¹ Claws of Legacy: Legacy's Descent ✓

CHAPTER 8

IT'S TIME TO GIVE THIS PLAID PREPPY SCHOOL A SERIOUS BAD-GIRL MAKEOVER.

~

In the comfort of your shared dorm room, Jane paced back and forth between the beds, venting her frustrations about her mother.

"Mom said, 'If a boy can't see the beauty within, then he's not worth it,'" Jane mimicked in a slightly mocking singsong voice. "Can you believe it? What world does she live in?" Filled with anger, she stomped across the room.

Amused, you snorted and looked up from your sketchbook, meeting Mal's gaze. In unison, you both uttered the word "Auradon," sharing a knowing smile.

Evie, diligently sewing her dress, then addressed Mal and you. "Mal, Y/n, do you like it?" She gestured towards the dress she had been working on.

"Yeah. It's cute. It brings out your eyes," Mal complimented, and you nodded in agreement. "And it goes perfectly with your hair," you added, a grin appearing as you exchanged a glance with Mal.

Evie beamed at the praise, continuing her sewing with renewed enthusiasm.

"I'll never get a boyfriend," Jane lamented, flopping down on Evie's bed in dejection.

"Boyfriends are overrated," Mal chimed in, offering her perspective.

You chuckled, reclining on your bed as Evie turned to Mal and asked, "And how would you know, Mal? You've never had one."

It was true that Mal hadn't experienced a romantic relationship, and neither had you. Perhaps it was because, deep down, you understood your monstrous nature, making you hesitant to engage in romantic entanglements. The boys on the Isle, Carlos and Jay, were sweet and fun, respectively, but no spark drew you towards them in a romantic way. Despite being one of the most beautiful girls on the island, you didn't see the appeal of diving into someone's bed without the depth of a true mate.

Love for you went beyond superficial attraction, and until you found a connection that resonated with your heart and soul, you were content to keep your distance from romantic involvements.

"Well, Y/n might get some," Mal teased, causing your eyes to light up. "Mal!" you whined playfully, chuckling as you tossed a pillow at her, which she deftly caught. "I don't have time for it. Who will take care of all of you, huh?" Mal chuckled and playfully threw the pillow back at you. "Relax, Y/n. I won't let you go so easily anyway," she reassured you.

You growled playfully before sitting up, but as you did, Evie suddenly stiffened and exclaimed, "I forgot to do Chad's homework!" Rolling your eyes, you stood up, sensing her fear and nervousness. "And that's what we mean," you remarked, voicing the underlying concern.

Suddenly, the door swung open, revealing a girl wearing a pink floral shirt, a pink sash, and a short teal skirt. She sported a bob hairstyle with bangs. Her pleasant scent caught your attention, and although you weren't exactly a "girly girl," you sensed that you could get along with her. Tilting your head slightly, you observed her before standing up and circling her. She seemed somewhat taken aback before you positioned yourself in front of Mal's bed, leaning against one of the posts. The girl spoke up enthusiastically, introducing herself, "Hey, guys! I'm Lonnie!"

A brief exchange of glances passed between you, Mal, and Evie. You hadn't heard of this princess before, but it clicked—the faint metallic scent of swords and leather. "Mulan's daughter, huh," you remarked, your golden gaze fixated on her. Lonnie perked up, nodding and pointing an index finger at you. "Exactly! How nice that you know me," she beamed.

A stoic stare was all she received in response from you.

She shook her head and turned to face Mal, still engrossed in sketching within her book. "I love what you've done with Jane's hair. And I know you hate us. And, well, you're evil... But do you think you could do mine?" she requested, lightly touching her bobbed hair. Mal looked up, scoffing, "Why would I do that for you?"