"Good news," Ben announced while closing the door behind him.

"You broke up with Audrey?" Aziz guessed hopefully, looking up from his homework on his bed.

Of course, the future king rolled his eyes, having heard that so many times in the past few days. "I told you can't, I can't break up with her until the 'mystery girl' comes to Auradon."

"One day you're going to say, 'good news' and it will be you breaking up," Aziz insisted hotly. "Especially because that bitch is cheating on you! Remember? I got hold of dumbass's phone. It showed them texting where they should meet up to 'hang out' behind your back."

Ben clenched his jaw, but not at his friend's words. "How could I forget? You and Chad got into another fight, ending with me getting punched when I tried breaking it up. I am playing 'clueless' until my Mal shows up. And at least try to keep your language under control. Fairy Godmother threatened suspension if she heard you talking like that again."

Aziz perked up. "'Mal'?" he repeated calmly, despite the temper fit moments ago. "That's her name?"

"That's part of the good news," Ben agreed, sitting at the foot of his bed.

Opening the folder in his hand, Ben rummaged through the files. "I sent Professor Yen Sid a letter for his recommendation on four transfer students," he explained before handing over a paper to Aziz. "Here's your Isle thief."

Cautiously, Aziz took the file, finding himself transfixed by the picture. The guy had a tan, muscular build, long brown hair like Aziz wanted, bright chocolate eyes, and a smile that could make anyone swoon. "'Jay'?" Aziz read curiously. "And you think he's gay?"

"According to the professor, there was an incident where he announced it." Ben raised a cautious eyebrow, warning, "He is the son of Jafar."

"I can live with that," Aziz insisted, forcing his gaze to the prince. "And the other three?"

"Here's Evie." Ben handed over information about the second transfer. "She's the daughter of the Evil Queen, making her a princess. Unlike my Mal's natural hair, Evie dyes her hair blue because her mother believes blue is a 'beautiful' color unlike her natural raven hair."

"Audrey's not going to like another princess at Auradon Prep," Aziz warned as he read the princess's information.

"She'll have to get over it," Ben stubbornly insisted. "Evie has been castle-schooled most of her life, so the only friends she has are the ones she made a couple weeks ago: Jay, Mal, and Carlos. Speaking of Carlos . . ."

The prince trailed off to pass off another file. "He is the son of Cruella," he informed. "He is a smart yet nervous kid. Yen Sid believes he doesn't belong on the island because of how frightened he is, which was caused by his mother at a young age. He fears everything and does as he is told because he fears the repercussions. We need to do something to help him."

"How about letting him take care of Dude?" Aziz suggested helpfully. "Dude can help Carlos with his fear of dogs and other problems. We'll tell Carlos that Dude is the campus mutt instead of the campus therapy dog."

After finishing the villain kid's background, Aziz set the paper carefully with the others before gazing at his friend expectantly. "Alright. Where is hers? Where is 'your Mal'?"

Trying not to smile, Ben held up the 'mystery' girl's information, keeping it for himself. "She is the daughter of Maleficent," he revealed slowly. "She turned sixteen about a month ago—"

"And looks exactly as you described her," Aziz claimed, knowing his friend was beating around the bush. "Did you ask the professor about her having a kid? Or if her father is indeed Hades like you believe?"

"The professor avoided the first question altogether," Ben summarized. "As for Mal's father being Hades, Yen Sid claimed he had no knowledge if that was true and didn't want to get into her personal life."

Aziz raised an inquisitive brow. "Yet he told you about Jay announcing he was gay, Carlos's anxiety issues because of his mother, and Evie dying her hair to please her mother."

"I didn't want to push the professor too far." Ben shrugged nonchalantly. "It doesn't matter. I'll try figuring out answers when they arrive next week."

" 'Next week'?" Aziz repeated, a scheming smile appearing on his lips. "Need someone to help give tours? I wouldn't mind giving Jay a private one in our room."

"Of course, you wouldn't." Ben rolled his eyes teasingly. "But I think it's best that he and Mal tour together, considering . . . you know."

Aziz nodded in understanding. "Tread lightly," he advised. "If what happened in your dream truly happened to Mal, then she may not be open to any relationship or physical contact. I wouldn't if I was raped."