Timeless Legacy

wand

The atmosphere in the office was thick with tension as the conversation took a more serious turn. Ben stood alongside Elina and Maddox, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on him. Fairy Godmother, Belle, Adam, and Mal had all gathered to discuss the latest crisis, but the room was already divided.

Adam's voice cut through the silence, setting the tone. "I think we all know why we're here," he began, his tone stern. "The people are in a panic about Hades. He almost got out." Ben, standing a little apart from the others, couldn't hide the disbelieving smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, though it was more of a bitter expression than one of amusement. Beside him, Elina huffed, crossing her arms, her frustration evident.

Fairy Godmother chimed in, her voice filled with concern. "Who knows what he would've done if he had escaped. We can't risk having another villain on the loose."

Adam continued, his voice unwavering. "Every time we open the barrier, we're exposed to danger. Maleficent, Uma, Hades." He paused, looking around the room, his gaze eventually settling on Mal.

Mal sighed heavily, guilt lacing her words. "I really feel like this is my fault. I'm supposed to protect Auradon, especially with my dragon powers." Her voice wavered as she looked down, clearly burdened by the responsibility she carried. Elina reached out, rubbing Mal's arm in a gesture of comfort, her voice firm as she spoke.

"You did. You do protect Auradon," Elina said seriously, looking around the room. "It's our job to protect Auradon, but you can't blame a god for wanting freedom. He just wants to be free like everyone else on the Isle. He wouldn't have done anything." Her words were met with a shake of the head from Maddox.

"You don't know that, Elina," Maddox countered gently.

Elina's eyes flashed with anger. "I do. He's my—"

"Uncle, yeah," Mal cut in, her tone sharp, but not unkind. "But that doesn't mean anything." The words stung, and Elina's hurt was clear as she looked at her best friend, feeling the distance growing between them.

Adam's voice broke through again, authoritative and stern. "Every time we open the barrier, we're exposed to danger. Maleficent, Uma, Hades."

Elina's anger flared again. "Oh, so you mean us too, right?" She pointed at herself and Mal, her voice rising. "Because I don't know if you forgot, you're about to make a villain queen!" Her words hung in the air, heavy with accusation. Adam started to respond, but his words were interrupted by the sharp ring of Ben's phone. He answered it quickly, and as he listened, his expression turned serious.

"Maleficent's scepter and the queen's crown have been stolen," he announced, and Fairy Godmother gasped audibly.

"Uma," Adam was quick to assume, his voice edged with frustration and fear.

"We don't know that, Dad," Ben interjected, his voice firm, and Elina nodded in agreement.

"When the people hear this, they will never want to leave their houses. What do we tell them?" Belle's voice trembled as she looked around, seeking answers, comfort, anything to quell the growing sense of dread.

"Mal," Belle turned to her, a pleading note in her voice. "What do we do? How do we keep evil out of Auradon?"

Mal looked down, deep in thought, while Elina huffed again, her frustration reaching a boiling point. "Evil? You don't even know if it was a villain! It could have been someone from Auradon!" Elina's voice was sharp, her glare directed at Fairy Godmother. "Or did you forget that Maleficent only had the opportunity to come because of Jane?" She emphasized the last word, reminding them all that even their side had made mistakes.