Celia's heart pounded as Maleficent stepped forward, her every movement exuding menace. Red stood to the side, her fiery eyes flicking between Maleficent and the group. For a moment, there was silence, broken only by the low hum of dark magic swirling in the air.

"You think this is your domain, Maleficent?" Celia's voice was steady, but her fingers twitched around her staff. "You're wrong. This is Red's castle. She's not your puppet."

Maleficent chuckled, a rich, venomous sound. "Oh, dear Celia, still playing at bravery. You don't understand the depths of Red's power—or mine. But you will." She waved a hand, and the room darkened further, the shadows curling like living things.

Red stepped forward, her expression unreadable. "Enough," she said coldly, her voice cutting through the tension. "This is my castle. My power. I don't answer to anyone—not even you, Maleficent."

For a moment, Maleficent's smile faltered. "Is that so?" she purred. "Then prove it, little queen."

Without warning, the shadows lunged. Isabelle was the first to react, her rapier slicing through the dark tendrils. "Stay focused!" she shouted, darting toward Maleficent.

Herkie roared, charging into the fray and swinging his fists like battering rams. "Keep those shadows off the others!" he bellowed.

Madeline danced through the chaos, her teacup now brimming with a glowing liquid. She flung it at a cluster of shadows, and they recoiled with a hiss. "Tea, anyone?" she chirped, her giggle unnervingly cheerful.

Celia locked eyes with Red. "You don't have to do this!" she shouted, her voice desperate. "Whatever Maleficent promised you, it's a lie!"

Red hesitated, her hands glowing with dark energy. For a fleeting moment, her expression softened, but Maleficent's voice cut through the air.

"Don't listen to her, Red," Maleficent hissed. "They're here to take your power, to destroy everything you've built."

Chloe stepped closer to Red, her voice trembling. "Red, please. You know me. You know I'm here for you. Don't let her control you."

Red's gaze flickered, her fiery glow dimming slightly.

The Turning Point

"Enough of this!" Maleficent snarled, her patience snapping. With a wave of her staff, a surge of energy knocked the group to their knees.

Celia struggled to her feet, her staff glowing brighter as she channeled her own magic. "You're not as untouchable as you think, Maleficent," she said, her voice steady despite the tremor in her limbs.

Maleficent smirked. "And you're not as powerful as you pretend to be, Celia."

Before anyone could react, Red stepped between them, her hands raised. "Stop!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the throne room. "This is my fight."

The room fell silent.

"Red," Celia began, but Red cut her off.

"Leave. All of you," Red said, her tone leaving no room for argument. Her eyes burned with resolve as she turned to Maleficent. "If you want my power, you'll have to take it from me."

A Risky Escape

Celia hesitated, but Isabelle grabbed her arm. "We can't fight them both," she whispered urgently. "We need to regroup."

Reluctantly, the group retreated, Madeline tossing a teacup of smoke to cover their escape. As they ran, the sounds of Red and Maleficent's battle echoed behind them, the castle trembling with the force of their clash.

Once outside the gates, Celia turned back, her heart heavy. "We can't leave her," she said, her voice breaking.

"We won't," Herkie assured her, his massive hand resting on her shoulder. "But we need a plan. And allies."

Celia nodded, wiping her eyes. "Then let's get to work. "Chloe then came running out the castle "Ive got em!" She yelled Celia turned and a smile lept onto her face. "SQUEAKY SQUIRMY!" Celia hugged Squeaky Since squirmy was on Chloe's back. 

"Sorry Red..." Squirmy said sleepily. 

"Sorry? What for?" 

a sleepy Squeaky chimed In "Were the ones who basically led red to Maleficent.."