𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒

24. 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼

𝕿heir first nightmare came true. They were adamant about staying low-key, keeping their noses down, and avoiding attracting attention.

Yet, somehow, they managed to do exactly that.

How fitting.

Ben accidentally ran into Gil, Gaston's son, who stood before them, smiling obliviously. This is dangerous waters they were treading. Out of all people, it happened to be Gil.

"Hey, man," Gil grunted until he paused, squinting his eyes when he noticed Ben. Then he looked at the others, and his brows furrowed. "Hey, I know you."

Ben shook his head and slouched, smacking his lips. "Uh, no. Don't know you either, man," Ben lied like it was second nature, but it wasn't enough.

Gil frowned dejectedly but then grinned. "Uh, yeah, you do. Come on, man. Really?" Rilynn looked at Gil curiously, wondering how he could be anything villain-like. "Dude, I'll give you a hint. My dad is quick, slick, and his neck is incredibly thick. Come on, man."

Gil wanted to be annoyed when he got distracted--which was very easy for him to do. His eyes drifted toward the poster behind the group, and Gil hummed in confusion. The group noticed and grimaced at the poster with Ben's face.

That can't be good.

It took Gil a minute, but it finally struck him. "You're King Ben!" He gasped in shock. Gil spotted Rilynn in the back, and he got excited when he also noticed her. "And you're Princess Rilynn!"

"Okay," Jay interjected without a second to lose.

He pulled Rilynn with him to create space between her and Gil, and the others followed. Jay knew their hopes of getting in and out were most likely squashed, and their chances of being sought out increased. However, Jay was disgruntled that Gil knew Rilynn was there. He hoped she could get by without being spotted, but he should've known better.

Rilynn looked back at Gil worriedly. He grinned with great news, running off to who knows where. She frowned.

"Should we worry about him?" Rilynn asked nervously.

Evie pressed a smile, but she was growing stressed. "Hopefully not, but knowing Gil, he'll tell Uma," she fixed her hair, breathing sharply to calm herself. "I'd say we only have about ten minutes before she believes him and search for us."

Rilynn knew all about Uma, Ursula's daughter--the sea witch that tried to steal everything from Ariel and nabbed Triton's scepter. If Rilynn knew anything about Ursula, she'd know that Uma couldn't be trusted. If she's anything like her mother, Rilynn hopes they don't cross paths.

Finally, they reach the point of their secret hideout. Rilynn looked around, slightly confused, but then Jay threw a rock at a yellow sign, and the gate opened to the stairs. Rilynn was impressed with what they created with what they had. It was cool that they had a place only they could call theirs.

Ben glanced at the group. "Wish me luck."

"Good luck," Rilynn offered her encouragement and shared a fleeting smile.

Jay points. "All the way up."

As Ben starts heading up, Evie bids him 'good luck,' which he appreciates.

Rilynn walked underneath the stairs and looked at the barrels around her, opting for one and sitting on it. She was tired, and her feet were aching a bit. Today was stressful, and it was starting to get to Rilynn.

"I wouldn't sit there if I were you."

Rilynn glanced at Carlos; she frowned anxiously. "Why?"