Morning arrived far too quickly. Evie stirred, feeling the warmth of someone wrapped around her. It took her a second to remember—Seth.

The memories of last night came rushing back—the gentle touch, the whispered promises, the way his lips had lingered against hers.

She turned slightly, only to find Seth already awake, his emerald eyes watching her intently. A slow smirk stretched across his face.

"Morning, princess."

Heat flooded her cheeks. "Morning."

Seth stretched, groaning as he sat up. "If I could wake up next to you every day, I think I'd actually become a morning person."

Evie rolled her eyes, shoving him lightly. "I highly doubt that."

Before he could respond, a loud knock at the door made them both jump.

"Evie?" Duke's voice filtered through. "Are you up?"

Seth sighed dramatically. "And the fun police arrive."

Evie shot him a warning look before calling out, "Yeah, I'm awake!"

The door opened, revealing not just Duke, but Rowan and Sol as well. Their eyes flickered between Evie and Seth, their gazes darkening.

Rowan crossed his arms. "Did he sleep here?"

Seth grinned, completely unapologetic. "Jealous?"

Duke sighed, rubbing his temples. "We don't have time for this." He stepped forward, eyes softening as they landed on Evie. "How are you feeling?"

Evie sat up fully, stretching. "Better. Sore, but better."

Sol studied her closely. "No dizziness? No lingering pain?"

"I promise, I'm okay," she reassured him.

Rowan wasn't convinced. "You nearly died a day ago. Forgive us for wanting to double-check."

Evie's heart clenched at the raw emotion in his voice. They weren't just being protective. They were scared.

She reached out, taking Rowan's hand in hers. His muscles tensed for a moment before he finally exhaled, his fingers squeezing hers lightly.

"I'm not going anywhere," she told him softly.

Rowan averted his gaze, jaw clenching. "You better not." ______________________________ The day passed in a blur of warmth and affection. The princes wouldn't let her do anything alone, and honestly, she didn't mind. She felt cherished—protected.

But it wasn't until she found herself alone with Duke in the training courtyard that things took a turn she hadn't expected.

They had been walking side by side, the fresh air cooling her skin. Duke had been quiet, more so than usual, his sharp blue eyes scanning the sky, lost in thought.

Evie hesitated before breaking the silence. "You've been quiet today."

Duke glanced at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Just thinking."

"About what?"

He took a breath, exhaling slowly. "About you."

Her heart skipped a beat. "Me?"

Duke stopped walking and turned to face her fully. "Evie, you nearly died in those trials. Do you know how terrifying that was? Seeing you covered in blood, helpless..." His jaw clenched. "I never want to feel that again."

Evie swallowed, touched by the raw emotion in his voice. She reached for his hand, squeezing gently. "I'm here, Duke. I'm okay."

His gaze softened as he lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss against her knuckles. The warmth of his breath sent shivers down her spine.

"Duke..." she whispered.

His hand cupped her cheek, thumb brushing lightly across her skin. His hesitation lasted only a second before he leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, deep kiss.

It was different from Seth's.

Seth had been playful, teasing, testing the boundaries.

Duke's kiss was consuming. Protective. It was a silent vow that she was his to keep safe, to cherish.

When they pulled apart, she was breathless, her fingers curled into his shirt as if anchoring herself.

Duke rested his forehead against hers. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that."

Evie smiled, her heart racing. "Then why did you wait?"

His chuckle was low and warm. "Because I wanted it to be perfect."

And it was.

A Kiss Among the Books ___________________________ After lunch, Evie had insisted on going to the library.

"I need to read up on elemental attacks," she told the guys, standing with her hands on her hips. "If I want to get stronger, I need to understand how my magic works."

Rowan had frowned, clearly displeased. "You need rest."

Duke crossed his arms. "You just started recovering, Evie."

Even Seth pouted. "Can't we just do something fun instead?"

Evie sighed, exasperated. "You guys do realize that I won't be fighting anyone today, right?"

They weren't convinced, but eventually, she managed to slip away—on the condition that Sol would come and get her when it was time to return.

She spent the next hour immersed in books, flipping through pages about elemental battles, focusing on how to merge different elements for more powerful attacks.

She barely noticed when Sol arrived, leaning against the bookshelf with a knowing smirk.

"Still awake?" he teased.

Evie looked up, smiling. "Barely. But I think I found something interesting."

Sol walked over, glancing at the book in her lap before shaking his head. "You're supposed to be recovering, not studying."

She sighed. "I am recovering. This is just—"

Before she could finish, Sol reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You're always so stubborn."

She rolled her eyes. "And you're always so bossy."

Sol grinned. "Then we make a good match."

Evie's breath hitched when his fingers brushed her jaw, tilting her face up toward his.

"I don't like seeing you hurt," he murmured. "I hated it."

"Sol..." she whispered, her heart pounding.

And then, his lips were on hers.

Soft, warm, and undeniably perfect.

His kiss was tender, slow—like he was memorizing her. It sent warmth curling through her body, making her toes curl.

When they pulled apart, he smiled, resting his forehead against hers. "Now, let's get you back before the others kill me for keeping you here too long."

Evie giggled, her fingers still clutching his shirt. "They'll survive."

Sol grinned. "I'm more worried about you surviving them." _____________________________

Later that night, after dinner, Evie had asked Rowan to take her on a walk.

"I just need fresh air," she said, stretching her arms. "Being inside all day is making me restless."

Rowan had hesitated but eventually agreed, leading her outside into the cool night.

They walked in comfortable silence, the night sky glittering above them. The academy grounds were quiet, peaceful.

Rowan was the first to break the silence. "I know you're pushing yourself."

Evie looked up at him, surprised. "What?"

"I know you want to be stronger. But you don't have to do everything alone, Evie."

She smiled softly. "I know."

Rowan hesitated before turning to face her fully. "Do you?"

Something in his voice made her chest tighten.

Before she could answer, Rowan reached for her hand, his touch warm despite the cool air. His eyes burned with something unspoken, something intense.

And then—he kissed her.

It was deep, full of emotion—like a promise, like a claim.

Unlike the others, Rowan's kiss was possessive.

Evie felt herself melt into him, her fingers tightening in his shirt, her body pressing against his. The world seemed to fade away.

Until—

The moment their lips parted, darkness swarmed her vision.

Her body went limp.

Rowan barely had time to react before she collapsed against him.

His heart stopped.

"Evie?" He shook her gently. "Evie!"

She didn't respond.

Panic surged through him. Without wasting a second, he scooped her into his arms and ran.

_____________________________ The dorm doors slammed open as Rowan burst inside, breathless, Evie limp in his arms.

The others were on their feet in an instant.

"What happened?!" Duke demanded, eyes wide with panic.

"I don't know!" Rowan snapped. "We were walking—she kissed me, and then she just—collapsed!"

Seth's face darkened. "You what?"

Sol, however, stepped forward, placing a hand on Evie's forehead.

"I think I know what happened."

Everyone turned to him.

Sol exhaled. "She's accepted all of us. The bond has started forming."

Rowan's eyes widened. "You mean—?"

"She's drained because our magic is now connected to her," Sol confirmed. "She'll wake up soon."

But despite his reassurance, the room was thick with tension.

Duke paced restlessly. Seth ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. Rowan sat beside her, gripping her hand tightly.

They were tensed but also relieved and happy . They know the bond has connected them and now there's no turning back.

They are hers