Xavier’s POV

The energy from my spirit necklace thrummed against my chest, responding to my emotions. The storm clouds thickened above, and the waves grew restless. It was time to make a move.

Zach smirked as he hopped onto the railing of the Jolly Devil, balancing effortlessly with a dagger twirling between his fingers. “You called?”

I didn’t look at him, my focus still on Ben. “Round up the crew. It’s about to go down.”

A slow, wicked grin spread across Zach’s face. “Oh, now you’re speaking my language.” He gave a sharp whistle, and from below deck, the ship came alive. Pirates emerged, weapons drawn, their boots thudding against the wooden planks. Vitani let out a guttural growl, her lionesses creeping up behind her like shadows.

Ben swallowed, shifting slightly against the ropes. His eyes flickered toward the dock, where a familiar figure appeared.

McKenna.

She stepped onto the ship with measured steps, her blue-and-gold Auradon Prep uniform looking out of place against the darkened, stormy backdrop. In her hands was the wand—the Fairy Godmother’s wand.

My jaw clenched. She actually had it.

The crew fell silent, all eyes on her. Zach let out a low whistle. “Well, well, the princess actually pulled through.”

Ben’s eyes locked on hers. “McKenna—”

“I’m here for Ben,” she cut in, voice steady. “Let him go, and you get the wand.”

I took a slow step forward, eyeing her carefully. There was something in her stance, something hesitant, something off.

“You sure about this?” I asked, tilting my head. “Handing over Auradon’s most powerful weapon… for him?”

McKenna’s fingers tightened around the wand. “A deal’s a deal.”

I smirked. “Alright then.” I turned to Zach. “Untie the king.”

Zach made a face but did as I said, sawing through the ropes with his dagger. Ben flexed his wrists the moment he was free but didn’t move from his spot. His gaze stayed on McKenna, like he was trying to read her thoughts.

I reached out for the wand, but as soon as my fingers brushed against it, I felt it—something was wrong.

Too light.

No hum of magic.

No power surging through me.

I froze. My eyes snapped to McKenna’s.

“You think I’m stupid?” I murmured, stepping closer.

McKenna didn’t move. Didn’t blink.

I gripped the wand tighter, then snapped it in half.

A crack echoed through the air.

A moment of silence.

Then chaos.

“FAKE WAND!” I roared.

Vitani lunged first, swiping at McKenna with her claws. McKenna dodged, unsheathing her sword. Zach went for Ben, but Lonnie intercepted, her blade clashing against his dagger. The crew erupted into motion, swords clashing, feet stomping, battle cries ringing through the air.

I barely had time to react before McKenna came at me.

Our blades met with a sharp clang, sparks flying from the force.

“You really thought you could fool me?” I growled, pushing against her sword.

McKenna grit her teeth. “I had to try.”

I twisted, knocking her sword from her grip. She stumbled back, but before I could press my advantage, Ben tackled me from the side, sending us both crashing into a pile of crates.

“GO!” Ben shouted at McKenna.

McKenna hesitated, eyes flicking between me and the others.

“McKenna!” Mal yelled.

Her jaw tightened—then she turned and ran.

I snarled, shoving Ben off me just in time to see Mal, Evie, Carlos, Jay, and Lonnie fighting their way toward the docks. They were retreating. Escaping.

Not on my watch.

I whistled sharply. “Don’t let them reach the limo!”

Pirates rushed after them, but Jay was fast, kicking off barrels and using the ship’s rigging to propel himself forward. Mal blasted a group of them back with a smoke bombs. Carlos and Evie fought side by side, covering McKenna and Ben as they sprinted toward the dock.

I raced after them, my sword cutting through the air as I closed in on McKenna. “You’re not leaving.”

She spun, barely blocking my strike. “I have to.”

“I won’t let you.”

Her brown eyes burned with emotion. “Then stop me.”

I hesitated—for one second. And that was all she needed.

She twisted away, kicking me back before turning and bolting for the limo.

I recovered just in time to see them pile in.

Jay slammed the door shut. “DRIVE!”

The limo screeched forward.

I cursed, sprinting after it as it sped toward the bridge. The moment they crossed, the barrier would seal. They’d be safe.

No.

I would not be left behind.

Summoning every ounce of strength, I pushed myself harder, faster—feet pounding against the dock, lungs burning.

The limo hit the bridge.

I leapt.

For a split second, I was weightless.

Then—impact.

I slammed against the back of the limo, barely gripping the edge as it skidded across the bridge. The barrier was closing.

I would make it.

McKenna turned, eyes widening as she saw me hanging on. “xavier—”

The limo jerked violently, and I lost my grip.

For a moment, I thought I was done for.

But I hit the roof, rolling, barely managing to grab the door handle.

And then—

The limo burst through the barrier.

The golden energy crackled around us as it sealed shut.

I lay there, panting, heart hammering.

I had made it.

I was in Auradon.

The limo screeched to a stop. The doors flew open, and Mal, Jay, Evie, Carlos, Ben, Lonnie, and McKenna jumped out.

I rolled off the roof, landing in a crouch.

McKenna took a step forward, hesitant. “Xavier…”

I slowly rose, glancing around. Guards were already swarming, weapons drawn.

I smirked, brushing dust off my jacket.

“Well,” I said, cracking my knuckles. “This just got interesting.”