Evie’s POV

The soft hum of the limousine’s engine was a sharp contrast to the storm brewing inside me. I sat stiffly in the backseat, staring out at the dark water of the bridge that separated Auradon from the Isle. A place I’d sworn to leave behind forever—until now.

Jay was in the driver’s seat, his confident grin reflecting in the rearview mirror. “You sure you trust me with this, E?” he teased, his hands casually draped over the wheel.

“Not even a little,” I shot back, my voice clipped but not entirely without humor. “You’re lucky this isn’t a stick shift.”

Carlos snickered beside me, fiddling with Dude’s leash. “Relax, Evie. It’s Jay. If he can drive the getaway carts on the Isle, he can handle a limo.”

“Exactly!” Jay said with a dramatic flourish. “Driving this is child’s play.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop the corners of my mouth from twitching upward.

Beside me, Ben was practically bouncing in his seat. His gaze darted from the plush interior to the passing scenery outside. “This is incredible,” he said for the fifth time in as many minutes. “I’ve never crossed the bridge before. Do you think the Isle is really as bad as everyone says?”

Jay barked a laugh. “Worse.”

Carlos nodded solemnly. “Picture every bad story you’ve heard, and then imagine it’s even grungier.”

Ben frowned. “But… there are good people there, right? People who deserve a second chance?”

“There are,” I said softly, my heart twisting. “But you won’t find them handing out cookies and hugs, Ben. The Isle doesn’t work like that. Everyone’s out for themselves. And if they smell weakness…”

Jay cut me off with a sharp laugh. “You’re done for. Trust me, King Benny, you’ll need to toughen up real quick if you want to survive out there.”

Ben sat back, looking thoughtful. “So, what do I do? How do I blend in?”

“Oh, honey,” I said, shaking my head. “You’re about as Isle as a rainbow in a thunderstorm.”

Carlos chimed in. “Rule one: stop smiling so much. You look way too approachable.”

Ben frowned. “What’s wrong with smiling?”

“Everything,” Jay and Carlos said in unison, earning a laugh from Dude, who barked in agreement.

“And lose the royal posture,” I added. “No one on the Isle stands that straight unless they’re about to stab someone in the back.”

Ben slumped in his seat, exaggerating his movements. “Like this?”

“Better,” Jay admitted, glancing back at him. “But you’re still too clean. Got any mud to roll in?”

Ben’s expression turned horrified. “What? No!”

Jay smirked. “Relax, your majesty. Just don’t look so… shiny.”

“And no big words,” Carlos threw in. “People will think you’re trying to scam them.”

“Basically,” I said, leaning forward, “you need to act like you’ve got nothing to lose. No one messes with someone who looks like they’ve already hit rock bottom.”

Ben nodded slowly, determination creeping into his expression. “Got it. No smiling, no big words, no shiny posture.”

Jay grinned. “Now you’re getting it.”

The Isle came into view as we descended the bridge, its looming shadows swallowing the faint sunlight. My chest tightened as the familiar smell of saltwater and garbage hit me. It was like stepping back into a nightmare I’d barely escaped.

“Home sweet home,” Jay muttered under his breath.

The limo jerked to a stop as Jay pulled up to the dock, the engine sputtering slightly. “Okay, everyone out,” he said, hopping out of the driver’s seat. “Ben, try not to look like a tourist.”

We climbed out, the grimy streets stretching before us like a trap waiting to spring. I adjusted the scarf I’d wrapped around my head to blend in better, shooting Ben a warning look. “Remember what we said.”

“Got it,” Ben whispered, his voice low and serious. He shoved his hands into his pockets, slouching slightly. It wasn’t perfect, but it was better than nothing.

As we moved through the alleys, the air grew thicker with the stench of decay and desperation. Shouts and laughter echoed from nearby buildings, the kind that made your skin crawl. I glanced at Carlos, who was gripping Dude’s leash tightly, his face pale but set.

“Stick close,” I whispered. “And keep your heads down.”

Ben tried his best, but his curiosity got the better of him. “What’s that?” he whispered, pointing to a stall selling what looked like questionable potions.

“Don’t ask,” Jay said sharply, pulling him along. “And definitely don’t touch.”

We were halfway through the market when it happened. Ben, distracted by a cart filled with shiny trinkets, accidentally bumped into someone.

“Watch it!” the girl snapped, spinning around. Her piercing green eyes locked onto us, and my heart sank. Celeste de Vil.

“Well, well,” she drawled, a wicked smile spreading across her face. “If it isn’t Auradon’s finest. And the royal boy himself.” She tilted her head, her black-and-white curls bouncing. “What brings you to our humble little trash heap?”

Ben stiffened, clearly unsure how to respond. I stepped forward, my voice icy. “We’re just passing through, Celeste. Stay out of our way.”

“Oh, Evie,” she purred, her tone mocking. “Still playing the good girl, I see. How’s that working out for you?”

Jay stepped up beside me, his stance tense. “Back off, Celeste. We’re not here for trouble.”

“Trouble?” she repeated, feigning innocence. “Why would I cause trouble? You’re the ones trespassing.” Her gaze slid to Ben, her grin widening. “Though I have to admit, it’s not every day we get royalty on the Isle. Daddy’s looking for a new throne, King Ben?”

Ben opened his mouth, but I quickly cut him off. “Let’s go.”

Celeste’s laughter followed us as we hurried away, her voice sharp and taunting. “Don’t worry, I’ll let everyone know you’re back. I’m sure they’ll be thrilled!”

We turned a corner, finally out of sight. Ben let out a shaky breath, his face pale. “Who was that?”

“Trouble,” I said shortly. “And if she spreads the word, we’ll have the whole Isle on our backs.”

Jay muttered a curse under his breath. “We need to move fast.”

Carlos nodded, his grip on Dude tightening. “And stay out of sight.”

Ben glanced at me, his eyes filled with concern. “Are we going to be okay?”

I forced a smile, though my stomach was in knots. “We’ll be fine. Just stick to the plan.”

Get McKenna and go home

But as we continued through the alleys, the shadows felt darker, and the air heavier. The Isle was a beast that thrived on chaos, and we’d just walked straight into its lair.