get it done?" Chloe Charming was the youngest child of Cinderella and Christopher Charming. She was also the youngest member on the student council.

Jane, basking in the attention, recounted her encounter with Mal, eliciting gasps and excited murmurs from the others.

"And she wants your mom to do even more?" Ariana asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and disdain. "How absurd. Does she think Fairy Godmother has nothing better to do than cater to your whims? Not to mention the magic ban." Ariana was Audrey’s cousin, and was often very snooty.

Jane's shoulders slumped slightly, and she fiddled with a loose strand of her new hair. "It's not a 'whim,' Ariana," she mumbled, her voice quiet but firm. "My mom helps people all the time, and I just thought..."

Chloe, sensing Jane's discouragement, quickly stepped in. "Well, it’s an amazing transformation, Jane," she interjected, giving her a reassuring smile. Looking at Ariana, she added, "And if Fairy Godmother is willing to help her own daughter, I hardly see the issue."

Jordan, Genie’s daughter and ever the gossip, leaned forward, a curious glint in her eyes. "So you're saying Maleficent's daughter did magic on you, and wants to see Fairy Godmother in action with her there? Interesting. This could be a fascinating story." Jordan was always ready for the next new hot story for her web show. She also was editor and chief of Auradon’s newspaper ‘The Auradon Chronicle’. 

Scoffing, Ariana looked at Elecia with a sneer. “Audrey told me how abhorrently they acted yesterday. ESPECIALLY Maleficent's daughter.” 

Trying to not be reminded of how Audrey and Sean acted the day before at the welcoming, Elecia busied herself with organizing papers. Ellie wasn’t too fond of Ariana, but if there was one thing that could be said for her, it was that she was not two faced like her cousin. What you saw is what you got. The princess wished Jane had gotten to be her vice president like they had advertised when they ran for the council. Unfortunately, due to Ariana’s connections and her throwing a hissy fit, she got selected to be the vice president, while Jane was selected to be the secretary. 

Ariana tossed her hair and continued. “And Sean wasn’t very impressed either. He told me that Cruella’s son is actually a major loser and is probably afraid of his own shadow, and that the Evil Queen’s daughter is just a gold digger.”

Elecia glanced over at Ariana, a bit of ice in her tone. “When did you talk to Sean?” It wasn’t unusual for the students to talk to one another, but Ariana tended to talk about Sean a lot. It bothered her.

“Oh, you know, in between classes,” Ariana said, waving her hand dismissively.

“My brother, Chad, isn’t very fond of them either,” Chloe said, continuing the previous conversation, a concerned look on her face. “I ran into him in between classes today. He told me that during Tourney practice today at PE, that Jafar’s son was just a big brute, and that a lot of the others were afraid of him.”

Elecia took a deep breath, sighing. She looked at Chloe. "They truly aren't that horrible. It's unfair… everyone is just on edge."

"So, what are they really like then?" Chloe asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Are they as dreadful as everyone says?"

“Of course they are!” Ariana huffed. “They’re VILLIANS, remember?”

Elecia, choosing her words carefully, replied, "They're... different. But from what I've seen, they're also just teenagers trying to find their place. Just like we all are."

"So you don’t think they'll cause trouble?" Ariana asked, her tone haughty and disbelieving.

Ellie wasn’t surprised at the questions, she had been fielding them all day. The princess offered a calm, steady smile. "I don't think so. They seemed to adjust fine last night, and they're just getting started."

"Perhaps they'll bring some much-needed new energy to the events," Jordan mused, a small smirk playing on her lips. "A bit of unexpected excitement is always good for the press."

Elecia chuckled. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Jordan," she said. "We have a lot of planning to do before we can even think about that."

"Speaking of planning,” Chloe chimed in, “I've been looking into caterers for the after-coronation feast. I think we should go with Chef Bouche. His lemon tarts are divine, and he does wonders with a sugar sculpture."

"That’s definitely a good idea, Chloe, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves." Elecia, glad to be off the topic of their new arrivals, shifted the conversation back to the agenda. "Let's focus on the meeting, shall we?" she said, her voice firm but gentle. "We have a lot to discuss about the coronation after-party AND Family Day. Family Day is first, so I think we should decide on food for that first and foremost.”

The meeting progressed, with the council members discussing decorations, entertainment, and other logistical details for the upcoming events.

"I think we should have an enchanted rose archway at the entrance to the Family Day festivities," Chloe suggested, flipping through a book of fairytale-themed decorations.

"And maybe some floating lanterns with fairy lights," Jordan added, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It would look so magical!"

"Don't forget about the food," Ariana chimed in. "We need to have a magnificent feast fit for royalty."

Elecia listened to their suggestions and offered her own ideas as Jane took notes dutifully beside her. Ellie enjoyed these meetings—the collaborative spirit and the shared sense of purpose. It felt good to be surrounded by people who, for now at least, were focused on a common goal, making her feel less like an outsider and more like she truly belonged.

As the Family Day discussion continued, the princess found herself thinking about the VKs again. She hoped they would feel comfortable and included.

"Elecia?" Jane's voice broke through her thoughts. "Are you alright?"

The princess blinked, realizing she had been staring blankly at the table. "Oh, yes, I'm fine," she replied, forcing a smile. "Just a little distracted."

"Thinking about the VKs?" Jane asked softly, her eyes filled with understanding.

Elecia nodded. "I can't help but wonder how they're doing," she admitted. "It must be so hard for them to be here, away from everything they know."

"I'm sure they'll be fine," Jane said reassuringly. "They have each other, and they have us."

Elecia gently nudged Jane with her elbow, a playful glint in her eye. "'Us'? Sounds like you've really changed your tune since yesterday."

Jane blushed, but her smile widened. "Well, if Mal was willing to do this for me, then she can't be all that bad, right? And maybe that means the others aren't either." She paused, then added conspiratorially, "And that white-haired boy is kind of cute."

Elecia giggled. "You mean Carlos?"

"Right, Carlos," Jane said, nodding vigorously.

Ellie giggled again, then turned her attention back to the meeting, which soon adjourned, leaving her with a feeling of accomplishment.

"Do you want to come with me to ask my mom about finishing my transformation?" Jane asked, excitement sparkling in her eyes.

The princess smiled and shrugged slightly. “Sure. I don’t see why not.”

Jane squealed in delight and skipped out of the room, a newfound bounce in her step, eager to find her mother and share the exciting news about Mal’s spell. Ellie smiled, genuinely happy for her best friend's newfound confidence, finding it wonderful to see Jane shining.

"Elecia, are you coming?" Jane's voice, lighter than usual, broke through her thoughts from down the hall.

"Oh, yes, just a moment!" the princess replied, quickly gathering her scattered notes and stylus. She hurried after Jane, catching up to her just outside the council chambers.

"I can't wait to tell my mom!" Jane exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "She's going to be so surprised, and then she can use her wand to give me a full makeover, just like Cinderella!"

Elecia nodded, her brow furrowed in contemplation. "Your hair already looks absolutely gorgeous, Jane," she said, giving her friend's arm a reassuring squeeze. "Mal did an amazing job with it. And you know, you were beautiful with or without the new 'do'. Asking your mom to do a whole makeover with her wand for something like this seems... a bit silly, doesn't it? I mean, she usually keeps her magic for bigger things."

Jane's face fell slightly, but her determination quickly returned. "But Mal said it would be easy for her! And I want a total transformation! It's not silly, Elecia!"

Elecia sighed, knowing when to drop an argument with Jane. She followed her friend to Fairy Godmother's office, a cozy space filled with whimsical decorations, shelves overflowing with ancient tomes, and the faint, comforting scent of lavender.

Jane burst into the room, her excitement bubbling over. "Mom!" she cried, her voice practically singing with delight. "Look at my hair!"

Fairy Godmother, meticulously sorting through a towering stack of papers on her desk, looked up in surprise. Her spectacles slid down her nose slightly as her eyes widened. "Jane, darling!" she exclaimed, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "Your hair! Why, it's absolutely... lovely!”

"Mal did it for me!" Jane explained, beaming, running a hand through the flowing black waves. "She used a spell from her book. And she said that if you use your wand on me, you could do a complete makeover, just like you did for Cinderella!"

Fairy Godmother's smile faltered, replaced by a gentle, almost wistful expression. She slowly set down the parchment. "Oh, sweetheart," she said softly, her voice infused with quiet warmth, "I'm so glad you're feeling more confident. And Mal was very kind to help you feel that way. But true beauty, Jane, truly comes from within. It's not about how you look, or what kind of magic makes your hair curly or straight. You don't need magic to be beautiful, my dear."

Jane's radiant face fell, the light dimming in her eyes. She hugged her arms around herself, her shoulders slumped. "But I just... I want boys to notice me," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper, her gaze fixed on the floor. "I want to feel pretty, like the other girls here."

Elecia, quietly observing the poignant exchange, felt a familiar ache in her chest. She stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Jane's arm. "Jane," she said softly, her voice filled with empathy, "you are beautiful. You are kind, and smart, and thoughtful. You don't need magic to make you special, because you already are."

"Easy for you to say," Jane muttered, pulling her arm away slightly.

Elecia felt a pang of sympathy, but also a prickle of defensiveness. She knew that Jane struggled with insecurity, genuinely wanting to help her see her own worth, yet Jane's comment still stung. The pressure to be "perfect" in Auradon was something Elecia understood all too well.

Fairy Godmother, her expression warm with tenderness, walked over and gently embraced Jane. "Jane, my sweet girl," she murmured, stroking her hair. "Your hair is truly lovely, just as it is. And you, my darling, are a shining light. Any boy who can't see that is simply not worthy of your attention." She pulled back slightly, holding Jane at arm's length. "Now, off you go. I have a feeling good things are coming your way, with or without any extra sparkle."

Jane, still visibly disheartened by her mother's words, offered a small, forced smile. "Thanks, Mom," she mumbled, looking down at her shoes.

"Goodbye, Jane, darling!" Fairy Godmother called out as Jane slowly started to walk towards the door. Ellie had turned to follow Jane when the Headmistress called, "Elecia, dear, a moment please."

Elecia paused, turning around. "Of course, Fairy Godmother. Is there something I can help you with?"

"How are our new students faring?" Fairy Godmother asked, her brow subtly furrowed with a touch of concern. "I've seen them today in Goodness Class, and around, but I value your perspective. You've had more interaction with them.”

The princess considered her words. "They seem... to be finding their footing," she replied carefully. "They were a bit overwhelmed yesterday, naturally. But they're adapting. I was actually just thinking of going to check on them now, see if they need any help or just a friendly face."

Fairy Godmother's smile widened. "That's a wonderful idea, Elecia. Your kindness will make all the difference. Sometimes, a familiar face in a new place is the most powerful magic of all. Go on, then." She paused, her gaze turning serious. "And, Elecia, dear," Fairy Godmother continued, her voice softening slightly, "I do hope you'll have a word with young Mal about… Jane’s hair. We discourage magic use for frivolous things here in Auradon, as you know. Perhaps encourage her to find more… non-magical solutions for trying to make new friends? It sets a better example for all the new students, wouldn't you agree?"

Elecia's heart sank slightly. She forced a smile, nodding. "Of course, Fairy Godmother. I'll... I'll talk to her." The excitement about Mal having powers, the quiet thrill of a shared secret, had just been dampened by this responsibility.

Ellie turned and quickly caught up to Jane, who was still lingering just outside the office door, her head bowed slightly.

"Hey," Elecia said softly, gently touching Jane's arm. "How about we go check on Mal and Evie? I was just telling your mom I was going to, and I think it might be nice for all of us to hang out for a bit. To get to know one another better."

Jane looked up, her eyes still clouded with disappointment, but a flicker of interest sparked within them. “... Alright." she said, her voice a little small. "That sounds nice."

Ellie offered a warm, reassuring smile."Let's go find them."

Elecia and Jane made their way to the girls' dorm room. The door stood slightly ajar, and inside, a few personal touches had already been added to the standard Auradon Prep furnishings.

Evie answered the door, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of them. "Oh, hello!" she exclaimed, a welcoming smile spreading across her face. "Come in, come in!"

“Thanks,” Ellie said somewhat awkwardly as she stepped in.

Mal, who had been sprawled on one of the beds, sat up and raised an eyebrow. "Fancy seeing you two here," the purple-haired teen drawled, a playful smirk playing on her lips. "Decided to slum it with the villains?"

Elecia chuckled, “We thought we'd come see how you were settling in,” she said. “And maybe hang out for a bit, if you're not busy?"

"We're doing alright," the daughter of Maleficent replied, her smirk softening. "This place is definitely... different."

"But it’s different in a cool way!” Evie said energetically. “And of course you two can hang out with us. Make yourselves comfortable," Evie offered, gesturing towards the room.

The four girls settled in, Mal returned to her sketching while Evie hummed happily as she worked on her new sewing machine. Elecia leaned back against the blue-haired girl's pillows, flipping through a textbook.

"So," the green-eyed girl said, glancing up from her drawing, "Jane, how did the talk with your mom go? About 'Bibbidi-bobbidi-ing' you?"

Jane, who had been perched on the edge of Evie's bed, gave a dramatic sigh. "Mom said, 'If a boy can't see the beauty within, then he's not worth it.'" She threw her hands up in exasperation. "Can you believe it? What world does she live in?!"

Mal chuckled, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "Auradon."

Elecia looked up from her book. "I still agree with your mom, Jane," she said gently. "A boy doesn't really like you if he only cares about your looks."

"And I still say that's easy for YOU to say when you're naturally pretty AND a princess!" Jane retorted, a touch of bitterness in her voice. "You wouldn't understand." She paused, then her expression softened slightly as she remembered Elecia's recent frustrations. "Well, okay, maybe you do understand a little, with Sean acting all... pushy and vain lately. It's just different, you know?"

Ellie sighed, a wistful look in her eyes. "Believe me, Jane," she said quietly, "I really wish I didn't understand that so well."

Evie held up a dark blue dress she had been working on. "Hey guys," she said, her voice filled with pride, "do you like it?" 

Mal glanced at the dress. "Yeah, it's cute. Brings out your eyes." 

Evie beamed, clearly pleased with herself. "I know," she giggled. 

"It is really cute," Elecia agreed. "I'm glad to see you putting that sewing machine to good use, Evie. You like to make clothes?" 

Evie blushed slightly. "Oh, yes! On the Isle, we had to be... resourceful with what we wore. My mom taught me a bit, but I really just taught myself most of it. It was a way to make things a little less drab, you know? A splash of color." 

"That's amazing!" Ellie exclaimed, genuinely impressed. "What a truly wonderful skill to have. So practical, too. I wish I had a talent like that, something so uniquely yours..." 

Mal chuckled, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Well, that's what happens when you have everything done for you." 

The princess laughed, a touch of self-deprecation in her voice. "Right..." 

Jane, who had been unusually quiet, suddenly spoke up, her voice laced with a hint of bitterness. "You have plenty of talents, Ellie." 

"Like what?" Elecia asked, surprised by Jane's interjection. 

"You're an amazing singer. And you can read books like no one's business," Jane stated, almost defensively.

“Singing isn't a 'practical' talent," Elecia countered, a small frown on her face. "And I don't think reading can be considered a talent." 

"The point is, at least you have talents," Jane insisted, her voice growing more despondent. "And the looks. And a boyfriend. I'll NEVER get a boyfriend." 

Mal scoffed. "Boyfriends," the green-eyed girl declared dramatically while blowing a puff of air on her drawing, "are overrated."

Evie, who had been meticulously stitching a seam, paused and looked up with a smirk. "And how would you know, Mal? You've never had one."

Mal glared playfully at Evie. "It's 'cause I don't need one, E," the purple-haired teen retorted. "They're a waste of time."

Elecia nodded in agreement, a hint of wistfulness in her eyes. "Tell me about it," she sighed. "They don't seem to be all that worth it..." Ellie looked pointedly at her best friend. “And for the record, you have plenty of talents too and are perfect the way you are.”

Jane huffed. “Well if Sean wasn't acting like such a jerk to you, I bet he WOULD be worth it.” Her mood was still obviously clouded by the makeover situation.

Mal's green eyes widened in mock sympathy. "Oh," she cooed, "trouble in paradise with your princey-poo?"

Ellie chuckled wryly. "Something like that..."

Suddenly, Evie gasped, dropping her needlework onto the floor. "I forgot to do Chad's homework!" she exclaimed, scrambling to her feet. "Oh no! Oh no, no, no!" She rushed over to her desk and began rummaging through her backpack, pulling out textbooks and crumpled papers.

Elecia and Jane exchanged a puzzled look. "Evie," Elecia asked cautiously, "you didn't really agree to do Chad's homework for him, did you?"

Evie looked up, her expression a mix of defiance and embarrassment. "Well, he said he had too much, and that if I helped, he'd be free to hang out!" she explained, spreading out Chad's homework on the desk.

Elecia frowned, a subtle concern creasing her brow. "Evie, you really shouldn't be doing his homework."

"It's fine!" Evie insisted, a little too quickly. "I don't mind. Besides, Chad's really nice! He just has a lot on his plate with tourney and everything."

Elecia hesitated, searching for the right words, wanting to explain her concerns without sounding condescending. "It's not that you mind, Evie," she began, choosing her words carefully, "it's that Chad's... well, he's known for getting people to do things for him. Especially when he knows they really want something from him. You shouldn't have to earn friendship, or anything more, by doing someone else's work, especially not for someone like him."

Before Evie could reply, a whirlwind of energetic cheer burst into the room. "Hey guys!" a new voice chirped. A bright-eyed girl with a wide smile stood in the doorway. "I'm Lonnie. My mom's Mulan?" She looked expectantly between Mal and Evie. Mal just gave her an uninterested glance, while Evie, oblivious, continued getting out Chad's homework.

"No?" Lonnie continued, undeterred. "Anyways, I LOVE what you've done with Jane's hair." Mal gave a small smirk but started working on her drawing again. "And I know you hate us and well, you're evil." Mal chuckled.

"Lonnie!" Elecia exclaimed, looking at her incredulously.

Lonnie looked startled at Elecia. "Ooh! Sorry Elecia, didn't see you there," she said, then turned back to Mal. "Anyways, do you think you could do mine?"

Mal raised an eyebrow. "Why would I do that for you?"

Lonnie held up a small pouch, the clinking of coins audible within. "I’ll pay you $50," she offered.

Evie's eyes lit up. "Good answer," she said, snatching the pouch from Lonnie's hand. "I need to buy more material." She looked Lonnie up and down appraisingly. "Let's see, I'm thinking... we lose the bangs, maybe some layers, and some highlights."

Lonnie giggled. "Yeah, yeah. I want it cool. Like Mal's."

Evie glances at Mal, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Really? The split ends too?"

Mal rolled her eyes, glaring at her blue-haired friend. Evie rattled the money bag enticingly. Mal, with a dramatic sigh, got up and retrieved her spellbook from her bedside table.

Lonnie and Evie exchanged excited glances. Ellie tensed, having a silent war with herself. She wanted to watch Mal’s magic in action, but the directive from Fairy Godmother weighed heavily in her mind. 

Mal settled back on her bed, flipping through the worn pages of her spellbook. "Okay..." she muttered, her finger tracing the lines of a particular incantation. "'Beware, forswear, replace the old with cool hair.'"

The purple-haired girl pointed her finger at Lonnie, waving it back and forth, then up and down. A magical shimmer enveloped Lonnie's hair, transforming it from a short bob into a cascade of long, wavy locks. 

Lonnie rushed over to the full-length mirror, her eyes wide with awe. 

“Woah…,” whispered Elecia in wonder.

Evie, however, looked less than impressed. "I know, I know," the blue-haired girl said, placing a comforting hand on Lonnie's shoulder. "It looks like a mop on your head. You know what? Let's cut it off. Layer it..."

Lonnie whirls around, her eyes sparkling with delight. "No, no, no, no, no!" she exclaimed. "I love it!"

Evie stared at Lonnie's reflection, her expression dubious. "You do?"

Lonnie, still gazing at her transformed hair, suddenly reached down and tore a jagged slit in her skirt. Elecia gasped, and Jane's eyes widened in surprise. "Now I'm cool," Lonnie declared, beaming at her reflection.

Mal chuckled. "Like ice."

Jane rushed over to the mirror and looked over her own reflection. Reaching down, she mimicked Lonnie's actions, tearing a similar slit in her own dress. She gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "What did I just do?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with panic. "Mom's gonna kill me!"

Evie and Mal exchanged amused glances.

The princess shook her head, a small, bewildered smile on her face. "I'm pretty sure a new haircut and tearing your skirt aren't quite the same thing as being 'cool,'" she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

Lonnie, still grinning at her reflection, finally tore herself away from the mirror. "Alright, I've got to run!" she announced cheerfully. "Thanks, Mal! This is awesome!" With a final wave to the room, she practically skipped out of the dorm.

Jane turned to Elecia, her eyes pleading. "Come on, Ellie! You should try!"

Elecia hesitated, a flush rising to her cheeks. "I don't think... I wouldn't even know what to do with my hair like that," Elecia stammered, gesturing vaguely. "It's not like I want to have Mal do my hair or tear a slit in my dress..." She looked sheepishly at Mal. “Besides… magic…,” the princess swallowed, “Isn’t… encouraged… in Auradon.” The two new girls looked questioningly at Elecia, while Jane looked down at the floor. Ellie continued. “It's kind of like… an unwritten rule. While magic does exist, it’s not heavily used anymore. Especially since the majority of the population doesn’t have the ability to use magic. To keep things… fair… it’s encouraged for everyone to succeed on their own merits, and not on magic.” Mal just stared at her bewildered. Elecia sighed. “Look, I think what you can do is amazing. Just… be mindful that others may feel differently. And maybe try not to use it so… openly.” 

Mal sat on her bed with her arms crossed, her face an unreadable mask, “Noted.”

The princess' gut twisted. Why did she have to be the one to talk to Mal about this? She looked down and started twisting her hands, trying not to let her emotions overwhelm her. How was she supposed to make a good impression on them if all she was going to do was tell them what to do?

Evie, sensing the awkwardness, jumped up and clapped her hands definitively. "Well, we don't need magic to give you a makeover!" she declared. She pulled Elecia towards the bed and set her on it. "Here." Walking over to her dresser, she pulled out a make-up bag and some brushes. “You,” the blue-haired girl stated, pulling out different cosmetics, “are a natural beauty and don't need magic to enhance it.”

Evie's fingers, surprisingly gentle but swift, deftly unpinned Elecia's hair from its usual formal updo. The long strands cascaded down Elecia's shoulders. Evie then began styling them with a practiced hand, tugging and braiding and smoothing.

“You would be surprised, what adding a little makeup will do.”

Mal and Jane watched with keen interest as Evie worked her own magic, transforming Elecia's typically prim and proper appearance into something... cooler.

When Evie was finished, she pushed Elecia towards the mirror.

Ellie stared at her reflection, her eyes wide with surprise. Her hair, usually styled in intricate braids or elegant updos, now flowed freely around her shoulders, framing her face in soft waves. A few strategically placed braids added a touch of whimsy, and a subtle touch of makeup enhanced her natural beauty.

"I..." Elecia stammered, speechless. She had never seen herself like this before. It was... different. But not bad. Not bad at all.

"I love it!" Elecia finally breathed, her eyes sparkling with delight. "I've never seen myself like this before." She touched a stray strand of hair, a shy smile spreading across her face.

"See?" Evie said, beaming. "I told you it would look good."

"You look amazing, Ellie," Jane agreed, her eyes wide with admiration.

"Definitely an improvement," Mal chimed in with a playful smirk.

Elecia grinned and continued looking at herself in the mirror. The earlier tension she felt dissipating somewhat. Just then, the princess’ phone buzzed with an incoming text. She pulled it out of her pocket and frowned as she read the message. It was from Sean. "Oh, shoot," Ellie said, her face falling slightly. "I have to go. Sean's looking for me."

Mal raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" the green-eyed girl asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "Everything okay?"

Elecia forced a smile. "Yeah, everything's fine," she said, trying to sound convincing. "He probably just wants to see how my day's going."

Jane, who knew about Elecia's recent fight with Sean, gave her a questioning look. Elecia gave her a subtle shake of her head, silently reassuring her friend that she could handle it.

"Well, don't let us keep you," Evie said with a smile. "We'll see you around."

"Yeah, see you later, Ellie," Mal added, returning to her sketching.

Elecia gave them a quick wave goodbye, then headed out the door. The lightness from the makeover faded as a familiar apprehension swirled within her. She wasn't sure what to expect from this meeting with Sean. His text had been brief, simply stating, "Meet me by the tourney field, please. It’s important." As she hurried through the halls of Auradon Prep, a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach, she fervently hoped this encounter would be better—or at least less frustrating—than their argument the day before. She just wanted him to apologize for his insensitive comments about the VKs, and accusing her of flirting when she was just being a good host.

As she approached the tourney field, Elecia spotted Sean leaning against a stone pillar, his arms crossed, a brooding expression on his face. He looked up as she approached, and his eyes widened in genuine amazement.

"Ellie?" he breathed, taking in her transformed appearance.

"Hey, Sean," Elecia replied, her voice cautious.

Sean stepped closer, his gaze sweeping over her loosened hair and the subtle makeup that accentuated her features. "Wow," he murmured, his voice filled with admiration. "You look... different. Beautiful."

Elecia felt a blush creep up her neck. She wasn’t very comfortable with the way his eyes were roaming her body. "Thank you…," she mumbled, shifting uncomfortably.

Sean cleared his throat, seemingly remembering why he called her there. "Ellie, about yesterday..." he began, his voice laced with remorse. "I'm sorry. I was a jerk. I shouldn't have said those things about the VKs."

Elecia's heart softened slightly at his apology. "I appreciate you saying that, Sean," she said softly, a tentative hope for an actual resolution forming.

“Or accusing you of flirting. I know better than that. That’s not you,” he stepped closer and took her hands in his. “I just can’t stand the thought of you giving anyone else attention… even if it is just… being nice.” His hand came up and gently cupped her cheek. "I really am sorry, Ellie," he whispered, his eyes searching hers. "I don't want us to fight."

The princess' resolve wavered. She nodded. “It’s… It’s ok…,” she smiled shyly.

He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, tentative kiss. Elecia closed her eyes, allowing the moment to unfold. The kiss deepened, Sean's arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer. She felt herself getting lost in the sensation, the familiar warmth spreading through her body.

But then, Sean's hands began to wander, his kisses becoming more insistent, more demanding. Ellie felt a flicker of unease, a sense that things were moving too fast. A cold prickle, like frost forming on her skin, warned her of her rising agitation. She needed to regain control.

"Sean," she whispered, pulling back slightly, her voice steady but strained. "Wait..."

He ignored her plea, his lips trailing down her neck, his hands exploring her body with a newfound urgency. The princess tried to push him away, but he was stronger, his grip tightening. The air around them seemed to grow faintly colder.

"Sean," Elecia said, her voice dropping to a low, firm tone, each word carefully articulated. "Stop. I don't want to do this right now. We talked about this." She focused on keeping her expression neutral, her emotions contained.

He finally paused; his eyes met hers, a flicker of frustration crossing his features.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with annoyance.

Elecia pushed him away, her heart pounding in her chest, the faint chill in the air intensifying for a moment. "What's wrong?" she repeated, her voice calm but sharp. "We talked about this on our last date, Sean. You said you would give me time. You promised you would listen to me when I wasn't comfortable. And you're doing it again."

Sean scoffed, a defensive look crossing his face. "Come on, Ellie," he said, his voice laced with arrogance. "Don't play games. You know how I feel about you."

Ellie's jaw tightened, her crystal blue gaze direct and unyielding. The effort to suppress her rising frustration was immense. "I'm not playing games," she stated, her voice quiet but ringing with absolute finality. "I'm telling you my boundary. And you never listen to me, Sean. Not about this, and not about the VKs. You only hear what you want to hear."

Sean's face hardened, and Elecia watched a muscle in his jaw twitch. His eyes narrowed, and the charm that had been there a moment ago was replaced by a startling coldness. "Fine," he spat, stepping back, "Be that way. I was trying to apologize, but I guess you're just looking for a fight now." He didn't wait for her response. He just turned on his heel and stormed off, his broad shoulders stiff as he walked away.

The princess stood alone, the residual chill from her contained powers slowly fading, leaving her with a hollow ache in her chest. She watched his retreating figure, a wave of familiar guilt washing over her. She hated fighting with him. This wasn't how they were supposed to be. How could she fix this? How could they get back to the easy, comfortable relationship they once had? The thought of navigating these stormy waters again, of trying to bridge this growing chasm between them, felt overwhelming. She just wanted things to be normal again. Turning back to the dorms, she wondered if they would ever get back to how they once were.

Chapter Text

Chapter 8

A Single Tear

Jane waved goodbye to Mal and Evie before shutting the door behind her. The room grew quiet, leaving just the two of them. Evie groaned as she flipped through pages filled with complex equations and unfamiliar terminology in her chemistry textbook.

"Ugh," Evie grumbled, tossing the textbook onto the floor with a dramatic sigh. "Who knew advanced chemistry was so...advanced?"

Mal chuckled, glancing up from her sketchbook. "Having trouble, E?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Not trouble. It’s actually easy enough to understand. It’s just A LOT,” the blue-haired girl shook her head and sighed. “I can't believe I agreed to do this for him," Evie said, rolling her eyes. "But a deal's a deal."

Mal's expression grew serious as she leaned forward. "You know, what Elecia said about Chad... about him getting people to do things for him?"

Evie sighed, looking up from her homework. "Mal, I'm not a fool. I’m the queen of manipulation, and I've learned from the best. I know when I'm being played." She paused, a dreamy look in her eyes. "He's a prince. And he's a prince who’s interested in me. I just need to get through his homework, and then we can hang out."

Mal shrugged, returning her attention to her sketch. "If you say so."

"You know, the other girls are kinda cool. I mean, they're not “Isle” cool. But they’re, you know, nice,” Evie said thoughtfully.

Mal let out a cynical snort. "They're princesses, E. From Auradon. Of COURSE they’re NICE."

"Well, one, not all of them are princesses. Just Elecia and a few others. Two, I dunno. Elecia, at least, seems… different.”

A thoughtful frown creased Mal's eyebrow, "I'll give you that, she's not like the others. But that doesn’t matter,” waving her hand dismissively. “We need to get the wand." Mal tossed her sketchbook onto the bed with a frustrated sigh. "Which was a bust," she muttered, running a hand through her purple hair. "Operation 'Befriend the Fairy Godmother's Daughter' has officially failed."

“Don't get your horns in a twist, Mal," Evie said as she finished off an equation on the paper in front of her. “We'll figure it out.”

Mal growled as she grabbed her mother's spellbook from her bedside table and started flipping through it. Silence once again settled over the room, punctuated only by the soft clicking of Evie's magic mirror as she consulted its wisdom for Chad's chemistry homework and the rustle of pages as Mal continued her exploration of her spellbook.

A knock on the door interrupted their concentration. Mal, with an irritated sigh, got up and answered it. It was Carlos.

"Hey," Carlos said, giving them a small wave. "Just thought I'd come hang out." He walked over to the bed and sat down, pulling out his homework.

"Sure, whatever," Mal grumbled, sitting back down on the bed.

A few minutes later, the door swung open again, and this time it was Jay who burst into the room, a triumphant grin plastered across his face. He was clad in a brand new tourney uniform, the school colors emblazoned across his chest.

"Yoooooooo!" he exclaimed, striking a dramatic pose. "Check out the new threads!"

Carlos looked up and whistled appreciatively. "Hey!" he said, grinning at Jay. "Looking good, man!"

Jay strutted over to Mal and leaned against her four-poster bed, "Did your plan work with Jane?" he asked seriously. "Are you going over to see the wand?"

Mal glared at him. "Do you think I would be going through every single spell in this book if I hadn't completely struck out?" she retorted, gesturing towards the open spellbook on her bed.

Carlos chuckled. "Well, someone's in a bad mood..."

Mal smacked the back of Carlos's head. "My mom's counting on me!" she exclaimed. "I can't let her down!"

Jay, sensing the tension in the room, stepped forward. "We can do this," he said, his voice firm. "If we stick together."

Mal's gaze swept over her friends, a flicker of determination burning in her eyes. "And we won't go back," she declared, "until we do. Because we're rotten..."

"To the core," the others chanted in unison, their voices echoing through the room.

Evie, a thoughtful expression on her face, suddenly spoke up. "Oh, yeah," she said, "I found out that Fairy Godmother blesses Ben with the wand at the coronation, and we all get to go."

Mal looked at her, surprised. "What?"

Evie nodded. "Doug told me," she explained. "Apparently, it's a tradition." The blue-haired girl sighed dramatically, “I have nothing to wear of course…,” shaking her head.

Mal looked at her friend incredulously. This could be their chance. If they could somehow get close to Ben during the coronation…

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Mal got up and answered it. Standing in the doorway was Ben, a nervous smile on his face. 

"Hey, Mal," he said. "I was just wondering if you had any questions or anything that you needed..."

Mal, masking her surprise, gave him a polite smile. "Not that I know of," she replied, glancing back at the others. They all shook their heads.

Ben nodded. "Okay. Alright," he said, stepping back. "Well, if you need anything, just... uh..." He trailed off, clearly unsure how to end the conversation.

Mal, seeing an opportunity, seized it. "Oh, wait!" she exclaimed. "Um, is it true that we all get to go to your coronation?"

Ben's face lit up. "Yeah, the whole school goes," he confirmed.

Mal, barely containing her excitement, smiled. "Wow. That is beyond exciting." She twirled a strand of hair around her finger, her eyes sparkling. "Do you think that it's a possibility that the four of us could stand in the front row next to the Fairy Godmother, just so we could soak up all that goodness?"  

Ben hesitated. "I... wish you could," he said apologetically. "But up front it's just me, my sister, my parents, and our dates. Audrey and Sean."  

Mal's smile faltered. "Audrey... your girlfriend?"

"Yeah," Ben confirmed. "I'm sorry."

Mal's mind was already racing. "Okay. Thanks, bye!" she said, quickly closing the door before Ben could say another word.

She turned to face the others, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I think it's time that Bennyboo got himself a new girlfriend," she declared.

The others exchanged wicked grins.

"And I need a love spell," Mal continued, clapping her hands together. Carlos, ever attentive, tossed her spellbook to her. She caught it, flipping through the pages until she found what she was looking for. "Here it is!" she exclaimed. Then, her face fell. "Dammit."

Jay looked at her, confused. "What?"

"It says we need one tear of human sadness," Mal grumbled.

"A tear's a tear..." Jay shrugged.

"Yeah, why don't we just chop up some onions?" Carlos suggested.

Evie, however, shook her head. "That's not true," she corrected. "They both have antibodies and enzymes, but an emotional tear has more protein-based hormones than a reflex tear."

Mal looked at her, impressed. "Listen to you," she said with a grin.  

"Yeah, I knew that," Jay added quickly, trying to save face.

Carlos punched him playfully on the arm. "Did not."

Mal, ignoring their banter, focused on the task at hand. "Okay," she said, "so how do we go about getting this tear? As much as I'd love to go around making people cry, it would garner way too much attention."

They all sat in silence for a moment, pondering the problem.

Finally, Evie spoke up, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Well, I say..." she began, her eyes gleaming with mischief, "we make them break up."

"That's what the spell is for," Jay pointed out.

"No," Evie insisted, "I say that we orchestrate a way to make them break up. Get her to cry, use the spell, and Ben is all yours."

Mal's grin widened. "That's... absolutely brilliant, E."

"What's more evil than making two people break up on purpose?" Evie asked rhetorically, a wicked glint in her eyes.

"Yeah, well, if you ask me, she kind of deserves it," Carlos chimed in. "For a princess, she's kind of..."

"A bitch?" Jay offered.

"Yeah," Carlos agreed.

Evie nodded. "Okay, that means we need to get close to Ben," she said, pacing the room thoughtfully. "Learn his schedule... and if you're going to be his girlfriend, you may want to learn more about him anyway."

Mal nodded. "So," she said, looking at the boys, "you two have tourney with him. See what you can learn about him during that time." She turned to Evie, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "And we..." she continued, "we will use our newfound 'friendship' with Elecia to get to know more about her brother and Audrey." She smiled slyly. "Shouldn't be that hard. Right?"

Evie grinned back. "Right."

The four VKs exchanged mischievous glances, their minds already buzzing with plans and possibilities. They were determined to succeed, no matter the cost. After all, they were rotten to the core.

***************************

Elecia sat with her brother on a bench next to the Tourney field, the sounds of shouting and the fire breath’s canons echoing in the distance. Ben had been watching Jay and Carlos practice with the team, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"They're not what I expected,” Elecia said, watching Jay dodge a dragon fire. “Though truth be told, I wasn't very sure what I expected.”

Ben smiled. "I know. When Dad and the Council were questioning my proclamation, they had this picture of what the kids would be like. But they're just... people. Jay's a natural at Tourney, and Carlos is giving it his all." He paused, his gaze softening. "Jay's a real leader out there. He's a bit rough, but he has a good heart." The prince chuckled a bit, “Carlos is a good guy, I think he's decided to make Dude, the campus mutt, his pet.”

"What do you think about the girls?" Ellie asked. "I know you haven't had much time to hang out with them."

The soon to be king's expression shifted, a faint blush creeping up his neck. "Mal's... interesting," he admitted. "And Evie is sweet." He paused again. "Mal's really talented, you know? I saw her art on her locker. She has a real eye for it."

Elecia's smile widened. "I know. I noticed it too. I was actually going to suggest she try an art class."

"I actually suggested the same thing to her!" Ben said enthusiastically. "She should. It would be a great way to use that skill.”

“It's sad though,” the princess said sadly, “there are a lot of others who don't want to give them a chance…”

He turned his gaze to his sister, a serious look on his face. "So, what do you think we can do? To make everyone in Auradon realize that these kids aren't here to do any harm? To help them to not be so afraid?"

Elecia thought for a moment. "Mal's already kind of started doing that on her own," she said. "She did Jane's hair for her with a spell. Now Jane is happy and more confident than I've seen her in a while. She loves it. And I know other girls have approached Mal because of it."

Ben's expression shifted, a flicker of concern in his eyes. "She's using magic?" he asked, his voice low.

"Yeah," Elecia replied. "But it's harmless magic. Ben, it's not like the evil magic we've read about. She's not trying to hurt anyone. I've seen her use it, and it's nothing to worry about."

"I know," Ben replied. "It's just... guess we didn't really think that part through. Them having powers."

Ellie chuckled, “I thought the same thing.” She looked at the boys again, a serious expression on her face. “But just because you have powers, doesn't make you evil. I have powers, and I'm not evil.”

“I know that,” her brother turned to her with a grateful smile. "You know, this whole thing... it's a lot. I'm glad I have you to talk to about it."

Elecia smiled. "Me too," she said.

Just then, Mal and Evie approached them. "Hey, you two," Evie said, her voice cheerful. "We were just talking about how we wanted to go shopping, but we've never been. We were wondering if you would be willing to take us?"

Elecia glanced at Ben, who gave her a subtle nod. She smiled at the girls. "I'd love to," Elecia said. "We can take my limo and head to Auradon City." She paused, and then added, "Would it be okay if Jane came along, too?"

Evie's eyes lit up. "Sure! That's totally fine.”

***************************

A little while later, the four girls piled into Elecia's sleek, black limo, its tinted windows offering them a private bubble away from the curious stares of students. As they reached the outskirts, Evie bounced in her seat, unable to contain her excitement. "I can't believe we're finally going to Auradon City! It's even more perfect than I imagined!"

"It's just a city, E," Mal muttered, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery. But her eyes were wide with thinly veiled fascination at the towering, modern buildings that lined the roads and the flow of clean, quiet traffic.

Elecia, sitting across from them, offered a soft smile. "It's different from Auradon Prep. A lot more people, for one." She glanced at Jane, who was looking around with a mix of nervous excitement and awe.

The limo pulled up to the main square, a bustling hub of activity with wide, pedestrian-friendly streets. The moment they stepped out, a new kind of energy seemed to hum in the air. The scent of freshly baked pastries mingled with the sweet perfume of flowers, and the sounds of a distant street performer’s guitar replaced the usual quiet of the school campus.

As they walked, heads turned. Whispers rippled through the crowd. "Is that...?" a woman murmured to her husband, her eyes fixed on Mal's purple hair. An elderly man, carrying a bag of groceries, gave a small, friendly nod to Evie, who returned it with a beaming smile.

A baker from a nearby shop came out and offered them a tray of free cupcakes. "Welcome to the city!" she said with a warm smile. "We’re happy to have you here!" Evie and Mal, taken aback by the unexpected kindness, exchanged a quick look before each graciously accepted a cupcake.

Elecia, her practiced smile in place, gave a small, regal nod to the well-wishers and a subtle reassuring gesture to those who stared with apprehension. Jane, beside her, seemed to be handling the attention they were getting well.

The looks, however, began to shift. A few onlookers in a nearby café pointed and whispered, their expressions a mix of fear and judgment. A young girl, clutching a doll, hid behind her mother's legs. A man hurried past, pulling his child closer as he shot the girls a wary glance.

Mal, despite her feigned indifference, felt a flicker of annoyance at the stares. She noticed a group of people whispering and pointing, and her gaze narrowed. She subtly made her eyes glow a flash of bright green, just for a split second. The group, startled, quickly turned their attention elsewhere. Mal smirked and continued walking.

Evie squealed and tugged on Elecia's arm, pulling her toward a vibrant boutique with a display of glittering gowns in the window. Mal and Jane followed, Evie's energy infectious.

"Look at this place!" Evie exclaimed, her eyes wide with unadulterated delight. She glided through the racks, her fingers tracing the delicate silks and shimmering satins. "It's all so... organized. And new!" 

Ellie giggled, “Well it is a shop.”

Evie continued to browse as she said, “On the Isle, clothes are jumbled mess of hand-me-downs and found scraps! But here,” she made a perfect elegant turn, “everything is SO amazing!”

"The owners are well known in Auradon for their selection," Jane chirped, her voice bubbling with excitement. "They're amazing! Elecia and her mom come here all the time, so they know all the best places in the city."

Elecia watched, a warm smile on her face. "My mom and I do come to this boutique quite regularly. It's one of mom's favorites. They have a knack for finding the most unique pieces."

While Evie was lost in a world of fabric, Mal's attention was drawn to a display case filled with antique brooches and elegant jewelry. She and Elecia walked over to browse. "These are so... shiny," Mal muttered, a hint of awe in her voice.

"They're beautiful," Ellie agreed, her voice a little more formal than it had been in private. "I've never been much for accessories, but they're so pretty."

"Do you think they have any dragon-themed stuff?" Mal asked, a playful glint in her green eyes.

The princess let out a quiet, elegant laugh. "I'm not sure. I never looked. But if they don't, I'm sure there's a trading shop down by the docks that may."

As Evie continued her frantic perusal, she pulled out a delicate, shimmering gown in a beautiful shade of blue. "What do you think of this, Mal?"

"It's nice," Mal said with a shrug.

Evie sighed. "I know, but it's not quite me. It's too... good."

Jane, confused, tilted her head. "I don't understand. What's wrong with being good?"

"It's boring," Mal stated flatly. "Good is predictable. Boring is a one-way ticket to failure."

The blue-hair girl giggled. "She's right," she admitted. "We're not from here. We need something that reflects that, but is still stylish."

Elecia nodded in understanding. "I get it," she said. "You're looking for your own style. Something that's a reflection of who you are, not just what everyone else expects."

Evie's eyes lit up. "Exactly!”

After a while, the girls decided to have dinner at a small restaurant. Evie's arms were laden with shopping bags, filled with spools of thread and new fabrics. They found a small, cozy cafe away from the main square, a quiet respite from the curious stares and judgmental whispers.

As they sat down with their meals, Jane, who had been chatting excitedly on the walk to the cafe, now leaned in and whispered to Elecia, "Everyone is still staring at us." She fidgeted nervously with her napkin.

Elecia nodded, her gaze sweeping over the cafe. She saw a few people glance over, their expressions a mix of fear and curiosity. "I know," she whispered back. "Try not to let it bother you. They just... they don't know them like we do."

"I don't know how you do it," Jane admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "All the staring and whispering... it makes me feel so small."

Ellie gave her friend a sympathetic smile, “It… it just takes practice. But it's just stares Jane, nothing more.”

Evie clapped her hands together, a spark of excitement in her eyes. "You know what? I've decided! I'm going to make our coronation dresses! For me and Mal. We need to give that coronation a bit of Isle flair!"

"That's a wonderful idea, Evie," the princess said, smiling.

"I can't wait to get started!" Evie exclaimed. "In fact, I just had a ton of ideas pop into my head. I need to get a new sketchbook right away so I can jot them all down. It's probably going to take up a whole book!"

"Well," Elecia said, smiling, "the art supply store is just around the corner. We can go there after we eat. Maybe we can get some things for you, too, Mal, if you'd be interested."

Mal, who had been idly looking around, turned to Elecia, a flicker of suspicion in her green eyes. "Why would you think I'd want art supplies?" she asked.

"Oh," Ellie said with a smile. "Well, I noticed you sketching in your room the other day. And Ben told me you're really good, too. He was very impressed with the work you did on your locker."

Mal's eyes widened slightly, her guarded facade faltering for a moment. A faint blush crept up her neck. "He did?" she asked, her voice a little softer. "He... he said that?"

"He did," the princess confirmed. "He said you were incredible. He was very impressed."

A faint, almost unwilling smile touched Mal’s lips. "Oh… that's cool, I guess."

As they finished their meal, Jane quietly stood up, her face etched with a mix of exhaustion and relief. "I think I'm going to head back to school now," she said softly, clutching her purse tightly. "I... I'm just not used to all this. It's a lot."

Elecia nodded in understanding. "I get it," she said, her voice filled with sympathy. "Do you want me to walk you back to the limo?"

Jane's face lit up. "Oh, would you? Thank you so much, Elecia!"

Ellie smiled and stood up. "I'll be right back," she told Mal and Evie. "We'll go to the art store after I see Jane off."

As Elecia and Jane walked away from the restaurant, the initial excitement of the day had worn off, and a quiet tension hung in the air. Elecia gently squeezed Jane's hand. "Are you okay?" she asked softly.

Jane sighed. "I just... I'm not used to being looked at like that," she admitted. "You and Mal and Evie, you're so good at handling it. You don't even seem to notice. But for me... it's just so unsettling. I thought being invisible before was bad. But being under constant scrutiny like that…? I just felt so small…”

"You've never been invisible, Jane," the princess said firmly. " I know that this has been a stressful outing… I'm sorry.”

They reached the limo, and Elecia hugged Jane goodbye. "Thanks for coming with us," Elecia said. “I hope you had at least a little fun.”

Jane's smile was genuine. "Yeah," she said. "I did. Mal and Evie... they're really cool."

As the limo pulled away, the princess turned to walk back to the restaurant. She passed a bustling antiques shop, its window filled with gleaming treasures. She glanced back at the shop to admire a stunning display of antique jewelry, seeing if they possibly would have a dragon thing Mal would like. That's when she saw it.

A crowd had gathered near a jewelry stall, their angry whispers growing louder. In the middle of that crowd, Mal and Evie stood, looking angry and defiant. Ellie saw a couple of people nearby try to defend the girls, but they were quickly shouted down by others in the crowd.

Elecia's heart pounded. She instinctively reached up to touch the small, unassuming pin on her blouse, a gift from her father. The pin, shaped like a tiny gold rose, was a discreet piece of surveillance technology. It was a discreet way to ensure her safety, which was then uploaded to a secure cloud that the palace security had access to.

Trying to analyze the situation, her eyes locked onto a man, who had his hand in a pouch and was discreetly slipping something into Evie's open shopping bag. Another woman was quickly and purposefully bumping into Mal, trying to slip something into her jacket pocket.

Were these people trying to frame them? Unbelievable! Elecia's fingers began to tingle. Her emotions were getting high. She felt a panic start to bubble up inside of her. She pulled out her phone and quickly dialed Ben’s number.

“Ben,” she said, her voice a little shaky. “I… I think I’m going to need you to come to the city. There's a situation."

“Elecia, listen to me,” Ben said, his voice calm and firm. “It’s going to be okay. I’m on my way. I’ll be there in about 10 minutes. Just… just try to stay calm until I get there. Don’t let them get to you.”

“I’ll try,” she whispered, and hung up the phone.

The crowd was growing more hostile, their faces contorted with rage. She had to try to help. Taking a deep breath, Elecia forced her demeanor to shift. She had to be the poised, confident Princess of Auradon she was raised to be. Shoulders straightened and her head held high, she moved with a quiet, regal grace through the crowd.

The princess approached the man who was yelling at them, her voice calm and firm, cutting through the angry shouts. "Excuse me," she said, her voice clear and commanding. "What is going on here?"

"Your Highness!" the man bellowed. "These... these two young women tried to steal from my shop! They are villains! It's in their blood to lie and to steal!"

"I can assure you," Elecia said, her voice unwavering, "that my friends did no such thing. I was with them in the restaurant across the square. They have not been inside this shop, and they have not had any opportunity to steal anything."

"Then prove it!" another man from the crowd yelled. "Empty your purses and pockets! Let us see what you have taken!"

The crowd roared in agreement. "Empty your pockets! Get the guards! Get the guards!" people started to yell as they pushed forward towards Mal, Evie and Elecia.

Ellie tensed at the sudden push towards them. A cold wind began to blow, even though there was no breeze, and a shimmering frost spread across the ground, sending a visible shiver through the crowd.

"It's magic!" a woman screamed, pointing at Mal and Evie. "The villain kids are using magic! Just as we suspected!"

"It's not them!" Elecia yelled, her voice filled with panic, as she tightly clutched her purse. She took another deep breath to calm herself, as the cold wind began to blow harder, causing frost to form on some of the bystanders.

The crowd became more boisterous as the ice began to grow. They hurled accusations and jeers at the girls. Guards appeared, coming forward with weapons out, alert and ready.

“Please! I really need everyone to remain calm!” Elecia called to the rowdy crowd. The guards eyed the princess and quickly got between her and her friends. “Stop! They've done nothing wrong!” she begged.

Suddenly, a loud and commanding voice cut through the chaos. "I can assure you all," Ben said, his voice booming with authority. "That these young women are not lying."

The crowd turned to see Ben, Jay, and Carlos walking toward them. Ben's expression was a mixture of calm and fury. He stepped in front of the yelling man, positioning himself between the crowd and the girls. His hand gently clasped Elecia's arm, his thumb tracing a small, reassuring circle.

"It's okay, Ellie," he murmured, his voice low enough only for her to hear. "Just breathe."

Elecia's shoulders, which had been tense, began to relax. Her frantic gaze, filled with panic, softened as she looked at her brother. The cold wind around them began to dissipate, and the frost began to recede. Ben turned to the guards and with a gesture, ordered them to stand down. They complied and went to attention, completely still. Jay and Carlos went to stand by Mal and Evie, making their presence a united front.

The prince let go of his sister's arm and stepped forward, stopping in front of the proprietor. "Your Highness," the man said, his face ashen.

"Now, please explain to me what has happened here. Why has such a huge crowd gotten involved, and my sister's word been dismissed?" Ben asked authoritatively.

"Well, your highness," the man bowed clumsily. "I was informed by some kind citizens that these two vil—," he stopped when he saw Ben's eyebrow quirk. "—young ladies had taken some gems and jewels from my stall. I checked, and sure enough, two small flats were gone from my stores. I called out to them, but they ignored me, and so some other citizens, including those who informed me of the heist, stopped them and brought them back here."

“I see. Well, I can assure you, that they weren’t the ones who stole from your shop," Ben said, his voice quiet but firm. "My sister was with them the entire time."

“With all due respect, your highness,” the man bowed again, “would it be too brazen to ask if we may check? Just to make sure? After all, the flats are still missing.”

The prince looked back at Mal and Evie. Mal’s green eyes were filled with a defiant fire, while Evie’s brown showed a bit of annoyance and fear. He sighed, “I don’t see why not.” 

Elecia stepped forward, her heart rate finally back to normal. “That won't be necessary, Ben.”

The crowd began to jeer again, but Ben held up his hand to silence them. “It’s not?”

“No,” she went over to the girls. “Evie, can I see this shopping bag for a second please?”

The blue-haired teen nodded and handed over her bag. Ellie dug around inside and pulled out the little bag she had seen the man put in there earlier. The crowd of onlookers gasped and jeered.

“W-what?! Those…! I didn’t!!” Evie exclaimed, tears in her eyes.

The princess smiled at her, “I know. It wasn’t you.”

“You believe me…?” 

“Yes.”

“Ellie, what’s going on?” Ben asked quietly.

“Check my pin’s feed,” Elecia said quietly. Ben got out his phone and accessed the royal cloud. “You’ll see that man over there and also that woman planting these on Mal and Evie. I saw them do it, Ben. My pin should have caught it too.”

“See! They’re guilty! Once a villain, always a villain!” the man yelled, pointing a trembling finger at the girls. "She even has magic!"

Ben's expression was unyielding. He turned his attention back to the man and asked, "How can you be so sure they were the culprits?"

"We just knew! They have a reputation!" the woman yelled. "We saw them lurking around, and they didn’t want to talk to anyone. Then we noticed they were holding something in their hands, and when they walked past us, we saw them drop something in the bags, and we just knew what it was."

Her partner jumped in, "She was using magic! I saw her eyes flash bright green, and then we all got scared. It was evil magic, just like her mother!"

Ben's expression was unyielding. "You're lying," he said calmly, his gaze fixed on the man. "I think you planted them. My sister's pin," he gestured to Elecia, "is a video camera. It records everywhere she goes." He looked at the man's hands. "I think we can find a video of you putting those in her bag. And also of the woman next to you planting some in Mal’s pocket."

Mal’s eyes widened. She reached into her pocket and retrieved a small bag of gems from her pocket. "What the hell…?" she muttered.

The man's face went completely pale. "Your Highness, I can assure you that we have done no such thing," the man stammered, his voice filled with a desperate plea.

"We have video evidence, sir. I'm going to have you escorted to the palace. We're going to have a little chat. Perhaps your memories will become a bit clearer when you're in the presence of my father. Guards!"

The guards that had been awaiting orders moved forward, arrested the man and the woman, and took them away. As they were being led away, the man screamed over his shoulder, "They're evil villains! It's in their blood! They're just like their parents! They'll destroy us all!"

Once the couple had been led away, Ben turned to the onlookers, a calm, unwavering look on his face. His voice, clear and commanding, echoed through the square. "Judging people by their lineage is not what being a true Auradonian is all about," he said, his voice steady and resolute. "It's about kindness. It's about giving people a chance. It's about being good." He gave a small, warm smile to the citizens who had tried to defend Mal and Evie. "To those of you who chose to be civil in this matter and speak out for what was right, thank you for your kindness," he said. "It gives me hope that one day, we will all be seen as equal." The citizens who had been trying to help gave Ben and Elecia a small, respectful smile. “And to those who chose violence and anger, I hope this teaches a lesson, to not judge someone off of who they are, or where they come from.” The Prince held their collective gaze, his word absolute. “You are all dismissed.”

The crowd quickly dispersed. Those who had been on the side of the accusers walked away with an embarrassed silence.

Mal and Evie could only stare at him, their eyes wide with a mixture of shock and awe. They hadn't expected Ben to come to their rescue or for him to be so calm and in control.

Ben turned to the two girls. "Are you two okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

“Yeah,” Mal looked at Ben with an undefinable look on her face. “We’re fine.”

The prince smiled gently at her. “Good. I’m glad.”

They looked at each other for a moment before Ben shook his head. “I should… go talk to the stall owner.” He held out his hand to Mal. “I’ll return these.”

Mal handed over the bag of gems to Ben. Elecia gave him the bag she found in Evie’s bag, giving him a small smile.

“Thank you for coming, Ben,” Elecia said, her voice weak with relief.

Her brother smiled warmly at her and nodded. “I’ll be right back.” He turned and strode toward the proprietor.

“What are you two doing here?” Evie asked, her attention turning to the boys. “I thought you were practicing Tourney.”

Jay crossed his arms. "We were when Ben got the call from Elecia. She sounded pretty freaked out, so we followed him here."

Carlos, who had been looking around, pointed to the ground, which was now melting from the frost that had appeared a few minutes before. "Hey, Mal, the ground... was that you?"

Mal shook her head and held up her hands. "Wasn't me! I have to say a spell for my magic to work." She looked at the melting frost, a mix of confusion on her face. "I have no idea what that was."

Elecia wrung her hands as she willed the rest of the frost away. It had been a long time since her magic had gotten out of control on that scale. She looked over at Mal, who was looking down at the frost with interest. It was bad enough that people were already distrusting of the villain kids due to their background. To have them be even more afraid of Mal and Evie due to her own magic… it was almost too much for her to bear.

Ben came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. “You ok?” he whispered in her ear.

“Yeah,” she whispered back. Elecia looked at the spot where the crowd had been minutes before, an ache forming in her chest. “I couldn’t get them to listen to me… any of them…,” tears swelled in her eyes. “And Mal was blamed when it was my magic causing the trouble…”

Her brother turned her to face him, a serious look on his face. “Elecia, don’t you dare blame yourself.”

“But…”

“No, Ellie,” the prince said sternly. “Their actions and their reactions are not your responsibility. Had they chosen to handle the situation with understanding and grace, none of that would have happened.”

“But I frightened them…,” she whispered sadly, looking down to the ground.

“They were already scared, even before that point. For stupid reasons,” he forced her to look at him. “It wasn’t your fault. Everything was handled and turned out for the best. It’s alright.”

She nodded, though the feeling remained. Ben looked at the others, who were talking quietly amongst themselves.

"I do know that some of those people in the crowd said that they saw you flash your eyes at them earlier..." Carlos said.

Mal nodded. "I did. That's a good way to get people to leave you alone, especially when they're staring at you."

"Flash your eyes?" Ben asked, now joining the conversation, his voice filled with curiosity. "Like what?" Meekly, Elecia followed, her curiosity piqued.

Mal, hesitant at first, let her eyes glow bright green for a moment. Ben and Elecia, who had never seen anything like it before, started in shock.

"Whoa," Ben breathed, obviously trying to digest what he had just seen. Letting out a breath, he looked at Mal concerned. "I get it," he started. "I understand why you felt like you had to do that. No one has a right to make you feel uncomfortable. But, Mal, intimidation isn't the answer. There is always a better way, you just have to find it."

Mal frowned, and then shrugged. “On the Isle, that's how we survive. That's how things are done. You have to be tough."

The prince gave her a small smile, “Like I said, I get it. Just try to find a better way next time.” They stared at each other for a long moment before Ben broke the trance. "So, did you all finish your shopping? If not, we can finish it out together,” Ben said, his voice cheerful. "I’m sure the guys here would like to get some stuff too.”

The six of them walked to the art supply store. When they got there, Evie excitedly picked up the supplies she needed, while Mal quietly got a range of different sketchbooks, pencils, and paints at Ben’s insistence. The boys, on the other hand, had their own ideas. Carlos, who was highly interested in technology, was looking for parts for his computers. Ben showed Jay the latest in sport gear, and explained the different variety of sports that Auradon had to offer. They found a small cafe and decided to get some dessert before finishing their shopping trip.

Elecia, who had withdrawn a bit with the boy’s inclusion and the recent uproar, asked what had been on her mind since she had met them all. "So… What's it actually like?" Elecia asked softly, her curiosity overcoming her fear. “The Isle I mean. Ben and I have only seen pictures and videos. We don't really know what it's like."

"It's... grim," Mal replied, her voice taking on a distant tone. "It's dirty, crowded, and everything is broken. There's no magic, no wifi, no decent food. You're lucky if you can find something that isn't moldy or rotten."

"It's every villain for themselves," Evie added. "You have to be tough, or you'll get trampled. Showing any weakness is like painting a target on your back."

"You're always on edge," Carlos said, his gaze distant. "You have to be on guard. If you're not, someone will steal your stuff, or you'll get into a fight. The constant fear of being a target is just a part of our daily life."

"And you have to fight for every scrap of turf," Jay added, his voice firm. "It's a fight for power, a way to show everyone you're the strongest."

Elecia's eyes widened. "But...what about your families?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mal's expression hardened. "Family can be useful," she admitted. "But only if they're powerful. If your parents aren't at the top of the food chain, you're basically on your own."

"There's no sense of community on the Isle," Evie confirmed. "It's all about survival. Trusting anyone outside your gang is a recipe for disaster."

"It sounds lonely," Ben said, his voice filled with sympathy.

"It is," Mal agreed, her gaze distant. "We were surprised by what happened back there. It's more of what we would've expected to see on the Isle.”

Ellie looked at them, guilt on her face. “I'm so sorry you guys had to deal with that," she said, her voice filled with regret. "That was... that was horrible. I feel so bad that I couldn't get the crowd to calm down or stop what was happening."

"Yeah, that was pretty messed up," Mal agreed, her eyes still narrowed in a silent fury. "But on the Isle, we've dealt with worse. We’re used to it."

"That doesn’t mean it should have happened here…”

Evie grabbed Elecia’s hand and squeezed. “It’s ok. Really. It’s no big deal.”

The group spent the rest of the day exploring the shops. As the day came to a close, they headed back to the school weighed down by their purchases. They all agreed that they would hang out again soon.

In the days following the trip to Auradon City, the school's energy had shifted. Whispers followed Ellie wherever she went. None of her fellow students were bold enough to confront her, but their actions spoke volumes. Word had spread about the accusations made against Mal and Evie, and many of the students, already suspicious, had turned their backs on her as a result. This had the unintended consequence of making her more of an outcast than she already felt.

Jane, who had just started warming to the new students, pulled back. She tried to convince her friend that the accusations were baseless, but Jane, still uncomfortable with the public scrutiny, held firm. "I just think it's better this way for now, Ellie. We'll try again after things calm down."

The princess, not wanting to abandon Mal and Evie, continued to hang out with the girls. As Friday approached, the attitudes of her fellow students shifted slightly as the excitement over one of the hugest Tourney matches of the season began to take over. Elecia, Mal, and Evie were taking a much-deserved break, strolling through the school gardens, their chatter mingling with the chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves.

"Everyone is so... busy," Mal mused as they watched kids bustle about, putting up flyers and decorations in preparation for the game the next day.

Elecia gazed around. "Tourney is a big thing here. If you do well, you can possibly make one of the college teams. Everyone loves to rally."

"Not you?" Evie asked quizzically. "Your brother is on the team, isn't he?"

"He is. I just... don't like being around others too much."

"We've noticed," Mal said, her voice low. "And from the looks of it, our… friendship… has made you a pariah."

Evie frowned. "Yeah... we didn't mean for that to happen to you."

The princess shrugged dismissively. "Trust me, it's fine. It's not like I wasn't already an outsider."

The two other girls looked at her, confused.

"What do you mean?" Evie questioned.

Before Elecia could answer, a group of girls rounded the corner. Audrey, flanked by her usual entourage, sauntered towards them, her eyes narrowed with disdain.

"Well," Audrey drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Look who's slumming it with the villain kids."

Her posse giggled, their eyes filled with malicious amusement.

"It's so fitting, isn't it?" one of them chimed in. "The fake princess hanging out with the fake heroes."

"She's not a real Auradonian anyway," another sneered. "Just an outsider."

"Maybe when they get sent back to the Isle," a third girl quipped, "she can go with them. Seems like she fits right in."

Elecia's breath hitched. She knew these girls were just trying to provoke her, but their words stung, echoing the feelings she had been forced to deal with the last week. A tremor of cold ran through her as her hands clenched into fists at her sides. She excused herself, her voice barely above a whisper, and hurried away, seeking refuge behind a towering marble pillar.

Mal and Evie watched, their faces hardening with anger. They exchanged a furious glance, and the other girls, sensing their displeasure, quickly scurried away.

"Elecia?" Evie called out, her voice filled with concern. They found her huddled behind the pillar, her shoulders slumped, her gaze fixed on the ground.

"Are you okay?" Evie asked gently.

Elecia forced a smile. "I'm fine," she lied, her voice trembling slightly.

Mal, however, saw through her facade. "Don’t think lying is your talent, Ellie.”

Elecia shrugged, her gaze still averted. "It doesn't matter," she mumbled. "They always talk. I'm used to it."

Evie and Mal exchanged a worried glance. They had noticed Elecia becoming an outcast, but they hadn't expected it to be thrown in their faces that it was their fault.

"Elecia," Evie said softly, "you don't have to hide your emotions from us."

Mal stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on Elecia's shoulder. "No, you don't," she agreed. "We're your… well… you can trust us."

Elecia's facade finally crumbled. A single tear escaped her eye, tracing a path down her cheek.

Evie, ever prepared, reached into her pocket and gently wiped away the tear with a tissue.

"Thank you," Elecia whispered, her voice soft in grief. "Thank you for being here for me."

She turned and fled, disappearing into the maze of garden paths.

Mal and Evie watched her go, a heavy silence settling between them. They both felt a pang of guilt, realizing that their presence in Auradon had brought unwanted attention and pain to their new friend.

"We need to make Audrey pay," Mal said, her voice hard.

Evie nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. "We can," she said, holding up the tissue with Elecia's tear. "We have everything we need now."

Mal's lips curled into a sly smile. "Perfect," she purred.

Chapter Text

Chapter 9

Under Pressure

The departure of Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos had left a bitter taste in the mouths of those left behind. Fights were more frequent, tempers shorter, and the line between mischief and genuine malice had blurred. It wasn't unusual to find a dead body here and there on the Isle. But with the denizens' tempers and anger held to new levels, the phrase of "another one gone" had become almost a daily norm.

Rumor had it that this behavior was an echo of the time after all the villains were trapped in this forsaken place. The recent chaos of the Isle was the worst any of the kids had seen, and it was steadily taking its toll on all of them. The stakes were high, and tempers were short. It was all they could do to keep themselves from getting caught up in one of the more serious riots.

Harry lounged at a table near the back of Ursula's Fish and Chips, his feet propped up on a rickety chair. The air in the diner was a familiar mix of grease and rotten fish, a pressure cooker waiting to blow. Gil was sitting next to Harry, methodically working his way through a basket of lukewarm, stale fries. They were waiting for Uma to get off her shift, the end of a long day of navigating the Isle's recent chaos and mayhem.

A sharp, angry voice sliced through the room. A dispute over a lost gambling game turned a crowded table into a chaotic mess of flailing limbs and shouted insults. A dagger flashed, and a fist connected with a jaw. The fight, like a festering wound, spread. It wasn't about the game anymore; it was about the claustrophobia and desperation of those left behind. The entire room erupted into a blend of furious shouts and the shattering of glass.

Harry growled, a wary expression on his face, and muttered, "Here we go," reaching for his hook. It wasn't long before the brawl spilled into their corner.

A bulky guy with a scarred face charged at Gil, a rusty pipe held high. Without hesitation, Harry's hook lashed out, catching the man by the collar and yanking him backward with a grunt. Gil, taking his cue, grabbed a nearby stool and swung it at the man's legs, sending him sprawling. The room became a tempest of rage as more people came, shoving each other, fighting with broken bottles and rusty daggers. A table overturned, spilling its contents across the floor. A woman shrieked as her hair was pulled.

Uma and her younger sister, Uliana, a whirlwind of black and turquoise hair and spite, were behind the counter, trying to get the customers to calm down with their threats and shouts. A boy went sprawling, knocking a crate of food scraps over. He shoved Uliana hard. "Get out of the way, sea rat!" he snarled.

Before Uliana could retaliate, Uma, furious, slammed her hands on the counter. "That's enough!" she bellowed, but her voice was lost in the chaos.

Suddenly, a booming voice filled the space, vibrating the floorboards and rattling the glass jars. "ENOUGH!" The chaos stopped as if someone had cut the strings on a hundred puppets. The crowd parted to reveal Ursula, a mountain of a woman, all sharp edges and furious eyes, her black tentacles a terrifying swirl behind her. She pointed a massive finger at the rioters. "All of you! Start cleaning! Now!" she boomed.

A brave, stupid soul yelled back, "Or what, sea witch?!"

Ursula’s eyes narrowed, and with a flick of her tentacle, the man was lifted into the air and thrown across the room, crashing through a stack of crates. He lay on the ground, groaning. Ursula's gaze landed on Uma, a familiar fury in her eyes. "This is what happens when I leave you to run things," she thundered, her voice a low, dangerous rumble. "It's a miracle anyone buys my food when they're too busy brawling like pigs." She turned her icy gaze to Uliana. "And you! You are supposed to be helping, not getting in the way!"

Uliana bristled, “I wasn’t the one who made the damn mess, Mama!”

“Do you dare question me, Uliana?” her mother’s voice laced with ice. “I said, Get. Cleaning. Up. NOW!”

Averting her eyes, Uma's sister furiously marched to the nearest pile, kicking those she passed along the way.

Uma's jaw tightened. "It wasn't our fault," she said, her voice low and tight. "The whole Isle is on edge. It was only a matter of time."

Ursula's laugh was a harsh, bitter sound. "Excuses. That's all I ever get from you two. It's no wonder why Mal was chosen to go to Auradon. Can't even control these imbeciles. Such a disappointment."

Harry, who had been standing beside Gil, watching the scene unfold, grabbed Uma's arm. "Time to go," he said, his voice a low growl. He knew that look on Ursula's face; it was a storm Uma couldn't weather. Gil, understanding without words, moved to the exit.

Uma, her face a mask of simmering fury and humiliation, bowed her head. She grabbed her leather jacket and followed Harry and Gil out of the Chip Shoppe, the sound of Ursula's ranting fading behind them. They didn't speak as they walked through the unruly streets, the noise of the Isle a loud, angry buzz.

The trio finally reached the Hook household, a welcome sight in the gray that was the Isle. As Harry unlocked the door, the sounds of the street faded, replaced by the warm aroma of savory stew and the crackling of a fire. The low murmur of soap operas from their old TV was a comforting sound. This house was a refuge.

His mom, Emma, was at the stove, stirring a pot. When she heard them, she turned, her eyes sweeping over the group, taking in the bruises and scrapes on Harry's and Gil's faces, and Uma's simmering rage.

"You look like you've had a rough day," she stated, her voice quiet and even. "I just made a stew. You three look like you could use some." She motioned to a few chairs by the table.

Harry watched Uma go to the hearth. The cold fire of resentment in her eyes burned against the dancing flames.

Gil, exhausted, slumped into a chair at the table, still holding his head in his hands. "The Chip Shop was a war zone," he groaned. "It's a miracle we got out of there." He winced as he moved his arm, and Harry saw a deep cut on his forearm.

Emma came over and ladled a bowl of the chunky, brown stew for Gil, placing it in front of him. "Eat up," she said, her voice neutral. She then noticed his cut. "Let me get a rag for that."

Gil looked down at the cut, then up at Emma, a bit flustered. He wasn't used to a wound being tended to, and the offer of help made him uncomfortable. "Oh, no, it's fine, really," he said, a slight smile on his lips. "It's just a little scratch."

"A little scratch?" Harry said with a grin, nudging him. "You look like you went a few rounds with a crocodile, mate."

Gil laughed, a bit of the tension leaving his body. "Just a few rounds with a guy who thought he could use a rusty pipe on me."

Emma returned with a couple of damp cloths and a small bottle. Without a word, she dabbed at the cut on Gil's arm. He winced at the sting, but the smile on his face grew. "Thanks, Mrs. H," he said, his voice sincere.

"It's no problem, kid," she replied, her eyes kind. She gave the rag to Gil, then turned to Harry, her gaze settling on a cut above his eyebrow. "And you," she said, her voice softer now. "You always find a way to get into trouble." She reached out and gently dabbed the other cloth at the cut on his face.

Harry's smile faltered for a moment; he didn't pull away, but a flicker of embarrassment crossed his features. “Mom…,” Harry hissed, not wanting her to dote on him in front of his friends.

Emma gave him a gentle look, whispering, “Relax. They're caught up in their own feelings right now.”

The teen simply looked at his mother, his usual devilish grin replaced by a more subdued expression. He closed his eyes and let her clean him up, a silent acknowledgment of his trust and care for his mother.

Just then, the door creaked open, and in walked his dad, dragging his protesting younger sister behind him. "Let go of me, Papa! I was winning!" CJ snarled, trying to pull her arm from her father's firm grip. She kicked her legs wildly, her scarlet-red coat flaring around her as she fought.

"You were going to get yourself killed, lass," Killian retorted, his face a mix of exhaustion and parental concern. He let go of her arm, and she immediately put her hands on her hips, her golden tights with their map of Neverland catching the light.

"The Inlet is safe tonight," Killian said to Emma, his voice a low, steady rumble. "I've got the crew keeping an eye on things." He then turned to the other kids. "Seems you lot had your own set of trouble. What happened?"

"Got attacked," Gil grumbled, his voice thick with frustration. "The whole Isle's gone mad since the four left."

"The Chip Shoppe became a mad house," Harry clarified.

Killian nodded. "Got it. Glad you all got out of there. Got to stay on your toes now n' days."

“Well, sit down and we'll eat,” Emma said coolly.

Uma skulked over to the table and sat down, her jaw tightening. "My mother..." she started, her voice low and tight with humiliation. "All she ever does is compare me to Mal. Everything she says, it's about how Mal is better, how she was chosen, and how I'm a disappointment." Her words were a torrent of pent-up anger and resentment. "I'm a better pirate than she is, a better leader, and a hundred times more clever, but she's still the one everyone remembers. She's the one who got to leave."

Harry saw Uma's pride battling with her pain, knowing how much she hated to show any weakness.

Killian moved to the table and sat down across from Uma. "It doesn't matter what people say about you, lass," he said, his voice a quiet command. "What matters is what you know to be true about yourself." He leaned in, his full attention on Uma. "Maleficent and Ursula always had a rivalry, a competition for who was stronger, more cunning. It's a sad state of affairs when they've passed that rivalry on to their own daughters.”

"I don't need your pity, Hook," Uma snarled, her pride rearing its head.

"Good," Killian replied, a half-smile playing on his lips. "Because I don't give it. But I do know a thing or two about living under the thumb of a rival. You've got fire in you, lass. Don't let their words put it out."

Harry watched his mother put a bowl of stew in front of Uma. The young sea witch didn't look at Emma, just at the bowl. She picked up the spoon and took a long, thoughtful sip. Harry saw her shoulders visibly relax. The Hook home was a safe harbor in the middle of a storm, and he was glad his friends had found some calm in it. The young pirate took a bite of his own bowl of stew, savoring the warmth.

Just as Harry was about to take another spoonful of stew, the door creaked open again. His older sister, Harriet, walked in. "Don't even ask," she said, her voice laced with exhaustion. "I had to practically herd my crew home, and I swear I got jumped at least three times. The whole Isle's gone mad."

Emma, ever the mother, ladled some stew into a fresh bowl, placing it in front of Harriet without a word.

“Thanks, Mom,” Harriet said quietly, slumping into a chair.

"You should've fought them, Harriet," CJ chimed in. "Show them who's boss!"

Harriet scoffed. "Right, and get swarmed like a fish in a shark feeding frenzy? That's not cunning, little sister, that's suicide. I got my crew home safely. That's all that matters." Harry saw the look on Harriet's face. She was the most pragmatic of the three, the one who thought strategically. He was glad she was his sister.

They all continued to eat in a comfortable, though subdued, silence. After a while, Uma pushed her empty bowl away, a stubborn edge returning to her posture. "I should head home. I have to be at the Chip Shoppe early tomorrow."

Gil nodded. "Yeah, I should probably go, too. Thanks for the food, Mrs. H."

Harry tensed slightly. The sun was down, and the Isle was even more dangerous at night. The last thing he wanted was for Uma and Gil to get jumped on their way back to their miserable homes.

“Then let’s go,” Harry said standing up.

"The streets are a mess," Emma said, her voice firm. "It's not safe out there alone. Harriet, CJ, go with Harry to take Uma and Gil home."

Uma's pride immediately flared. "I don't need a babysitter, Emma. I can handle myself."

"I know you can," Emma replied, her voice unwavering. "But it's smarter to go as a group than to go alone."

Harry internally agreed. The logic of Emma's words was undeniable, even if Uma's pride hated to admit it. She let out a frustrated sigh, a silent agreement. "Fine."

The five of them gathered around the front door, getting ready for a possible fight. Harry put a hand on Uma's shoulder. "Let's go," he said, the corner of his mouth turning up in a grin. He felt a sense of fierce loyalty to his friends and family.

They first dropped off Gil, then Uma. Harry waved his hook goodbye, and then the siblings headed back to their own house. It felt good to have them by his side. The Hook family was a strong unit. Messing with one could almost guarantee you messed with all of them. Harry walked between his two sisters, keeping a diligent eye out for brawls, mostly sticking to the shadows.

Harriet sighed, the sound laced with a deep-seated weariness. "I wonder if things will ever go back to normal," she said, her voice low.

Harry scoffed. "Things are always bad on the Isle, Sis."

"This is different," she insisted, giving him a sharp look. "This is worse. It's a new kind of madness, like we're all being punished for their good luck."

CJ, humming a sea shanty to herself, piped up. "It's all the King's fault! The second I'm free, I'm going to give him what for!"

Harriet rolled her eyes. "CJ, it was Prince Ben who made the proclamation."

"Fine," CJ said with a dramatic shrug. "Then that whole family needs to suffer for what they're putting us through."

Harry couldn't argue with that. While he agreed, he didn't care about revenge as much as he cared about his own freedom. "All I want is to get off this rock and be the pirate I was always meant to be, not a wannabe pirate."

His sisters looked at him, their expressions softening. "Me too," Harriet said quietly.

"Aye," CJ agreed, her voice losing its usual melodramatic flair. "Me too."

They were ten feet from their house when Harry saw a figure moving with a furious, determined stride. Regina quickly came into view. Her face was a mask of pure rage, and her presence alone filled the air with a raw sense of dread. She barged inside their front door, and slammed it shut behind her. Harry’s heart pounded against his ribs. This was more than just a bad mood.

Hearing Regina’s angry ranting through the door, Harry, Harriet, and CJ instinctively moved quickly to the side and flattened themselves against the wall. Through the window, they could hear their father’s steady voice. "Regina, you have that face on," Killian said, his tone quiet, almost a warning. "The old Evil Queen face."

"I just talked to Maleficent!" Regina snarled.

This surprised Harry. Everyone on the Isle knew that The Evil Queen and Maleficent had a rough history. He couldn’t imagine they had anything to talk about.

"It doesn't matter what realm she's in," Regina seethed, "she's always a conniving witch!"

"She's technically a fairy," Killian corrected.

"What did she want?" their mother asked, cutting straight to the point.

"She tasked Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos to get Fairy Godmother’s wand!" Regina told them, a tremor in her voice. "To get the wand and bring down the barrier!"

A sudden collective intake of breath passed over the three siblings pressed against the window. The words hit Harry like a physical blow. The wand? They were supposed to get THE wand?

CJ looked back at her older siblings, her eyes wide. “Evie is supposed to get the wand?!”

“Shh!” the older two whispered in unison.

Regina started pacing back and forth, her voice rising in a panicked tone. "What if they get caught?! I wish I could have taught her some magic! Not just given her a small piece of the magic mirror!"

"It's better that she doesn't know any magic," Emma said seriously. "Magic comes with a price, Regina. You know that. That’s how we ended up here in the first place.”

"You're not the one with your child's lives at stake!" Regina snapped back, her eyes welling with tears. "I don't care what price I have to pay, I can't lose Evie!"

Harry watched as his mom took a deep breath. Her voice was firm. "I care about Evie, too, Regina. But you should be grateful that she doesn't have to be on the Isle in the state it's in currently. And my children's lives are at stake every time they walk out that door."

The words hit Harry hard. He knew it was true, but hearing his mom say it out loud made the reality of their situation sink in all over again. He saw Regina visibly calm down, the anger leaving her face as the weight of Emma's words settled. She sat down heavily in a chair.

The older pirate went over to Regina and put his hand on her shoulder. "Whatever happens will," Killian said, his voice full of a quiet certainty. "It will work out."

Harry’s mind raced. If they succeeded, what would it mean for all of them? For him, for his family, for the whole Isle? He wondered if they would succeed. The worry for Evie was there, but the thought of getting off the Isle… he couldn’t help but be excited at the thought. The thought of it, of the ocean, of a new life, was all he could focus on.

Chapter Text

Chapter 10

Loyalty and Lies

"It's so wonderful to have you here, Elecia. We just love having you," Sean’s mother, Snow White, said, her voice soft and gentle.

The Princess gave her a demure smile. “Thank you for inviting me. It’s always nice to get to see you.”

Ellie had come to Sean’s parents’ castle to have dinner with him and his family. Dinner with Queen Snow and King David was usually a pleasant affair. Snow always had a way to make Elecia feel at ease, just like Ellie’s mother did. But tonight, the princess’s thoughts were far from the dinner she was invited to. Elecia was still reeling from the stress from the past few weeks, and the tension from her recent argument with Sean hung in the air between them. They had talked since then, but each conversation ended up in what was now a frequent argument. Sean sat across from her, his demeanor not giving away any sign of their recent issues.

“That last Tourney game was good, son. We’re really proud of you,” David said with a look of pride.

Snow’s eyes lit up, “Yes! It seems all of Auradon is still buzzing about the Tourney game."

Sean grinned at his parents. “It was really close, but we were able to pull it off in the end.”

Nodding approvingly, David ate a piece of his chicken then said, “I was surprised at Ben’s bold display after the game. It doesn’t seem like him. What is everyone saying about it?” David asked, his look of pride turning to one of concern.

Sean's easy grin faltered for a moment. "Oh, you know, some people think it was romantic, others think he's completely lost it. Ariana said Audrey is pretty hurt."

Elecia felt her chest tighten. "Ariana? When did you talk to her?" she asked, suspicion laced in her tone.

Sean shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, in between classes. We have a few together, you know that.” Sean said, not looking at her, as he took a bite. A rapid beat started in Elecia's chest. She didn’t like that Ariana and Sean seemed to be hanging out and talking a lot. Sure, everyone had classes together and classmates talked to one another. The royal kids, especially, all grew up together, making it natural for them to be friends. Even with that rationalization, she couldn’t shake the tight feeling in her chest.

“Anyway,” Sean continued, “Ben's just been acting weird, hasn't he? He's completely obsessed with her." He looked over at Elecia, giving her a questioning look. “You’ve noticed it too, haven’t you?”

Elecia nodded and took a drink of her lemonade. It started right after the game was over, when everyone was celebrating their victory. The prince decided to interrupt the celebration and burst into a ridiculous song for the one person no one saw coming. Mal. He openly declared his love for her to the entire school to see. After Audrey declared Chad as her date in a desperate attempt to negate any embarrassment from being publicly dumped, Ben secured Mal as his date to the coronation. Her idea didn't work, of course, and the whole school was a buzz over the soon-to-be king's new love interest.

Ever since then, Ben had been acting… weird. He was completely lovesick, talking non-stop about Mal. He'd find any excuse to bring her up, or any excuse to try and see her. Elecia tried asking one day why he was so obsessed with her, especially because he had been dating Audrey, but he brushed her off, getting angry and defensive when she pushed. Their parents were away on official royal business, so they hadn’t had the chance to witness Ben’s odd behavior.

“I’ve been wanting to ask, Elecia, how are things going with our new arrivals?” the Queen asked inquisitively, pulling Ellie from her internal thoughts. “We're just so curious. What are they really like? I'm especially interested in Evie, the Evil Queen's daughter, given our… affiliation."

Elecia's eyes lit up. "Oh, Evie is amazing! She's brilliant with a sewing machine and she's so creative and smart. She's really sweet, too."

Sean scoffed. "She's a gold-digger. And Mal just manipulates people to get what she wants. Jay and Carlos aren’t any better. Jay likes to hurt people, and Carlos is just a big wuss.”

“No, she’s not,” the princess replied, her expression hardening. "They are no different than us. I'm sorry that people are making assumptions about them just because of their parents."

"Elecia is right, Sean," Snow said gently, giving her son a look. "People are more than their parents' story. A new path is a possibility for everyone."

“Yeah, I know,” Sean grumbled into his plate of chicken. “It doesn’t change the fact that they seem villainous at times. Mal is even using magic. Fairy Godmother is not happy about it.”

“She’s using magic?” David asked seriously. “Doesn’t she know about the ban?”

“She doesn’t care, Dad. It’s what they do,” scoffed Sean again

David's gaze held Sean's. "You said Ben has been “obsessing”. Obsession is a powerful thing," he said, his tone grave. "Especially when it comes on so suddenly. It makes you wonder if something unnatural is at play. A spell, maybe."

Sean looked at his father surprised, then leaned back in obvious thought. “Has to be. Mal has been using magic.”

Ellie felt a pang of protectiveness, even though her own suspicions were growing. "We don't know that for sure," she said, her voice firm. "We shouldn't just make assumptions."

"Once again, Elecia's right," Snow added, looking at her husband. "David, you of all people should know to give people a chance. Sometimes it just takes a nudge in the right direction to show someone the right way. We should give them the opportunity to prove themselves."

“A nudge is one thing, Snow," David replied, his gaze turned to Elecia's direction. "But a full-on shove in the wrong direction is another. I'm just saying to be careful, and watch them. It doesn't take much to get into bad habits."

“If you ask me,” Sean’s voice was low with disdain, “it’s already too late for that.”

Elecia forced herself to take a deep breath. She didn't like the way Sean and David were talking about the VKs. “I doubt any of them would risk this chance at a better life. They are all trying so hard to fit in and gain acceptance. We need to give them a bit more grace.”

For the first time, the VKs were the talk of the school for the right reasons. Thanks to Jay and Carlos, the Auradon Knights had secured the first victory of the Tourney season by dealing a series of expert plays that led Ben to score the winning goal against the Sherwood Falcons. It was an upset that won them massive points with the school populace. Even Mal and Evie were being looked at with a little less suspicion and a little more curiosity. But the suspicions about Mal were concerning, and could undo the progress they had made.

During the rest of dinner, the conversation turned to the upcoming family day and Ben’s coronation. After dinner, Sean led Elecia to his room, closing the door behind them.

“Thanks for coming to dinner, Ellie,” the prince said, grabbing her hand. “I know things have been… off between us lately.”

Looking down at their joined hands, a pit formed in her stomach. She didn't like the constant fighting, and she worried about the distance growing between them.

“Yeah,” the princess said sadly. “It feels like we’ve been arguing a lot.”

“We have,” Sean whispered. He pulled her closer and lifted her chin to make her look at him. “But we’re not fighting now,” he said, stroking his thumb on her cheek.

Her crystal blue eyes met his brown. “No. We aren’t…”

He leaned down and captured her lips in a long, slow kiss. Elecia responded, the familiar comfort of his touch momentarily shoving aside her worries. The kiss deepened, and Sean's hands moved lower, his touch growing more demanding. He began to kiss her neck, and her heart began to race in her chest. She gently pulled away, her body tense.

"Sean," she whispered, her voice barely a whisper, "can we... can we just talk?"

His expression soured. "What's wrong, Ellie? I thought we were having a good time."

"We are," she said, taking a step back. "I just... I'm not ready for that. I told you before. Remember…?" She wrung her hands. "I just... I don't feel like it's time yet. When it happens… I want to do it with that special someone."

Sean's eyes now held a flicker of anger. "But... what about us? Aren't I that special someone?" he asked, his voice low and tight with a mix of hurt and frustration. “We’ve been together for six months, Elecia. I thought you trusted me."

Ellie's heart ached. When the time came for her to surrender herself, Elecia wanted it to be with the person she knew she was going to be with forever. As much as she cared for Sean, she didn’t get the feeling that he was the one. At least, not yet.

"Sean," she said softly, "I really do care about you, and I want us to work. But when you pressure me, it makes me feel uncomfortable.” The princess took his hand. “And it makes me feel like you don't really care about me, or my feelings, or what I want."

Sean's shoulders slumped. He ran a hand through his hair, his frustration obvious. He looked at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and hurt. The prince sighed, "Ellie, I'm sorry. I... I didn't realize I was doing that. That was never my intention. I can wait. I'll wait as long as it takes." He gently squeezed her hand. "I promise."

Breathing a sigh of relief, Elecia gave him a small smile. "Thank you," she said, interlacing her fingers with his. Though, in the back of her mind, she wondered if he truly meant it.

***************************

The following days after her dinner with Sean’s parents, all Elecia could do was think about Ben, and the possibility of Mal using a spell to make her brother love her. The princess knew Mal had been actively using magic. But up to this point, it had been for minor things. Ellie had seen the glances between the two of them. The way her brother blushed whenever he was talking directly about Mal, and she was certain that she had seen Mal giving her brother the same looks. She had kept her observations to herself. Would Mal really go so far as to use magic to win Ben’s affection? The princess hoped not, but his recent behavior was so strange. Something had happened.

Elecia was going insane, she had to talk to someone about her suspicions. Other students had started to talk, and she didn’t want all of the VK’s efforts to gain everyone’s minor trust in them to be undone. She decided to talk to Jane as soon as that day’s student council meeting was over.

As she turned the corner leading to the Student Council chambers, Elecia stopped dead. Standing slightly tucked into a deserted alcove were Sean and Ariana. They were positioned close, their heads bent together, laughing a quiet, intimate laugh.The sight made the tight feeling in Elecia's chest swell again.

“What are you two doing?” Elecia asked, her voice sharper than she intended. 

Sean instantly stiffened, his laughter vanishing as he dropped his hand from Ariana's arm. He plastered on a smile and took a step toward Elecia, leaving Ariana rooted to the spot. “Hey, Ellie! We’re just talking about that ridiculously hard algebra test coming up, you know we have that class together.”

Ariana didn't move or smile, watching the interaction with thinly veiled annoyance.

Her boyfriend closed the distance and reached for Elecia's hands. “How’s your day been? You look stressed. We should definitely get together after the meeting, I could use some time with just you.”

He pulled her closer and gave her a quick, insistent kiss. Elecia responded automatically, but the ease she usually felt wasn’t there, replaced by the lingering image of him and Ariana.

“Elecia! Come on, we’re going to be late!” Ariana’s voice cut across the hall, laced with impatience.

The princess quickly pulled back from Sean. "I'm sorry, I'm busy right after the meeting," she said, her voice breathy. She avoided looking at Ariana. "But I’ll text you later, okay?"

Sean looked momentarily disappointed but nodded. He leaned down and gave her a quick peck on the lips. "Alright. I'll wait for your text."

“Elecia,” Ariana repeated, her tone pushing the limits of politeness.

The princess gave Sean a slight smile and went to join Ariana. As they walked toward the meeting room, the silence between them felt charged with an intense energy. Elecia worked to actively keep her powers in check, as she felt ice crawl up her fingertips.

The Student Council meeting was a blur of budgets and the upcoming Family Day, all running together in Elecia’s mind. She felt like she was on autopilot, as her focus was split between the image of Sean and Ariana, and the mounting suspicion about Mal.

“...so with the food ordered, the decorations set, and the entertainment finalized, I think we are ready for Family Day,” Chloe said, closing her binder.

“Does that sound good, Elecia?” she heard Jordan ask, pulling her away from her thoughts.

The princess looked at Jordan sheepishly, “I’m sorry, what?”

Ariana scoffed and crossed her arms in front of her chest. “She was asking if the order of the events and the food were right.” Her Vice President gave her a steely look, “Some president. Can’t even pay attention to your own meeting.”

A blush rose to Elecia’s cheeks. “I just… I have a lot on my mind. I apologize.” She looked down and read the document in front of her quickly. “It looks perfect. I’m really excited about the entertainment this year. Ben and the others doing a rendition of ‘Be Our Guest’ will be a great opener.”

Jane looked up from her notes. “You are still going to sing, right?”

“Um…,” Elecia looked down, and began organizing her notes. “I thought we hadn’t actually decided if I was going to.” She had been practicing the song “Dreams to Dream” to sing at Family Day. With the recent stress of the last few weeks, she wasn’t very sure she could handle the performance anxiety.

Chloe smiled at her, “You should Elecia! I bet your parents would really love it.”

Ellie sighed, “I’ll think about it.” She looked at her council members, “Just remember to submit your final notes on vendor payment, Chloe,” Elecia reminded her softly. “And Jordan, I need the final proof of the public announcements by tomorrow.”

She scanned the room, noticing the approving nods from everyone except Ariana. The meeting finally adjourned, and Elecia moved toward Jane and tapped her on the shoulder.

“Jane, can we go to my room and talk for a second?” she asked in a hushed whisper. “It’s important.”

“Sure,” Jane said in the same quiet tone.

As they headed to Elecia’s room, Ellie looked around nervously. She didn’t want there to be a chance someone may overhear their conversation. When they got there, she quickly shut her door behind them and let out the breath she was holding.

Jane went up to her slowly, worry etched on her face. “Everything ok, Ellie? You seem really… freaked out.”

"It's about Ben and Mal," Elecia confessed. "I’m worried, Jane. King David brought it up at dinner the other night, and now I can’t shake the feeling he may be right… he thinks Ben is under a spell."

Jane gasped, her eyes widening in alarm. "A love spell? Oh, Elecia, you don't think Mal would really go that far, do you?"

"I don't know," Elecia admitted, rubbing her forehead in frustration. "I want to believe she wouldn't. But Ben's behavior is so… weird. I know he wouldn’t act this way of his own accord."

She stood up, pacing the length of her dorm room. "If this secret gets out, it destroys everything. It ruins Ben, it proves all the Council's fears right, and the entire Proclamation is over. Ben's future as King could be undermined before he’s even crowned King."

She stopped pacing and turned to face her best friend, her expression one of distress. "We have to find out the truth before the coronation. We can't accuse Mal, but we can't let this continue either."

"We can't just ask her," Jane said, biting her thumbnail in thought. "She'd never tell us. And I wouldn’t even know where to start to look for a counter spell." The girl thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up with an idea, "A counter spell…”. She looked at Elecia with excitement. “I know what we should do! Or more, where we should go!”

"Like where?" Elecia asked, intrigued.

"The Enchanted Lake," Jane whispered. "I've heard my mom talk about its magical properties. The water there is naturally imbued with cleansing magic. Nothing too powerful, but it’s known to wash away spells and enchantments. If Ben were to go swimming or even just dip his hand in the water... if he IS under a spell, it would break!"

The princess stared at her friend, a rush of relief sweeping over her. "Jane, that is absolutely brilliant!” She ran over and gave her best friend a grateful hug. Jane hugged her back, but then looked at Elecia quizzically.

“But how are we going to get him there? I don't think we could just put some in a bucket or a water gun and hose him down…”

Ellie thought for a moment, then gave her a friend a mischievous little smile. “Leave that to me. I have an idea.” She started towards her door, a determined look on her face. “But I need to talk to Ben before he does anything too crazy.”

***************************

After her conversation with Jane, Elecia wasted no time. She approached Ben and casually suggested that, since he was trying to spend more meaningful time with Mal, he should go to the Enchanted Lake for a romantic picnic date. The idea of the perfect picnic setting was enough to thrill the lovesick Ben, who immediately took the suggestion as his own and rushed off to ask Mal. Now, all Ellie could do was wait, and pray that her plan would work.

The sound of an insistent knock on her door that evening finally broke the silence, and Elecia practically leaped to open it.

Ben stood there, his hair an uncombed mess. His eyes looked clear and bewildered, the intense dreamy expression was no longer there.

"Ben? What happened?" Elecia asked, stepping aside to let him in. "Did you guys have a good time?"

He walked into the room and ran a hand through his damp hair, taking a deep breath. Her brother looked at her inquisitively. "It was... eye opening. Ellie, we need to talk."

Elecia’s heart began to pound. She closed the door and sat beside him on her bed. "What about?"

Ben turned to her, his gaze steady. "You suggested the Enchanted Lake on purpose… didn’t you…?”

“That depends… on what you mean by “on purpose,”” she eyed Ben knowingly, waiting for him to confirm what she had feared.

The prince sighed, and looked down at the floor, “Mal… she spelled me. You knew. That’s why you sent us to the lake.”

Elecia gasped, relief and apprehension flooding through her. "Yes! Oh, Ben!” She hugged her brother tight. “Are you okay?"

He hugged her back, slumping a bit against her. “Yeah, I’m fine. When I jumped in the lake, the water... it broke the enchantment."

She squeezed him, her heart filled with sadness. “I’m sorry, Ben.”

“What for?” Ben asked, pulling back to look at her.

“Ben, she spelled you. It caused you and Audrey to break up, and broke your— OUR trust and—,”

“I don’t regret it, Ellie. I’m not mad at her,” the prince said simply.

A jolt of shock ran through Elecia. “You’re… you’re not?”

"I’m not," he said, shaking his head slowly. "Here’s the thing: even after the spell wore off, I realized I didn't regret any of it. Not a second, because the spell had nothing to do with how I felt about Audrey, and everything with how I feel about Mal."

Ellie started to think the lake didn’t work after all. “I don’t understand.”

The prince stood up, pacing slowly. "When I was with Audrey, I was doing what was expected. I was dating the Princess, the right person." He scoffed lightly. "Lately, I realized I hardly knew Audrey at all. We never really knew each other—our dreams, our souls. I realized I had never dreamt about her."

Elecia frowned, trying to dismiss his sudden dramatic revelation. "Ben, people don't always dream about their partners. You're overthinking this."

Ben stopped pacing, his expression insistent. "No, I'm not. I realized I had dreamt about another girl.” He paused, obviously trying to think about his words. “Right before the VKs came to Auradon, I had this nightmare where I was in a strange village, and I'd fallen into a ditch. Someone helped me out—a beautiful, purple-haired girl with green eyes. I never got her name, but I couldn't forget her face."

He looked directly at Elecia. "That girl was Mal. I’m sure of it. It felt like a dream, but now I know it was more. The spell may have forced us to get together, but I think it just sped up what was already going to happen." He paused again, his voice softening with conviction. "Mal must have been scared and thought that since I was with Audrey, using the spell was the only way she could get close to me. She was worried I'd never notice her otherwise."

"You're making excuses for her manipulation, Ben," Elecia argued gently, still worried for his judgment.

"No," he insisted, taking her hand. "Because the fact of the matter is, I’ve had feelings for Mal since the first day we met. And I… I didn’t act on them because I was with Audrey. But now that the circumstances are what they are… I'm going to take this chance to get to know the real Mal, the one who's choosing to stay and be good."

Ellie looked at him, her skepticism warring with the genuine conviction in his eyes. "Ben, are you absolutely sure about your feelings for her?"

"I am, Ellie," Ben insisted, squeezing her hand. "Absolutely. I've never felt this clear about anything. The spell broke, but my heart didn't change its mind."

"Alright," Elecia sighed, conceding. "Then, as long as this is truly what you want, I don't see the issue."

Her brother smiled at her, “Thanks, Ellie. For looking out for me.”

“What are little sisters for?” the princess asked, smiling back.

“Elecia,” the prince said in a more serious tone, “you can't say a word about the spell to anyone else."

"Duh," Ellie replied, giving him a knowing look. "I know. If this gets out, it will destroy everything you and I have worked for with the Proclamation! The Council will seize on this. It has to stay a secret."

“Good,” her brother nodded. He then looked at her earnestly, his expression pleading. "And please, Elecia, Mal truly didn't mean anything malicious by this. Please don't look down on her because of it, and please don't treat her any differently. She’s trying so hard to choose good."

"As long as this is what you want, Ben," Elecia assured him, her tone softening, “then I guess…there’s nothing else to do.”

***************************

The following day, Elecia knew she desperately needed a break from the constant tension of the past few weeks. She didn't hesitate; she immediately took the opportunity to ask Mal and Evie to hang out, committed to maintaining her friendship with the two VKs.

"Auradon City?" Evie asked, her face lighting up when Elecia suggested the outing. "Yes! I need to buy more thread and fabric for the coronation dresses. I'm running low."

"I don't know," Mal murmured, looking up from where she was sketching on her bed. "I'm kind of busy."

"Come on, Mal," Elecia urged, giving her a pleading look. "I know I've been... busy lately, but I could really use the time out. Besides," she added lightly, "It would be fun to go and listen to you give your… colorful… commentary on the “stuffy” Auradonians."

Mal gave a small smirk, putting down her sketchbook. "Okay, Princess. You're on."

It wasn't long before the three girls found themselves in the bustling heart of Auradon City. Evie was quickly absorbed in a high-end fabric store, lost amongst the shimmering silks and velvet spools. Mal, having no shopping agenda, waited outside. She and Elecia watched the crowd, with Mal passing judgment and Elecia laughing at her friend's sharp quips, enjoying the company she had missed.

Elecia was looking toward a street performer Mal mentioned when a familiar, sharp laugh cut through the pleasant noise. A chill, sharp and instantaneous, shot through her chest—a warning she knew too well.

Not twenty feet away, laughing and completely absorbed in each other, stood Sean and Ariana Rose. They were pressed close together against the window of a jewelry shop, completely oblivious to the world.

As Elecia watched, paralyzed, Sean reached out, tilted Ariana’s face up, and kissed her. Watching the kiss deepen, the breath hitched in Elecia's throat, turning her blood to instant frost.

“Sean…?”

Chapter Text

Chapter 11

A Snowflake’s Place

The world narrowed to a single, sharp point of pain. The cheerful sounds of the city square faded into a dull roar in Elecia’s ears. All she could see was Sean’s lips on Ariana’s, his arm around her waist. All she could feel was the shattering of something brittle and cold inside her chest.

Evie had just emerged from the fabric shop, a triumphant smile on her face and a bag in her hand, when she saw it too. Her smile vanished, replaced by a sharp gasp. Mal, who had been leaning against the wall, straightened instantly, her green eyes widening into a look of shock and disbelief.

“Sean…?”

At the sound of his name, Sean and Ariana sprang apart as if a lightning bolt had struck the cobblestones between them. Sean’s face, usually the picture of charming confidence, was a canvas of pure panic and guilt. Ariana, however, simply smoothed down her dress, her expression hardening into one of cool defiance as she took a deliberate step away from him.

“Ellie…?” he stammered, taking a clumsy step toward her, his hands raised in a placating gesture.

The princess took a step back, her hands held to her chest.

“Ellie, it’s not what it looks like. We were just—”

A short, sharp, humorless laugh cut off the prince's words. “Really?” Mal moved to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Elecia, a protective barrier of leather and simmering anger. “Because it looks like you had your tongue down another girl’s throat,” she said, her voice dripping with scorn. “Or are we missing some kind of new, stuffy Auradon greeting?”

Sean flinched, his eyes darting from Mal’s furious glare to Elecia’s stricken silence. Before he could speak, Ariana stepped forward, a smug, venomous smirk twisting her lips. She looped her arm through Sean’s, staking her claim. “Oh, please,” she drawled, her voice dripping with disdain as she looked Elecia up and down. “Don’t act so surprised. A boy like Sean knows what he wants, and he has needs. He needs a real princess, not some… fake… who is too scared to take care of him properly.”

The words, sharp and poisoned, struck Elecia with the force of a physical blow. The coldness in her chest didn’t just shatter; it exploded.

A sound like a thousand panes of glass cracking at once echoed through the square. The air temperature plummeted. A visible wave of shimmering frost erupted from the princess’ feet, racing across the cobblestones and encasing them in a sheet of brilliant, jagged ice. The ornate lamppost beside them groaned as ice crawled up its length in a fraction of a second, the glass lantern at its peak shattering from the sudden, intense cold.

A collective scream ripped through the crowd. Sean and Ariana stumbled back, their faces masks of pure shock and terror. Mal and Evie stared, their mouths agape, as the frost continued to spread, crawling up the walls of the nearby shops.

Ellie looked down at her hands, intricate frost patterns spreading across her skin. The power surging through her was terrifying, a wild storm of hurt and rage she couldn’t contain. The horrified faces of the citizens, the fear in Sean’s eyes, the realization of what she had done—everyone had seen. They all knew she had powers.

With a choked sob, Elecia turned and ran. She fled from the square, from the whispers and the screams, from the proof of the monster she always feared she was.

“Elecia, wait!” Evie cried out, taking a step forward.

Mal and Evie exchanged a quick, worried glance. “We have to go after her,” Mal said, her voice grim and determined. Evie nodded and they took off, following the princess’ icy trail in the streets.

***************************

Ben was at his desk in his dorm at Auradon Prep, trying to focus on the final logistics of his speech for his Coronation when his phone rang. The prince picked up his phone and saw it was his mother and answered it.

“Hey, Mom,” Ben said distractedly.

“Ben, thank goodness,” Queen Belle’s voice was strained, laced with a panic he rarely heard. His mother’s tone snapped Ben out of his concentration.

“Mom? What’s wrong?”

“Something’s happened. In the city. The palace security detail just alerted us.”

The brunet sat back in his seat in alarm, his heart pounding. “What is it?”

“It’s Elecia,” Belle’s voice trembled. “There was a… a display of power, Ben. A massive one. They’ve just sent us the footage… the entire town square is frozen. It was her.”

He felt the floor drop out from under him. “Is she okay? Where is she?”

“That’s the problem. No one knows. We’ve been trying to call her, but she’s not answering. It’s going right to voicemail, and they can’t track it to find her location either. Your father and I are on our way back, but we’re hours away. We need you to go, Ben. Please, find your sister. The royal guard has been dispatched to handle the crowd.”

“I’m on my way right now,” Ben said, already moving towards the door, his mind racing. He hung up the phone and ran out of his dorm room.

The journey was a blur of scenery and rapid loud honks as his car cut through traffic. Ben’s thoughts were a whirlwind of worry. How bad was it? Is she hurt? The prince tuned in to the castle's video security system via his phone. Ben could not believe what he saw. Ice. The whole street and even some beyond were frozen. Jagged spikes stuck up in random parts of the streets and buildings. He didn’t know what could have possibly set her off to this degree, but he knew he had to get to her. Ben hoped his sister was alright. She must be so scared. 

When he arrived, the scene was one of controlled chaos. Royal guards stood in a grim line, holding back a crowd of bewildered citizens who were all pointing and murmuring. Ben threw open the car door and stepped out into the unnaturally cold air. The sight that greeted him made his breath catch in his throat. Seeing it on a small screen was nothing compared to seeing it in person.

“Your Highness,” a guard captain said, rushing to his side and giving him a heavy royal blue velvet jacket. “The situation is… contained. We’re not sure where the princess went.”

The prince took the jacket and put it on quickly, taking a hard look around. Then he saw it. A glittering trail of ice, like a frozen river, snaked away from the main square and down a side street.

“I do,” he said grimly, his eyes following the impossible trail. “Secure this entire area. No one gets in or out until I say so. Understood?”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Ben ran, following the icy path his sister had left. It led him away from the pristine storefronts and into an older, industrial part of the city. The trail ended at a large, derelict warehouse. Or, what used to be a warehouse. The entire structure was now a fortress of ice, its brick walls completely encased in a thick, crystalline shell. Jagged spikes of ice, some as long as swords, jutted out from the roof and windows at aggressive angles. A cold, frigid mist rolled off of it, chilling the air for a block in every direction.

Standing near the massive, frozen-over doors were Mal and Evie, their arms wrapped around themselves against the cold, their faces etched with worry.

“Elecia, please!” Evie was calling out. “Just talk to us!”

A muffled, panicked voice echoed from within the ice fortress. “Go away! Please, just leave me alone! I can’t… I can’t control it! I don’t want to hurt you!”

The prince motioned for the guards who had followed him to stop, telling them to establish a perimeter and keep everyone back. He walked forward, the crunch of his shoes on the frozen ground sounding deafeningly loud.

Mal and Evie whirled around as he approached, their eyes wide.

“Ben!” Mal said, relief flooding her voice.

“What happened?” Ben asked, his gaze fixed on the impossible structure, his voice low and tight.

“It was Sean,” Evie explained, her eyes filled with worry. “We saw him kissing Ariana Rose. He tried to lie about it, and then Ariana… well what she said was cruel. And then things just happened so quickly. There was just ice everywhere…”

His girlfriend continued, “Yeah, then Elecia ran off.”

A cold, protective rage for his sister, sharp and immediate, burned in his chest. It all made sense now.

“Ben,” the blue-haired girl asked cautiously, “has Ellie… has she always had these powers?”

“Yeah,” he confirmed, his voice grim as he looked at their shocked faces. “Her powers come out when she’s scared, or angry, or her emotions are too high.”

A look of sudden understanding dawned on Mal’s face. “Wait… the day in the square. When we were framed. The frost on the ground… that was her?”

Ben gave a single, sharp nod. “Yes.”

Looking closer at his girlfriend and Evie, he noticed them shivering from the cold. The prince took off his jacket, huddled them together and wrapped the heavy velvet jacket around them as best he could.

Ben took a deep breath and stepped closer to the ice-encased door. “I’ll handle this. It’s… it’s just never been this bad before.” He cupped his hands around his mouth, his voice ringing out clear and steady against the frigid air. “Ellie! It’s me! I’m here now. Everything is going to be okay.”

His sister’s muffled voice, thin and fragile, came from inside the ice fortress. “Ben? How… How did you know I was here?”

“Mom and Dad called me,” Ben answered, trying to keep his voice even and calm. “They got an alert from security. They were worried when you didn’t answer your phone.”

A sharp cracking sound echoed from the warehouse, and a fresh layer of crystalline ice instantly sheeted over the doors. More jagged spikes grew from the roof, lengthening like angry thorns.

“Th-They know?!” Elecia’s voice was a high-pitched wail of panic. “Oh no, they know! They’re going to be so mad at me! I messed up everything!”

“No, Ellie, they’re not mad!” Ben insisted, taking another step closer. “I promise you, they’re just worried. They love you. We all do. Just please, come out. We can figure this out together.”

“I can’t!” she cried, her voice breaking. “Everyone knows now! They all saw me! They’re scared of me, Ben. They think I’m a monster.” A sob tore through her words, and the ice around the building groaned, growing thicker still. Ben could hear her crying now, a sound of pure despair. “I’m a freak! No one will ever like me now. No one can accept me!”

“That’s the stupidest thing I have ever heard!” Mal’s voice cut through the air, sharp and incredulous. She stepped out from the heavy coat and right up to the frozen door, her hands on her hips, her eyes blazing.

“So you have powers. So what?” she called out, her voice ringing with a conviction that made the air vibrate. “Are you just going to hide in there forever because some stupid prince broke your heart and a bunch of perfect people got scared? Newsflash, Princess! Who cares what they think! Your magic… it’s a part of you! It doesn’t make you a freak. It doesn’t make you a monster! I have magic, too! It doesn’t make me a monster or a freak. Your magic makes you… you! It makes you awesome and amazing and different, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!”

Evie moved to stand beside Mal, her own voice filled with a soft but firm loyalty. “She’s right, Elecia. We care about you. Finding out you can shoot ice from your fingertips doesn’t change that one bit.”

“You accepted us when everyone else was staring and whispering,” Mal continued, her voice softening just a fraction, the next words obviously hard for her to say. “So we accept you. All of you. Because… because we’re friends.”

Inside the fortress, Elecia’s desperate sobbing quieted.

Evie glanced at Mal with a slight look of surprise, then back at the doors. “That… That’s right. You’re our friend.”

“See, Ellie?” Ben said gently. “They’re your friends. Jane is your friend and she loves and accepts you. Mom, Dad, me… we love you more than anything. You know that. Please, Sis. Just come out.”

As if on cue, Ben’s phone began to ring. It was his mother again. He answered it quickly. “Mom, I’m here. I found her and I’m talking to her. She’s scared you’re mad.”

“Oh, my poor girl,” Belle’s voice was filled with anguish. “Benjamin, put me on speaker. Please.”

Ben hesitated, his gaze fixed on the solid wall of ice. “Mom, I don’t think she’ll be able to hear you,” he said. “Let me… let me show you.” He switched the call to video and turned the camera around, slowly panning across the incredible, terrifying ice fortress. A sharp gasp came from the phone's speaker.

“Oh, Adam…” Belle whispered. The prince heard a low rumble of concern come from his father in the background. Belle’s face, tight with worry, appeared back on the screen. “Please, Benjamin. We have to try anyway.”

Ben nodded grimly and held the phone out. “Ellie, Mom’s on the phone!”

“Elecia, my darling, can you hear me?” Belle’s voice came from the small speaker, tiny and faint against the thick ice.

A muffled sob came from within. “What… what did mom say…?”

The prince’s face fell with frustration. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his girlfriend step slightly behind him. He heard her take a deep breath and whisper under her breath,

"Sound so weak, words unclear, Let my magic make them hear."

Suddenly, Belle’s voice bloomed from the phone, impossibly loud, clear, and resonant, echoing in the cold air. Ben flinched in surprise at the amplification, glancing back over his shoulder. His eyes locked with Mal’s whose eyes were glowing a bright green. The glowing disappeared and she gave him a small, triumphant smile. His girlfriend nodded towards the fortress. A look of stunned awe crossed Ben’s face before he turned his attention back to his sister.

“—listen to me,” Belle’s amplified voice continued. “We are not mad. We know you would never do this on purpose, sweetheart. We are just so worried about you. We love you.”

A gruff, familiar voice joined in, just as clear. “We’re on our way home, Snowflake. It’s going to be alright. We promise.”

“Please, darling,” Belle’s voice added, soft and pleading. “Come out now. Come to Ben.”

His sister’s voice, small and fragile, answered from within the ice. “...You’re really not mad?”

“No, sweetheart,” Belle said, her voice full of absolute conviction. “Not even a little. We’re just worried. We love you, our little Snowflake.”

A long, slow creaking sound began to emanate from the warehouse. The jagged spikes of ice began to shrink, retracting back into the structure. The thick shell of frost over the doors started to thin, turning from opaque white to translucent. Slowly, the massive doors, now free of their icy prison, swung open.

Elecia stood in the doorway, her face pale and tear-streaked, her body trembling.

Through the phone, Belle’s relieved gasp was audible. "Oh, thank goodness! She's come out, Adam!"

Beast’s voice, now back to its commanding tone, came through clearly. "Son, take your sister home. Now. We will meet you there."

"Yes, sir," Ben said, quickly ending the call and pocketing the phone.

His full attention now on his sister, he held out his arms. Without a word, Elecia ran forward and threw herself into them. He wrapped her in a tight hug as she began sobbing into his chest.

After a moment, she pulled back and took a couple of deep breaths. Her watery eyes found Mal and Evie, who had come up and were standing close by. “I’m… I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her voice hoarse.

“Don’t you dare apologize,” Mal said with a small, almost-smile. “Honestly, your powers are pretty cool. Literally.”

“I was worried about you freezing in there,” Evie added, giving her a relieved look.

Ellie gave them a small watery smile, “I…,” she sniffed, “I don’t get cold…” The two girls gave her small smiles back.

Ben stroked his sister’s hair. “I’m taking you home,” he said softly. He looked up at Mal and Evie, “I’ll have a car take you two back to school.” A sleek black limousine, which had been waiting discreetly down the street, pulled up.

The prince helped a still-shaken Elecia into the back seat. His girlfriend stepped forward, a worried expression on her face.

“Is she going to be okay?” she asked, her voice low.

Ben looked at her, his expression soft with a gratitude. “She will be now,” he said. “Thank you. Both of you. For being here for her.” He leaned in and pressed a quick, gentle kiss to Mal’s cheek. “I’ll see you later.”

With a final nod to Evie, he got in the car and it pulled away, heading toward the distant silhouette of Beast’s castle.

***************************

A fire roared in the grand hearth of Elecia’s chambers in Castle Beast. Its flames cast a warm, dancing glow on the walls. Despite the blaze, the air was unnaturally cold. Delicate, feathery frost patterns bloomed across the window panes, shimmering in the firelight.

Ben sat on the wide window seat with his sister, holding her close. A heavy wool blanket was wrapped around both of their shoulders, a necessary shield against the chill that emanated from her. Ben could feel the cold seeping through his jacket, but he didn't let go. Elecia sat perfectly still in his arms, her body not even trembling from the cold she created. She was staring blankly at the frosted glass, a quiet, hollow numbness having settled over her since they’d returned to the castle.

The heavy bedroom doors opened. His parents entered, both already bundled in thick, velvet jackets. Lumière had clearly intercepted them in the hall, warning them of the sudden winter that had claimed their daughter’s rooms.

Belle’s face was etched with worry. She moved quickly across the room and sank onto the window seat, immediately gathering Elecia into her own warm embrace. “Oh, my sweet girl,” she murmured as she buried her face in her daughter’s hair.

The prince made sure his sister was settled securely against their mother before he stood up. Across the room, his father caught his eye from the hearth and gave a slight, almost imperceptible jerk of his head, beckoning him over.

Ben crossed the room to join his father, who was staring into the flames. He heard Belle’s soft, soothing voice drift from the window seat as she tried to soothe her daughter. The King spoke, his own voice a low rumble. “What happened, son? What could have possibly caused this?”

The prince kept his arms crossed, his own voice low. “It was Sean,” he said, the name tasting like ash in his mouth. “He was with Ariana Rose. In the city. Elecia saw them… kiss. And Ariana said some cruel things to her.”

A low growl vibrated in their father’s chest, a dangerous sound from a part of him that was never truly gone. His hands clenched into massive fists at his sides. “That insolent, dishonorable boy…” he began, his voice rising in volume and fury. He slammed a fist onto the stone mantelpiece, the sound cracking through the quiet room like a gunshot. “He will answer for this!”

The sudden noise startled Elecia. A new, sharp wave of cold pulsed through the room, making the fire sputter and dim for a moment. The frost on the windows thickened, creeping further up the panes. The princess pulled deeper into her mother’s arms, burying her face into her mom’s chest.

Belle shot her husband a single, sharp look. Calm down, you’re scaring her. Beast’s fury evaporated instantly, replaced by regret, as he looked at his trembling daughter in his wife’s arms. 

He took a deep, steadying breath and walked over to the window seat. He knelt before his daughter, his large frame looking awkward and gentle. “That was not for you, Snowflake,” he said, his voice soft. He reached out and placed a huge, warm hand on her head, his thumb gently stroking her hair. “I am not angry at you. I am angry for you.”

Elecia peeked up at her father from her position in her mother’s arms. “I’m sorry, Daddy…”

“It’s not your fault, Snowflake,” he said softly still, kissing the top of her head. The King sighed and rose to his feet, “But we must be practical. The secret is out. I’ve already had to field a dozen frantic calls from the council. We cannot put this back.”

Beast looked at his daughter, his expression firm but full of love. “I want you to understand. This is in no way your fault. Your reaction, while… large… was justified. But what matters now is how we move forward. And we will move forward as a family.” He glanced at Ben. “You and I will convene an emergency meeting with the Royal Council first thing in the morning. We need to control the narrative before they can.” He then turned his gaze back to Elecia. “After that, we will hold a press conference and address the public. We will do it together, as a family. We will reaffirm our love not only for you, but our love for our people. We need to reassure them that we have and will always have their best interest at heart. We will apologize to them for keeping your magic a secret, but not for who you are.”

Belle gave a small, weary sigh, pulling Elecia in closer. "I wish none of this was necessary. But your father is right. This has to be done. But I promise, everything will be alright.” The Queen tilted her daughter’s face up to look at her. “Whatever happens, we will face it together. We love you, Elecia. Magic or no magic, that will never, ever change.”

The princess nodded weakly, the words washing over her. She didn’t have the strength to respond, to process the politics or the press conferences. All she could do was cling to the warmth and safety she felt from her mother, burying her face into her chest again as the cold in the room finally began, ever so slightly, to recede.

***************************

The Royal Council chambers were silent and imposing. Ben sat to the right of his father at the head of the massive, circular oak table. The polished surface reflected the grim faces of the nine rulers seated around it, the most powerful monarchs in Auradon. The air was thick with unspoken questions and a tension that felt heavier than any he had experienced in these meetings before.

Ben’s gaze swept across the table, taking stock of the political landscape. He immediately noted the hard-set faces of his father's staunchest adversaries: King Phillip of the Enchanted Dominion, King Arthur of Camelot Heights, King Naveen of Summerland, and Sultan Aladdin of Lone Keep. Their expressions were already ones of stern disapproval. In contrast, he found allies in the concerned faces of King Christopher of Cinderellasburg and King Eugene of Towering Heights, who had always been kind and more open minded. The remaining rulers—King David of Charmington, King Eric of Seaside, and the stoic King of Hearts from Wonderland—maintained a careful neutrality, their faces unreadable.

His father, the leader of these great men, sat straight and tall in his ornate chair, his expression a mask of regal authority. He let the silence hang for a moment longer before his voice boomed, echoing slightly in the grand chamber.

"I have called this emergency session to address the incident that occurred yesterday in Auradon City," Beast began, his eyes sweeping over each member of the council. "As most of you have been made aware by now, it involved my daughter, Elecia."

A low murmur rippled around the table.

It was King Phillip who spoke first, his voice perfectly civil, yet the underlying accusation was unmistakable. "Adam, with all due respect, this is precisely the scenario many of us feared when you and Belle chose to adopt the child."

King Arthur nodded in agreement, his fingers steepled before him. Across the table, King Naveen wore a similar look of stern disapproval. "Her origins were, and remain, unknown," Arthur continued. "We voiced concerns then that she could be a plant. The manifestation of such powerful, uncontrolled magic… it lends a certain credence to those old fears, does it not?"

A surge of hot anger tightened Ben's jaw, and his hands clenched into fists under the council table. Fears? What fears? Why were they talking about his sister like she was some unknown enemy? He was going to raise the questions, but King Christopher’s gentle but firm voice cut in. “Gentlemen, let's not rush to the darkest of conclusions. We have all known Elecia for twelve years now. Has she ever, in all that time, given us any reason to doubt her character?”

King Eugene nodded, adding quietly, “He’s right. Her record has been nothing short of exemplary.”

King David cleared his throat, his brow furrowed not with accusation, but with deep, genuine concern. “Christopher and Eugene are right about her character,” he said, his voice measured. “The Elecia I know—the girl who has sat at my own dinner table—is poised and gentle. For her to lose control in such a public fashion is completely out of character. The provocation must have been… extreme.” He looked directly at Beast, his gaze that of a father, not just a king. “Adam, what happened? What could have possibly pushed her to such a point?”

The prince watched his father’s jaw tighten and his intertwined hands clench. “Elecia had a very human, and thus a very powerful, emotional reaction to an incredibly hurtful situation,” Beast stated, his tone matter of fact. “Unfortunately, in her case, her emotional reaction is exactly what caused this incident. She tends to lose control of her powers when her emotional state is at a peak.”

But Naveen scoffed. “'A hurtful situation'?” he said, leaning back in his chair. “With all due respect, that tells us nothing. The city square is frozen. The citizenry is in a panic. We require specifics.”

All eyes turned back to the head of the table. Ben stepped in, clearing his throat, his own voice low and clear. “She found her boyfriend kissing another girl.”

A stunned silence fell over the room. Ben glanced over at King David as his face went pale. Across from him, King Eric exchanged a wide-eyed, shocked look with Aladdin.

Phillip broke the silence, seizing on the new information. “A teenage drama, then,” he said dismissively. “While unfortunate for the princess, it does not excuse her actions. Nor does it excuse the larger issue here, Adam. It doesn't explain the deception. Why was this council, your chief advisors, kept in the dark about the princess possessing magic of this magnitude?”

The prince watched his father rise slowly from his chair, his sheer size and presence commanding the absolute attention of the room. He met Phillip's challenging gaze directly.

“The secrecy, Phillip,” Beast began, his voice a low, resonant rumble, “was to protect my daughter from the very fears you and Arthur spoke of just moments ago. The fears you had when she was a helpless child.” He paused, his gaze piercing. “That is the reason her powers were kept a secret.”

Ben stared at his father, still unsure what he meant by their “fear”. The soon-to-be King looked at the gathered royals around the table. Each of their faces etched with a different expression from understanding, to downright disapproval. A sudden, complete understanding washed over him, and hit him like a physical blow. Some of these men had looked at his sister when she was just a small child and had seen a potential enemy. A villain.

A cold knot of anger tightened in his stomach—an anger that was swiftly followed by a sharp, protective hurt for Elecia. How could they? These men had pretty much known his sister for almost her entire life. How could they, after all this time, think of her as an enemy? A villain? The thought made the prince sick with anger and disbelief.

“From the moment her magic first appeared,” Beast continued, his voice heavy with the weight of his decision, “I was not afraid of her. I was afraid of you. I was afraid of this exact moment. I knew that the second you saw what she could do, you would not see the frightened little girl we had grown to love. You would see only a threat. A weapon. A villain.”

The King looked around the table, his eyes locking with each of the men who had questioned him. “The decision to hide her abilities was not made to deceive this council. It was a choice I made to protect my daughter from the prejudice I knew she would face. To give her a chance at a childhood, free from the fear and judgment that would have undoubtedly surrounded her.” He let out a heavy sigh, the sound more that of a weary father than a king. “The incident yesterday was not an act of malice. It was an accident. It was the result of a teenage girl having her heart broken. Her control slipped. That is all.”

He placed his large hands flat on the table, his posture shifting as he leaned forward, commanding the focus of every man in the room. “But the secret is out, so let me make my family’s position perfectly plain. We will not hide any longer. We will not apologize for who Elecia is. Her magic is a part of her, and we will face the consequences of this truth together.”

His voice then dropped to a low, possessive growl, his gaze hardening as he concluded with an undeniable authority. “She is my daughter. She is of my house, and under my personal protection. The respect you give me as your king, you will extend to her. Unconditionally.”

The King straightened up, his tone becoming deadly serious. “And if this council finds that you cannot accept my daughter for all that she is, then perhaps Auradon should find itself a new king. If her place in this family is to be an issue, we will gladly step down.”

A beat of silence fell before Ben’s voice cut through it, sharp and unwavering. “Right,” the prince nodded in agreement. “Our family is not negotiable. I will gladly give up my right to the throne if my sister’s magic is going to be an issue.”

The soon-to-be King watched as the full weight of their declaration settled over the entire table. Phillip and Arthur looked utterly floored, their political maneuvering completely upended. Naveen’s usual smirk was gone, replaced by disbelief. Across the table, Eugene, Christopher, and the King of Hearts exchanged looks of grave respect. Even the neutral kings—Eric and Aladdin—seemed to grasp the precipice they now stood on. This was not a debate; it was a declaration.

His father let the silence hang for another moment before his voice softened, becoming the voice of a man speaking to his peers. He looked around the table, his gaze meeting each of theirs not as a king to his council, but as one father to another.

“We all have children, who we love, and would do anything for. I ask any of you… what would you not do to protect your own child?”

***************************

The return to school on Monday morning was one of the hardest things Elecia had ever had to do. The press conference had gone as well as it could have. Standing beside her family, a united and unshakeable front, she had watched her father masterfully control the narrative. They apologized only for the secrecy, never for who she was. They reaffirmed her family’s love for her and their commitment to Auradon. The public reaction had been surprisingly positive, a wave of support for the royal family’s unity.

But school, she knew all too well, was a different world.

Walking through the hallowed halls of Auradon Prep felt different. The usual whispers that had followed her for years were replaced by a tense, uncertain curiosity. Students stared, then quickly looked away. She could hear snippets of conversation—Ariana’s dramatic, over-embellished retelling of the "attack" in the city, Audrey’s pronouncements that she was a "villain in disguise."

Ben’s hand was a firm, steady presence on her back, guiding her through the sea of students. They were immediately met by a united front. Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos fell into step around them.

“We saved you a seat in Auradonian History,” Evie said, linking her arm with Elecia’s. “It’s been dreadfully boring, you haven’t missed a thing.”

“Yeah,” Mal added with a smirk, “but now that you’re back, at least it’ll be interesting to see who faints first when you walk in.”

Elecia let out a shaky laugh, the knot of anxiety in her stomach loosening just a fraction. Just then, Jane ran up to her and gave her the biggest hug she could.

“I'm so glad you're back, Ellie!” Her best friend pulled away, concern in her eyes. “I've been trying to get a hold of you for days! I tried calling you, Mom wouldn't let me go see you, and I finally messaged Ben, and he said you were OK but wouldn't give me any details and—,” Jane said in a single, rushed breath.

“Breathe, Jane,” said Mal amused.

Jane took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. The princess smiled at her friend, warmth spreading through her at Jane's obvious worry about her well-being.

“I'm fine, Jane. I'm sorry,” Ellie said solemnly. “I didn't mean to make you worry.”

“Why weren't you answering your phone?” Her best friend asked accusingly.

“I accidentally broke my phone during the… incident,” Elecia explained sheepishly. “My parents got me a new one already, I just haven't turned it on due to... you know… everything.”

Jane nodded her head in understanding. “I get it…,” she looked around at the other students in the hall, who were conveniently ignoring them. “You should hear the horrible things Ariana, and Audrey are saying about you…,” Jane said indignantly. “I've tried telling everyone that what they're saying isn't true, but of course, no one wants to listen to me.”

“Let them talk,” Jay interjected. “It just shows who the actual villains are around here. You know?”

Carlos nodded in agreement, “Yeah.” The white haired boy looked at Jane, “Besides, not all of them are talking badly. There's a lot more support here than they would want you to believe.”

Hearing this made the princess feel a little better. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Evie smiled, squeezing her arm. “Because while they have been spreading their story, we've been telling everyone what really happened.”

Mal gave an amused laugh. “Believe me,” a sly grin spread on her face, “they're not going to be getting away with this unscathed either. Not if I have anything to say about it.”

Elecia looked at them all, her mind reeling at all the support. “Thank you, you guys,” she said quietly.

The group continued their protective bubble through the morning’s classes to lunchtime. They sat together in the cafeteria, their easy chatter a stark contrast to the quiet, watchful stares from other tables. The princess was still hurting, but being surrounded by her friends made it manageable.

It was halfway through the meal when Carlos stiffened. “Don’t look now,” he muttered, his posture becoming rigid.

Elecia looked up and saw Sean approaching their table, his expression a tight mask of guilt and wounded pride.

Ben stood up, moving to intercept him before he could reach the table. “Sean, not now,” the prince said, his voice a low, firm warning. “This isn’t the time or the place.”

“I just need to talk to her, Ben,” Sean insisted, trying to step around him. “I've been trying to call her since and—,”

“Like I said, Sean, not right now. Don't you think you've done enough?” the prince said quietly in a rare tone of anger.

Hearing that, Ellie knew she had to face this herself. She took a deep breath and stood, her movements a bit shaky but resolved. “It’s okay, Ben.”

Her brother hesitated before stepping aside, his eyes never leaving Sean.

Sean’s eyes landed on her, and he took a step closer. “Elecia,” he said, his voice low. “Can we please talk? I… I’m so sorry.”

Elecia looked at him, and a sharp pain bloomed in her chest, as fresh as it was a few days ago. “You’re sorry?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly. She took a breath, finding her strength. “You’re sorry you cheated on me with Ariana, or you’re sorry you got caught cheating on me with Ariana?” her voice growing stronger, louder, drawing the attention of the nearby tables.

“Elecia, don’t do this here,” he hissed.

“Why not?” she shot back. “You weren’t worried about who was watching in the city.” A wave of gasps and whispers rippled through the room. Sean’s face flushed a deep, angry red. “Because I know what I deserve. I deserve someone who respects me when I say no. I deserve someone who is loyal. And I deserve better than you.”

Sean’s face twisted with fury, his own embarrassment lashing out. “This is ridiculous! Maybe I wouldn’t have had to go to Ariana if you weren’t so afraid of everything! She’s not afraid to be a real girlfriend!”

The insult struck a nerve, hitting one of her deepest insecurities. A sharp wave of anger bloomed in her chest. She felt the familiar, sharp spike of cold erupt from the feeling. The air around their table dropped several degrees, and a delicate lacework of frost spread from her fingertips across the surface of the table.

“Sean…!” Ben growled and stepped in between his sister and the other boy.

Sean saw the ice and took a step back, his anger momentarily replaced by fear before it twisted into a cruel smirk. “What are you going to do now?” he taunted, his voice dripping with malice. “Go on, Princess. Use your magic on me.”

Elecia’s breath hitched. The power swelled inside her, begging for release. But then she looked at her friends. At Ben’s furious, protective glare. At Mal’s steady, challenging gaze. At Evie’s encouraging smile. They weren’t afraid. They were with her. The cold inside her receded, replaced by a steady, controlled resolve.

“No, Sean,” she said, her voice perfectly calm. “I’m not a villain. Just because a person has magic, it doesn’t make them evil.” She looked at him, a rare mischievous glint in her crystal eyes. “But I can do this.”

With a swift, fluid motion, she went around her brother, reached over, picked up a tray from a nearby table, and calmly upended an entire plate of nachos and cheese sauce directly onto Sean's perfectly styled hair.

For a second, there was a stunned, absolute silence. Ben looked between the two frozen, unsure what to do. Then, a single snort from Mal, and loud boisterous laughs erupted from Jay and Carlos. It was followed by a giggle from Evie, and then bit by bit, the entire cafeteria exploded into peels of laughter. Sean stood there, dripping with cheese, his face a mask of utter humiliation.

The princess looked at him, putting her hands down at her sides. “We're done, Sean,” her gaze was direct and unwavering. “I'm not going to let you string me along anymore.”

Ellie then looked around at the laughing students. “See? Magic isn’t required for everything.” A smile, the first genuine one she’d felt in days, spread across her face. She then waved her hand and a shimmering, blue light gathered in her open palm. “But sometimes,” she said, her voice filled with a newfound joy, “it just makes things more fun.”

The princess flicked her wrist upwards, and a flurry of soft, pristine snowflakes began to drift down from the enchanted ceiling, swirling around the cafeteria. The students’ laughter turned to gasps of wonder. Elecia gathered a handful of the magical snow from the table, packed it into a loose ball, and, with a hearty laugh, tossed it playfully into Ben’s surprised face.

Ben sputtered, wiping the snow from his eyes, a wide grin breaking across his face. He quickly made a snowball of his own and launched it back at his sister, who shrieked and dodged it, hitting Mal with it as a result. Mal's face was one of pure shock. Jay laughed harder, doubling over. The purple haired girl got an evil glint in her eyes and retaliated by pegging a laughing Jay in the back of the head with a snowball of her own.

 Within seconds, the initial fear and uncertainty were forgotten, and the entire cafeteria descended into a joyous, chaotic snowball fight, the sounds of whispers completely replaced by shouts of pure, unadulterated fun. In the middle of it all, Princess Elecia stood, her face bright with laughter, finally feeling for the first time in her life, like she wasn't a complete outsider.