Chapter Text
Chloe Charming could only take so much.
The group was supposed to be travelling together, fighting off threats together, bonding together. But at a certain point, it was only about two, and everyone else was just an extra wheel.
Now, Chloe was fine with not being the center of attention. But what bugged her was Red. Red, who hardly talked to her on this whole trip. Red, who went off with Luis to solve one particular puzzle and came back closer to him than ever. Red, who seemed to forget everything they had been through together.
She tried to tell herself that it was fine. That they had bigger problems to worry about. Even now, though, as they crowded around a campfire for the night, Red was right next to Luis. They guy was even holding her hand!
Chloe couldn’t help but glare. In the back of her head, she could hear her mother—err, her new mother—scolding her. “Perfect princesses don’t glare! And they don’t get jealous!”
Ah. So her internal thoughts had it all figured out. Because, yes, she liked Red, like liked-her-more-than-a-friend liked, but what could she do about it? Did she even want to do something about it?
She snapped out of her thoughts long enough to see Red giggle—Red, giggling! What was going on?!—at Luis’s words. He probably didn’t say anything funny. She’s just trying to be nice, Chloe’s mind said bitterly. Then, to her horror, he turned to kiss her cheek. And Red. Leaned. In.
Chloe stood and announced, “I’m going for a walk.”
Red and Luis were too occupied with each other to answer. Instead, Pink spoke up. “Ok, just don’t go too far. We still have no idea what could be out there.”
“Noted,” Chloe said, eyes lingering on Red before she finally turned around.
Questions swarmed her head like the fireflies guiding her through the woods of Wonderland. Why hadn’t she done anything about her feelings before? Was it too late now? Would her mother even approve, dating someone who wasn’t a prince (or even a boy, for that matter)? And if they did get together, would that change things at school? Would people still want to be her friend?
And what would it feel like to kiss her?
“Stupid Luis,” Chloe muttered. “Now I’ll never know. Not that I’d have the courage to do anything about it, anyway.”
“Oh. So it’s courage that you seek?”
Chloe reached for her sword upon hearing the eerie voice but was met with empty space. Darn it, she left it at the camp. She settled for her fists instead.
“Who are you?” she called out, summoning all the strength and power of her mother.
“You’ll see. Follow me, and I can help you.”
“Yeah, right.”
“I know who you are, Chlore Charming.” She arched an eyebrow. Most everyone in Auradon knew her. But this wasn’t Auradon, it was Wonderland. Despite her puzzlement, the next words made her freeze. “I know you want Red Hearts.”
“Who. Are. You?” Chloe demanded, her voice rising like her bubbling anger. Finally, the origin of the voice emerged. A man with a tall purple hat and a patchwork suit. She didn’t recognize him, but somehow, he saw through her.
“I can help you get her,” the man continued. “I have magic that will aid you. And don’t worry,” he added, somehow sensing Chloe’s concern. “She won’t get hurt.”
Chloe knew she should say no. That was the right choice, the “perfect princess” choice. But the idea was enticing. Even though this was a stranger, Chloe knew herself; with whatever this man offered her, Chloe would still be Chloe. Her morals wouldn’t change. She was just…sort-of set on one thing right now. Err, more like one girl.
Plus, she felt a supernatural pull. She couldn’t refuse.
She was stepping forward before the confirming word rolled off her tongue.
“Ok.” It was the last word of her own, before she felt herself change, surged with a powerful, sinister new magic.