Descendants - Lost in New York

Chapter 4: Unexpected Harmony

Note:

- What did you guys think so far? Please comment!

...

After stepping out of the rejuvenating shower, Maleficent wrapped herself in a soft towel, which embraced her like a cloak of comfort. With light and barefooted steps, she explored the hotel room that sheltered them temporarily. The ambiance was elegant and modern, a strange atmosphere for someone accustomed to the darkness and magic of the enchanted world.

Her eyes roamed over the carefully arranged furniture and objects. She paused in front of a painting on the wall, an abstract portrait that seemed to defy her understanding. Each brushstroke appeared to conceal an untold story, an enigma that Maleficent didn't have time to decipher at that moment.

Continuing her exploration, her steps led her to the living area, where a flat-screen television occupied the center of the space. Intrigued by modern technology, she settled comfortably on a sofa. With a gentle gesture, she turned on the TV, craving a brief respite from the silence and solitary waiting.

The images came to life on the screen, showcasing a world completely different from what she was accustomed to. She watched, curious, as scenes of family dramas, passionate romances, and thrilling adventures unfolded before her eyes. Although the stories seemed so distant from her own, Maleficent found a certain comfort in losing herself in that fictional narrative.

While waiting for Hades and Mal's return, she allowed herself to be swept away by the emotions conveyed through the on-screen scenes and characters. For a fleeting moment, she could forget her own worries and immerse herself in the magic of human stories. It was a brief respite in her uncertain journey, but it provided a necessary escape from the reality that surrounded her.

Sitting there, in an unfamiliar hotel room, enveloped by modernity and the bright screen, Maleficent allowed herself to relax for a moment. The uncertainties and weight of her destiny still loomed, but in that moment, she found a brief refuge in the simplicity of watching television.

Mal and Hades returned to their hotel room, carrying bags of food that filled the air with a tantalizing aroma. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the hallway, announcing their imminent arrival. As they pushed the door open, the scene that unfolded before their eyes took them by surprise.

There stood Maleficent, her slender and powerful figure wrapped in a soft towel, golden hair cascading down her shoulders. Her green eyes were fixed on the TV screen, her face illuminated by the colorful images dancing before her. The sight was so unexpected that both of them were momentarily speechless.

Hades let the bags of food slip from his hands, the muffled sound of plastic and paper blending with the silence that settled in the room. His gaze traveled over Maleficent's body, capturing every detail of her relaxed and at ease posture. Surprise and confusion mingled in his expression as he tried to make sense of the sight of the mother of his daughter, a feared and powerful figure, so carefree and vulnerable.

Mal, by Hades' side, felt a wave of conflicting emotions washing over her. The initial surprise soon transformed into a amused smile, for she knew Maleficent's complexity better than anyone. Seeing her mother so comfortable in an environment so different from their enchanted world was a reminder that, despite everything, Maleficent was also human, with her own needs and desires.

"Mother, you look so... comfortable," Mal said, letting out a soft laugh. "Embracing the modern life, are you?"

Maleficent turned her gaze away from the TV and focused her attention on Mal and Hades. Her eyes sparkled with a touch of amusement as she replied in a serene but charismatically charged tone, "Why deny oneself the small pleasures of life when they present themselves to me?"