The academy buzzed with tension as the announcement of final exams spread like wildfire. For most students, it was just another academic hurdle to cross, but for Evie, it was a reality check.

Between Alaric's threats, the elemental trials, and the deepening bond with the princes, she had somehow forgotten that semester-end exams were a thing.

"I completely forgot!" she groaned, faceplanting into a book at the library table.

Seth chuckled, leaning back in his chair with a lazy smirk. "You've had a lot going on, sunshine."

Duke grinned, ruffling her hair. "Don't worry, sweetheart. We'll help you prepare."

Sol, ever the calming presence, nudged a neatly written study guide toward her. "You already know more than you think. It's just about refining it."

Rowan crossed his arms, watching her closely. "And making sure you don't overwork yourself."

Evie smiled at them, warmth spreading in her chest. With their support, she could do this.

And so, the next few days became a whirlwind of studying.

The princes took turns tutoring her in different subjects.

Rowan helped her with elemental theory, his patient explanations making complex ideas clear.

Sol guided her through the history of magic, his gentle voice making the past feel alive.

Duke made a game out of memorization, rewarding her with chocolates every time she got a question right.

Seth—well, Seth mostly provided comic relief, dramatically pretending to die every time she got an answer wrong. Alright, one last time," Rowan said, crossing his arms as he sat across from her. "Explain the principles of elemental equilibrium."

Evie sighed dramatically. "Why does it feel like I have six overbearing tutors?"

Seth smirked. "Sunshine, you do."

Duke chuckled, ruffling her hair before handing her a small plate of fruit. "And we do expect you to ace this."

Sol, ever the gentle presence, placed a hand over hers. "We just want you to feel prepared."

Prepared.

She wasn't sure if she'd ever truly feel prepared for anything in this academy.

But with them beside her, she felt capable.

She exhaled, straightened her shoulders, and said, "Elemental equilibrium is the balance between opposing forces within a mage's core. Too much of one element without proper control results in instability, and if left unchecked, could destroy the user."

A pause.

Then Rowan smirked. "You're ready." ______________________________ The large dueling arena was nothing short of intimidating. Ancient runes glowed along the stone platforms, pulsing with energy as the professors activated the enchantments that would shield the audience from stray magic.

The crowd was restless.

Evie swallowed, her fingers tightening into fists.

Beside her, the princes stood in a protective semi-circle, each radiating their own brand of concern.

Seth groaned, throwing an arm over her shoulder. "Last chance to fake sick and let me carry you out of here, sunshine."

Duke shot him an unimpressed look. "She's got this."

Rowan, ever stoic, was quiet, his eyes scanning the battlefield ahead. But his hand briefly brushed against her lower back—a silent stay safe.

Sol's golden eyes were warm. "We'll be watching."

She nodded, drawing strength from them.

But the moment she stepped forward, something in the air shifted. ____________________________ Her opponent walked into the ring with a confident stride.

Evie knew him—a fellow student, but one she had barely interacted with.

Yet, the moment their eyes met, a chill crawled up her spine.

Something was wrong.

The moment the duel was announced, the student smirked—and a pulse of dark magic flared around him.

Her body reacted before her mind could catch up.

She dodged just in time as a stream of black fire shot past her.

Gasps erupted from the audience.

Seth shot to his feet. "What the hell?"

Duke's hands curled into fists. "That's not normal magic."

Rowan's expression darkened. "It's Alaric."

Sol's voice was grave. "We have to stop this—"

But just as the princes moved—

A dark barrier snapped into place.

A force so strong it sent them flying backward.

They slammed into the stone walls with brutal impact.

Evie's heart stopped.

"NO!"

She turned, but the barrier separated her from them.

Seth groaned, struggling to get up. "What... the fuck was that?"

Duke gritted his teeth, slamming his fist against the barrier. "It won't budge."

Sol winced, his jaw tight with frustration. "It's designed to keep us out."

Rowan barely reacted to the pain, his blue eyes locked onto Evie. "Evie, don't let him get in your head."

But she wasn't listening.

She was furious.

Seeing them hurt—seeing her princes suffer because of Alaric's influence—

Something inside her cracked.

A New Power Awakens A storm raged inside her.

Her violet flames flared, brighter, hotter—but they weren't just fire anymore.

They crackled with something new.

Something raw.

Her opponent barely had time to react.

Evie lifted her hands, and the sky itself seemed to tremble.

A wave of sonic energy blasted outward.

A deafening boom shook the arena.

Her opponent was flung across the battlefield.

The barrier shattered.

The second it fell, the princes ran to her. _____________________________ Evie stood frozen.Her body was still vibrating with raw energy.

Her hands were trembling.

What... was that?

Rowan was the first to reach her, gripping her face gently but firmly, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Evie. Breathe."

Duke's hands ran along her arms, checking for injuries. "Sweetheart, are you hurt?"

Seth crashed into her, his arms wrapping around her tightly. "You scared the shit out of us, sunshine."

Sol pressed his forehead against hers, his warmth grounding her. "Your power..." His voice was gentle, but full of concern. "It's changed."

Evie swallowed hard.

She looked down at her hands.

For the first time, she wasn't sure if she recognized them.