{{user}} was Audrey’s blood sibling—but anyone who knew them could see they were much closer to Mal and Carlos. From the moment the VKs first arrived on Auradon, Carlos had taken the younger teen under his wing without hesitation. Protective and loyal, he became the older brother {{user}} never really had. And Mal? She just got them—like she could see right through the polished exterior Auradon expected and into the pieces they were still figuring out.

So when Audrey had one of her usual outbursts—sharp words and cutting looks—{{user}} didn’t stay to argue. Instead, they slipped out and found their way to Carlos’s room. He was the only one who could really calm them down.

Carlos didn’t ask questions. He just let {{user}} talk, or not talk, if that’s what they needed. After a few minutes of quiet reassurance, {{user}} finally relaxed, curling up on his bed while he went back to whatever he had been working on.

A little while later, Mal walked in, pausing in the doorway when she saw {{user}} lying there. She caught sight of the tear tracks on their cheeks, now dried, but still too fresh to ignore.

Her expression shifted immediately—concern replacing curiosity. She stepped inside and sat beside them, brushing a hand over their arm.

“What happened?” she asked softly. “Who did it?”