There was a bloom of whispers after the question. Evie snapped to her feet, but Ben got to his first.

"Byron, that was uncalled for,"

"I'm only being frank Sire,"

"Mal was never a villain. The sins of her mother don't carry to her,"

"Of course not, sire," He gave a bow, taking his seat again.

It was clear from the low mummers spreading through the room that all constructive conversation had been lost. With gritted teeth Ben dismissed the meeting.

"We'll take a recess. We'll reconvene in twenty minutes with clear heads," He stood, stepping towards an exit. Mal didn't hesitate to follow his lead, the air feeling thicker in the room suddenly. Evie stepped out into the hallway with her.

"M,"

"I'm okay E. I just need to not be in that room right now,"

"Do you want to leave?"

"No, of course not. This is important,"

"So are you,"

"He's not the first person to call me a villain. He won't be the last. I know the voices that matter to me,"

Evie smiled at her, resting a hand on her cheek, "Glad to see you're feeling better today,"

"Hey, it's not just me is it? Ben seems rattled to you,"

"His temper seems to be on the razor's edge."

"That's not like him,"

"We should check with him,"

"Yeah I think I know where he'll be," Mal said, leading the way from the chamber room. Old memories guided her to a heavy oak door engraved with the royal crest. She knocked once, waiting to hear Ben before pushing the door open.

Ben was standing at his desk, his shoulders visibly dropping when he saw Mal and Evie.

"It's just you,"

"Hey," Mal said simply.

"I'm-"

Mal held up a hand, "If the next word out of your mouth is sorry I'll punch you. You were not the one who said the shitty thing. You apologise for no one,"

With a tired chuckle, Ben's posture loosened completely. He sat back on the edge of the desk, rubbing a hand down his face.

"This is a royal mess,"

"Nah. Your room is a royal mess. This is an issue you haven't found the solution to yet,"

"Humour, I could use that right now," Ben said, his voice tight.

"How bad is it?" Evie asked.

When Ben sighed it was with his whole body, "You heard them. The council aren't the only people talking about closing the Isle permanently,"

"We're not going to let that happen," Evie said. When Ben didn't respond she paled, "Right?"

"Of course not. But this whole event has people scared. I don't blame them. It's only made worse by the fact the video got out without my consent. I'm in hot water for not making a statement sooner. I should have made a statement as soon as we got back,"

"Ben, wanting to control the flow of information isn't the same blacking out the media," Evie said.

"That's not doing me any good right now,"

"You shouldn't doubt yourself Ben," Mal said.

Ben snorted, "Sometimes I think I should give the throne back to dad. He wasn't overwhelmed every second of every day,"

"Ben," Mal said gently, "Your parents are some of the wisest people I know. Do you think they would have let you become king if they didn't know you were capable?"

"I'm not him. He would have handled Hades. I needed you to save me,"

"No, you're not your dad. You're Ben. So be Ben. Trust in yourself. So what if you needed me? Needing the people who care about you isn't a sin. And for the record, your dad would have never started the VK program. You did that,"

"I'm the King. I'm the one people rely on. Not the other way around."

"Since when are you are this obsessed with being the infallible king,"

"I'm not the one who should need protecting," His voice came out harsh. Harsher than Mal had heard it before. "And even if I did you're not the person who should have that responsibility. You didn't want it before so why would you want it now?"

Mal was stunned into silence. Ben's shoulders rose and fell with a breath. As he looked at Mal and Evie it seemed to dawn on him his behaviour.

"It's not that I don't appreciate that you were there or what you're offering to do. You want what's best for the VKs. I want that too. But I also need to decide what's best for the whole kingdom. That's not always easy to do. Especially when wants and needs start to get confused," He exhaled, "I'm sorry."

Mal didn't respond. She could feel Evie's eyes on her. That combined with the way Ben was looking at her made her feel so exposed. They were probably the two people who could read her the best. They were certainly the two who'd pushed her most. Pushed against her. Pushed her forward. Right now she felt like they could see through the bluff she'd made in the council room. When she offered herself in service of the VKs when the last thing she wanted to do after yesterday was return to the Isle.

Ben's phone rang. He cursed under his breath.

"Excuse me," With a shuffled bow of his head he stepped out of the room.

"He's drowning."

The room had been so quiet in the wake of Ben's departure Evie's voice startled Mal.

"You think so?"

"When was the last time you saw Ben this stressed?"

"Not since before we graduated Auradon Prep," Mal said, but even as she did she knew it wasn't true. This was different. She'd seen him tired. She'd seen him stressed. But now there was a desperation to him as he struggled. Maybe it was Hades. Maybe it was something else.

"He needs someone to lean on," Evie said, "You should talk to him,"

"Why me?"

"It should be someone who knows him,"

"You know him just as well as I do. If anything you've worked with him more,"

"We both know that's not true. You know him like I never could,"

"Evie,"

"It's okay. I'm saying it because it's true," Evie stepped into Mal's space, fixing the collar of her shirt, "I'm not jealous. And it should be you to talk to him. You're right. I've spent more time with Ben in a professional setting. He doesn't need professionalism right now."

Mal placed a hand over Evie's where she was straightening out her lapel.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course,"

Mal studied her expression for a moment before leaning up to kiss her cheek.

"I love you,"

Evie smirked, "I know. Now go," She nodded towards the door Ben had walked through.

Mal did, pushing the door open slowly. It led out into a hallway, if her memory was correct it eventually lead to the eastern wing. But Ben was just down the hallway, slightly out of earshot. He was pacing and his shoulders were even tenser than when he left the room.

"Ben," Mal spoke up as she approached.

He wheeled around, his eyes going wide, "Mal, wait," He held up on hand as he lowered the phone. His expression was aghast. Something about it made a chill rise up Mal's spine.

"Mal," He said again, stepping towards her, "Something's happened," The way he said it reminded Mal of the time Jay had to tell her and Evie he took some of the kids to motocross and Dizzy had a crashed. Dizzy had been fine, Jay not so much after Evie had been through with him.

He stepped closer again, arms half-raised frozen above Mal's shoulders.

"What?" She asked.

He gulped.

"Ben, what happened?"

The doors behind them burst open, making them jump.

"Benjamin," Fairy Godmother was clinging to the door handle. Mal was instantly on edge. She never used full names. Evie had followed, standing with her.

"I know already. I just got off the phone with the curator," He said. Both his and Fairy Godmother's expressions were grim.

"How did someone just waltz away with the scepter?" She asked.

"Scepter?" Mal asked, suddenly feeling like there was something closing in on her throat.

Ben looked to her again pausing a second more before placing a hand on her shoulder. Somehow she knew what his words would be before he said them, "Maleficent's scepter was discovered missing this morning,"

The edges of Mal's vision went black.

"My mother," She croaked out.

"It can't be Maleficent," Fairy Godmother said.

"Do we know that for certain?" Ben asked.

"Of course,"

"We lost track of her," Ben stated.

"After I lost her on the isle," Mal added the part he didn't say, "This is my fault,"

"Mal, dear, no," Fairy Godmother gently disagreed.

"No, I took her back to the isle. And I was the one who lost track of her," She could hear her voice rising, but she couldn't stop it. Evie put her hand on her arm.

Ben's expression was fierce yet so kind, "And I was the one who got kidnapped putting you in the hectic situation where you lost her. If anyone is to blame it would be me,"

"This isn't a game of who screwed up more," Evie cut in, "But even if it were neither of you would be responsible,"

"Exactly," Fairy Godmother agreed, "And we don't know it's her. Must I remind you both she was last a gecko? Unless she suddenly learnt to bare enough compassion to break the spell on her I doubt this is her,"

"I don't know if the unknown of who did this is more or less comforting," Ben said, rubbing his eyes, "I need to cancel this meeting for now. And I need to prepare a statement. I can't have a repeat of the limo debacle,"

"I'll go to the museum, see what happened," Fairy Godmother said.

This whole conversation, since Mal had heard her mother's name had sounded like she'd been hearing it from underwater. First Hades, now this. The Fates were surely fucking with her. She wanted to volunteer to go with Fairy Godmother, but the more she thought on it the less she wanted to speak up. She didn't realise her hands had gone cold until Evie slipped her hands into hers.

"Mal, are you still with us?" She asked gently. That pulled Ben's and Fairy Godmother's attention to her. She hated that.

'Other's concern isn't my weakness' she reminded herself. But why did she still feel so small right then?

"I-" She started, looking to Evie, then to Fairy Godmother. 'I want to go with you.' The words rolled over in her mind. "I'd like to know what you find out," Came out instead. They tasted so bitter.

"Of course. I'll keep you updated with everything," Fairy Godmother.

"As will I," Ben said.

"Thank you," Did her voice sound fragile to everyone or was it just her?

"I'll dismiss the council," Ben said, "Evie I'm sorry, but this will have to take precedent,"

"I understand," Evie nodded, but Mal could see the seed of disappointment in her eyes. She was worried about the kids.

"If you ladies need a lift I can take you before going to the museum," Fairy Godmother said as she accompanied them through the castle.

"Do you want to go home?" Evie asked. Mal could hear the second question in Evie's tone, 'Are you okay?'

"No. I told my boss I was taking half a day. She's still expecting me to show up for work,"

"I think Bria would understand the circumstances," Evie said.

"She would. But the Sixth Circle crew is exactly what I need right now,"

"Okay," Evie leaned in to kiss her, "I'm going to 4 Hearts,"

"I'll see you at home later then,"

The comfortable warmth of the glassblowing studio was a welcomed reprieve to Mal as she stepped in. She breathed in, feeling more relaxed than she had all day, even with the sensation of a cold grip in her chest still.

"Orchid, perfect timing," Zackery said as she walked past the little reception area in the front of the store, "This gentleman has been asking about your work,"

"Ah, this is the famous artist then," A bright-eyed young man, a few years older than Mal maybe grinned widely, "It's a pleasure,"

"Thank you," Mal shook his hand.

His hair was slicked back, the back edges of his hair dipping under the collar of a denim jacket. He didn't look quite as posh of their usual clientele but Sixth Circle wasn't any stranger to more eclectic buyers.

"He asked for your work so I showing him some of your more recent pieces," Zack said.

"What inspired this one?" He asked, pointing to the one closest to him.

"Oh that," It was sculpture she'd spent days on, weeks if you counted the time she spent just thinking about the concept. It looked like a bell jar, but really it was a solid piece of glass with an air layer between the clear outer layer and the inner one. In the inner part was where the colour came in, streaks wrapped through the glass in flecks and layers, make to look like fractures and divides. "Funny thing. That was inspired by my… by the Isle,"

"Ah, yes. You're one of those VKs… that's what they say, yes? Or is that something that only you can say? I don't want to seem improper,"

"No, no. It's fine," Mal said.

"What was it like? Living there?"

"It… it wasn't great," She answered, caught off guard by the question. She looked at Zack. He flicked between her and the buyer.

"This isn't even her best work. Have you seen the outside of our building? She did that you know," Zack said.

"No kidding,"

"Our Mal is a true talent," Zack bumped his shoulder into hers, "We're lucky to have her,"

"I'm just one artist among many,"

"That is true. I'm also amazing," Zack laughed, "If you want to check out anything I've done my pieces are right over here," He gestured over his shoulder.

"Umm," The guy pulled a phone out of his pocket, "No, I have to go. Sorry." He ducked out quickly typing on his phone.

"Was that weird to you?" Mal asked.

"A little. But hey better than the anti-isle extremists or king fangirls we've gotten in here because of you.

Mal groaned as she and Zackery went up the stairs to the workshop, "Please don't remind me,"

"How you feeling? Saw that video with you that's been going around. I was sure you took some personal days when I didn't see you this morning,"

"Oh you know, takes more than some little god to keep me down,"

"Boss lady said you had a meeting thing,"

"Yeah. Political stuff,"

"Why do you hang out with shmucks like us when you literally brush shoulders with the king?"

"Oh trust me, you are more fun than any meeting,"

"Mal, you showed up after all," Bria greeted as they crested over the landing.

"What did I miss?"

"Carver has been hit by inspiration. We've been colour mixing all morning," Joseph answered.

"Mal come, you have the best eyes for colour," Carver said.

"You are aware that I can hear you and I'm your boss," Bria said.

"Yes? And?" Carver snorted in her direction, taking Mal's hand and pulling her to their colour station.

"So I want to these colours in translucent layers," He pointed them out to her, "But what I really want is colours that are positioned in the sculpture, so they make these colours and depending on the angle you're looking from the light refracts through,"

"You want the light and the sculpture to do the mixing,"

"Yes, I knew you'd get it,"

"We're going to need six to nine colours then," Mal said, starting to flip through their colour swatches.

"Orchid you are my saviour,"

"Let's do this, people," Zackery whistled, turning up the radio and getting his equipment on.

Everyone worked on mixing the base colours, a few constructive arguments happening over how intense the colour concentration should be or the hue they needed to pull off the effect in Carver's mind.

"Yo, Chisel, what do you think about this?" Zackery asked, as his head nodded to the music. He was pulling up a long column of molten glass from the batch he was mixing so the light could filter through.

"Could use more red, if this is for the purple layer," he said. He looked to Bria.

"You also want this to mix into the gold in the middle, so let's get make the auburn Jojo's mixing warmer because that's on a lower layer. Or the centre part is going to be more rose gold than the warm honey you're going for. Unless the great colour expert disagrees with me," She teased, looking at Mal.

"Hey, I never claimed to be better than you,"

"You didn't deny it,"

"I try not to lie anymore,"

"Mal you're fired," Bria joked.

"Cool. I'll call Meghan, I'm sure she'll have work for me,"

"You are not betraying me to work with my wife,"

"You just fired me,"

"You're rehired. But for that Meghan dig, you're making the next coffee run,"

"Yes, boss,"

The song cut off abruptly as an announcer came on, "Our apologies but we interrupt our usual programming to bring you a breaking news update. The office of the king has just released a statement about a break-in at the National Cultural Museum. The scepter of Maleficent was stolen. At this current time, no other items have been reported stolen. Initial crime scene investigation revealed the museum's security system was disabled by obscuring the camera's with some sort of opaque adhesive. As of right now, the King's offices have released no statement about a suspect or suspects. Please stay tuned in for updates on this situation,"

The broadcast ended and the music resumed. The pop-rock they usually listened to while working was a hard disconnect to the way everyone was looking at Mal just then.

"Shit, Mal are you okay?" Carver asked.

"Um, I was there when Ben found out. I didn't say anything because, you know, didn't want to say anything before he could make a statement,"

"You knew about this and still came into work?" Bria asked.

Mal shrugged, "I didn't know what else to do. I felt like I would have just gotten in the way if I'd stayed with Ben or gone to the museum. Not like I'm an expert on high profile theft,"

"This isn't just some random theft to you. Isn't it personal?" Zackery said.

"I guess. I mean… my mother's staff… it's complicated. You know,"

The room was quiet for a moment.

"Carver's impossible colour spectrum is getting nowhere," Bria said.

"HEY!"

"Let's table this for today and go get drinks,"

"Yes! Boss lady you are the best," Zack said.

Mal smiled, mouthing 'Thank you.' Bria winked at her.

They stored their equipment and shut down the furnaces. Mal heard Bria on the phone with who she had to assume was Meghan from all the 'loves' involved.

"Alright, Meg's finishing up with a client but she'll meet us at the bar when she's done. Boys make sure you store the salts properly. Mal want to help me get the pieces out of the annealing oven?"

"Sure," She knew it was an excuse to talk with her alone.

Bria threw Mal a pair of gloves as she opened the oven.

"So, you fight a death god and your mother's staff goes missing,"

"Yeah, packed 24 hours. And somehow trying to lift this sculpture is the hardest thing I've gone," Mal grunted as she picked up one of the pieces, moving it to the cooling rack. Bria's expression told her she didn't buy it for a second.

"How are you holding up? I know your mom is a touchy subject, to say the least,"

"It's… I'm more worried about who took the staff than the staff itself. Her staff is powerful, but only if you know how to use the magic. I'd be just as worried if another magical item of similar strength went missing,"

"So you're not worried that you're a suspect?"

Mal's head jerked up, "I wasn't until you suggested it,"

Bria grimaced, "I don't want to worry you. I'm just concerned. People get scared at times like this and that makes them desperate at times,"

"I didn't even consider…"

"Hey, anyone who knows you knows you're not capable of this,"

"But there are a lot of people who don't know me,"

Bria didn't say anything to disagree. She placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "We're always here for you,"

"I know. And it means more than you know,"

"So unless you're lying about how worried you are about the staff and Hades what else has you looking like the world is ending,"

Mal cringed. If she was that transparent to Bria, Evie certainly would have noticed.

"I guess Hades and the staff are part of it. The timing just feels very specific for all this to be happening now. Like the universe is trying to tell me something,"

"And what's so special about this timing?"

Mal placed the piece she was carrying down and pulled off her glove so she could reach into her pocket. She pulled out the small velvet sack and passed it to Bria. Bria frowned but arched an inquisitive brow. She loosened the drawstring and peered inside. Her eyes went wide.

"Is this an engagement ring?"

Mal nodded.

"Damn. Congratulations,"

"Only congratulate me after I've asked Evie. I've been walking around with that ring for weeks now looking for the right moment to ask her. It never came and now all of this,"

Bria took the ring out, bouncing it on her palm.

"You've had this for weeks?"

"Since we moved into our new place,"

"And things only started going poorly yesterday… I don't think this is the universe sending you a message Mal."

"That's…" Mal clenched her jaw, unable to argue.

"So the question now is, why haven't you asked her yet?"

Mal sighed, "Evie's always dreamt about romance and the fairy tale ending. I just want her story to be perfect. I can't botch the engagement,"

Bria hummed as she returned the ring to Mal.

"Understandable, but do you want advice from someone who's been there?"

"Please,"

"There isn't a perfect moment. Once you're not asking after her dog died there isn't a wrong moment,"

"We don't have a dog,"

"See, so there isn't a wrong moment,"

Mal smiled a little.

"Ladies, are you finished?" Jojo asked, "Someone promised us alcohol,"

"We're coming," Bria rolled her eyes. "Are we good?" She asked Mal.

"Yeah,"

"Good, let's get you buzzed. Gods know you need it,"

"Kat, we're going for drinks," Carver said as they walked out into the front room, "You in?"

Katrina, their receptionist, looked regretful, "I wish I could, but I have an essay I need to get done,"

"Don't stay up all night again," Zackery warned.

"I make no promises," She flashed him a quick grin, "But have a good night everyone,"

"You too Kat,"

When they got to the bar Mal sent a message to Evie asking if she'd join them. She sent a reply about staying late in the studio to make up for the morning she missed.

'But have fun for me!' She messaged with a smiley face at the end.

Mal chuckled typing back, 'Don't work too hard,' Even though Mal knew Evie didn't know any other way to work.

"Hey babe," Meghan greeted as she came up to them, sitting next to Bria.

"Hi gorgeous," Bria lifted an arm, allowing Meghan into her space.

"You called the sitter?"

"Yes, my love,"

Meghan placed a hand on her cheek pulling her in for a kiss. They pulled away with a smile, Meghan turning to the others at their table.

"Hello everyone. Has been Bria been overworking you all?" Meghan asked.

"Always," Zack answered instantly.

Bria rolled her eyes. Meghan chuckled, "Good. Someone has to keep you troublemakers in line,"

"Us," Zack gasped, "Trouble? Never,"

"No, she's right. We're awful and you're the worst of us," Jojo said, smirking over his drink at Zackery. Zack fainted hurt, clutching his chest. His dramatics made Mal laugh, and just for a moment forget about everything that happened recently.

When she got home it was late, but the darkness of the house told Mal Evie hadn't come home yet. She sent a message to check-in. Evie simply told her not to wait up for her.

The next morning Carver called Mal, picking her up for help with the coffee run. They walked into work carrying coffees for everyone and a dozen donuts.

"Ah, coffee, god's gift to the hungover," Zackery said as they all met them.

"Who told you to drink so much last night?" Bria asked.

"You did. When you said you were covering the tab,"

"You're an adult. You have self-control. Meg and I didn't over drink,"

"Yeah because you're parents and have to be boring,"

"Kat, you look like you need this more than any of us," Mal said, placing a cup on her dress.

She smiled gratefully, "Thank you," She chugged about half the cup right away, despite it being piping hot.

Mal took out two of the donuts, placing them on her desk too.

"You pulled an all-nighter again, didn't you?" Bria asked with a slight frown.

"Grad school man. It's kicking my ass," She chuckled, "But I got some sleep. Like two hours,"

"Kat," Bria said.

"I'll get some sleep as soon as my course work is done,"

"You really look wiped. I feel like I should send you home,"

"No, I'm good. I mean all I have to do is answer the phone and smile at anyone who comes in,"

"If you're sure,"

"I'm sure boss,"

"Alright. Did the Marel Galley say when they were coming to collect their pieces?"

"Oh yes. I left the pickup details…" She searched her desk, "I think it's in the backroom," Taking her coffee cup, she stood up, walking around their group. Carver was still handing out donuts. Zackery had already gotten crumbs on the floor which Bria was scolding him for. They all jumped as Katrina suddenly slumped forward. Her coffee cup hit the floor a beat before she did.

"Holy shit, Katrina!" Zackery jumped to her side, as did Jojo. "Katrina?" He shook her. They pulled her away from the coffee spreading over the floor.

"Is she hurt?" Bria leaned over them.

Zack examined her face then pressed his ear to her chest. "She's still breathing,"

"Did she pass out?"

"Geez Kat, how many all-nighters have you been pulling?"

Mal felt cold dreed run up her spine.

"Get away from the doors," She said, grabbing Bria and Carver and pulled them back.

"Mal! Hey!"

Zackery and Jojo looked at each other.

"Now!" Mal said.

They each got their hands under Kat and pulled her away together.

"Mal, what's wrong?"

"Sudden sleeping bouts is the signature magic of my mother and her staff happened to go missing yesterday,"

"Wait, are you saying this is your mother?" Zackery asked as he propped Katrina against the wall.

"Or whoever stole her staff,"

"Mal, doesn't strange fog come with sleeping curses?" Carver asked.

They looked at the door where they could see a pale purple smoke slowly filtering under the door.

"Nobody take big breaths," Mal said, stepping up to the door. She muttered a spell, placing a hand on the door. Green light travelled from the point where her hands made contact along the seal of the doors. "That should hold them for now. Out the back door,"

With the help of the boys, they got Katrina onto Jojo's back. Mal led the way to the back entrance they used for deliveries but swore violent when she saw the same smoky fog curling up from under the service gate.

"Okay, not that way," She said, looking around from some other way out. She looked at her co-workers and friends. "Do you guys trust me?"

"Of course,"

"Orchid what kind of question is that?"

She ran to a desk, pulling open draws. She found what she was looking for with a triumphant yell. "Everyone group up," She said, uncapping the marker she found. She started to draw a circle on the floor.

"Mal, what are you doing?"

"Teleportation spell,"

"You know how to do that?"

"In theory,"

She quickly added the glyphs as she muttered, "Where to send them, where?" She looked around again, "I need a focus. Something that will help me channel the location," Her eyes landed on Bria, "That's it, your ring,"

"My what?"

"Your wedding ring. I'll send you to Meghan," She made Bria hold her hand out.

"Mal more of that smoke is getting in now," Zackery said, his concern evident in his voice.

"I've never done this before so I'm sorry if you appear ten feet in the air or something,"

"What?" Zackery asked.

"Why do you sound like you're not coming with us?" Jojo asked.

"Because I'm not,"

"What?" Bria exclaimed, "Like hell you're not,"

She started to step out of the circle but Mal quickly said a spell and a grey translucent barrier appeared around them.

"Mal!" Bria banged on the magical barrier. Carver kicked at it.

"Orchid don't be stupid,"

"Sorry everyone," Mal smiled at them, "But someone with a powerful sleeping spell just happens to turn up at a glass artisan's? I'm the one they're here for. You don't need to get dragged into this,"

"Mal, we're not leaving you," Bria said.

"Once you get to Meghan call someone who could wake Kat up with true love's kiss. If you can't find anyone like that for her get into contact with Fairy Godmother. She'll know what do to,"

"Mal stop this now and get in the circle!"

"If you don't hear from me in an hour call Evie, would you? Let her know what happened,"

"Mal!"

"Don't worry. My mother's magic doesn't work on me. I can walk off a sleeping curse,"

"Screw that!"

"Sorry if there's a rough landing,"

She said the spell as they banged in the barrier.

"Mal!"

There was a flash of light and the circle was empty. Mal sighed feeling instantly drained. She stumbled, not prepared for the sudden loss of energy. It was like she'd run a marathon in an instant. But then she heard the sound of shattering glass. She ran back to the storefront. The glass on the door she'd sealed had been blasted away. Someone in a long grey and black cloak stepped through the remains of the door. A mask covered their face.

"Sealing the door, smart. But means nothing if the glass isn't protected too,"

They were carrying her mother's scepter. It made Mal's skin crawl to see it.

"Truly it's a please to meet you Lady Mal,"

"Yeah, can't say I feel the same,"

"I wish I didn't need to be like this, but you are in our way," They lifted the scepter, slamming it into the ground. A wave of energy blasted out, knocking Mal off her feet. She hit the floor, the wind knocked from her.

"Why aren't you asleep Mal?"

"Sorry, sleeping curses don't work me," She watched as the fog emanated from the gem at the top of the staff. She pushed herself to her knees.

"That's a shame. For this to work, we need you out of the way. Can't have the saviour of Auradon getting in our way with her pesky magic. I didn't want to do this violently. After all, you and I are the same,"

"You seem to know me, but I don't know you,"

"Everyone will know me and my friends soon enough. Don't worry. I wish you could be there to see it, but as I said, you'd just get in our way," They raised the scepter and twisted it, jamming the gem to the floor. Mal watched as energy arched from the gem in a greyish line towards her. Encircling her before she could move. It hit her with a flash of pain and a familiar sensation. They were draining her magic. Her vision blurred but she could still make out two more figures stepping into Sixth Circle through the door. They were both wearing gas masks.

"You know," She gritted out, "I should thank you. I was worried about what happened to my mom's staff," She raised her hand, calling out to the magic in the scepter. It flew out their hand and towards her. She never thought she'd be so happy something belonging to her mother. But then it stopped in mid-air. The other person had their arm raised calling the scepter back.

"Clever," They said, "You're good, but that's just the problem isn't it," Mal could hear the smile in their voice. The scepter started to shift back towards them. She cried out, tapping into more of her magic. It shuttered back and forth in the air for a few seconds before flying back to the masked figure.

"You're good. You betrayed your mother. Do you think her evil staff will listen to you over someone truly evil," They waved the staff in an arc and slammed it down. A green bolt hit her in her chest. She felt pain explode up the back of her skull. She tried to breathe but found she couldn't. She tried to suck in air but couldn't. She clawed at her neck. She could feel the heat of magic but her fingers couldn't touch it. It pressed down on her.

"Not bad for only one day's practice?" They said, sounding almost excited, "Just imagine what I'll figure out to with it in the coming days and weeks. This was your inheritance and you threw it away. And then you half-assed it and convinced your boy-toy king to teach magic. You don't get it both ways Mal. You don't get to play princess and be the wicked witch in the woods,"

"I'm not," She croaked out, struggling to speak.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" They twisted their hand and Mal felt the pain intensify.

"I'm not," She coughed, "I'm the dragon from nightmares," She reached within herself, to the primal depths of her magic and let out a cry. Flames filled her vision. She felt her magic explode out from her. The hold on her neck and chest vanished and she sucked in air. As the flames dimmed the room was empty. She could see the doors had been blasted outwards and the three figures were laying in the street. She tried to stand but her chest screamed. She saw the one carrying the staff start to move.

She may not survive another round of fighting. Not without something as strong as her mother's staff. She had to run. Finding the strength in herself she pushed herself towards the room she'd teleported the others from. The circle was still on the floor but as was the nature of the spell the glyphs had been erased. She needed to draw them again. Her hands shook as she grabbed the marker. Her vision blurred. Fear spiked in her as she realised how sleepy she was.

"No, no, no, no. Mom magic shouldn't work on me."

But the staff wasn't being controlled by Maleficent. It wasn't just her mother's magic. She needed to hurry with the spell. She finished the glyphs but her brain struggled to think of a location. She needed a focus. Something to symbolise the location. Something. She was so tired. Maybe she could think better after a nap. The crunching of glass reached her ears. They were back inside. She needed to hurry.

Evie. It was the only thing she could focus on. Evie made her jacket. Hell Evie made half the things she was wearing. She pulled her jacket off so she could look at it and focused on Evie. She never prayed, but she said one anyway just before she said the spell. All the colours of the room around her blinked out just as she closed her eyes. Her body fell forward into nothingness. Sleep claimed her.

Nadragon- until the next page.