Secret in the Heart ||Descendants|| (♡Ben)

1

They were walking through the marketplace, up to their usual mischief. Mal slyly snatched a lollipop from a baby, causing the group to break into their signature evil laughter. Just then, two imposing figures approached them, causing the entire marketplace to empty in an instant. Everyone knew what that meant—Maleficent was near, and everyone was terrified of her, including Jay, Carlos, and Evie, which was surprising since they lived with her.

Mal turned around as her mother approached. "Hi, mom," she greeted. Maleficent shoved the two lackeys aside and stepped forward. "Stealing candy, Mal? I'm so disappointed," she said with feigned disapproval.

"It was from a baby," Mal replied. Maleficent's lips curled into a satisfied smirk. "That's my nasty little girl," she said approvingly, and Mal handed her the lollipop. Maleficent spat on it and tucked it into her armpit. "Give it back to the dreadful creature," she commanded, passing the lollipop to one of her henchmen.

"Mom..." Mal began to protest, but Maleficent cut her off. "It's the details, Mal, that make the difference between being mean and being truly evil. When I was your age, I was cursing entire kingdoms. You... Walk with me," she ordered, putting an arm around Mal and leading her away from the group.

The others watched as Mal and her mother walked out of earshot. "What do you think they're talking about?" Jay whispered to Kara. "She's probably telling Mal to be more like her or something," Kara whispered back. She knew how hard Mal tried to impress her mother with her wicked deeds, but even on an island without magic, nothing ever seemed enough in Maleficent's eyes. After all, Maleficent had been cursing kingdoms at their age. And though Mal never admitted it, Kara knew how much it hurt her friend when she couldn't meet her mother's expectations.

Suddenly, Maleficent's voice boomed across the marketplace. "Oh, there's news!" Evie, Carlos, and Jay tensed up, while Kara crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "You four have been chosen to go to a different school," Maleficent announced as her lackeys moved to stand behind them. "In Auradon."

The three gasped in unison and tried to bolt, but the lackeys blocked their escape. They struggled to break free, but it was futile. Kara stood frozen in place, her mind racing. Maleficent had said "four" of them were chosen. But there were five of them in total.

"What? I'm not going to some boarding school filled to the brim with prissy pink princesses," Mal said defiantly.

"And perfect princes," Evie added dreamily, stepping forward. Mal shot her a look of disgust. "Ugh!" Evie muttered, catching Mal's disapproving glare.

"Yeah, and I don't do uniforms. Unless it's leather. You feel me?" Jay joked, laughing as he held up his hand for a high five from Carlos. But Carlos, too scared to respond, just stood there, ignoring Jay's gesture. Kara couldn't help but laugh at Carlos's expression.

Carlos nervously stepped forward. "I read somewhere that they allow dogs in Auradon. Mom said they're rabid pack animals who eat boys who don't behave."

Jay sneaked up behind him and barked, making Carlos jump. Kara, Jay, and Evie all burst into laughter at Carlos's reaction before he hit Jay for scaring him.

"Yeah, Mom, we're not going. Forget it," Mal said, standing her ground.

"Oh, you're thinking small, pumpkin. It's all about world domination," Maleficent said, licking her teeth with anticipation. "Knuckleheads!" she called out, starting to walk away. The lackeys followed her closely.

"Mal..." Maleficent said, pausing. Mal glanced back at her friends before reluctantly following her mother.

Evie, Carlos, Jay, and Kara exchanged uneasy looks. "Well, don't be scared, little chickens. Come on," Kara said, taking the lead to follow Mal. As she walked, Jay quickly caught up to her.