Happy 'Descendants: The Rise of Red' Release Day! I'm actually planning to write a new, shorter story that takes place in this universe but with some of the new characters appearing as well.

Also, Ben and Mal's wedding is coming soon!

Yes, I am still working on the story. Sorry progress has been this slow, but I will try my best to keep chapters coming!

A big thank you to everyone who's been keeping up with the story and those that have only recently found out.

A review would mean a lot, I appreciate all feedback.

Don't be afraid to ask any questions, I always try to reply.

Enjoy!

Chapter 27: Mix-Up

"Stay still!" Evie repeated for what felt like the hundredth time, frowning in obvious exasperation.

"But I'm bored…" CJ whined, hanging her head back dramatically as she swayed slowly from side to side on the unsteady stool Evie always used whenever she had to measure a dress or suit she'd fashioned for someone.

CJ was her latest victim. Ben and Mal's wedding was only about a week away, and Evie had been pestering CJ about needing to get fitted for a dress until she had finally relented. She was already regretting her decision.

As was commonly known, CJ hated wearing dresses. She had stopped wearing them as soon as she had developed a will of her own, at around age five or six. She had tried to argue with everyone, from Ben and Mal to Archer and Freddie, but everyone had shrugged and told her to simply suck it up for a few hours. CJ honestly didn't know what the big deal was. Yes, she had been invited to Ben and Mal's wedding, but she was not expected to play any sort of major role in it. Mal had picked her bridesmaids, and she wasn't one of them. She honestly could not care less.

It wasn't all bad. Evie had let CJ pick the color of her dress, as well as the general style. If it meant that she would not have to wear one of the poofy, blue bridesmaids dresses, CJ was all for it. It had all led to this moment, with CJ balancing on the stool as Evie pinned her up. Her dress was made of a soft and flowing red fabric, tight around the chest but loosening beyond her waist. CJ was outright refusing to look at herself in the mirror and come to terms with the fact she actually looked pretty.

"You look gorgeous." Evie gushed as she continued to pin up CJ's dress and smoothen it in places.

"Please don't ever say that to me." CJ murmured, her fingers toying with her braid.

"Why? It's the truth. Anyone can see it." Evie giggled.

CJ rolled her eyes. Despite having grown closer to all of the VK's over the past months, she still wasn't truly comfortable with 'girl talk' or people complimenting her in general.

"Just wait until Archer sees you… His jaw will hit the floor." Evie went on in an excited tone.

"Evie…" CJ groaned, rapidly turning beet red.

"This is going to be the best wedding ever. Everyone's going to look amazing! I should know, I've practically fitted half of Auradon over the past few weeks." Evie kept on babbling.

"Please tell me you won't make me get another dress for your wedding…" CJ moped.

Evie started blushing slightly, but her bright smile persisted. CJ also caught her glancing down at the small gold ring with the blue diamond on her hand. "If you feel comfortable in this one, then no. I just want everyone to look spectacular. You're gonna be wearing one of my designs, so, you know, you got that covered."

CJ couldn't help but smirk. Evie had personally invited CJ to her wedding the day after deciding on a date. CJ, who had never been personally invited to a wedding before, had since become a little anxious regarding the subject.

For one, she had no idea how to behave herself at a formal event, and in the presence of a whole lot of people she had never even met. On top of that, Ben and Mal's wedding was being advertised as the event of the century, with distinguished guests arriving from all over the continent to join in the festivities, not to mention all the smallfolk who would undoubtedly celebrate in the streets. The thought alone made CJ break out in hives. Neither Ben nor Mal had personally invited her, but Archer was resolute in bringing her along, and no one argued against it.

Second, the topic of weddings and betrothal had increased steadily over the past weeks whenever her relationship with Archer would come up in conversation. CJ had up to this point been steadfast in ignoring or dodging these questions and inquiries. She knew she loved Archer, but marriage was a whole other level of commitment. CJ was still very young, and she absolutely did not feel like rushing into anything that felt so 'adult' to her.

"I think I'm done…" Evie mumbled, a pin sticking out from between her teeth. "Go on, CJ, take a look…"

CJ rolled her eyes before finally looking at the mirror again. Since her own fashion sense mostly consisted of sweatpants, baggy shirts and red leathers coats, she never knew for sure when to call a dress beautiful.

This dress, however, was absolutely stunning.

CJ stood there, gob-smacked, as she looked herself over. She did a little turn, watching as the dress gently swayed. She lowered her hands, caressing the soft fabric. She loved the color. Red was always her favorite. Evie had even sown in pockets.

"I, ehm… Wow…" She stammered, spinning around to examine the dress from every angle.

"Ha, I knew it!" Evie clapped her hands. "No girl can resist a beautiful dress, especially one made with blood, sweat and tears by a friend…"

"I-I don't know what to say, Evie…" CJ's voice was still uncertain.

"Save your compliments for after I've sent you the bill." Evie replied as she began cleaning up some of her supplies.

"Bill?" CJ exclaimed. She did not have any money. "What bill?"

"I'm running a business here, CJ." Evie answered, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

CJ's mouth had run dry.

Evie then burst out laughing, causing CJ to let out a sigh of relief and exasperation. "Hahaha, sorry. But you should see your face. Of course there's no bill, CJ. Just think of this as a thank you from me for, you know, helping to save the kingdom."

"Well, thanks…" CJ moped, again admiring her mirror image.

The slightly muffled sound of voices suddenly drifted in from the open door.

"Shit! Evie! Close the door!" CJ hissed, turning away and shielding herself with her arms. She did not want anyone to see her in this dress just yet. She was not emotionally prepared.

Evie rolled her eyes once more. "I've never seen you back down from a fight, but you're scared of people seeing you in a dress?"

"Evie!" CJ groaned.

Evie sighed, but got up nonetheless. She was slow to get to the door though.

*Thump* *Thump* *Thump*

The by now familiar sound echoed through the hallway. Carlos entered the room not a second later, carrying a box and followed closely by Archer.

True to his word, Carlos had designed and constructed a prosthetic for his amputated leg. The mechanical contraption, which resembled a pogo stick with a plastic foot attached, made its signature thumping wherever Carlos went, making it easy for his friends to anticipate his arrival.

The two stopped talking as soon as they entered the room. Carlos appeared to simply be a bit surprised that he had walked into a dress fitting session. Archer's eyes had widened in awe as soon as he noticed CJ.

"We, ehm… We were supposed to deliver the name tags for the wedding feast…" Carlos mumbled, holding up the box as he trailed off a little.

"Great." Evie hastily answered, rushing over to Carlos and Archer and yanking the boxes from their grasp before somewhat carelessly tossing them into a corner.

"Wow…" Archer muttered, eyes still glued to CJ.

CJ sighed and rolled her eyes, feeling a slight blush creep up on her cheeks as she looked back at Archer. She couldn't help but eventually start smiling at the way he just stood there like an idiot.

"Come on." Evie grabbed Carlos by a shoulder before ushering him out the room.

"Wait, I was coming to ask you… Have you seen Dude anywhere? He ran off and-" That's as far as he got before Evie pushed him out into the hallway, leaving CJ and Archer alone.

"Wow…" Archer repeated, stepping further into the room.

"Don't laugh!" CJ warned him as she spun around on the stool to face him.

"Why would I laugh?" Archer replied, looking up into her eyes. "Do you have any idea how gorgeous you look, CJ?"

"I mean… Urgh…" CJ groaned. "I like the dress… It's… It's nice…"

"It's beautiful." Archer added. "Evie should maybe have toned it down a little. Now you're gonna outshine the bride on her wedding day."

CJ couldn't help but smile. "You know, if Mal and I were still at each other's throats, I would have honestly maybe tried to do that…"

"I'm happy that's not the case… Are you nervous?"

CJ shrugged. "I mean, I have to spend an entire day surrounded by all sorts of apparently important people who I've never met, and some of them will probably hate my guts. You tell me."

"You won't be alone. You got me, and Freddie, and the VK's… Just, you know, feel free to take a break whenever you want to and just walk away if you feel suffocated or something…"

"It's just weird. I mean, your parents are gonna be at the wedding, right?"

"They are. They've been close friends to Ben and his parents for years, and they're important rulers, so…" Archer listed off before CJ interrupted him.

"It freaks me out! I'm gonna have to meet your parents… Archer, I have never had to try to make a good impression on anyone on the isle. Even after the trial and life here in Auradon, I still don't really know how…"

"Just be yourself." Archer tried to reassure her. "I will be right by your side when I introduce you to my parents. They're gonna love you, just wait and see. I mean, you are the girl who saved my life after all…"

CJ couldn't help but giggle. "I saved your life a bunch of times."

"And I told them all about it." Archer went on. "And when they see how funny, and kind, and beautiful you are… They're gonna love you, CJ…"

CJ reached down to stroke his cheek. "I guess we'll just have to see on the big day. Gosh, I can't wait for it to be over. Everyone's all up in everybody's business, running around like headless chickens… Weddings suck…"

"Weddings can be a beautiful thing." Archer countered. "I should know, I attended a few. I mean, yes, ceremonies can drag a bit sometimes, but the feasts more than make up for it. I attended the wedding of one of Arabella's cousins a few years back, and we drank the whole town dry…"

"That sounds more like my kinda party." CJ smirked. "But don't you have all sorts of duties and such this time? You know, being best man and all?"

"I do." Archer conceded. "And Evie has me running back and forth every minute of every hour. But it'll be worth it in the end just to see Ben and Mal happy… It's their day… The rest of us can suck it up…"

"Talk to me about it. Archer, we've barely been able to spend any time together over the past few weeks. When's the last time we had a good sparring session?"

"I know. I know." Archer lamented. "But it's just for a few weeks. When the wedding's over, you'll have me all to yourself again."

CJ smiled. She leaned down to kiss Archer. It's true, they've not been able to spend nearly as much time together as CJ would have liked. Now she had to refrain from outright jumping him right here and now.

"How busy are you today?" She asked, still leaning on him.

"Very, I'm afraid." Archer sighed. "I just got back from the city to get those name tags and the rings. Later on I got more stuff to prepare for the catering, the royal procession and Ben's bachelor party. I'm supposed to be heading out right away actually."

CJ pouted, still clinging to him. "What if I say no?"

"Then I would have to ask you politely to reconsider, before I'd have to forcefully separate myself from you."

CJ smiled and let go of him, still balancing on the stool. "I guess I'll just stay here until Evie gets back and helps me out of this damn thing. Then I'll see if maybe Freddie could use some help or something."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Wait, did you just say you picked up the rings just now?" CJ inquired.

"Yeah."

"Can I see?"

Archer visibly hesitated for a second before reaching into his back pocket and taking out two small boxes embroidered with the Auradon royal sigil. He opened both, showing CJ the two rings they contained.

"Is that it?" CJ asked, raising her eyebrows. She had expected the king and queen of Auradon to wear dazzling jewels around their fingers, but the rings Archer presented to her were plain gold bands; one enriched with a small sapphire and the other with a lilac diamond.

"What do you mean?" Archer replied in somewhat of a shaken tone as he looked down at the rings. "They look good, right? We followed Ben and Mal's instructions."

"I just always thought these sorts of rings would be bigger." CJ shrugged. "You know, rich people doing rich people stuff."

"Not Ben and Mal." Archer argued. "You know them. Does either seem like the type to walk around with half a jewelry store worth of gems around their fingers?"

"I guess not." CJ admitted. She examined the rings more closely. "They do look nice. I don't really know that much about jewelry though. All we had on the isle were worthless trinkets our parents would occasionally leave us. Though Freddie made a ring once out of a keychain. It was never wise to possess anything too valuable, because people would try and steal it."

"Did you ever steal anything valuable?" Archer asked her, his eyebrows raised.

CJ rolled her eyes. "You know I did. Not to brag, but I was one of the best. People even hired me to steal stuff from others. My dad, Jafar, Hades… I was in high demand."

Archer rolled his eyes. "I sure hope you've outgrown those tendencies."

CJ's eyes sparkled mischievously, and, before Archer could react, she quickly snatched Mal's ring out of its box.

"Hey! No! Give that back!" Archer called out, his eyes wide as he grabbed for CJ's hand.

"Ask nicely." CJ giggled, teasingly keeping the ring out of reach.

"Please, CJ." Archer immediately gave in. "My head will be on a spike if anything happens to that ring."

CJ still smirked as she handed it back.

"You're insufferable." Archer sneered as he inspected the ring to make sure no harm had come to it.

"It's not my fault your reflexes aren't what they used to be."

"Har har." Archer breathed a sigh of relief after ensuring the ring still looked flawless. "And if you want a ring so badly, I'll buy you one."

CJ pulled up an eyebrow.

"You know I didn't mean it like that." Archer hastily replied. "A regular ring. Those exist too, you know?"

"I know." She smiled. "But it's still fun to see you blush."

"I would never joke about this though. You know that, right? I know how, ehm, it stresses you out and such." Archer tried to reassure her.

"I appreciate that." CJ acknowledged. "With all the wedding business, Mal's and Evie's, and with every-freaking-one knowing I saved you with true love's kiss, it's like everyone is expecting us to jump on the bandwagon."

"I take it you've been ignoring said rumors?"

"And resisting the urge to bonk everyone who asks me about it on the head." CJ went on, her tone growing slightly more exasperated. She huffed as she stuck her hands into her dress pockets.

"Don't worry." Archer muttered as he leaned in and hugged her around her hips. "The wedding season will be over soon enough and everyone will stop caring. They'll still bother us, but about other things."

CJ affectionately patted him on the head. "I've seen the way everyone, especially the press, has been falling over themselves to bother Ben and Mal… I heard they even broke into the school one time…"

"True."

"So, purely hypothetically…" CJ began, reaching a finger under Archer's chin to turn his head up towards her. "If we were to get engaged… Not any time soon by the way… What should I expect?"

Archer chuckled a little. "A bit of the same… Not as much, probably. I'm not the ruling monarch of Auradon. I have however been one of the favorite subjects of Auradonian gossip magazines for a few years now… So… People will be interested."

"Interested enough to try and break into our room?"

"Let's hope not. There's also always measures than can be undertaken in cases like that. But I won't let it come to that, promise."

"Again. Not any time soon!" CJ emphasized.

"Of course. Who do you take me for?" Archer answered in a sarcastic tone. He then started grinning before immediately going down on one knee.

"Archer…" CJ sighed in exasperation as Archer took out Mal's ring and held it up. "You just said you wouldn't joke about this..."

"That's what you get for snatching the ring..." He sneered before scraping his throat. "CJ Hook… Here in this dusty, messy room… Wearing an admittedly gorgeous dress that is still held together by pins at the moment… Will you make me the happiest man alive? Will you marry me?" Archer spoke in a deep, teasing voice.

CJ reached down and mockingly slapped Archer on the head. "I told a million times not to joke about that…"

"Come on, it's funny…" Archer shrugged, still kneeling. "Yes or no?"

CJ again rolled her eyes. Her cheeks had heated up slightly, and her heart had started beating a little faster as well. She knew Archer was joking, but seeing him like this still made her insides flutter. She decided to play along.

"Yes… Yes… A thousand times yes…" She said in an overly dramatic voice. The one all the actresses used in cheesy romcoms.

Archer started laughing as he put Mal's ring around CJ's finger. It was a little too big.

"Hmm, not really my color… Or my size…" CJ pondered as she held up her hand. "You gotta work on that…"

"When I do ask, I'll have everything planned out meticulously, trust me." Archer responded.

CJ noticed a blush creeping up on his cheeks as well. "When you ask? No 'if'?"

"Hey, I thought we said no joking on this matter?" Archer replied. "Now give me back the ring before you drop it or something."

As the two kept on bickering they failed to notice the sight of a small shape shooting the past the doorway or the sound of small, furry paws patting on the floor.

Dude the dog had been looking for his owner, only to stumble upon Archer and CJ and accidentally overhearing part of their conversation. Armed with what he believed to be groundbreaking news, he resumed his search for Carlos.

Carlos and Evie had joined Ben, Mal and Freddie in a common room, where they went over details such as flower arrangements and the like.

"Hey, buddy. I've been looking all over for you." Carlos greeted his dog as he approached the table they were huddling over.

"I know I'm a dog, but you can't leash me, Carlos." Dude answered in a sassy tone.

The others smirked in amusement.

"Are we planning another wedding?" Dude asked, standing with his paws on the table.

"Still the same one we've been planning since, well, before the war…" Ben sighed. "But we're finally getting there."

"I mean the other wedding…" Dude replied.

"Oh, Doug and I are not this far along in our preparations yet." Evie smiled.

"I mean the other, other wedding…"

"What other, other wedding?" Mal spoke up, frowning. "As far as I know, only two people in our group are getting married."

"What about Archer and CJ?" Dude inquired.

"What about them?" Ben asked.

"I just saw them together. Archer was on one knee in front of her. He was holding a ring." Dude spoke casually, like he was discussing the weather.

"What!?" Everyone at the table exclaimed.

"Dude, are you sure?" Carlos hastily asked.

Dude nodded his furry head. "Yes. She was wearing a red dress. He was on one knee. They were talking to each other and smiling a lot." He listed off.

The whole group looked at one another, everyone equally perplexed.

"Evie, Carlos… Didn't you just see them?" Mal asked.

Evie nodded feverishly. "Yes. I was fitting CJ for her dress… A-And then Archer and Carlos came in… A-And then we left…" She pointed at herself and Carlos. "B-But h-he didn't… H-He wouldn't…"

"This can't be real." Ben shook his head. "Archer would have told me… A-And I mean, they talked about this, right? They both agreed it was still way too early… Where would he have even gotten a ring?"

"Ooohhh…" Carlos suddenly exclaimed.

"What!?" Mal hastily asked.

"Well, I mean…" Carlos began, blushing brightly. "We did just come back from the city… We went to get your rings…" He gestured at Ben and Mal. "What if… I mean… Why not? If he 'did' actually want to propose…"

Everyone interchanged looks.

"Did CJ say yes?" Freddie then asked Dude.

"I didn't hear. Dog ears aren't tuned to voices that much." Dude muttered in between wagging his tail. "They were both smiling though. CJ and Archer. They looked happy."

"Oh my god…" Freddie groaned.

"We gotta talk to them." Mal immediately stated. "Right?"

"Yes." Ben agreed, immediately standing up.

The rest of the group followed. Ben walked out front, followed by Mal, Evie and Freddie. Carlos, his prosthetic thumping with every step, gestured for Dude to come with as well.

The group made their way through Auradon Prep in silence, safe for their panting and the rumbling of their hasty footsteps. The door to Evie's room was still open and they eventually burst through somewhat unceremoniously.

CJ and Archer were still inside, both with large smiles on their faces, which did nothing to ease the minds of those who had just stumbled in.

"Ehm… Hey guys…" Archer spoke, frowning slightly as he looked over the blushing, wide-eyed faces of his friends.

"Evie, can you get me out of this damn thing?" CJ complained, having turned slightly red since more people had now seen her in her dress.

"You…" Ben began, pointing a finger. "A-Are you… Are you…"

"Are we what?" Archer replied.

Mal, Evie and Freddie were all eagerly glancing at CJ's right hand, trying to catch a glimpse of the ring they were semi-expecting so see her wearing.

"You know…" Ben pondered, nudging his head. "I mean, you don't have to keep secrets from us, Archer. You know that, right? Dude just told us…" He gestured to Carlos's dog.

Archer and CJ both eyed Dude, who was happily wagging his tail.

"Told you what?" CJ asked. "We have no idea what you're talking about…"

No one said a word. CJ and Archer genuinely had no idea why their friends were acting so strange, while the group of people on the other side of the room were still unsure if they wanted to keep pursuing this subject. Freddie eventually broke the ice.

"Did you… A-Are you engaged?" She asked in a small voice.

"WHAT!?" Both CJ and Archer yelled out. CJ immediately turned bright red, while Archer chuckled slightly. "NO!"

"Dude said he saw you on one knee, holding a ring." Carlos pointed at Archer. "Just now…"

CJ and Archer still carried identical confused expressions, but then something seemed to dawn on them.

"Ooohhhhh…" They both exclaimed, before bursting into laughter.

"What?" Mal inquired. "What's so funny?"

"That… Oh my god… That was a joke…" Archer started explaining. "I just got back from getting your rings, and I showed them to CJ and then I jokingly proposed to her… It was a joke…"

"Oh my god!" Ben, Mal, Freddie, Evie and Carlos all breathed sighs of relief.

"Well, you fooled Dude…" Carlos patted his dog on the head.

"How should I have known?" Dude muttered, impatiently tapping his paws on the floor.

"So, just to be clear…" Ben sighed, calming down slightly. "You two are not engaged?"

"No." CJ and Archer replied in unison.

"I swear, I can't wait for all this wedding business to be over and done with." CJ scoffed, clearly exasperated. "If only to get everyone to shut up about rings and engagements… I thought I made it perfectly clear to each and every one in this room that there's not a hair on my head that's thinking about getting married yet." She pointed judgmentally at Evie and Freddie in particular.

"We know…" The two girls muttered, shuffling uncomfortably.

"And Ben…" Archer jumped in. "Did you honestly believe I would not let you know if I was considering something this momentous? Especially after you entrusted me with your intentions before you proposed to Mal?"

"I guess not…" Ben shook his head. "I'm sorry, Archer… You too, CJ… Sorry, we just got a little, ehm, carried away… We were surprised is all… But we should have just discussed everything calmly with you and not jumped to conclusions…"

"Well, by all accounts this is nowhere near the most frantic any of you have been." CJ playfully sneered. "Now, since this is all cleared up, can someone help me out of this freaking dress!?"

"Yes, of course." Evie immediately squealed, hastily making her way over to CJ.

"That's our cue to leave." Ben acknowledged, also patting Carlos on the shoulder.

"I'll join you. The wedding planning never stops." Archer chimed in. "See you later." He told CJ before following the guys out the door, closing it on his way out.

CJ breathed a sigh of relief as silence and calm again took over in the fitting room. Evie began working on the pins again, helping CJ to slide the dress off. Mal and Freddie somewhat awkwardly stood back.

CJ couldn't help but smirk. "We really freaked you guys out, huh?"

"Oh my god!" Freddie immediately fell out at her. "I'm still shaking… Genuinely, CJ… The thought of you getting married… I'm… I can't… I can't…"

Mal rolled her eyes. "I was skeptical from the get-go. If anything, I maybe thought you pulled this stunt purely to upstage me."

"That would have been hilarious." CJ snickered, finally stepping out of the dress and off the stool. "But honestly, Malsie, we're good. I get that all this is special to you, so trust me when I say I'm not planning on ruining anything…"

"That's very good to know, and thank you." Mal answered.

"But, honestly, CJ, you weren't freaked out when Archer fake-proposed to you?" Freddie interjected.

CJ started blushing slightly as she donned her regular clothes again. "Not really. He was just joking."

"Still…" Freddie shrugged. "I mean, you always tell me not to joke about your relationship. I know how much he means to you, CJ… You can always talk to me…"

"I know that. And I will, when there's something worth talking about." CJ replied in a somewhat snappy tone, signaling she was done discussing the subject.

Evie and Mal glanced at each other somewhat uneasily.

"Well…" Evie eventually began, eyeing the other girls as she put CJ's dress away. "Well, since you don't have any wedding plans, CJ, I guess we can focus on Mal again…"

"Joy…" Mal muttered as she sunk into one of Evie's seats.

Evie grabbed a nearby clipboard and started making notes. "So, Archer and Carlos got the rings and the name tags… That's great… CJ's dress is ready… Even better… M, are you sure you're happy with your look?"

"Yes, god, Evie… I swear, I can't spend another minute looking at dress alterations and jewelry…" Mal sighed.

"Just making sure." Evie shrugged, making another note. "Freddie?"

"Oh, I'm good." She answered. "Just point me where you want me."

Evie nodded. "Maybe you can help me match accessories… I got a lot of jewelry and tie pins and so on to partner with the suits and dresses that everyone ordered."

"Sure." Freddie instantly obliged.

Evie looked around some more. "Did Archer take the rings with him?"

"The wedding rings, you mean? I think so." CJ answered, also looking around.

"Darn. I hoped to get a look in, just to make sure it matches with Mal's other rings…" Evie muttered.

"Other rings? One's not enough?" CJ snickered.

"Well, there's Ben's signet ring…" Mal began, holding up her hand. "He gave that to me before the coronation, and again during cotilion. I don't think I'm ever taking that off again. Then there's the engagement ring… And now the wedding ring will join the club…"

"Don't forget your father's ring." Evie pointed out.

"Oh yeah…" Mal pondered.

"Wait, your father's ring?" CJ questioned. "I thought you didn't know who your father was…"

"I don't." Mal nodded, seemingly indifferent. "But I do have this ring…" She rummaged around in one of Evie's drawers and pulled out a large, silver ring decorated with a somewhat crude, blue stone. "Mom gave me a package on the day I turned 15 and the ring was inside it. She told me it was a present from my dad, without telling me who he was… It's the only thing I have of him… He never sent me a gift on any of my other birthdays, nor did he ever try to contact me…" She went on as she put the ring on.

"Typical parents…" Evie muttered from the other side of the room.

"I know, right? I sometimes tried to ambush her with questions about my dad, but she never said a single word about who he might be... I even asked some of the other villains, but I guess mom ordered them to stay quiet about it too... It's infuriating, but I've made my peace with it..." Mal muttered as she waved her hand around a little.

CJ's brow furrowed as she studied Mal's hand, the blue ring in particular. "Mal…" She began. "How long ago did you say you got that ring?"

"When I turned 15." Mal answered, frowning slightly. "Just over a year before I was allowed into Auradon. Why?"

CJ got closer, looking even more intently at the ring. "I-I just… I think I've seen this ring before…"

"Well, I wore it pretty often on the isle." Mal shrugged.

"No, I mean…" CJ went on, biting her lip. "Mal, this is gonna sound insane…"

"What?" Mal inquired. Evie and Freddie had also stopped what they were doing and were listening intently.

"I think I might know who your father is…" CJ spoke in a breathless tone.