Chào các bạn! Vì nhiều lý do từ nay Truyen2U chính thức đổi tên là Truyen247.Pro. Mong các bạn tiếp tục ủng hộ truy cập tên miền mới này nhé! Mãi yêu... ♥

CHAPTER FOURTEEN!

Elisa groaned, slowly waking up from her deep slumber. The smell of fresh flowers, vanilla and a hint of something sweet filled her nostrils. She felt her body shift slightly, the mattress dipping under the added weight.

"Ben?" Elisa murmured, her voice raspy with sleep as she blinks rapidly to adjust her eyes.

"Right here, Ellie."

At his voice, she looked over at him. He was sitting on the bed next to her. He was changed into a royal suit, his crown resting perfectly on top of his head.

"Hey, handsome." Elisa greets, her voice still raspy from sleep. He smiled fondly at her his cheeks turning red slightly. "How long was I out?"

"A few hours. You definitely needed the sleep. But you have just enough time to get ready for the Cotillion." Ben replies, his expression softening with concern. "Are you sure you're up for this? I mean, I know we agreed, but if you're not feeling up to it-"

Elisa reaches over to gently cup his cheek, stopping him from continuing with surprise. He didn't expect the sudden touch but he leaned into it. "Ben, I'm okay. I promise." She assures, her gaze filled with sincerity. "I want to do this. It'll help me take my mind off everything. And plus, look how handsome you are right now. How can I miss a chance to have you all to myself at a Royal Cotillion?"

Ben's expression shifted to an amused smile as he chuckles softly, his heart fluttering at her compliment. "Alright, I'll concede. Besides I'm looking forward to see your dress. Evie had been claiming it was stunning and I'm sure it is." He leans down, his hand gently cupping her cheek. "But if you feel like it's too much, just say the word and we're going to bed, okay?"

"I promise."

With that, Ben helped her up and helped her to Evie's and Mal's dorm. When they reached the door, Ben reluctantly let go and leaned forward to press a soft kiss to her forehead. "I'll see you soon." He tells her. "And if you need anything, just call for me, okay? I won't be far."

"Okay," Elisa replies, her gaze filled with gratitude. "I love you."

"I love you, too." Ben murmured, his voice laced with affection. He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before leaving .

When the girls were finally alone, Evie rushed forward and enveloped her best friend in a hug, her expression filled with relief and concern. "I'm so glad you're okay." She breathed, her arms wrapped tightly around Elisa.

Mal joins in, wrapping her arms around Elisa as well. "We were so worried about you, El."

Elisa's eyes fill with tears at their affectionate display, her heart warmed by their care and concern for her. She wraps her arms around her best friends, returning the hug. "I'm okay," She murmurs, her voice filled with emotion. "I mean, I'm stoll sore but I'll be okay. I'm gonna take it easy tonight and when I feel like I need to leave then I'll leave early."

The girls nodded, their expressions shifting to ones of concern. "Did he do that?" Evie asks, her gaze flicking to Elisa's bandaged leg. "Harry? Did he do that?"

Elisa's heart clenched at Harry's name, her stomach twisting into knots. "No, I'm honestly not sure who did it. He tried getting me to safety believe it or not."

Mal and Evie exchanged a surprised glance, their eyebrows raised. "Really?" Mal asks, her tone skeptical. "Even after he helped Uma kidnap Ben? And you?"

"Yeah. He still cares about me, despite everything." Elisa replies, her voice trembling with emotion. She clears her throat, shaking her head. "But I don't want to talk about that right now. Let's just focus on getting ready for the Royal Cotillion."

Evie and Mal exchanged another concerned glance before nodding, their expressions softening. "Okay." They agreed.

They spent the next few hours getting themselves ready for Cotillion and helping Elisa get ready as well. Elisa's dress was absolutely stunning, the delicate fabric was a beautiful shade of blue. There were sparkles scattered around, almost looking like little snowflakes as they glimmered in the light. It was a strapless dress and she had to pick up the bottom to move, but she loved it.

Once they were all ready, the girls made their way to the limo and headed for the Royal Cotillion. Elisa's heart was racing, her nerves beginning to get the better of her. She just hoped everything would go well.

Soon they arrived on the yacht where the Royal Cotillion took place. And eventually it was time for her to walk out. After hearing the trumpets sound, she took a deep breath and stepped out to stand at the top of the stairs.

"The future Lady Elisa." Lumiere announced.

Loud cheers and applause filled the air. She smiled a little, feeling a little les nervous after spotting her friends in the front. Lumiere leans over to whisper, "Work it, girl."

Elisa chuckles a little at that, appreciating his kind words. She made her way down the stairs after picking up some of her dress. She met with Belle and Adam at the end, curtseying to them before she continued. Evie and Mal met her half way, both looking gorgeous as well. She let out a shaky breath of relief as they link their arms with her and led her to the others.

"So, El, how do you feel?" Evie smiled at her.

"Like I'm gonna throw up and pass out at the same time."

Evie and Mal both laugh at that, their expressions filled with affection and understanding. "You'll be fine, Ellie." Mal assures, her tone teasing yet sincere. "Just breathe."

"Right." Elisa murmured, taking a deep breath.

Evie and Mal help her to the front, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for Ben to appear. "We're right here with you, okay?" Evie reassured her, gently squeezing her arm.

Elisa nods, her eyes trained at the top of the stairs as she waited. Soon the trumpets sound again and Lumiere announces, "King Benjamin!" Everyone cheered and applauded as he stepped out. He looked handsome as ever, his crown perched atop his head.

She doesn't know how he always manages to take her breath away. But he does. Everyone bows as Ben walked down the steps.

Ben smiled down at her, his gaze filled with admiration and love as he began his descent down the stairs. "Go get him." Evie nudged her after she gently unhooked her arm. Mal did the same with a smile, watching while Elisa stepped closer to Ben.

Ben bows to her and Elisa did the same, earning some chuckles. "Elisa, I wish I had time to explain." Ben suddenly said when they stood back up.

Elisa looks at him with confusion and after hearing gasps and surprised and confused murmurs, she turns to the top of the stairs, shocked to see Uma dressed up. "What the..." Her voice trailed off, her heart aching as she watched Ben walk up the stairs to greet Uma. Ben leaned forward when they reached the bottom steps, taking Uma's hand and kissing the top of it. Everyone gasped, including Elisa. Her heart clenched after spotting her ring Ben gave her on Uma's finger. How did she get that? She thought Uma and the others didn't know where their hideout was.

Ben leads Uma down the stairs. He glances back at her with an apologetic look. "Sorry, it all happened so fast. Something happened to me when I was on the Isle with Uma." He glances at Uma with the look he used to look at her with. Admiration and love. She felt sick. "A connection."

"What are you talking about?" She breathed out.

"I'm saying..."

"It was love." Uma interrupts with a giggle. "It was. I just..." She glances at Ben with a fond smile. "I realized how alike Ben and I are, you know?"

"We are." Ben agreed.

"I know." Uma giggled.

"You're so beautiful." Ben murmured.

"Wait, how did you get here?" Elisa questions, trying to wrap her head around everything. "Did Ben go back for you?"

"He didn't have to...I dove through the barrier before it closed and I'm an excellent swimmer." Uma sheepishly replied.

"You are." Ben smiled at her.

"Thank you." Uma grinned.

"Listen, Elisa," Uma starts as she walks over to her and takes her hand. Elisa immediately pulls her hand away from her, stepping back. "I just really want to thank you." She chuckles. "I do. For everything." She leaned forward and gave her a hug. Elisa stiffened, not hugging her back. "Thank you. Thank you so much." Uma mumbled.

"Don't you see, Elisa? You were right. You knew that we weren't meant to be together. That's why you cheated on me." Ben told her. Gasps filled the air and she grimaced, wishing he didn't say that at a time like this. Now everyone was going to assume things and make rumors.

"I didn't mean to, Ben. You know that. And you know I still love you." Elisa insisted, her voice cracking as tears brimmed her eyes.

"That's the thing. I thought you did, but you didn't. You weren't in love with me. Not like you're in love with Harry. Or like I'm in love with Uma." Ben explained.

Elisa felt her stomach drop and she blinked rapidly to try to keep herself from crying. She watched with shock and disbelief as Uma and Ben started doing the waltz when a slow song suddenly played. She was frozen in her spot, not sure what to do or say.

"Come on, El." Evie murmured, gently grabbing her hand and pulling her back to stand with her and the others.

"Not too thrilled I risked my life for him." Carlos grumbled, standing besides Elisa's other side to comfort her, holding her hand tightly and rubbing the back of it.

"I just can't believe this is happening." Elisa breathes out, her heart shattering. "This is worse than having a physical injury." She mumbled.

Krystal moves to stand behind her along with Jay, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We're here for you, Lisa." She murmured, her heart aching for her cousin.

Elisa nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. Her vision was getting blurry, tears welling in her eyes.

"Oh, Elisa." Jane murmured, her voice tinged with sympathy as she looked at her with a frown.

"It's fine. I'm fine." Elisa choked out, trying to convince herself more than the others. She didn't want to fall apart right now.

"If he doesn't want you then I'll gladly ask you out." Chad spoke up, his arms crossed as he stood beside her.

"Back off, Chad." Jay and Carlos spoke at the sane time, glaring at the blond boy. Chad held his hands up defensively, a look of surrender on his face as he stepped back.

"Do you wanna leave?" Krystal asked her cousin softly, her gaze filled with concern.

"Yeah. This is all too much for me." Elisa breathed out, her head felt like it was spinning. She couldn't breathe. "I need to leave. Now." She could feel her powers starring to react, the air getting colder. She had to calm down or she'd freeze everything. She didn't want to ruin Cotillion for everyone.

"We got you, Ellie." Evie whispered, gently wrapping her arm around her waist.

"We'll all walk you out." Mal assured, her voice gentle as she placed her hand on her shoulder.

With that, her friends escorted her out. She could feel the eyes on her, the hushed murmurs as they passed. She swallowed the lump in her throat, tears welling in her eyes and spilling down her cheeks.

She paused when Adam and Belle got her attention. "Honey, were so sorry." Belle apologizes, looking at her with a frown. "We no idea."

"I'm gonna talk to him." Adam assured him.

"Thank you," Elisa manages to say as she sniffles. "And I'm sorry...I did cheat on him, but he knows why. I still do love him. So much."

"We know, honey." Belle soothes, moving to give her a hug. "It'll be okay."

Adam joined in the hug, rubbing her back soothingly. After a moment, they pull away and let her leave. Jane quickly went ahead of them, heading over to Lumiere.

"Lumiere, unveil the gift. They need to see it." Jane said urgently.

"And now tor the unveiling of King Ben's masterpiece, designed specifically for his lady." Lumiere announced, gesturing to Elisa, who had stopped half way on the stairs.

Elisa turns, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as the curtains were pulled back. Her breath caught in her throat as her heart skipped a beat, her stomach filling with butterflies as she was met with the most beautiful portrait of her and Ben in stained glass. Everyone gasped at the beauty of the masterpiece. It was of Elisa and Ben with Ben kneeling hy her, holding her hand and a sunset was behind them.

"Oh my gosh." She breathes out, her gaze locked onto the picture. Her heart swelled with love as she looked at it, fresh tears filling her eyes.

The song Uma and Ben had been dancing to stopped and they stopped dancing as well. Ben stepped forward, looking at the stained glass picture.

"I can't believe he made that." Elisa whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "He captured me perfectly."

"He loves the real you, El." Evie murmured.

"True love." Mal realized.

"Told you." Evie chuckled.

Uma turns to Lumiere with a glare. "Cover that back up!"

"I will not." Lumiere argued.

Everyone murmurs quietly at Uma's sudden outburst. "Um..." Her voice trails off as she chuckles nervously. She glances at Ben. "Why don't you tell everyone the present you have for me, Ben?"

"I have an announcement. Uma will be joining the court tonight as my lady." Ben started. Everyone gasped at the news and Adam stepped forward, staring at his son with disbelief.

"Son..."

"Not now, dad!" Ben snaps, surprising everyone and himself. He never snapped at his dad like that. "Uh, so, as my gift, uh, to her, I'm bringing down the barrier once and for all."

Gasps and shocked murmurs fill the air and everyone begins to panic. Elisa knew something was wrong. This wasn't like Ben. Uma has done something to him. She needed to help him. She the realized something and connected the dots.

"Ben has been spelled..." She mumbled, her eyes widening with surprise. It made so much sense. Why else would Ben have these sudden changes in his behavior and choices? Why else would he choose Uma of all people?

"Fairy Godmother, bring down the barrier." Ben ordered.

"I most certainly will not." Fairy Godmother gasped, her eyes widening.

"I am your King!" Ben raised his voice, surprising everyone.

"Obey him!" Uma adds, glaring at Fairy Godmother. "Ben." She turned to Ben, holding both his hands.

"Uma found your spell book, Mal." Evie realized.

Elisa steps forward, gaining Ben's attention. She needed to get through to him. She hoped it wasn't too late. "Ben, don't."

"Now." Uma ordered, her gaze filled with impatience and annoyance.

"Please listen to me. Ben, look at me " Elisa pleaded, tears welling in her eyes as she looked at him, her heart pounding in her chest.

"No, look at me." Uma quickly said, wanting to keep his attention on her.

"Ben, I'm not wearing my ring because Uma has it. And Ben, I did cheat, but I still love you. I never stopped loving you. Please, come back to me. Come back to me, Ben." Elisa continued, not caring if her secret got out. She needed to save him. To save her people.

"You love me, remember?" Uma argued, trying to keep his focus on her.

"Ben," Elisa's voice is firm yet gentle as she steps forward. "We were so happy. Remember? Don't let her take that away." She reaches her hand out, a small smile on her lips. "I love you."

"Bring down the barrier now!" Uma demanded, looking back at Fairy Godmother with a glare.

"I will not take orders from you!" Fairy Godmother snapped, looking at Uma with a defiant look.

"Ben, you know me, you've always known me. I'm always going to be part Isle and Auradon." Elisa continues, taking another step forward, blocking his view of Uma. "Iwon't let anyone manipulate you, especially not for their own gain. Remember who you are, Ben. Remember our love." Elisa's voice is filled with sincerity and determination as she reaches out to touch his face gently, hoping to break through whatever spell or influence Uma had on him.

Ben's eyes flicker between Elisa and Uma, his mind clearly conflicted. The tension in the air is palpable as everyone waits for his response. "I love you so much, Ben." Elisa said softly, bringing her hands to cup his face. The air was getting colder around them because of her powers, but she wasn't afraid. She knew Ben would keep grounding her and being her anchor. "Don't forget that." She leaned forward and pressed her lips against his.

Ben immediately kissed her back, his eyes falling closed as he did. He seemed to be snapped out of the trance he was in. She knew it because his hand came up to cup the back of her neck to pull her closer. Her heart leapt in her chest, hope swelling in her. When they pull away, they're both breathless, their foreheads pressed against each other.

"Elisa." Ben breathes out, his voice soft. "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry. I do love you."

Elisa smiled softly at him, her heart feeling lighter and warmer now that her Ben was back. "I know. I'm glad you're back. I love you too."

"True loves kiss." Evie grins as she watches the scene. "Works every time."

"Ugh, give it to me!" Uma demanded, moving to Fairy Gother to try to grab the wand.

"Guards, seize her!" Fairy Godmother exclaimed.

Uma quickly ran to the railing of the ship and everyone followed her to try to stop her. But Elisa, Ben, and Mal stood in front, outstripping their arms and keeping them back. "Uma, I know you. You are so much more than just a villain. And you have to believe me because I've been there. Do not let your pride get in the way of something that you really want."

Everyone gasped and exclaimed out of surprise as Uma jumps over the boat and into the water. They all rush over to look over the railing, watching with surprise as Uma appeared as half an octopus. Just like her mother. Everyone screamed when water was splashed on the boat. Uma laughed wickedly as she smirked at them.

"True love's kiss won't defeat this. The world's will know my name!" Uma exclaimed, using one of her tentacles to hit the boat. Everyone screamed and gasped as they backed away quickly. They did the same again when Uma did it again.

"Mal?" Elisa said worriedly when Mal walked off to the side, panting heavily. "Mal, are you okay?"

Mal didn't respond as her eyes flash bright green. Suddenly purple smoke surrounded her and everyone gasped as she's revealed as a large purple dragon. Parker's eyes widen and he stares at his girlfriend with disbelief. "Mal?" He gaped.

"Did you know she could do that?" Ryker gasped, his eyes wide.

"Nope. Don't think she knew either." Elisa breathed out, her eyes widened in shock and amazement. Mal flew up into the air and aimed fire at Uma. The two continued to fight as everyone watched with surprise.

"Watch out!" Ben exclaimed when Uma suddenly sent a wave of water onto the ship. Ben kept a protective arm around Elisa as the ship is jolted back and forth, making everyone slide across the deck.

Elisa held onto Ben, gasping as she slid across the deck with the others and wincing. Her leg was still sore. This wasn't good at all for her leg. She could feel her magic starting to act up again and her heart pounded in her chest. Thanks to Ben being by her, she was managing to keep her powers at bay. He was her anchor and kept her grounded, which was a big relief. She didn't want to lose control and cause damage. He had his arm around her waist, keeping her steady. Elisa felt like she could do something to help calm the water down. She learned from her mom, Elsa, that using her ice magic to freeze the water and calm the waves. Elisa took a deep breath, focusing on the cool energy within her. She raised her hand and summoned a shimmering blue aura around her fingertips. With a swift motion, she sent pulses of icy energy into the ocean, creating a barrier of frost that spread across the water's surface.

The waves slowed and gradually stilled as the ice spread, calming the chaos caused by Uma's magic. Elisa maintained her focus, channeling her power to maintain the barrier and stabilize the ship. Ben stood beside her, his presence reassuring as he supported her efforts. The other teens on the boat stared in awe and admiration at the display of her magic. Elisa kept her eyes closed, focusing on Ben to keep her grounded. She could feel him holding her close to his side and his touch was comforting and helped keep her calm and grounded.

"That's my girl." Ben murmured proudly, a soft smile on his lips as he watched her, his heart swelling with love and pride. Despite her concentration on her powers, her lips curled up into a smile and her heart fluttered at hearing him say that. She continued to calm the waters surrounding them and Uma, stopping Uma from splashing water on the boat and causing more havoc. But she wasn't sure how long she could keep it up. It was tiring. And with her hurt leg, her body was getting worn out quickly. Noticing this, Ben knew she needed to stop before she passed out or something worse happened.

"Ellie, you should stop, it's too much. I'm so proud of you. I'm always so proud of you, but this is too much for you right now." Ben murmurs, his voice soft as he pulled her into a tight embrace. He knew she could handle it, she was strong and powerful. But it was risky with her injuries. She didn't listen though and she kept the water at bay, keeping Uma trapped with the frozen water around her. She wanted to make sure no one would get hurt.

"Elisa! Stop this, you're just hurting yourself more." Krystal worriedly said, standing besides her cousin. She didn't want Elisa to push herself and her body wasn't the best. It was still healing from her injury,

"I'm fine." She muttered, her voice strained. It was obvious that she was getting tired, but her determination to protect her friends and family was keeping her going.

Ben sighs heavily, knowing what he must do. He needed to talk try to get through to Uma, especially now that she was trapped in the water. "Mal, hold on!" Ben calls out, stopping Mal from aiming another fire blast at Uma. Krystal stands by her cousin, wrapping an arm around her to support her along with Jay after reassuring Ben she would be okay. He nods after sharing a look with them and steps closer to the railing. "Stop! Back down!"

Uma just laughs. "What are you gonna do, Ben? I may not be able to move because of that little ice trick your princess over there did, but I can still cause enough trouble to sink this whole boat."

Ben's expression hardens as he steps closer to the railing, his eyes locked on Uma. "That's enough! It's got to stop! This isn't the answer. The fighting has gotta stop. Nobody wins this way. We have to listen and respect each other. It won't be easy, but let's be brave enough to try. Uma, I know you want what is best for the Isle." He reaches a hand out to her. "Help me make a difference."

Everyone waits in anticipation as Uma glares at him. Elisa hopes she will accept. She knows that Uma's good deep down, despite what the girl did. Uma slowly lifts one of her tentacles and extends it towards Ben. Mal snarled at Uma, preparing to attack if Uma decided to strike. Elisa was leaning against Krystal and Jay, watching with a hopeful expression. But Uma just dropped a ring in Ben's outstretched hand, the exact ring he had given her when he was spelled by her. Elisa could see the disappointment in his eyes, and it saddened her. Uma had potential, but she was still letting her pride get in the way. She had hope that maybe one day she would come around and help him change the isle.

She was surprised when Uma looked at her and she knew what she wanted by that look. She wanted to leave. So Elisa let her. She used her powers to make the frost in the water disappear and slowly unfreeze it. It was a slow process since she was so weak and tired, but it worked. After a few moments, Uma sent her a thankful look before she turned and ducked into the water to leave. She felt the boat jolt and realized Mal had landed back on the boat. Purple smoke surrounded Mal as she formed back into a human. Everyone was surprised to see her appearance had changed. Her purple her was curled and she had bangs now. Her gown Evie made her was now a beautiful big purple and green gown. Elisa glanced over at Parker, seeing him staring at his girlfriend with a surprised yet loving look.

Mal gasped when she realized her dress still had a bit of flames on it, causing her to quickly put it out. She looked up after, locking eyes with Parker. Her heart fluttered and her face turned red at the look her boyfriend was giving her. He was clearly awestruck by her transformation, but more importantly, he seemed deeply moved by her courage and strength. Mal couldn't help but smile shyly, feeling a rush of warmth and love for him. He returned her smile, his expression filled with adoration. He walked over to her and pulled her into a hug, lifting her off the ground a bit.

"I love you, M." Parker murmured softly, pressing a tender kiss to her lips.

"I love you too." Mal smiled into the kiss, cupping his cheek with her hand.

Elisa smiled fondly at the scene, her heart warmed by the sight. But her gaze was distracted by the ring in Ben's hand. Her heart skipped a beat when he walked over to her, smiling down at her. She couldn't help but grin as he slipped the ring on her finger. He lifts her hand up to press a gentle kiss on it. "I love you, Ellie."

"I love you too." She murmurs, a soft smile on her lips as she looks at him, her eyes filled with love. He sends a reassuring look to Krystal and Jay, letting them know he could help Elisa now. They both nod and smile, backing up as Ben stands by his girlfriend, wrapping an arm around her waist. He leans over and kisses the side of her head, causing her to smile shyly at him. "You were amazing." She whispered, leaning into his side.

"So were you." He murmurs, his lips curling up into a smile. "I'm always amazed by you." He added, pressing another kiss on her temple.

"And I'm always amazed by you." Elisa replied, a blush spreading across her cheeks. He gave her a warm smile and leaned down to kiss her forehead, making her giggle. Mal and Parker had joined their friends finally after Parker had set her down carefully and wrapped his arm around her.

Ben then glances at their friends with a grateful expression. "I owe you guys so much." They all immediately agree with him, causing some chuckles to fill the air. He laughs along with them, glancing at them with a warm smile. "If there is anything that you need or anything that I can do for you..."

"Um, actually," Evie didn't hesitate to speak up. "There is, Ben. I know a girl who'd...Who'd really love to come to Auradon. It's Drizella's daughter, Dizzy. She's like a little sister to me."

Ben smiles warmly at her. "Then she should come."

Evie beams at her, her eyes lighting up. "Okay." She chuckles. "Okay, great." She's quiet for a moment before she quickly adds, "Actually, um..." This gains a few chuckles and amused glances from everyone and she smiles sheepishly. "Ben, there's a lot of kids who would really love it here in Auradon. Kids just like us who also deserve a second chance. Can I maybe give you a list?"

Elisa smiles softly, thinking that was a great idea. She could think of a few kids who would love to come. She thought it was sweet and wonderful of Evie to want to bring more kids from the isle over. "Yes, yes, absolutely." Ben replies immediately, smiling reassuringly at Evie. "Please."

Cheers and applause filled the air as the two shared a smile. Ben then glances over at Elisa, smiling fondly at her when she looked up at him with a loving gaze. He leans over to kiss her forehead, causing her to smile shyly. "Miss Mal," A guard speaks up, walking over to Mal, holding her spell book. "We found your spell book below deck."

Mal's eyes widen with surprise and she shares a surprised look with Parker as she takes it from him. "Uma had it." The guard added.

"Ooh." Mal cringes, glancing at the book. Everyone glances at her curiously to see what she would do. if she would keep it or put it in the museum. "Um..." She clears her throat. "You know, this seems like the kind of thing that belongs in the hands of Fairy Godmother. Fairy Godmother?"

"Okay, that's me." Fairy Godmother chimes in, smiling as she walks over to the group. "Thank you, mmm."

"This belongs in the museum." Mal decided. Parker smiled softly, giving her a gentle squeeze. He was proud of her for not giving in and deciding to put the book in the museum.

Fairy Godmother smiles and nods. "It does, yes. And I'm gonna take it."

Mal chuckles, smiling at her. "Go for it." She handed the book to Fairy Godmother as laughter filled the air.

"Okay." Fairy Godmother smiled and walked away with the book.

"I'm not gonna be needing it anymore." Mal said softly, looking over at Parker with a loving look. He returned it and leaned over to kiss her cheek, earning a shy smile from her.

Elisa grimaces when she had accidentally put pressure on her injured leg. Now that they weren't worrying about anything, she suddenly felt all the exhaustion and pain hit her at once. She leaned more into Ben, fighting the urge to close her eyes. The exhaustion was starting to catch up to her. She was still recovering and her powers being used, even if it wasn't that much, still took a toll on her body. It was already weak. And with her leg still healing, using her powers was risky.

Ben notices this and frowns with worry. He knew she needed to rest and heal. His arm was still around her waist, holding her steady. He presses a kiss to the top of her head, his chest tightening when he hears her release a pained sigh. He wanted nothing more than to hold her close and take her home, where she could rest. "You need rest, my love." Ben murmurs, rubbing his hand soothingly up and down her arm. "Let's go home. Okay? I'll carry you if I have to." He teased lightly, pressing another kiss to her forehead.

"No, I'm fine." She mutters, though it's obvious she was not. "I don't wanna miss the party." She added, her lips curling up into a pout. But her body had different ideas when her legs wobbled slightly, causing Ben to tighten his grip around her waist to steady her.

"Elisa," Ben said softly, his tone filled with concern. "There's nothing more important to me than your well-being. You've done so much already. Let me take care of you now, okay?"

Elisa looks up at him, her resistance melting away at the gentle yet firm expression on his face. She knew he was right; her body was screaming for rest. With a soft sigh, she nodded, leaning more into him. "Okay," She whispers, her voice laced with exhaustion. "But no carrying. I can walk...With your help."

Ben chuckles softly, relieved she was finally agreeing. "Deal." He nodded, pressing a tender kiss to her temple. He guided her carefully, his arm securely around her, making sure she didn't put too much weight on her injured leg.

As they began to walk away, nearby Mal notices Elisa's state and frowns in concern. "Ellie, are you alright?" she called out, pausing her conversation with Parker.

Elisa turns her head to smile reassuringly at her friend. "I'm okay, Mal. Just tired."

Parker, picking up on the situation, gave Mal's hand a gentle squeeze. "We'll catch up with you later." He told them, nodding towards Ben and Elisa as they made their way to the exit. Mal nodded in understanding, her worry easing a bit knowing Ben was with her.

As Ben and Elisa walked slowly toward the transport that would take them back to the castle, the sounds of celebration behind them grew fainter. Elisa leaned heavily into Ben, her exhaustion making every step feel like a monumental effort. Ben's heart ached seeing her like this, and he silently vowed to do everything in his power to make sure she had the time and space to heal properly.

Finally, they reached the limo waiting for them, and Ben helped Elisa inside, settling her comfortably before taking a seat beside her. He gently pulls her into his arms, her head resting against his chest, being careful of her leg. "We're going to get you home, and you're going to rest," He murmurs, his voice soothing. "You've been so strong, Ellie. Now it's time to let me take care of you."

Elisa nods weakly, her eyes fluttering closed as the warmth and safety of Ben's embrace enveloped her. "Thank you, Ben," She mumbles, her voice barely audible as sleep began to claim her. "I love you."

"I love you too, my love." Ben replied, pressing a kiss to her hair as the transport began to move. He held her close, his heart filled with love and protectiveness, knowing that together they could face anything.

Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen247.Pro