Evie lay in bed, staring at the ornate ceiling of her new dorm room. Dorm was hardly the right word—this place looked more like a royal suite. Rich burgundy curtains framed tall windows, letting in golden morning light. Her plush bed was large enough to fit three people, and a chandelier glittered overhead.

This isn't my life, she thought, running a hand through her hair. Just yesterday, she was debating party dresses. Now? Magic classes, elemental powers, and living with four literal princes. How is this real? She groaned, burying her face into the pillow. This is insane.

A sharp knock on her door startled her.

"Evie, you awake?" Seth's voice filtered through, light and teasing.

"Unfortunately," she muttered.

The door swung open without invitation. Seth strolled in, his usual grin firmly in place. "Rise and shine, Sunshine. Big day ahead."

Evie groaned again and threw a pillow at him. He caught it mid-air, laughing. "You'll have to do better than that."

Before she could tell him to go away, another voice cut in.

"Breakfast is in ten," Sol said from the doorway, his deep voice as steady as ever. "Get ready."

Evie sighed. "You guys are way too enthusiastic in the morning."

Duke entered next, holding out a steaming cup of coffee. "I figured you might need this, Little Wave."

Her heart warmed at the gesture. "You're my favorite right now."

Rowan leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "Don't get too comfortable. Training won't be easy, Sparks."

She shot him a glare, but secretly, she was grateful for their presence. It was overwhelming being here, but at least she wasn't alone.

The grand dining hall was nothing like the cafeteria back home. The ceiling stretched impossibly high, enchanted to reflect the morning sky. Floating chandeliers bathed the room in a soft golden glow. Long tables stretched across the hall, filled with students dressed in their academy uniforms.

Evie hesitated at the entrance.

"They're all staring," she muttered, shifting uncomfortably.

"They're curious," Sol said calmly. "Ignore them, Blossom."

Easier said than done.

She followed the princes to their table, where a few familiar faces were already seated.

"This is Felix," Duke introduced, gesturing to a tall boy with messy black hair and sharp blue eyes. "He's from the Water Kingdom."

Felix gave her an easy smile. "Nice to meet you, Evie. Welcome to the madness."

"And that's Lyria," Seth added, nodding to a girl with dark curls and piercing green eyes. "She's from the Air Kingdom."

Lyria grinned. "About time we got another girl in our circle."

Evie smiled, feeling slightly more at ease.

The moment was short-lived, as the room suddenly fell silent.

Headmistress Morgana entered, her presence commanding instant attention. She stood at the front of the hall, her piercing gaze sweeping over them.

"Welcome to a new term at Redblood Academy," she announced. "You are not here simply to learn. You are here to survive."

A chill ran down Evie's spine.

"This academy is where you will discover your strengths... and confront your weaknesses," the Headmistress continued. "Make no mistake—danger does not wait for readiness."

Evie swallowed hard.

Evie's nerves twisted as she followed the others to the training grounds. The arena was vast, its stone floor worn from years of battle. Training weapons lined one wall, while targets stood at various distances.

Instructor Kaelen, a tall man with silver hair and a scar along his jaw, studied her with sharp eyes. "You're the new girl."

Evie nodded hesitantly.

"Let's see what you can do."

She hesitated. "I don't even know where to start—"

"Close your eyes," Kaelen instructed. "Breathe. Feel the elements around you."

She did. The air stirred against her skin, warm sunlight kissed her face, distant water trickled somewhere nearby, and the earth felt solid beneath her feet.

Four elements. Four kingdoms. And somehow... me.

"Now reach out," Kaelen ordered.

Evie focused—and a sudden gust of wind whirled around her, lifting her hair.

Startled, she lost control, and the wind died instantly.

Seth whistled. "Not bad for a first try, Sunshine."

Kaelen nodded. "Control takes time. Let's test the others."

After training, Evie was exhausted, but the day wasn't over.

Her first class was Elemental Theory, held in a grand library-like classroom. Ancient tomes lined the walls, and the professor, a stern woman named Professor Elara, peered at her over gold-rimmed glasses.

"Miss Evie, I assume you have no formal training?"

"None," Evie admitted.

Professor Elara nodded. "Then you have much to learn. This class will teach you the history of elemental magic, its connection to the realms, and—most importantly—why you were called here."

Evie stiffened.

She took a seat next to Lyria, who leaned over and whispered, "Don't worry. She looks scary, but she's brilliant."

Her second class, Combat & Defense, was another challenge. Instructor Maren paired her with Rowan for sparring.

"Alright, Sparks," he smirked, tossing her a wooden sword. "Show me what you've got."

Evie groaned. "I hate this already."

"You'll learn to love it."

The match was brutal—Rowan dodged her every move effortlessly.

"Stop hesitating," he said. "You're thinking too much."

Finally, she managed to land a weak hit on his shoulder.

Rowan grinned. "There you go."

By the time the class ended, she was sore, frustrated, but... oddly satisfied.

That evening, Evie finally returned to her dorm. The suite was lavish, with a private balcony overlooking the academy grounds. She sank onto the plush bed, exhausted.

A soft knock sounded.

Sol entered, his expression unreadable. "You did well today, Blossom."

She gave him a tired smile. "It didn't feel like it."

"You're learning."

She sighed. "I just... I still don't understand why I'm here."

Sol studied her for a moment before answering. "You're here because you belong here. Even if you don't see it yet."

His words settled something deep inside her.

He shot her a calming smile as he left, Evie curled beneath the covers, staring out at the moonlit sky.

Maybe this wasn't the life she had planned.

But maybe... it wasn't the worst thing in the world.