The air inside the Royal dorm was thick with tension. Every breath felt heavier than the last, thick with the remnants of magic that still crackled through the air. The echoes of flames and chaos were fading, but the worry remained etched in the faces of the princes. They had never seen Evie like this before.

Seth's heart pounded in his chest as he held Evie in his arms, her delicate frame trembling, barely conscious. His fingers traced the outline of her cheek, every inch of him brimming with guilt. His fiery magic had surged with hers, and yet, he hadn't been able to stop it. Had he done enough to protect her? His chest tightened at the thought. He had failed.

"She shouldn't have been pushed this far," Seth muttered under his breath, his jaw clenching as he looked at Rowan, who was still kneeling on the floor, his face twisted in frustration. Rowan's own fire was fading, but the damage was done. Seth's eyes met Rowan's, and there was no hiding the storm of emotions in his gaze.

I should have stepped in sooner, Seth thought bitterly, his hands still shaking as he gently cradled Evie's fragile body.

Rowan stood frozen, his gaze locked on the woman who had just moments ago been floating in the air, her magic completely out of control. He felt his stomach churn with dread. What the hell have I done? he thought, his throat tightening as he replayed the harsh words that had left his lips.

The words he'd spoken to Evie had been venomous—designed to provoke, to push her, to test her limits. But seeing her now, lying so still, her skin pale from the ordeal, he felt the crushing weight of regret crash over him like an avalanche.

"I didn't mean...," Rowan began, his voice hollow, but the words got caught in his throat. He was incapable of taking back what had been said.

Duke's expression was a mixture of fury and concern. He watched Seth gently lift Evie, his heart aching at the sight of her unconscious form. His fists clenched at his sides. Rowan has to pay for this, he thought, his anger flaring once more. Duke had always been protective, but this...this was different. This was far beyond anything he was willing to forgive.

"Rowan, what the hell were you thinking?" Duke growled, stepping forward. His voice was low and threatening, filled with a dangerous edge.

Rowan's gaze snapped to Duke, his blue eyes burning with an intensity that made the room feel even hotter. But he could see the concern behind Duke's anger. And as much as it infuriated him, Rowan couldn't escape the gnawing guilt gnawing at him from within.

"I was trying to make her stronger," Rowan replied bitterly, his voice laced with frustration. But even as he spoke the words, he knew it sounded hollow. He had pushed too far, too fast, and now Evie was paying the price.

The silence stretched between them like a wound that couldn't be healed. But before it could fester, Sol's calm voice broke through.

"I need to look over her .Now." His words were firm, yet there was an unmistakable tenderness behind them. He crossed the room with long strides, his eyes never leaving Evie's frail form.

Seth reluctantly let Sol take over, his chest still tight with the overwhelming weight of guilt. He stepped back, watching as Sol carefully examined Evie. His magic wrapped around her like a protective shield, his brow furrowed in concentration.

Duke watched them closely, his gaze flicking between Sol and Rowan, his protective instincts still on high alert. It was only when Sol gave a small nod of approval that Duke allowed himself to breathe, even just a little.

"She'll be fine," Sol said, his voice quiet but steady. He met Seth's gaze, his eyes filled with an understanding that cut through the tension. "She's strong. We just need to let her rest."

Seth nodded, still clutching Evie's small hand, the warmth of her skin the only reassurance he had.

"I never should have let it go this far," Rowan murmured, his voice softer now, tinged with regret. "I should have pulled back."

Duke didn't respond right away. Instead, he turned his gaze to the floor, running a hand through his hair. It's not too late to fix this, he thought. But fixing it wouldn't be easy. They all had to learn to respect her limits, to understand what she needed, not just what they thought she should be.

Just then, the door to the room opened, and the Headmistress stepped in. She surveyed the room, taking in the scene—Evie still in Seth's arms, her face pale, the tension between the princes palpable.

The Headmistress looked at sol as if asking him if she is alright , he gave her a brief nod " she is stronger than we know" she said quietly, before turning to Rowan. "You've always been stubborn, Rowan. But you need to learn when to pull back. Your power is not to be used to break someone down—it's to help them grow."

Rowan's head dipped, shame coloring his features. He didn't need to hear it from her, but it didn't stop the guilt from gnawing at him. I've messed up, he thought, his fists still clenched. But now, more than ever, he knew he had to prove he could make it right.

"I'm sorry, Evie," Rowan whispered under his breath, but she didn't hear him. She wouldn't hear him until she woke up.

In the silence that followed, Seth's gaze flickered toward the door. "She needs rest. She's exhausted."

The Headmistress nodded in agreement, her eyes softening. "Of course. But we will be watching over her. All of you."

As Seth gently carried Evie out of the her room, towards his room the princes followed in silence, knowing seth is on edge and he will make sure she wont leave her side ,each of them lost in their own thoughts. The events of the day had changed everything. And none of them knew how to move forward, but they all knew one thing: Evie was the center of their world now. And they would fight for her, no matter what.