Balance

Chapter 22- Asleep and Stone

"They're asleep," I breathed. "Everyone."

"I can't get Ben," Mal announced.

"Or Dizzy or Doug," Evie added.

"Or Jane," Carlos said. "The signal's out."

"Is that Auradon Prep?" Celia asked.

"Yeah. And when everyone wakes up, you're going to love it," I said, smiling.

"(Y/n)? (Y/n)?!"

"Annie!" I exclaimed when she came into view.

She ran over and jumped on me, hugging me tightly. I held her, making sure she didn't fall. She was becoming like a little sister to me.

"Think I'm scared of you, Jay?"

"Be scared of him because he can easily control this," I snapped, scaring Annie slightly.

Jay stomped over to me and kissed my cheek innocently. Annie giggled.

"Guys!" Evie called. "Hannah's turned to stone."

"Alright, everybody, stay on your toes," Jay advised.

"Look, since we're here, let's check the school," Uma decided.

"No." Mal shook her head. "Audrey went straight for the crown, so I think it's safe to assume that's going to go for Ben and his castle next? That's where we'll go."

"Says who?" Uma questioned.

"Says me," Mal snapped.

"Says you, and that's supposed to mean something to me?"

"Guys," Evie and I breathed.

"To the castle."

~~~

Mal called out Ben's name as we walked down the hallway. Dude was leading the way. I was searching for any sign of magic, but to no avail.

"Ben could be asleep anywhere," Mal said, her eyes shining with worry.

"Or turned to sto-" Evie quickly covered her mouth.

"Ben!" Mal shouted.

"I got his scent. Very pungent cologne. Easy to track. Follow me, people," Dude explained.

"That's great, Dude," Jay said, his hand lingering on my back.

"FYI, I give great cuddles too," Dude added.

"Really? I never had a pet growing up. Well, except for the elk head in Dad's man cave, but that's-"

"Hold up!" Uma stopped us. "What's this?"

A picture frame was shredded and cut in half. My eyes widened. Green magic glowed around the frame in my vision.

"Audrey..." I breathed.

"And follow me!"