Darkness clung to the edges of Evie's mind as muffled voices echoed in the distance. Her head throbbed, her body weighed down by exhaustion and confusion. Slowly, she opened her eyes, blinking against the warm, golden glow of the room.

She was lying on a velvet couch in a grand circular office. The walls were lined with towering bookshelves, filled with ancient tomes and softly glowing artifacts. Above, the ceiling arched into a dome, painted with swirling depictions of the four elements—air, fire, water, and earth. The air was thick with the scent of aged parchment and something floral.

Evie shifted, her muscles protesting. The last thing she remembered was the headmistress's words—You are not human.

"You're awake," Duke's voice broke through her thoughts, smooth and warm like a comforting tide. He knelt beside the couch, his navy-blue eyes laced with concern. "You scared us there, Little Wave."

Little Wave? Evie's brow furrowed but before she could comment, another voice chimed in.

"Told you she'd handle it," Seth smirked from across the room, casually leaning against a bookshelf. His blond hair was tousled and his pale blue eyes sparkled with mischief. "Well... eventually." He winked. "You alright, Sunshine?"

Sunshine? Evie opened her mouth to snap back, but Rowan cut in.

"Now's not the time for jokes," he muttered, arms crossed over his broad chest. His fiery red hair and sharp amber eyes made him look like he was carved from flame. He glanced at her. "You feeling better, Sparks?"

Evie blinked at him. Was everyone giving her nicknames now? Before she could question it, Sol's deep voice rumbled from the corner.

"You fainted. You need rest," he said, standing tall and solid as always. His dark hair fell messily over his brow, and his deep green eyes held a quiet intensity. "Careful, Little Blossom ."

Evie let out a soft, bewildered laugh. "Okay, what's with the nicknames?"

Seth grinned. "It's called affection, Sunshine. Get used to it."

Before Evie could retort Then her gaze settled on the elegant woman behind the massive wooden desk—Headmistress Morgana. Her deep violet eyes held a blend of authority and warmth, and her dark robes cascaded around her like flowing ink.

the headmistress—Morgana—cleared her throat, drawing the room's attention. Her violet robes swept gracefully as she approached. "Evie, I understand this is overwhelming. But there are things you need to know."

The room was grand—circular, lined with towering bookshelves filled with ancient tomes and glowing runes. A massive wooden desk sat at the center, surrounded by deep blue banners embroidered with golden sigils. The ceiling stretched high, adorned with intricate carvings of the four elemental symbols.

Morgana folded her hands neatly on the desk and continued "You are what we call an Elemental Child. Your existence is tied to all four elemental kingdoms—Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. It's an extraordinarily rare lineage, Evie."

Evie's world tilted. "That... can't be right. My parents—" Her voice broke. "They're normal. Human."

Morgana's gaze softened. "The people who raised you love you deeply, but they are not your biological parents. You were placed with them for your protection."

Evie felt like the floor had been ripped out from under her. "So, my entire life was a lie?"

"No," Morgana said gently. "It was a shield. There are those who would have sought you out if your true identity had been known."

Evie rubbed her face, trying to process. "Then why now? Why bring me here at all?"

Sol spoke for the first time, his voice deep and grounding. "Because your powers are awakening. If left untrained, they could harm you... or others."

Evie's gaze darted between them. "Powers. Right." Her head spun. "And what about them?" She gestured toward the princes. "Why are they always around?"

Morgana smiled faintly. "Each of them represents one of the elemental kingdoms, and they've been assigned to guide and protect you."

Seth grinned. "Lucky you, Ev."

Evie shot him a look. "Don't call me that."

"Sure thing, sunshine," he winked.

Evie groaned but turned back to Morgana. "So what powers do they even have?"

Morgana gestured to Seth first. "Prince Seth hails from the Air Kingdom. He controls wind, speed, and weather manipulation."

Seth snapped his fingers, and a playful gust ruffled Evie's hair.

"Hey!" she protested, swatting at her hair.

"Relax, its just a breeze," Seth teased.

Morgana continued, undeterred. "Prince Rowan represents the Fire Kingdom. His abilities include heat manipulation, combustion, and flame conjuring."

Rowan's palm flickered, a small flame dancing across his fingertips. His blazing amber eyes met hers. "Try not to get burned, sparks."

Evie rolled her eyes. "Original."

"Prince Duke," Morgana gestured, "controls the Water Kingdom. His powers involve hydrokinesis, healing properties through water, and emotional sensing."

Duke offered her a warm comforting smile. "We'll navigate this together My little wave"

Her cheeks warmed. Seriously? The nicknames are going to be a thing?

"And Prince Sol from the Earth Kingdom. His connection lies with nature, strength enhancement, and ground manipulation."

Sol inclined his head. "I will keep you Stay rooted, Evie."

Evie covered her face with her hands."I'm surrounded by lunatics."

"You'll get used to it," Seth quipped.

Morgana cleared her throat, bringing Evie's attention back. "Your connection to all four elements is unprecedented, Evie. That's why you were brought here—to harness your potential and prevent dangerous outbursts."

"Great," Evie mumbled. "So I'm a walking time bomb."

"More like a dormant star," Duke corrected gently.

Evie sighed. "And what exactly am I supposed to do here? Just... learn magic?"

"Among other things," Morgana replied, sliding a parchment across the desk. "This is your class schedule."

Evie took it reluctantly and read:

Elemental Training (8 AM - 10 AM): "You'll explore your connection to each element. This class will help you channel your powers safely," Morgana explained.

Combat & Defense (10:30 AM - 12 PM): "To ensure you can protect yourself physically. Magic isn't always enough."

Magical Theory (1 PM - 2 PM): "Understanding the fundamentals of how your abilities work is crucial," Morgana added.

History of the Realms (2:15 PM - 3:15 PM): "Knowledge of the kingdoms' pasts will help you navigate political and social landscapes."

Alchemy & Spellcraft (3:30 PM - 5 PM): "Hands-on practice with potions and incantations. It's messier than it sounds," Seth piped in.

Evie looked up. "So... basically, magic boot camp."

"You'll adjust," Morgana reassured. "Each subject is designed to help you understand your powers and your place in this world. You're not alone in this journey."

Evie bit her lip. "It doesn't feel that way."

Rowan, surprisingly gentle, added, "You've got us, evie. Like it or not."

Her heart twisted. Despite everything he said earlier , there was a strange comfort in his presence rather with all of them.

"And where am I staying?" she asked.

Morgana hesitated briefly. "You'll be housed in the Royal Wing... with the princes."

Evie gawked. "With them?! Are you serious?"

"It's for your safety," Duke said. "Many here are curious about you—some for the wrong reasons."

Seth grinned. "Don't worry, peach, we don't bite... unless you ask."

Evie groaned, burying her face in her hands. "This is a nightmare."

"On the bright side," Sol rumbled, "the rooms are spacious."

Morgana smiled gently. "Evie, I know this is overwhelming. But Redblood Academy isn't just about survival. It's about discovering who you are." Her gaze softened. "You're stronger than you think."

Evie exhaled shakily. "I hope so."

"Rest tonight," Morgana advised. "Tomorrow... your new life begins."

Evie glanced at the parchment, her mind swirling. Magic, princes, elemental powers—it was too much. And yet, as she looked at the four men who would be her protectors, something deep inside whispered: This was just the beginning ____________________ How was this chapter?

Who do you like the most? Sol the gentle gaint Rowan aka grumpy Duke who's calm and collected Seth fun going and goofy