𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐘𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄━︎━︎E. Grimhilde ✓︎

❝CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE❞

▌𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐲-𝐎𝐧𝐞 ━︎━︎ 𝐇𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 ▌

━︎━︎━︎━︎𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐒𝐍'𝐓 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆 before they made it to the Isle. Ilaria would be lying to herself if she said it didn't make her uneasy being back. As the four VK's and Ben walked up to greet the kids that would be coming with them along with other citizens, Ilaria leaned against the purple limo with tense shoulders, keeping her eyes aware. She didn't expect her mother to show up, but knowing that she was here and wanted out kept Ilaria alert.

Ilaria stood up straight, pulling open the back door as the Smead twins got in first with Carlos and Jay following, Jay making his way to the drivers seat. Next, Evie and Dizzy got in, not without Dizzy greeting Ilaria with an excited hug that made the redhead chuckle. Lastly, Dr. Facilier's daughter, Celia, entered the limo leaving Ben and Mal to stand there at her abruptness. Ilaria snickered at Ben's shocked face before climbing into the limo with Ben and Mal following.

Ilaria sat beside Evie, glancing at her as Evie expressed to Dizzy what they had to do once they arrived. "So as soon as we get to Auradon, you have to try ice cream."

Dizzy smiled wide. "And go swimming?"

"I can take you to the Enchanted Lake." Evie nodded. The two girls squealed and Ilaria chuckled quietly to herself.

"I can't believe I get to live with you in your very own castle." Dizzy exclaimed.

Evie looked at Ilaria, grabbing her hand. "Us. You get to live with us, in our castle." Ilaria met her eyes and couldn't help but smile, butterflies forming in her stomach. "Besides, it's just a little starter castle."

Dizzy met Ilaria's eyes, the smile never leaving her face. "You guys are so perfect for each other! Can you take me to Wonderland some day?"

Ilaria chuckled. "Maybe when you're older. Wonderland is a lot to handle if you didn't grow up around it." She glanced to the front window, watching as the barrier began to open as they approached. The limo smoothly went through and the barrier began closing again. Ilaria watched the waving people before suddenly they all screamed and scampered out of the way. Just before the barrier completely closed, Hades stuck his fist through, a blue stone in his hand.

"It's Hades!" Evie warned. "Stop the car, he's trying to escape."

The six teenagers quickly got out of the car, leaving the kids safely inside. Hades clawed at the barrier until his head was poking through it. "I am a god!" He yelled, blue hair coming alight with blue fire. "I don't belong here!" Instantly, Jay, Carlos, and Ben shot forwards and Hades was quick to hit them with a shot of magic, sending the three to the ground.

Ilaria snapped her head to the side, her eyes widening as purple smoke surrounded Mal before it disappeared and a giant purple dragon shot into the air. Mal flew towards Hades who was quick to react, shooting a constant stream of blue magic from the stone in his hand, hitting the dragon right in the chest. The dragon cried out and Ilaria felt panic wrap around her body. She glanced between Mal and Hades, the dragon continuing to let out loud screeches. Without thinking, she shot forwards. Evie yelled for her, watching with horror as Ilaria went straight for the barrier. Mal opened her mouth, sending a long breath of air towards Hades. He fought against the powerful wind and Ilaria ran up to him, sending a punch right towards Hades nose that sent him flying backwards, allowing the barrier to fully close.

Mal swayed as she went towards the ground, changing back to herself. Hades stared at Ilaria through the barrier, one hand clutching his nose. His eyes narrowed into a dangerous glare and she swallowed, quickly turning around and making her way back towards her friends. Mal placed a hand to her stomach, heavy breaths leaving her lips. Evie asked, "Are you okay?"

Mal shook her head. "No." She let out a soft gasp, her body weak. "He was draining all of my magic with the ember, and I felt all of my powers slipping away."

"You're safe," Evie softly assured. "He's back where he belongs."

"Yeah, for now." Mal whispered.

"We should go." Jay said. They all nodded their agreements before climbing into the limo, Jay quickly taking off across the golden bridge. Ilaria rubbed her hand that she used to punch Hades, glancing at her red knuckles.

Ben glanced at her. "Is your hand okay?"

Ilaria looked up. "Hmm? Oh. Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine." She looked at Mal. "I didn't know what else to do."

"It's okay." Mal nodded. "Nice punch."

"Thanks," Ilaria mumbled.

They arrived back at Auradon, the Dizzy and Celia coming to Evie's castle, the twins staying with Jay and Carlos. Ilaria stood in her and Evie's bathroom, rummaging through the cabinet before spotting what she needed. She grabbed Neosporin, hoping that it might ease the pain echoing through her knuckles. She'd hit him a lot harder than she originally intended, but she didn't regret it. Her phone vibrated in her pocket and she washed the excess of the medicine from her fingers before drying her hands and grabbing her phone.

From Benny: Meeting tomorrow, I want you there.

Ilaria softly sighed, stuffing the phone back into her pocket before exiting the room. Evie was laying on the bed, looking over at her and giving her a gentle smile which Ilaria attempted to return. She laid down beside Evie, a soft sigh falling from her lips. Evie frowned. "What is it?"

"Ben says there's a meeting I have to go to tomorrow."

Evie chuckled. "Well, what did you expect when taking the role of the King's right hand?"

"I expected to be his advisor, telling him that something is either a good idea or a bad idea. And paperwork. I expected paperwork. I don't want to sit through boring meetings." Ilaria muttered.

Amusement danced in her eyes. "You're going to do amazing, Ria. This will be your first official day. I think you're going to like it a lot more than you think you are."

"Maybe." Ilaria chewed on her lip, her nerves getting the best of her. She forced herself to push the thoughts aside, focusing her attention on her girlfriend. "How did the girls settle in?"

"Good." Evie nodded. "They're in their rooms resting."

Ilaria hummed. "Good. That's good. Today has been. . . interesting. I think I'm going to go to sleep, prepare myself for tomorrow."

"Sounds like a good idea." Evie smiled at her before pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "Goodnight, Ria."

"Goodnight, Evie."