Marlos

Protection

The gritty, oppressive air of the Isle of the Lost hung heavy around Carlos, Evie, and Jay as they navigated the twisting, trash-strewn streets. The familiar stench of decay and desperation was a stark contrast to the vibrant colors and relative order of Auradon. They moved with a sense of urgency, their eyes scanning the faces of the Isle's inhabitants, their expressions grim.

"She went in there alone?" Jay growled. "That's insane, even for Mal."

Evie wrung her hands; her brow furrowed with worry. "I know she's strong, but... Uma's different now. The Isle is different. It's not the same place we left."

Carlos felt a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach. He knew Mal was driven by a strong sense of purpose, but the thought of her facing Uma alone, in this changed and volatile environment, filled him with a sense of dread.

"We need to find her," he said, his voice firm. "Before things escalate."

They continued their search, their path leading them deeper into the heart of the Isle. They passed groups of wary inhabitants, their faces etched with hardship and a strange, subdued fear. The atmosphere was thick with tension, a sense of unease that permeated every corner of this forsaken place.

"It's like... a shadow has fallen over everything," Evie murmured, her voice barely audible. "There's no life here, no... spark."

Jay nodded grimly. "Uma's doing, most likely. She always had a knack for sucking the joy out of everything."

They finally reached Ursula's old lair, now transformed into a fortified stronghold. The entrance was guarded by a group of imposing figures, their faces hard and unyielding.

"Mal went in there," Carlos said, his gaze fixed on the entrance. "We need to get past them."

The guards eyed them with suspicion, their hands resting on their weapons. "State your business," one of them demanded, his voice rough and hostile.

"We're here to see Mal," Carlos replied, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Now stand aside."

The guards hesitated, their eyes flickering with uncertainty. They recognized Carlos, Evie, and Jay – the other VKs who had left the Isle and found a place in Auradon. But their loyalty to Uma was evident.

"Uma is occupied," the guard said, his voice defiant. "You cannot enter."

Jay stepped forward, his expression menacing. "We're not asking for permission," he growled. "We're going in. You can either stand aside, or you can try to stop us."

The guards exchanged nervous glances. They were outnumbered, and they sensed the determination radiating from Carlos, Evie, and Jay. They knew these weren't the same kids who had left the Isle years ago. These were seasoned fighters, protectors of Auradon, and they weren't going to be easily deterred.

With a reluctant sigh, the guards stepped aside, allowing them to pass. They entered the lair, their senses on high alert, their hands gripping their weapons. The interior was dark and imposing, a stark contrast to the bustling streets outside. They moved cautiously through the labyrinthine corridors, their footsteps echoing in the oppressive silence.

They searched every room, every chamber, their hope dwindling with each empty space. They found no sign of Mal, only more of Uma's grim-faced followers, their expressions tight and guarded.

Finally, they reached the main chamber, a vast, cavernous space that served as Uma's throne room. It was empty.

"She's not here," Evie said, her voice filled with disappointment and a growing sense of unease. "Where could she be?"