Violet Bell's POV

After Vanya Ella was telling the last of their escape from Grimm's office last night, with not-so-helpful commentary from Ali, Violet wished she was at Neverland with her friends. But no, I'm stuck at EAH, Violet thought sourly. Daphne was standing on her tippy-toes, quickly writing complex math equations on the whiteboard in front of her.

"What are you doing?" Ali asked Daphne, stifling a laugh. She looked like a mad scientist. Finally, Daphne's hands stopped and she stepped back, eyeing her work before capping the whiteboard marker.

"If we can guess what angle that thief used to blow out the glass case, then we can guess what spell was used. The glass case in Grimm's office is enchanted, but for the glass shards to be shattered all around the floor? That takes major power." Daphne gestured to the whiteboard. "Well, that doesn't narrow it down much, but we know the spell used was from power within as opposed to a spell read out from a spellbook."

"You're yapping gibberish to me," Frederick said. Violet rolled her eyes at him.

"Good thing I'm not your teacher," Daphne said, leaning against the whiteboard. "So, any ideas or suggestions about our next move?"

No one spoke up, in fact, things were looking pretty bad right now. The fact that the thief was a heel-wearing female that was super powerful, it only worsened Raven Queen's situation. There was no other evidence for them to look at, it was either burned or gone. Shit, this isn't going to be as easy as I thought. Considering how dated the school was—EAH was founded in 1812—there were no cameras, meaning no witnesses.

Violet's thoughts flickered elsewhere. "I mean, everyone in this damn school had an opportunity to burn the Lifairy and then run back to Grimm's office, but who would have motive all things considered?"

"The Rebels could be suspects since they're all about rejecting their destiny. Like Headmaster Grimm said, what better to ensure you never have to sign the Storybook of Legends than steal it?" Frederick suggested, leaning back onto the sofa. "I mean, what other possible motive could there be?"

"You know there's a huge possibility that our culprit isn't even at Ever After High anymore, right? I mean, whoever they are, they just committed mass arson, they probably scrammed after that," Holton reminded them. After the disappearance of the Book received public backlash, parents took their kids out of school and classes have been empty or cancelled since.

Everyone was scared, who knows what would happen to those who signed or their destinies.

Daphne sighed. "He's got a point, unfortunately."

Violet cast a glance outside to the darkening, inky sky. "We can't give up yet though, it's so soon. There must be something we missed." It couldn't just be so black-and-white. Just then, there was Professor Red who strolled into the Student Lounge, red pumps clicking on the tiled floor.

"Shouldn't you six be in class?" Professor Red asked her students.

"Most classes are cancelled for lack of students," Frederick answered. "Snooze-fest season."

However, the sudden appearance of Professor Red gave Violet an idea. "Professor, you were the one who discovered that the Book was missing, correct? Could you describe everything that happened?"

Professor Red sighed. "I was just about to drop off papers for Mr. Grimm when I saw that the door was ajar—glass was everywhere. I immediately realized that the Book was missing and went off to alert Grimm." She hesitated before adding, "But I did see something strange."

Violet nearly leaped out of her chair. "Tell us!"

"Before I entered the office, I spotted this hooded dark figure by the corner, but they were too far away for me to see who it was. I was so concerned with the Storybook of Legends' disappearance that I didn't think much of that hooded person until today," Professor Red admitted.

"Are you positive you can't get a description?" Daphne asked.

"Well, they were a bit short, they were wearing high heels too because I could hear the taps of their shoes when they ran away." Shit, that matches the description of our suspect, Violet thought. "Oh! Before I go, have any of you stolen supplies from the kitchen?"

"What?" Ali blinked. "I only steal from the school's liquor cellar."

"We have a liquor cellar?!" Frederick exclaimed. "I want in!"

"So no late night munchies? Well, the lunch lady, Hagatha, has been getting cranky since food keeps going missing in the kitchen. She thinks it's one of the students that is our midnight snack thief," Professor Red chuckled. "Well, thanks anyways." She left the Student Lounge as everyone else huddled up.

"If Professor Red saw someone, then she could be our key witness," Vanya said firmly, "even if her description isn't concrete, it confirms our suspicions. Still, Holton was right about what he said earlier."

"I was?" Holton asked.

"I've got an idea, even if it's a wild one. We need to draw our perpetrator out," Vanya shrugged, "we need to show them we aren't afraid and we're onto them. That we know who they are."

"But we don't," Ali countered.

"But they don't know that we don't know," Daphne realized, her eyes widening. "Hex, we could actually pull this off. If the person feels threatened that one of us knows, then they'll come back to Ever After High to ensure their safety."

Frederick turned to Holton. "Dude, aren't you like the school version of a blackmailer?" Holton snorted, but didn't deny it. Frederick stood up from his chair, which Violet knew meant he was on the verge of an idea. Frederick started to pace around the room, a grin spreading on his face. "We could post something, like one of those fairy influencers or somethin. Considering how popular Vanya is, she can help us gain views." He snapped his fingers. "We'll start a vlog, compiling all our videos as one threat. Then, with the public eye on our side, the perpetrator will start to feel the heat."

Ali was already on his MirrorPad, typing something on the screen. Everyone peered over his shoulder, watching him spell out EAH ARSONIST-THIEF EXPOSED."Let's rock this bitch."

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Aurelio Stiltskin's POV

Sitting under a tree, Aurelio twisted the knobs to his walkie-talkie. Static echoed as he tried to get a signal to Ever After High. Finally, he asked, "Poison Apple Theory?" There was no reply, making Aurleio sigh.

"Is still the most controversial theory in the scientific and medical field," came Daphne Tremaine's glitchy voice. Aurelio laughed; that was their greet-and-receive since they were nerds. Aurelio's back was pressed against the tree, looking at the Emerald City in the distance. "I literally thought you died."

Aurelio snorted. "It would take more than a tornado to kill me."

"Did you just say tornado?"

"Never mind that," Aurelio changed the subject quickly. "How's things back in Ever After High? And things with, uhm, Vanya?"

Daphne let out an exhausted sigh. "Can I talk shit about them for like one minute?" Before Aurelio could even say anything, Daphne went on with her rant. "Vanya is too busy with her head up in the clouds and her goody-two-shoes energy. Holton is probably going to get food poisoning because he drank my tonic in one-go. Violet and Frederick are too preoccupied with their love-hate rivalry to give a fuck, I mean, you either kiss or you don't, pick one. And Ali, I can't tell if a person can be superior and inferior at the same time." Then Daphne took a deep breath after spitting all drama out.

Aurelio squinted at his watch. "Oh, damn, you actually said all of that in one minute."

"I think I'm losing my marbles, everything is ticking me off. You and Ana are gone and I'm stuck with these... people." Daphne's words tripped up over the people part. "You know how it is, how it always ends."

His head flickered to Daphne's last year in Spellementary School. You know how it is, how it always ends. "I thought we agreed to... well, keep quiet about it." Aurelio lowered his voice, not risking the others overhearing. "Look, Daph, my dad can't always pull strings to keep you out of trouble. Especially because you're..."

"A Tremaine."

"You know damn well they were going to sue," he whispered. He rubbed his eyes, remembering the blood; the gore. He had never seen Daphne so... violent. It was unsettling, even for him. But... "They're not me, Ana, or my dad, they won't be so forgiving."

"They won't harass us ever again. Promise."

That was the thing that Aurelio was worried about. Quick to change the subject, he suggested, "Well, it wouldn't kill you to be a bit nicer too."

"I'm actually going to throttle you."

"God, I just love our friendship," Aurelio said sarcastically. Truth be told, Daphne could be mean and quite frankly, scary. But that's what Aurelio still admired about her despite everything—she wasn't afraid to back down, and maybe that was why they were best friends. Still, it troubled him to see her act so... malicious at times. "I mean, things aren't so great here either. The Diggs kid banged up his ankle, I think it's infected, it got cut at some point."

Glancing at Emerick, he was sitting on the grass whilst Marigold inspected it. "We're taking more frequent breaks, but we need to get to Emerald City ASAP for medical attention. Only problem? It's a fucking long walk."

"Damn. Keep me updated?"

"Well, you'd strangle me otherwise."

"You're unfunny."

"I'm very funny," Aurelio said matter-of-factly. After saying goodbye to Daphne over the walkie-talkie, he joined everyone else again. He slipped his arm under Emerick's armpit, helping him walk as Scout held the way. "How much longer until we arrive in the city?"

"More than two hours," Scout said. "This is hopeless."

"Don't say that, we'll get there eventually," Marigold said positively. Glancing up at the sky, Aurelio saw how it was darkening, the sun was setting too. They would have to power through to get to the City Capitol in time. As they wandered on the yellow brick road, Aurelio heard something foreign. It sounded like a low growl.

"Did anyone hear that?" Aurelio asked.

"Heard what?" Marigold asked.

"Shush, shush," Scout said as their voices dropped to pure silence. Again, there was a low, guttural growl. They were surrounded by forest and seeing as how fast the day was transitioning to night, they were completely vulnerable. "Shit," Scout breathed.

Marigold tugged on Aurelio's sleeve. "We need to go now."

"Is it a wolf?" Scout asked, horrified.

"No, it's... it's..." Emerick was pale-faced and rapidly losing consciousness, too exhausted to think. "Oh, dear Grimm, it's the p-pack of kalidahs..."

"Kalidahs what?" the three asked in unison. Just then, a creature lurched out of the bushes, baring its sharp teeth. Marigold screamed, pulling Emerick back whilst the beast roared. "Run!" Scout hollered. They took off, bolting past dozens of trees while Aurelio looked behind him. It wasn't just one beast, or kalidah as Emerick described, but a whole group. They were hybrids—with the lower body of a bear, head of a tiger, but their claws were ungodly. Sharp and daunting.

"We need to lose them!" Scout shouted. The kalidahs were gaining on them, loud howls released into the night. Aurelio's head pounded as he tried to think of a plan. Suddenly, he saw Emerick's head lolled back and his legs give away, losing consciousness, and sending both Emerick and Marigold tumbling to the ground. Suddenly, a kalidah pounced on Aurelio, grabbing ahold of his foot.

"Get off!" Aurelio yelled, trying to grab back his foot, which was in the kalidah's foot. All of a sudden, he was grateful for his dad forcing Aurelio to wear heavy, thick work boots or he might have lost his leg instantly at that moment. He kicked at the kalidah, but they were completely surrounded.

Marigold was busy trying to find Emerick's pulse while fending off kildahas. Scout? He was totally zoned out, a blank stare on his face, as he backed away slowly. "Scout! Grab the branch! We're getting attacked and—Scout? Scout!"

Finally, Scout snapped out of it and swiftly picked up the branch, wacking the kalidah with it. At last, it let go of Aurelio's foot and Aurelio managed to escape. Yanking Scout away by the kalidahs closing in, they were defenseless. "Emerick, wake up!" Marigold said, shaking him by the shoulders, terrified. "Oh my Grimm, we're going to die. Aurelio, we need to get to Emerald City—"

"A bit busy, Mari!" Aurelio threw a rock at the kalidah, but it was ineffective.

As the kalidahs drew closer, Aurelio had a dozen thoughts running through his head. Not getting to say his goodbyes to Daphne or Ana, not being able to hug his complicated father again, or never even solving the complex mystery behind the Lifairy's fire. Fire, Aurelio thought, eyes wide. He fumbled for the lighter in his pockets, flicking the flap until a flame arrived. He grabbed the branch from Scout's hands and lit the branch on fire.

Almost immediately, the beasts roared, but backed away. "More, more, we need to feed the fire!" Aurelio ordered, quickly gathering twigs and branches. The flames grew in size, scaring off the pack of kalidahs, sending them running for the hills. After a split second, Aurelio could finally breathe, dropping to the ground in relief. "Good Godmothers, we nearly died," he panted, out of breath.

Scout rubbed his eyes as if it was just a bad dream. "Sorry I, um, took a while to realize what was happening." Aurelio observed Scout briefly—he looked pretty spooked, his chest rising and falling unevenly.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Uh, well—"

"He's alive!" Marigold said victoriously, gesturing to Emerick's limp, unconscious body. "He just fainted, I'm sure he'll wake up once we make it to Emerald City." Rolling his pants up a bit, Aurelio was mortified to see swollen, reddening, and torn flesh on his ankle. Emerick didn't say his injury was that bad, if Aurelio had known, they would have rushed to the city faster. "It's infected for sure."

"Let's hope that Emerick wasn't too busy with his machines to forget to get a tetanus shot." Awkwardly, Aurelio picked up Emerick's light body. The boy was pretty scrawny (no offense, Emerick) and it wouldn't take a lot of work to carry him. After stomping out the fire, they continued their way to Emerald City. "Next time, let's shut up and just run when deadly monsters are trying to murder us."

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???'s POV

I heard her voice as her heels clicked on the floor. What was her name again? Camille Red. Yes, that's her, the new professor at Ever After High. I followed her silently in the shadows, maintaining my distance. She was talking on the phone with a young man, they were arguing about something. "I'm not leaving the school, Arthur," she said heatedly, her voice bouncing off the walls. It was late in the evening, no one was around.

And they thought they could scare me... I had heard of the group of students' silly threats. Fake ones too. Oh, they thought they were so clever, but I had beaten them to it. Still, Professor Red was going to be a liability. I kept my eyes trained on Camille as she approached the stairwell, halting. Here's my final chance...

"I know Milton Grimm is covering something up, but I can't just leave EAH to defend itself," Camille argued, pinching the bridge of her nose. So distracted by her conversation, she hadn't noticed me coming from behind her. "I can't just leave without—"

I pushed her hard, watching her as she collided with the wall, leaving a faint blood stain as she let out a piercing scream. Camille fell down the stairs like a ragdoll until she landed on the bottom step. A pool of blood surrounded her head, a wound on the back of her head, as her eyes slipped down. "Camille? Are you there?" the man's voice asked from the phone. "Camille?"

I stooped down to the phone, seeing the contact on the cracked screen. Arthur Osborn. I hung up on him, kicking the phone down the stairs until it landed next to an unconscious Camille. I let out a cackle, my laughter filling Ever After High's empty halls.

Oh, it's good to be back.

A/N: Does Professor Red survive or not? Well, you'll have to find out in the next few chapters because I'm mean. Now, I'm not going to kill off these characters before traumatizing and giving them a character arc. So I'm just teasing you guys with all these what-if deaths (Sorry Emerick) but I have made my death list and still adding to it. I'm not spoiling who dies, but it's 5+ characters for sure. Either way, the characters who survive will eventually be temporarily or permanently disabled in some way (Holton, that hand needs to go)