Upon her father's insistence, Mal spent more time with her friends. For the past month, she spent a couple hours after school causing mischief with Jay, Evie, and Carlos. On the weekends, Mal stayed home with her little girl to teach her new words, help her walk, things a mother should do. It took only a few minutes for Mallory to finally say 'Momma', but nearly a week to say her best version of 'Jay-Jay'.

One Monday afternoon, Mal helped her friends cause a little mischief until a menacing shadow loomed in their path. The merchants scampered away into their shops to hide. Which meant. . .

Twirling on her heels, Mal bravely faced the shadow. "Hello, Mother," Mal greeted "Do you need something?"

Maleficent, carrying her infamous scepter, narrowed her eyes slightly at her daughter. "There is news," Maleficent announced, gazing at the group. "The prince has been working on a proclamation to allow students of the Isle to attend Auradon Prep. He has chosen . . ." Maleficent gestured dramatically to the children. "All of you."

Mal gawked at her mother. She couldn't believe it was happening. She really was going to Auradon. She would have too—

"We'll talk at my castle," Maleficent claimed, eying the scared bystanders. "There's something you will do in Auradon, besides attending school."

"You will go," Maleficent commanded once in privacy of her home, "to steal Fairy Godmother's wand, so I can remove the barrier."

While Evie and Carlos gazed each other, Jay kept his focus on Mal, who didn't take the news well. Her body tensed, knowing the dream was coming true. "What's in it for us?" Mal interrogated through a clenched jaw. "And what are you gonna do with it after the barrier is gone?"

Maleficent observed her daughter cautiously. "Something for your benefit, Baby Girl," she insisted forcefully. "I won't say more until I have the wand. You will do as I say, no matter what your father tells you."

"My benefit?" Mal repeated, snarling her nose in confusion. "What—"

Maleficent snapped, cutting off Mal's question. The two stared at each other, gazes locked as their matching eyes glowed. It was a test of power used when they had a disagreement.

Maleficent always won.

Mal tore away her gaze. "Whatever," she huffed. "Let me go tell Dad 'bye'. My stuff is at his place anyways."

"Alright," Maleficent relented. "But you are not allowed to tell anyone in Auradon about him. Before you go . . ."

The evil fairy trailed off, revealing a brown leather covered book featuring a gold embossed dragon. "My spell book," Maleficent announced. "It helped me in my time of need. And now, it will help you. . ." She handed the book to Mal, who was genuinely mystified. This was the first gift her mother ever gave her, and something so personal too.

"I should have given it to you sooner," Maleficent mused softly. "Don't take too long with your father, Baby Girl. I'll be waiting."

Mal ran all the way to her father's home with Jay trying to keep up. Once they arrived, Mal told her father the transpiring event.

"Why not take Mallory?" Jay suggested while watching the mother pack with the toddler on her hip. "The Auradonians—"

"Can use her to punish me if our plan fails," Mal assumed, careful to not disturb her daughter. "They could take Mallory and give her to some family that would hate her for being the granddaughter of Maleficent and Hades."

"You don't know that," Jay argued.

"And you don't know either," Mal retorted, zipping the bag with one hand. "The best option is leaving Mallory with Dad. Once we take down the barrier, I'll be with Mallory again."

"I'll take good care of her," Hades promised softly. "I'll keep you updated on Mallory every day while you're gone."

"It won't be long," Mal promised.

With the dreadful task complete, the mother turned her daughter, so they were face to face. "I love you, Mallory," Mal cooed, so torn on leaving her behind. "I promise, I will be back for you. We won't be apart long."

Sensing her mother's sadness, Mallory kissed her mother's forehead, like Mal has done to her before. Hades had done the same to Mal before and claimed a forehead kiss meant protection, love, and no harm would ever come to them—

Making Mal more determined to steal the wand.

Her baby girl's life depended on it.

Mal and Jay made it back just in time to see villagers crowded around a stretched limo. The best-friends managed to catch Carlos and Evie as they walked outside. The chauffeur reluctantly took the teenager's luggage, carelessly tossing them into the trunk.

Before climbing inside, Mal gazed up at the balcony, hoping her mother would change her mind. Instead, Maleficent watched with a certain gleam in eyes; a single tear dripping down her cheek.

Why was her mother crying? Was that look . . . sympathy?

Sighing softly at such a ridiculous idea, Mal grudgingly entered the vehicle—

Silently praying she would reunite with her daughter soon.

While her friends trashed the limo, Mal gazed out the window. Maybe she should have brought Mallory . . .

No.

This was the best option to keep Mallory safe. If things go wrong, Mal could use her daughter as a reason for a lesser punishment . . .

"Mal," Jay called, successfully getting her attention. "We will be back."

Mal sighed to release her anguish. "I hope it's soon."