The soft hum of the morning breeze caressed the sheer curtains of Evie's room, filtering in golden sunlight that kissed the cool wooden floors. The world outside was stirring—birds chirping, leaves rustling—but within the sanctuary of her room, there was only stillness.

Evie lay cocooned in the warmth of her blankets, her body curled in the comfort of solitude. A rare moment of peace. No training, no running from danger, no suffocating expectations.

For a while, she simply stared at the ceiling, her fingers tracing the embroidered patterns of her duvet.

A holiday.

She could do whatever she wanted.

That thought should've been comforting, yet it left an emptiness in her chest.

With a sigh, she sat up, stretching her arms above her head before swinging her legs over the side of the bed. The floor was cold against her bare feet as she padded over to the bathroom, splashing cool water onto her face.

Looking into the mirror, she studied herself—her slightly tousled hair, her lips parted in a sleepy daze, her eyes reflecting thoughts she didn't have the energy to untangle.

She turned away.

After slipping into a cozy oversized sweater and leggings, she tied her hair into a loose ponytail and made her way to the academy's dining hall.

A Breakfast of Solitude

The aroma of fresh pastries and roasted coffee filled the vast space as Evie entered the dining hall. The usual hustle and chatter of students were absent—most taking full advantage of the rare break by sleeping in.

She grabbed a tray, filling it with warm croissants, fruit, and a steaming cup of sweetened tea before settling into a secluded spot by the window.

The morning sunlight spilled over the wooden table, glinting off the rim of her cup. She took a slow sip, savoring the comforting heat.

It was quiet. Peaceful.

Yet, she couldn't ignore the gnawing sensation at the back of her mind. A dull ache of longing.

She missed them.

Ridiculous. She rolled her eyes at herself, biting into her croissant.

But even as she distracted herself with breakfast, a deep part of her knew—being alone no longer felt the same. _____________________________

Across the academy, the royal dorm buzzed with an urgent energy as the boys gathered around, eyes locked on the enchanted mirror glowing on the wall.

The headmistress's voice was crisp, carrying an authoritative weight.

"The elemental trials are fast approaching," she stated, her gaze shifting between them. "We need additional hands to ensure everything is prepared."

Rowan exhaled sharply, arms crossed. "You want us to assist in structuring the trial fields?"

Headmistress nodded. "Given your elemental mastery, your help would be invaluable."

Duke stretched lazily, smirking. "I guess I can lend a hand."

Sol remained unreadable, but there was an almost imperceptible nod of agreement.

Seth, however, frowned. "And Evie?"

The headmistress's expression softened. "She's not expected to participate in the setup. Let her rest."

Rowan turned to the others. "We tell her to stay in the dorm. She needs the break."

Seth clicked his tongue. "She's not going to like that."

Duke grinned. "Then let's make it sound like a royal decree."

With that, the four of them headed toward the dining hall, intent on finding her before they left. ______________________________

Evie was just finishing her tea when the boys arrived, their presence impossible to ignore.

Seth slid into the seat beside her, nudging her playfully. "Enjoying your morning alone, Sunshine?"

She lifted a brow. "Why do I feel like that's about to change?"

Rowan's golden gaze was unwavering. "The headmistress called. We're needed to help set up the elemental trials."

Evie blinked. "Oh. Do I need to—?"

"No."

The answer was immediate, unanimous.

She frowned. "I can help—"

Seth leaned in, voice firm. "Rest, Evie."

Duke tapped the table. "Stay in the dorm. Read a book, nap, talk to your imaginary friends—whatever keeps you out of trouble."

She huffed. "You're all being dramatic."

Rowan exhaled. "Just don't wander off."

Something about the way he said it made her stomach flutter. But she rolled her eyes. "Fine."

Satisfied, they left, disappearing through the towering doors.

But Evie, as always, had her own plans. ______________________________

The first hour in her dorm was unbearable.

The walls felt too constricting, the silence too heavy.

So, she grabbed a book and decided to spend the day in the academy's grand library instead.

The moment she stepped inside, a familiar peace settled over her. The scent of old parchment and polished wood welcomed her as she walked deeper into the rows of towering shelves, finding a secluded corner by the window.

She curled up in one of the plush chairs, flipping open her book.

For the first time that morning, she felt at ease. ____________________________ Back at the royal dorm, Seth burst through the doors, grinning mischievously.

"I'm gonna scare the hell out of her."

He stalked toward her bed—only to find it empty.

His grin vanished.

Rowan stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. Duke glanced around the room, his amusement fading. Sol, ever calm, observed quietly.

Duke spotted her phone on the nightstand.

Seth cursed. "She left without it?"

Rowan's jaw tightened. "We told her—"

Sol interrupted, his voice steady. "Check the library."

Without hesitation, they took off.

The search was frantic—every hallway, every corner of the academy combed through until, finally, they stormed into the library.

And there she was.

Sitting peacefully, completely unaware of their panic.

Seth's voice was sharp. "Are you kidding me?"

Evie jumped, eyes wide.

Duke groaned. "Evie, we've been looking everywhere."

Rowan's gaze was molten gold. "You left your phone. What if something happened?"

Seth was practically vibrating with frustration. "You always do this! And I—"

Evie reached up, her fingers brushing his cheek.

Seth froze.

Her voice was soft, guilty. "I'm sorry, Seth. I didn't mean to make you worry."

His throat bobbed.

Duke muttered, "Great. Now I feel like an ass."

Rowan sighed, rubbing his temples.

Evie smiled. "Now come on, I'm starving."

Just like that, the tension melted. ______________________________

The royal dorm was dimly lit, the glow of the fireplace casting flickering shadows along the walls. The atmosphere was heavy, the air thick with unsaid words and emotions that had been building for weeks.

Rowan sat in his usual chair, arms crossed, his golden eyes sharp yet thoughtful. Sol stood by the window, his expression unreadable as he watched the moonlit academy grounds. Duke leaned back on the couch, tapping his fingers against his knee in restless thought. Seth, however, was pacing—his frustration barely concealed.

"She has no idea, does she?" Seth muttered, shaking his head. "That we're all hers."

Duke huffed, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "I think she has some idea. She just refuses to acknowledge it."

Rowan exhaled sharply. "Which is why we have to tell her. Soon."

Seth ran a hand through his hair. "Not until after the trials."

Rowan's eyes darkened, his voice low. "If we wait too long, it might be too late."

Duke arched a brow. "You really think she'd reject us?"

Rowan didn't answer immediately. Instead, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "You know how she is. Evie... she's selfless to a fault. She'll think that by choosing one of us, she's breaking the group."

Silence.

Duke's smirk faded.

Sol nodded. "She'll see it as betrayal. She'd rather suffer in confusion than hurt any of us."

Seth stopped pacing, his hands clenching at his sides. "Then we explain it to her. Properly."

Rowan sighed, rubbing his temples. "It's not that simple. You know how rare multiple bonds are. And she's human—she wasn't raised with the knowledge of elemental mates the way we were."

Duke tilted his head. "You always were the best at explaining things, Rowan. Go on, enlighten us."

Rowan shot him a glare before exhaling.

"Fine." His voice turned quieter, almost reverent.

"In elemental bloodlines, a bond isn't just about emotions. It's about magic. Our elements naturally seek balance, and when a mate is chosen, their magic aligns with that person's essence. It's rare enough to have a single fated mate. But when the balance is so precise, when the pull exists across multiple individuals... it means that the mate in question is bound to more than one."

He paused, glancing at each of them.

"It's not about choosing one. It's about accepting all."

Seth's jaw tightened. "So she belongs to all of us."

Rowan's gaze softened, just a fraction. "No. We belong to her."

That truth settled heavily in the room.

Sol finally spoke. "How do we make her see that?"

Duke smirked. "Oh, I have a few ideas."

Seth groaned. "No one's seducing her into this, Duke."

Duke rolled his eyes. "You all are too serious. We don't force it. We make her feel it. She already does—she just doesn't understand it yet."

Rowan leaned back, eyes narrowing. "Then we give her time."

Seth muttered, "Time better not mean forever."

Rowan's smirk was sharp. "It won't." ______________________________ Meanwhile, in her bed, Evie stared at the ceiling.

Her heart was torn.

She wanted them all.

But that was selfish... wasn't it?

Her hands clutched the sheets.

She didn't know how much longer she could fight this.

Because deep down, she knew—

She wouldn't be able to choose.