𝓟𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓽 𝓘𝓽, 𝓡𝓮𝓭 | 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐤

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 8: 𝓐 𝓛𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝓕𝓾𝓷

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"Do we really need this sea witch's help?" Ally kicked a few pebbles off the ground and perched herself on a giant boulder. "I mean not that she doesn't seem cool or anything but she's got a huge target on her back."

"As do I," Amor replied, staring out into the sea. "Ben and I communicating under Mal and Auradon's nose doesn't mean I'm completely safe."

A week had passed since Cotillion. After disappearing, Amor and Ally headed straight for Liddell Manor to meet Ally's mother, Alice, who wasn't exactly surprised by Amor's escape from the Isle.

After a couple of days of rest and attempting to regain his strength, Amor returned to Auradon disguised. Ben was aware it was Amor who had prompted Mal to admit her love for him, a gesture that the king was grateful for. He reminded Amor of his promise to ensure Red, Celia, and Dizzy would soon receive their invitation to Auradon Prep.

"Uma's still my friend, and her grandfather is an Olympian god," Amor said, toying with a large conch shell. "Having some Olympian magic on our side through her is better than having none at all."

"So...you're calling her because she's your friend or for her to be backup if needed?" Ally asked.

"I forgot how curious you can be at times," Amor said, laughing. He blew into the shell, unleashing a horn-like sound.

Amor loved Uma dearly, but he knew she could be reckless, especially when anger clouded her judgment. That's why he was her co-captain, a role that might need reconsideration, at least for now.

Minutes passed, almost turning into an hour before Uma finally appeared in her cecaelia form. She seemed to be wearing her Cotillion dress, her hair halfway down.

"Took you long enough. I was starting to think Triton had you prisoner or something," Amor remarked, stowing the shell back into his enchanted satchel, which had a pocket dimension for storing various items.

"Oh, so you're going to pretend like you didn't abandon me and summon a giant beast to attack," Uma retorted, her tentacles quickly transforming into human legs as she stomped ashore, stopping directly in front of Amor.

"Sorry, but I wasn't risking being thrown back into that prison. Besides, you weren't the creature's target," Amor defended. "I gave you a chance to leave with us, but you chose revenge." Uma's sour expression softened as Amor grew serious. "If you don't start thinking clearly again, you're going to get caught. There's too much at stake now, so please, just follow my lead."

Uma silently stared into her best friend's eyes, acknowledging the truth in his words and knowing he was only trying to protect both their homes and families.

"You're right, as always. And there's no one else I'd follow besides you," she nodded, smiling. Amor took a step closer before pulling Uma into a tight hug.

"Please, never make me leave you behind again," Amor pleaded softly, and they broke apart, eyes glistening with unshed tears and smiles. "Now, let's get you some food and discuss our next steps."

Walking over to Ally, who stood nearby, Amor introduced them to each other with visible excitement.

"Uma, meet Ally, my best friend from Wonderland. Ally, meet Uma, my best friend from the Isle," Amor said, throwing his arms over both their shoulders as they made their way back to the manor. "I think you two are going to get along just fine."

The three of them laughed as they walked up the shore, the sun shining warmly through parting clouds.

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