Secret in the Heart ||Descendants|| (♡Ben)

24

As Kara stood in the hideout, the dim light casting long shadows on the walls, she unrolled one of the old parchments on the table. A frown tugged at her lips as she looked over the unfamiliar map. "The island," she whispered to herself, hearing Hades' voice in her head. But what island? The frustration was starting to build up again, knowing that these maps might hold answers, yet feeling completely lost without context.

She reached for another roll of parchment, only to find yet another map. "Dang it," she muttered under her breath, exasperated. "What good are all these maps if I don't know where they lead?" Even if she figured out what the maps were for, it wouldn't help without knowing what her father meant by "the island."

Just as she let out another frustrated sigh, a familiar voice broke through her thoughts.

"At least I don't see a picture of me with darts in it," the voice said lightly. Kara spun around, her heart skipping a beat.

"Ben?" she whispered in disbelief.

He wasn't dressed in his usual princely attire. Gone was the suit, replaced by dark blue leather pants, a matching leather jacket, a beanie, and dark blue fingerless gloves. It was such a stark contrast to the Ben she was used to seeing, and for a moment, it felt like she was looking at someone else. Yet his presence—his familiar warmth—was unmistakable.

She sighed, unsure of how to respond as he walked toward her. When she held up her hand to stop him, he hesitated, but his eyes were filled with regret.

"Kara, I'm so sorry about our fight," Ben said softly, his voice thick with guilt. "It was all my fault, I..." He stammered, his gaze dropping to the floor, as if he couldn't bear to look at her. "Please come home."

When he finally looked up, he extended his hand to her, holding out his ring—the symbol of everything they shared. Kara's heart ached as she walked toward him.

"Ben," she said gently, "I am home."

His bottom lip trembled, and he turned his head away, visibly hurt by her words. After a moment, he tried to mask the pain with a small smile. "I brought the limo," he said, attempting to lighten the mood. "It's a sweet ride."

Kara closed her eyes for a moment, the weight of her feelings pressing down on her. "I don't fit in, Ben," she said quietly. "I really gave it my best shot. And if you think that I could change, I think you're wrong."

Ben shook his head, his determination flaring. "Then I'll change," he countered with a hopeful smile. "I'll skip school, have more fun. You know, I'll blow off some more responsibilities."

Kara chuckled sadly, shaking her head. "No, no, Ben. See, I'm such a terrible influence. It's only a matter of time before I do something so messed up that not only does the kingdom turn on me, but they turn on you."

Ben took a step closer, desperation in his eyes. He grabbed her hand, pressing the ring into her palm. "Don't quit us, Kara," he pleaded. "The people love you."

Kara felt a pang in her chest as Ben's voice broke. "I love you," he said softly, his heart laid bare.

She stared at the ring in her hand, her thoughts swirling with memories. So many moments they had shared, both good and bad. Her lips curled into a small smile, remembering the times when everything seemed so simple. She loved him, of course she did. But loving him didn't change the fact that she was different. And that difference could end up destroying everything he had worked so hard for.

"Don't you love me?" Ben asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Kara looked up at him, her heart aching with the weight of her decision. "I do, Ben," she said softly. "I love you more than you'll ever know. But sometimes, love isn't enough."