And that’s when an idea begins to form. “Maybe we don’t have to convince the kingdom that Olivina is up to no good,” I say slowly. “Maybe she can out herself.”

Corden smiles. “That masquerade ball they talked about would be the perfect cover.”

“We could go in, hack into the mirror, and share the truth about Olivina with the whole kingdom!” Heath says excitedly.

Sasha nods. “She wouldn’t be able to stop us this time.”

Prue slowly smiles. “If we got to the mirror in Olivina’s office, we could tap into the connection and share it with more mirrors. I think I could figure out how to do it in a few days.”

“You want to go back to Royal Academy?” Tara seems to fold into herself, retreating into the shadows of the darkened ship.

“Yes.” I take her hand. “I know it’s scary, but she’s putting the whole kingdom in danger, and we’re the only ones who know.”

“Think about all of the other kids out there like us whose lives Olivina wants to destroy,” Logan adds. “She could take away their families too.”

“We need to fight for them and ourselves, and we need to do it together.” I look down at Lily who flicks her tongue in agreement.

“It’s risky,” Sasha says. “But what can she really do? Banish us again?”

“Send us to Fairy Tale Reform School?” Raina asks somewhat hopefully. “Azalea and Dahlia—the formerly wicked stepmother’s daughters—said it’s not all that bad. And if Beauty can work there…”

Tara closes her eyes. “I can’t face Olivina again.”

“You won’t have to do it alone,” Heath reminds her.

“We will be there every step of the way.” Prue touches her arm.

“We just have to figure out how to get an invitation so we can get through the door,” Logan says.

“Lucky for us, we have someone on the inside at Royal Academy,” I remind the others. “We just have to send word to her.” I walk to the edge of the deck and whistle a call for help in pigeon. A feathered friend flutters down from a nearby tree and lands on the railing. We whistle back and forth. I’m ready to give the bird a snack and send it on its way when Prue runs over.

“If you’re getting in touch with a friend at Royal Academy, send her this.” She presses a small pink compact mirror into my hand. “You’re right. It’s time I trust my inventions and give this baby a whirl. I think I can rig it so we can talk to her outside the network at Royal Academy. It should be completely untraceable.”

“It’s going to work,” I say with a smile. Minutes later, my new pigeon friend is on his way to Royal Academy with a note to Brynn and the small compact in tow.

Royal Academy

From the desk of the Fairy Godmother

The night has come;