Erendil strolled confidently alongside Ben, his presence a solid reassurance as they moved through the hallowed halls of Auradon Prep. The air was alive with the anticipation of new students arriving—a fresh beginning that Ben had been somewhat anxious about, especially after his recent spell of feeling under the weather. Now fully revitalized, Ben exuded a quiet strength, yet his voice carried a hint of concern as he turned towards Erendil.

"But you don't really need to be here," Ben remarked, eyeing the book Erendil cradled casually in his arm, its cover worn from much use.

Erendil, with a knowing smile, glanced at Ben through the soft fringe of his tousled dark hair. His green eyes sparkled with mischief as he lightly bumped his shoulder against Ben's, an easy gesture of camaraderie. "Mate, I'm here for you," he said, his voice low and reassuring. He adjusted his grip on the book, the symbol of his scholarly pursuits, and continued, "And I'm here because I want to be."

He paused, a slight grin curving his lips as he added, "Besides, you were the one who asked the Fairy Godmother to make sure I was here, remember? We wouldn't want Audrey trying to stir up trouble again." His tone was playful yet firm, underscored by a serious note that acknowledged their shared past challenges.


Ben sighed and nodded in agreement as they approached the back courtyard where they were to welcome the new students. A band was already set up there, filling the space with the hum of instruments tuning. Audrey was also present, no doubt positioning herself to be at the center of attention as usual. The Fairy Godmother stood nearby, a beacon of kindness and authority.

"Ah, gentlemen, welcome!" she greeted with a radiant smile, her voice carrying a warm, inviting tone that seemed to momentarily brighten the entire area.

The princes nodded courteously toward the school's rector, a figure of considerable respect and responsibility. "Miss," Erendil said, his voice polite and clear, acknowledging her presence with a respectful dip of his head. The scene was set against the backdrop of the lush, well-kept gardens of the courtyard, the anticipation of new beginnings palpable in the air as they prepared to usher in a new era at Auradon Prep.
"Are you looking forward to welcoming the new recruits?" she asked with an encouraging smile, and Erendil nodded enthusiastically, followed by Ben who also expressed his agreement. "Yes, it will be good for Auradon," Ben said with conviction that mirrored his hopes for the school's future.

Audrey scoffed dismissively, clearly irritated by the optimism hanging in the air. "Good for Auradon? That's the dumbest thing I've heard all day, Ben. You actually think they can do something good for us? They're villains, for heaven's sake!" Her voice was sharp and critical, and she rolled her eyes in obvious disapproval.

The atmosphere noticeably shifted with Audrey's words, casting a shadow over the otherwise positive gathering. Erendil and Ben exchanged a look, a silent communication to maintain calm and focus on the bigger picture for the Auradon community.

"If you're going to act like this, you can just leave," Erendil hissed sharply, his words slicing through the tension in the air as he glared down at Audrey, the instigator who had dared to harm his prince—his best friend. There was a fierce protectiveness in his gaze, a fiery resolve that would not tolerate any further disruption.

This wasn't merely some fever dream that Ben had suffered; it was a real, palpable attack. In the aftermath, Erendil had felt a chilling wave of dark magic coursing through the castle's ancient walls, confirming his worst suspicions about Audrey's malevolent path.

He wasn't here to save her; he was here to shield Ben and Auradon from her dark ambitions. If that meant cutting her off from their circle, freezing her out of their strategic meetings, then he was more than ready to stand guard. His loyalty to Ben was unshakeable, his determination as solid as the stone walls around them. Audrey had crossed a line, and Erendil was the barrier she would not pass again.

"The folks, please stop. This is not how we present ourselves to the new students," the Fairy Godmother intervened, moving between Erendil and Audrey, who reluctantly stepped aside. "Let's just calm down and welcome our new friends," she continued, her voice a soothing balm in the heated atmosphere.

Turning to Audrey, she added, "And it doesn't matter that they are villains; they are young just like you and deserve a chance to prove themselves at school." Her words were firm, aimed at fostering understanding and compassion.

Just then, a black limousine rolled up the drive, and all eyes turned towards it. Erendil straightened up as four young individuals stepped out, each dressed distinctively. Two of the boys were already in a tussle over a scarf. "You have everything else, why do you want this?" one challenged.

"Because you want it!" retorted the boy with long hair dyed red and blue, as he knocked the smaller boy with white hair and black roots to the ground, pinning him down with his foot. Amid their skirmish, they failed to notice the group of students watching them, who began to back away, unsettled by the display, and the band's music faltered.

Erendil sighed deeply, a weight settling on his shoulders. These new arrivals were going to be a handful.

As the confrontation subsided, the girl with the purple hair caught Erendil's gaze, and hissing from the side of her mouth, she noted, "We have an audience." Quickly, she plastered on a fake smile and struck a charming pose. The other girl mirrored her actions.

Erendil narrowed his eyes at them. They faltered under his scrutiny but remained silent.Jay, if Erendil remembered correctly, flashed a grin at the onlookers and quipped, "Just cleaning up here." He helped Carlos to his feet.

The Fairy Godmother addressed Jay, her tone light but firm, "Leave it as you found it!" She smiled. "And by that, I mean just leave it alone." Her eyes twinkled with a pointed warning.Erendil exchanged a glance with Ben, tilting his head slightly as Jay's eyes flicked towards him. Taking the hint, Jay did as he was told, tossing his loot back into the limousine.

Erendil nodded sharply as their eyes met again.

As Jay approached Audrey with a cocky smile, he said, "Hey, sexy. My name's Jay."

Audrey laughed then abruptly stopped. Erendil sighed as Jay's gaze drifted towards him. "Hey, I'm not really against guys," he said. Erendil offered a brief smile in response.

"Not me either, but not now," he retorted.

Stepping aside, the Fairy Godmother approached with a smile as wide as ever. "I am the Fairy Godmother. Headmistress," she introduced herself with a graceful bow.

"The Fairy Godmother?" Mal inquired.

She nodded affirmatively.

"Like in 'Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo'?" asked the one called Mal, pretending to wave a magic wand."Bibbidi-Bobbidi-you-know-it!" the Fairy Godmother exclaimed, her voice bubbling with mirth. Erendil rolled his eyes. This man was too gullible for his own good.

He could almost smell the VKs' overt interest in him and the magic wand that their leader once possessed.

Mal gave the Fairy Godmother a particularly exaggerated good-girl smile. "Yeah, I always wondered what it felt like for Cinderella when you just...appeared out of nowhere! With that sparkling wand and warm smile...and that sparkling wand." She ended with a broad, cheesy grin plastered across her face.

Erendil snorted at Mal's theatrics, and she shot him a look, mischief dancing in her pale green eyes—paler than Erendil's but undoubtedly just as formidable when fully ignited. "What, isn't that what happened?" she whispered to him, a playful challenge in her tone.

"It did," he responded with a nod, confirming the fairy tale encounter as he stepped back to Ben's side, choosing to say no more about the unfolding scene.

"That was a long time ago," the Fairy Godmother interjected with a wise nod. "And as I always say, don't focus on the past or you'll miss the future!" Her smile was warm and inviting. "Wherever you wind up!"

Just then, a handsome young man stepped forward, his presence marked by a neatly tailored navy suit jacket emblazoned with the Auradon Prep crest, a hankie tucked into the breast pocket, and a pastel plaid tie completing the look. "It's so good to finally meet you all," he said, clasping his hands together. "I'm Ben."

"Prince Benjamin," the girl beside him piped up, her voice tinged with excitement. "Soon to be king!" she squealed.

Erendil rolled his eyes discreetly. Though they might not have officially broken up, he couldn't help but feel irritated by how Audrey clung to Ben's side like a leech, her intentions as transparent as glass. The dynamics within the group were shifting, and Erendil braced himself for whatever challenges this new chapter at Auradon Prep would bring.As the introductory festivities continued, Erendil found himself only mildly engaged. The initial excitement gave way to routine pleasantries, which didn't particularly pique his interest. The girls engaged in a bit of a laughing match, filling the air with fleeting giggles and light-hearted banter. Yet, none of this truly captured Erendil's attention; his mind was elsewhere, perhaps pondering the deeper implications of the new arrivals or his own place among them.

It wasn't until it was time to tour the new VKs around the school that Erendil found a purpose to refocus. "Come on this way," he said, his voice carrying a new note of authority and intrigue. He gestured broadly towards the sprawling campus of Auradon Prep, ready to lead the group through its historic halls and vibrant courtyards, each step echoing with the promise of new beginnings and old secrets waiting to be discovered.