McKenna pov

The moment Xavier smirked, I knew we were in trouble.

Guards surrounded the limo, their swords drawn, but Xavier didn’t look the least bit intimidated. If anything, he looked… amused.

"You're outnumbered," I told him, stepping forward, gripping my sword tighter. "This is over, Xavier. Surrender now."

His eyes flickered to mine, something dark and unreadable swirling in them. "Oh, McKenna," he murmured, tilting his head. "You know me better than that."

Then he moved.

Faster than I expected, faster than any normal human should be able to. He lunged, his sword clashing against mine, sending a jolt of force up my arm. I barely managed to parry before he twisted, knocking me off balance.

I stumbled back, gritting my teeth as I steadied myself.

Guards rushed forward, but with a flick of his wrist, Xavier sent a blast of dark energy through the air, knocking them to the ground. The magic pulsed from his spirit necklace, feeding off the chaos.

"He's using the necklace!" Evie shouted, stepping beside me. "We need to get it off him!"

Easier said than done.

Xavier came at me again, his strikes relentless. I blocked, dodged, countered—but he was stronger, faster, fueled by something unnatural.

"You shouldn’t have left the Isle, Xavier," I ground out, ducking under a slash.

"And you shouldn’t have betrayed me," he shot back. His blade came down hard, nearly knocking mine from my grip. "I would have given you everything, McKenna. Power. Freedom. A place where you wouldn’t be some puppet for Auradon."

I tightened my grip, pushing against him with all my strength. "I made my choice."

He snarled and shoved me back. “You chose wrong.”

The fight raged on around us—Jay and Lonnie were holding off the remaining pirates, while Ben and Carlos fought beside the guards. Evie had her hands full with Vitani, and Mal was trying to counter the dark magic with her own spells.

But I only had eyes for Xavier.

He was the real threat.

With a sharp cry, I lunged, aiming for his necklace. He twisted at the last second, but my blade nicked the chain. The spirit stone flickered.

His eyes darkened. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

Before I could react, he raised his hand, and an invisible force slammed into me, sending me crashing into a fountain. Water splashed around me as pain flared through my ribs.

"McKenna!" Ben’s voice.

I groaned, forcing myself up just as Xavier strode toward me.

"You always wanted to be more than a princess," he said, voice dripping with mockery. "I gave you a way out, but instead, you’re here. Defending him." His gaze flicked to Ben with pure contempt. "Why? What does he have that I don’t?"

I pushed myself to my feet, ignoring the pain. My heart was racing, my thoughts a storm.

And then it hit me.

It wasn’t about power. It wasn’t about magic. It wasn’t even about duty.

It was about love.

My eyes locked on Ben’s, and everything else faded. The battles, the storm, the chaos—it all blurred into the background.

Because I knew, in that moment, without a doubt.

I loved him.

Not in the hesitant, uncertain way I had before.

I loved him.

And Xavier saw it.

His face twisted in fury. "I see," he muttered, voice ice-cold. His grip tightened on his sword. "Then I’ll just have to take him out of the picture."

He turned toward Ben—

No.

I launched myself forward, swinging my sword with everything I had.

Steel met steel. Sparks flew. Xavier staggered back, shock flashing across his face.

"You will not touch him," I hissed, my blade pressing against his. "Not now. Not ever."

His eyes flickered, as if considering his next move.

Then, he smirked.

A swirl of black smoke curled around his feet, climbing up his body. "This isn’t over, McKenna," he murmured, his form beginning to dissipate. "You’ll regret this. And when you do, I’ll be waiting."

Then, with one final smirk, he vanished into the smoke.

Gone.

Silence fell over the courtyard. The battle was over.

I let out a slow breath, my hands shaking.

Ben was suddenly there, his hands on my arms. "McKenna—"

I turned and kissed him.

I didn’t think, didn’t hesitate. I just kissed him.

He froze for half a second before melting into it, his hands sliding up to cup my face. The world around us faded, the only thing that mattered was this.

When we pulled apart, his forehead rested against mine. "You okay?" he murmured.

I nodded, breathless. "Yeah. I am now."

He smiled, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

And just like that, everything felt right.

Cotillion Night

The ballroom was dazzling. Gold chandeliers, silk banners, music floating through the air. It was the picture of perfection.

But nothing could compare to the moment my name was called.

"McKenna of Auroria, step forward."

I swallowed, stepping toward the raised platform. Belle and Adam stood at the center, but it was Queen Leah’s sour expression that caught my attention. Audrey was beside her, looking positively murderous.

I had to bite back a smirk.

Ben stood next to his parents, dressed in his finest royal attire. Our eyes met, and he gave me the smallest, most encouraging nod.

"McKenna," Belle said warmly, holding out her hand. "For your bravery, your sacrifice, and your unwavering heart, we recognize you as princess of Auroria."

A hush fell over the crowd as she placed a delicate tiara on my head.

"And," Adam added, voice strong, "as Lady of the Court, standing at King Ben’s side."

The applause was deafening.

I turned, meeting Ben’s gaze. His smile was radiant, full of pride.

I had fought for this moment.

And I had won.

But even as the music swelled and Ben led me into the first dance of the night, I couldn’t shake one final thought.

Xavier was still out there.

And one day, he’d be back.

But when he did

I’d be ready.

Hey guys I hope you liked this book this is the last chapter for it. I don't know if I'm gonna immediately make a third book I'll think about it.