Timeless Legacy

Family

Elina hurried through the winding paths leading back to her dorm, her heart racing with each step. The serene beauty of the enchanted lake seemed like a cruel joke now, its calming influence long forgotten as her emotions roiled beneath the surface. She was overwhelmed by the weight of her thoughts, the vivid pain of the evening etched deeply into her heart.

When she finally reached her dorm, she burst through the door, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The room was quiet except for the soft rustling of pages turning. Mal was seated at her desk, absorbed in a thick spellbook, her brow furrowed in concentration. As the door slammed open, Mal's eyes widened, shifting from curiosity to alarm as she took in the sight of her tear-streaked friend.

"Hey, Elina, how was—" Mal began, but her voice faltered as she saw the distressed state of her friend. Elina's eyes were red and puffy, mascara streaking down her cheeks. Her clothes were rumpled, giving the impression that she had rushed through a storm.

Mal leapt from her seat, her book forgotten, and hurried to Elina's side. "Oh my gosh, Elina, what happened?" she asked, her voice a mix of worry and concern as she gently guided her friend into the room and closed the door behind them.

"I—" Elina started to speak, but her words caught in her throat as she tried to convey her anguish through sobs. She sank onto the edge of her bed, her body trembling with the effort to suppress her emotions. "I can't do this anymore, Mal. I don't belong here."

Mal nodded sympathetically. "Let's go," she said firmly, rising from her seat and heading to her wardrobe. She pulled out her Isle outfit and handed it to Elina. The two friends had hidden these outfits away, reluctant to let go of their past. Mal quickly packed a box for her mother, grabbing a lizard she wanted to take with her. Meanwhile, Elina penned a short, tear-stained letter to Ben and Maddox. She broke up with Ben through the letter, not wanting to face him or the pain anymore, and placed the ring he had given her on top. She stared at the ring, a wave of nostalgia and sadness washing over her as she remembered the moment Ben had given it to her.

With their iconic outfits donned once again, the two girls shared a final, resolute nod. Elina's makeup was now bold and defiant, a stark contrast to her usual subtlety. "Let's blow this popsicle stand. Yeah?" she asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

Mal nodded, her expression a mix of determination and encouragement. "It is time."

The two friends made their way to Elina's white motorcycle. Mal retrieved her spellbook, holding it up as she chanted, "Noble steed, proud and fair, you shall take us anywhere." Elina, with a hopeful plea, started the engine and began to drive. "Please work. Oh!" she exclaimed, as the bike skimmed across the water, cutting through the green barrier that separated Auradon from the Isle.

As they crossed back onto the Isle, Elina drove through the bustling market with a newfound sense of purpose, her gaze sharp and unyielding. She stopped in front of a large poster featuring her and Ben. She laughed bitterly when she saw Ben's face defaced, while her own remained pristine. At least the people here were still loyal to her image.

Mal spotted another poster with her face, below which read "New Royal Advisor." Mal rolled her eyes at the title. "Not anymore," she muttered under her breath as she continued to follow Elina through the market.

Elina brought the motorcycle to a stop in front of the VK's hideout. Mal dismounted, giving her friend a supportive smile. "I'll see you later?" Mal asked, her tone hopeful.

Elina nodded, her face set with determination. "Let's meet at Drizelda's shop."

Mal smiled back, then watched as Elina revved the engine and sped off towards her home, the Lost Revenge. As Elina rode away, she felt a surge of liberation and resolve. The Isle was where she truly belonged, and she was ready to reclaim her place within it.