After their carefree day in the city, Evie woke up feeling lighter than she had in weeks. The memories of laughter, ice cream, and the warmth of the princes surrounded her like a protective cloak. But reality came rushing back as soon as she stepped onto the training grounds—the prophecy still loomed over her, and she had a long way to go.

Still, something had changed. She wasn't alone.

As she stretched, Seth leaned against a wooden post, watching her with his usual cocky smirk. "Ready to get your ass kicked by the wind, Sunshine?"

Evie rolled her eyes. "You wish."

Seth twirled a hand in the air, summoning a soft breeze that swirled around her hair like invisible fingers. "You're getting better with magic, but let's see how you handle a moving target."

Wind Training – Evie vs. Seth The training field stretched out before them, golden morning light casting long shadows. Seth stood a few feet away, his dark blue tunic billowing in the playful gusts around him.

"Control the wind, Evie," he said. "Don't fight it. Feel it."

Evie closed her eyes and inhaled. The air was alive, whispering around her skin. She focused, willing the breeze to obey her command.

A flick of Seth's wrist sent a small gust her way—gentle at first, teasing. She countered instinctively, redirecting it with a sweep of her fingers.

Seth grinned. "Not bad. But can you keep up?"

Without warning, the wind surged, lifting leaves and dust into the air. Evie squeaked as it pushed against her, making her stumble.

Seth laughed, hands in his pockets as if he wasn't the one causing a miniature tornado around her.

"Oh, you jerk," she muttered before narrowing her eyes.

She focused again, grounding herself, and pushed back with her own magic. The wind obeyed, meeting Seth's force head-on.

He blinked. "Well, well, Sunshine. You might actually be learning."

Evie smirked. "You're just mad I'm winning."

He stepped closer, dropping his voice. "Who said you're winning?"

Their faces were inches apart now, the wind between them curling like a whisper. Evie's heart stuttered, but she refused to back down.

A sudden whoosh sent her stumbling backward—until strong arms caught her.

Seth's breath tickled her ear as he murmured, "Don't get distracted, Sunshine."

Her cheeks burned. "You did that on purpose!"

He just winked. "Maybe." _____________________________

Rowan stood at the far end of the field, watching Evie approach. He was serious, arms crossed, amber eyes sharp.

"Enough games," he said. "Time to get serious."

Evie swallowed. Training with Rowan was always intense. He didn't go easy on her, but she knew he believed in her—somewhere under all that gruffness.

"Control your flames," he instructed. "Don't let them control you."

A spark ignited in her palm. She focused, feeding it gently. The fire danced in her hands, alive and warm.

But when she tried to grow it, the flames wavered, flickering dangerously. Her breath hitched as it threatened to consume her control.

Rowan stepped closer—so close she could feel his warmth. His voice was low, steady. "Breathe, Evie."

She exhaled slowly, the fire stabilizing.

"Good," he muttered, stepping back.

She looked up at him. "You're helping me?"

He scoffed with a small smile. "Don't get used to it."

But the way he had reached out—not just physically, but with his magic—told her everything. ______________________________

Duke, ever the playful one, had set up an elaborate training ground filled with water illusions.

"If you can get through this without falling, I'll be impressed," he teased.

The course was a mix of floating stepping stones, swirling water tunnels, and walls of cascading waterfalls.

Evie took a deep breath and stepped onto the first stone. It wobbled beneath her foot.

Duke grinned. "Careful, little wave."

She steadied herself, moving forward—only for a wall of water to surge toward her. Gasping, she raised a hand, parting it just in time.

"Nice!" Duke cheered.

The next challenge was a spinning tunnel made of water. Evie hesitated.

Duke smirked. "Don't think—move."

With a deep breath, she sprinted forward, diving through the water tunnel. She landed, coughing, but victorious.

Duke clapped. "See? Told you you're a natural."

Evie grinned. "You just like showing off."

He winked. "Guilty." ______________________________ Sol was different from the others—calm, steady. His training wasn't about fighting; it was about listening.

"The earth speaks, Evie," he said. "You just have to listen."

They stood in the academy's secluded garden, surrounded by towering trees and soft moss. Sol knelt, placing a hand against the ground. "Close your eyes. Feel it."

Evie obeyed. At first, she felt nothing. Just silence.

Then—a heartbeat. The pulse of the land beneath her.

Her breath caught. "I... I feel it."

Sol smiled. "Good. Now, connect with it."

She focused, and the ground beneath her hummed in response. The grass shifted ever so slightly under her feet, as if greeting her.

She opened her eyes, wonder filling her. "That was amazing."

Sol nodded. "You're learning, Blossom."

Her heart swelled at the nickname. ______________________________ As evening fell, the headmistress summoned them to her office. Her expression was serious, lips pressed into a thin line.

"There's something you all need to prepare for," she announced.

Evie tensed. "What is it?"

The headmistress folded her hands. "The Academy Tournament."

A silence fell over the room.

Sol frowned. "Already?"

Duke sighed. "This is sooner than expected."

Rowan's jaw clenched. "Is she ready?"

The headmistress met Evie's gaze. "She will have to be."

Evie's stomach twisted. This wasn't just training anymore.

This was real.

And whatever the tournament held—she wasn't sure she was ready.

But as she looked at the princes beside her, she knew one thing for certain.

She wouldn't face it alone.

______________________________

I am trying soo hard to write this book daily, but the absence of response is making me feel like I should just take a break🥲

Nah Just kidding 😈 Writing makes me feel calm, no matter what the response is I will keep writing 🙌