A heavy silence settled in the air, thick with unspoken tension. The argument had left them all on edge, frustration and resentment lingering.

It was Seth who noticed first. His golden eyes darted around, searching the space where Evie had just been standing moments ago. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut.

"...Where's Sunshine?"

Sol's head snapped up, his usual calm shattering as he glanced around. "She was just here," he said, his voice unnaturally tight. "Where—?"

Duke took a step forward, scanning the area, his stomach twisting. "She wouldn't just walk off," he murmured, his ocean-blue eyes darkening with concern. "Not like this."

Rowan's arms remained crossed, but his stance stiffened. His crimson gaze flickered to the now-empty space where Evie had been standing.

For a moment, no one spoke.

Then, Seth's voice erupted like a storm.

"You idiot!" He whirled on Rowan, fury blazing in his expression. "You pushed her away!"

Rowan's jaw clenched, his muscles tensing. "I didn't—"

"Yes, you did!" Seth's hands curled into fists. "She ran because of what you said! Because you made her feel like she didn't belong here!"

Rowan took a step toward Seth, eyes blazing. "You think this is just my fault? All of you have been clinging to her like she's some delicate thing that needs to be protected! That's not helping her either!"

Duke shoved past them both, his anger simmering beneath his usually cool demeanor. "You can talk about what's right or wrong after we find her," he snapped. His breath was uneven, his hands clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. "She's alone out there."

Sol exhaled sharply, running a hand through his dark curls, trying to stay rational despite the panic tightening in his chest. His eyes trained on the dense forest surrounding the academy. There's no way she would have gone back to royal dorm , not after Rowan's stunt ."She doesn't know the forest.What if something happens to her?" His voice wavered, betraying his usually unshakable calm.

Rowan's breath hitched, the weight of his actions finally sinking in. He had pushed her away. His words had made her feel like she didn't belong. And now, she was gone.

A sickening guilt spread through his chest, colder than any winter wind.

"...Damn it." His voice was hoarse.

Seth didn't wait for anyone else. "I'm not standing here arguing," he spat before sprinting toward the forest. His movements were frantic, fueled by sheer desperation.

Duke followed immediately, his eyes burning with an intensity that made it clear—if anything happened to Little Wave, someone was going to pay.

Sol wasn't far behind, his expression tight, his mind racing through every possibility.

Rowan hesitated for only a second before cursing under his breath and taking off after them. His heart was a raging storm.

Evie... please be okay.

Sol's POV

Worry Like an Unyielding Tide. Sol's breath came fast as he moved through the trees, his eyes scanning every shadow. He was usually calm, always in control, but right now? The fear clawing at his chest was unfamiliar.

He could still hear her voice in his head—soft, hesitant, always trying so hard to do her best.

Blossom... where are you?

His steps quickened. He hated this—hated not knowing if she was safe. She was fragile in a way none of them were, and the thought of her alone, scared, or worse, made something tighten painfully in his chest.

Seth's POV Fear Like a Raging Storm .Seth had never been afraid of much. He was reckless, confident, always the one taking risks. But this? This was something else entirely.

His hands trembled as he shoved branches aside, his mind flashing back to every moment with her—the way she had smiled, the way she had hesitated before accepting their help, the way she had laughed just yesterday. And now she was gone.

"Sunshine!" he shouted, his voice raw. "Evie! Say something!"

Nothing.

The silence suffocated him.

Duke's POV Anger Like a Crashing Wave. Duke's jaw was tight as he ran, frustration and fear battling inside him.

How could we let this happen?

She had been right there, vulnerable and hurting, and instead of comforting her, they had fought.

She's too good for this place. Too kind, too pure, too soft for the rough edges of their world.

If she was hurt, he would never forgive himself.

Rowan's POV Guilt Like a Burning Fire. Rowan's heart pounded harder than it ever had in a fight.

This is my fault.

He had been trying to protect her—protect himself—but all he had done was drive her away.

She wasn't like them. She wasn't used to their tempers, their world, their lives. And yet, she had never once complained. Never once pushed them away, despite how difficult they could be.

And now she was alone because of him.

A sharp pang of something unbearable shot through his chest. Please be okay.

Third Person POV -

They ran deeper into the forest, their senses on high alert. Their elemental energy pulsed in the air, stretching out like an invisible force searching for her presence.

Then—

Seth skidded to a stop. "Wait."

The others froze.

There, faint but unmistakable, was the softest whisper of magic—Evie's magic.

Duke turned his head sharply. "She's close."

Rowan's pulse surged. "Then let's go."

They broke into a sprint, the only thought in their minds—

Find her. Now.

_____________________________

Sorry for the short chapter 🥹

What are your thoughts so far?👀