Timeless Bonds

how to not mop

Later that day, Blanc wandered the halls of Merlin Academy in search of her cousin and friend, checking their room even though she didn't share it with them. Finding no one, she hoped her new roommate would be friendly and open to conversation, given how long they'd be staying at the academy.

As Blanc strolled through the corridors, she spotted Jasmine and Aladdin—though they preferred to be called Jaladdin—heading in her direction. Her eyes widened in recognition, and she quickly turned to head the other way. However, Morgie suddenly leaped out from behind a wall in front of her. "Boo!"

Blanc shrieked and jumped, clutching her heart. "God, Morgie!" she gasped, trying to calm her racing heart. Morgie just laughed and ruffled her hair. "God is Hades. I'm a Serpentine."

Blanc rolled her eyes, regaining her composure. "You mention—" She was cut off when she was yanked backward. Jaladdin now stood in front of her.

"Is he bothering you, new girl?" Aladdin asked, eyeing Morgie skeptically as if he might cause trouble. Morgie, unperturbed, stepped closer to Aladdin. "Why don't you mind your own business, poor thief?"

Blanc quickly stepped between them, pushing Aladdin back and standing beside Morgie, holding his hand. "No, he's my friend," she said, giving Aladdin a disapproving look.

Jasmine looked at Blanc with pity. "You poor girl. You must have been manipulated by him. He's a villain, sweetie!"

Blanc raised an eyebrow and nodded toward Aladdin. "And he wasn't?" Jasmine gasped, clutching Aladdin as he shot a furious look at Blanc.

"Seems like she's one of them," Aladdin muttered to Jasmine, his face contorted with disgust. He and Jasmine then quickly walked away.

Blanc watched them leave before turning back to Morgie. "Is everyone here so judgmental of you and the others?"

Morgie shrugged and tugged her along. "Don't know. Don't care. We've got each other. We don't need more."

Blanc smiled softly, touched by Morgie's sentiment. "That sounds nice—having friends that feel like family."

Morgie looked at her, puzzled. "Don't you have any friends? I mean, besides us. You're one of us now, after Maleficent and Hades adopted you."

Blanc chuckled at the thought. "I don't really know. I have Red and Chloe, but I'm not sure how they feel about me, especially since they often forget about me. And my mom sheltered me a lot. I haven't really experienced teenage life. Most students at school mostly avoided me."

Morgie glanced away, his awkwardness evident. "Look, I'm not great at pep talks, but you're a good person, and we're glad to have you in our group."

Blanc smiled, appreciating the gesture. "Thanks, Morgie."

"Don't worry about it. And if you want, we could ask Hades to burn your friends' room with us!" Morgie said excitedly, bouncing up and down.

Blanc laughed heartily, shaking her head. "Come on, let's find the others." She started walking back into the school, Morgie chasing after her. "Wait! Isn't that a great idea?" he called out, still bouncing with excitement.

Meanwhile, Red and Chloe strolled through Cinderella's garden, which looked remarkably run-down and neglected. The once-beautiful landscape was now overgrown and weary, with no sign of the grand fairy tale setting one might expect.

"This is where Cinderella grew up?" Red asked, taking in the sight with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"I hope not," Chloe replied, her expression reflecting her discomfort with the state of the place, clearly wishing her mother had a better upbringing.