A Princess and A Zombie (A Z-O-M-B-I-E-S and Descendants AU)

Ch. 39

She was awoken the next morning to the all too familiar sound of marching. Dread filled her. She gazed out the window, her eyes landing on the endless guards lined the street surrounding her home.

Aurelia's heart pounded in her chest as she watched the guards, her expression a mix of anger and betrayal. She rushed down the steps, her voice filled with frustration. "You called my brother!"

Lumiere's shoulders slumped upon hearing her voice. He met her gaze with a heavy sigh. "I had to make a difficult decision, Aurelia. Damian's threat is growing, and I refuse to risk your safety."

Aurelia clenched her fists, her anger burning brighter. "You had no right, right!"

"I had every right!" His patience had worn thin, "Your parents chose me to protect you, to guide you- to take care of you. I will not allow any harm to come to you!"

"He'll take me away! Ben will force me back to Auradon!" She was near tears, the fear of losing her newfound life in Seabrook and the people she cared about overwhelming her

Aurelia's voice quivered with a mixture of anger and desperation. "I will lose everything I've made for myself!"

They were interrupted by a knock on the door.

Aurelia opened the door, her eyes still showing traces of frustration and fear. Eliza's frown deepened as she saw her friend's distressed state.

"Ari?"

"I don't want to talk about it," She shook her head, "We should go, we don't want to be late to school."

Aurelia tried to push aside her worries and focus on the day ahead, despite the turmoil in her heart. She and Eliza headed out, leaving behind the tense atmosphere at home.

Throughout the day, Aurelia's thoughts ran rampant. School felt like a blur as she struggled to concentrate on her studies.

During lunch break, Eliza gently placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?"

Aurelia looked at Eliza, her expression torn between wanting to confide in her friend and her fear of the situation. Then she heard him.

"Ari! Eliza!"

Aurelia's heart skipped a beat as she heard Zed calling out to her and Eliza. She turned around quickly, her eyes searching for him in the crowded lunch area.

Zed was making his way through the students, his usual grin spread across his face. He reached Aurelia and Eliza and placed a hand on Aurelia's shoulder.

Aurelia couldn't help but smile as Zed greeted them, his presence bringing a sense of comfort amidst the chaos of her thoughts.

"Hey, you okay? You seem... off today," Zed remarked, his concern evident in his eyes.

Aurelia's smile faded slightly as she glanced at Eliza, silently contemplating whether to share her worries with Zed.

She shook her head, plastering a fake smile on her lips. "I'm fine, really."

As Zed placed a kiss on Aurelia's cheek and sat beside her, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was truly bothering her. Despite her attempt to put on a brave face, her smile didn't reach her eyes, and Zed knew her well enough to sense when she wasn't okay.

"I should get to my next class,"

Aurelia's voice wavered as she excused herself from lunch, leaving Zed and Eliza behind. Her heart heavy, she knew she needed to figure out a way forward.

Throughout the rest of the school day, Aurelia's mind was in turmoil. She couldn't focus on her lessons, and her thoughts kept circling back to the difficult choice she was facing.

After school, she decided to go for a walk, needing some time alone to think. She strolled through Seabrook, the familiar sights and sounds of the town providing a small comfort.

Her mind wondered back to Zed. They had kissed the night before, but had yet to discuss it.

She sighed, "Maybe, it's the way you say my name?"

She couldn't help but think of Zed, how his voice seemed to hold a unique magic that made her heart race every time he spoke her name. The memory of their kiss the night before sent a shiver down her spine.

Maybe, it's the way you play your game?"

She couldn't help but smile as she thought about how Zed had shown her the ropes of football game. It was more than just a game; it was a glimpse into his world, and she had loved every minute of it.

"But it's so good, I've never known anybody like you."

Aurelia's heart swelled with affection as she remembered Zed's kindness, his unwavering support, and the way he had welcomed her into his life. There was something about him that made her feel like she was experiencing something extraordinary.

"But it's so good, I've never dreamed of nobody like you."

With every memory, her feelings for Zed grew stronger. She had never imagined she would meet someone like him in Seabrook. He was different, special, and she couldn't help but dream of a future where they could be together.

"And I've heard of a love that comes once in a lifetime,"

As she walked, she couldn't help but wonder if what she felt for Zed was it for her. The kind of love that defied all odds, a love like Ben and Mal's, like her mother and father's.

"And I'm pretty sure that you are that love of mine."