Return to the Isle of the Lost (Descendants 2)

“Home safe,” said Ben. He thanked Mal, Jay, Carlos, and Evie for all their help, but he had to go back and meet with his councillors to update them on everything that happened.

“See you in a bit,” he said, giving Mal’s arm a squeeze.

“Not if I see you first,” said Mal, returning his smile.

Ben headed over to Beast Castle as they made their way back to the residence halls. It was almost impossible to believe they had been gone for less than a day, and the weekend wasn’t even over yet. It felt like they’d been in the Catacombs of Doom for a lifetime.

“Well,” said Carlos. “I guess that’s it for now.”

“Not quite,” said Mal. “We still need to figure out how we’re supposed to get rid of these talismans.”

Jay nodded. “Tomorrow.”

“I need a nap.” Evie yawned.

As they strolled back to the residence halls, they saw Audrey and Chad having a picnic under a tree while Jordan and Jane lounged on towels nearby. The Auradon kids waved when they saw them, and they stopped to say hello.

“Hey, Jay,” said Chad. “Sorry about…um…what happened with your eye the other day. And good game yesterday.”

“No worries, man,” said Jay. The two shook hands and Mal was just a tiny bit disappointed that Jay didn’t jump at the opportunity to steal Chad’s rather shiny wristwatch.

“Are you feeling better?” Jane asked Carlos worriedly. “You looked so sick at the dance last night.”

“Much better,” said Carlos, blushing. “Thanks.”

“Oh, Jordan,” said Jay. “About what happened in your lamp the other day, with the limousine keys. Sorry about that. I returned them to Ben, though.”

“It’s all right,” said Jordan. “I figured you must have needed them badly enough if you had to wish for them.”

“See you guys later,” said Mal. Evie looked like she was going to fall asleep standing up, and gave a limp wave with her fingers.

“I’m going to stay a bit,” said Carlos, taking a seat on a towel next to Jane.

“Me too,” said Jay, who was already lounging next to Jordan’s towel.

Mal and Evie exchanged meaningful smiles, but didn’t tease the boys. They’d save that for later. When they arrived in their room, both of them collapsed on their beds and slept until the alarm woke them up for school the next morning.

Before Mal headed to her classes, she had one more thing to do. She skipped breakfast and went straight to the room at the back of the library. The guards at the door didn’t recognize her, and there were a lot more of them this time.

“I need to get in there to see my mother!” she demanded.

“Sorry, King Ben said absolutely no visitors.”

“But I will make an exception this time,” said Ben, who had heard the ruckus and walked over to see what was happening.

“You’re up early,” said Mal.

“Tourney practice. Playoffs are next week,” said Ben. “What’s up? You wanted to see your mom?”

“Yeah,” said Mal.

“Let her through,” said Ben.

The two of them went inside, and Mal couldn’t help running ahead. She skidded to a stop in front of the domed pedestal.

Maleficent was missing.

The lizard was gone.