Evie's eyes fluttered open to the soft glow of candlelight. The familiar scent of cedar and rain filled the air, grounding her senses. She was warm—too warm. Something heavy draped over her, pinning her in place.

Her fingers twitched against soft fabric, and she realized she wasn't alone.

Sol was seated beside her bed, his head resting against his palm, his other hand still loosely wrapped around hers. Duke was sitting on the floor, his back against the bedpost, arms crossed, eyes closed in forced rest. Seth was sprawled in a chair, one arm hanging over the side, golden hair disheveled.

And Rowan—Rowan was leaning against the doorframe, arms folded, eyes burning into her as if he had been standing guard the entire time.

She swallowed hard, her throat dry. "What... happened?"

At the sound of her voice, Seth stirred instantly, blue-green eyes snapping open. "Sunshine." Relief softened his features, and in an instant, he was at her side, brushing hair from her face. "You're awake."

Duke let out a deep exhale. "Thank the tides." He sat up properly, his sharp gaze scanning her. "How do you feel, Little Wave?"

Evie shifted, feeling a dull ache spread through her limbs. "Like I got hit by a carriage."

Sol's grip on her hand tightened, his golden eyes searching hers. "You almost did," he murmured. "You scared the hell out of us, Blossom."

She frowned, memories rushing back—the beast, the flare of her magic, the sheer exhaustion afterward.

Then Rowan scoffed, pushing off the wall. "You were reckless." His voice was sharp, but there was something underneath it. Something fragile.

Evie winced. "I didn't mean to—"

"Doesn't matter." Rowan's jaw clenched. "It shouldn't have happened in the first place." His eyes flickered with something unreadable before he turned away.

Sol sighed. "He's been on edge ever since we brought you back."

Seth ran a hand through his hair, his usual easy-going expression gone. "We all have."

Evie's chest tightened. "I didn't mean to worry you guys..."

Duke shook his head. "You don't have to explain." His tone was firm, but there was an unspoken we should have been there lingering between them.

Rowan didn't say another word, but the way he lingered in the doorway told her everything she needed to know.

They weren't going to let her out of their sight again. _____________________________ The morning air was cool as Evie made her way toward the academy's main hall, the weight of the events from the previous night still fresh in her mind. Her heart raced as she thought about the strange, dangerous creature that had nearly attacked her. She could still feel the eerie presence in her body, the magic that had flared up in her defense. But today wasn't about that. Today was about something different: classes, learning, and... the princes.

As she walked into the hall, the headmistress, a woman with sharp eyes and an aura that demanded attention, motioned for the princes to follow her into her private office.

Evie took her seat in one of the large chairs, trying to calm her nerves. This conversation wasn't going to be easy, she knew that. The events of the previous night had disrupted not just her life, but the academy itself. She waited quietly as the headmistress spoke.

"Princes," she began, her voice steady but commanding, "I noticed a disturbance at the barrier surrounding the academy. I trust you'll explain what happened last night?"

The princes exchanged glances, their expressions hardening at the reminder of the chaos they'd faced.

"We encountered a dangerous creature in the forest," Seth began, his voice calm but intense. "Evie was in danger, and her magic flared up—more violently than we expected. We had to intervene quickly."

Evie could feel her heart skip a beat, the memory of her magic swirling around her like a storm. It was still a mystery to her why she had such power, why it flared up at certain moments and not others.

Duke spoke next, his voice softer, filled with concern for her. "Evie was drained after the encounter. But we managed to get her back to the academy safely."

The headmistress nodded, her eyes narrowing in thought. "I see. It seems clear to me now that her abilities are more volatile than we originally anticipated. I need you all to help her."

The princes stiffened at her words.

"What do you mean?" Rowan asked, his voice tinged with skepticism. His usual fiery demeanor softened, but there was a distant look in his eyes.

"I am assigning each of you as Evie's private tutors," the headmistress announced. "Her magic is still unstable, and she will need guidance from those with experience. You will train her, help her control and harness her abilities."

Evie looked up at the princes, surprise and gratitude swirling in her chest. She wasn't sure what it meant for them to take on this responsibility, but something inside her stirred. Maybe this could be the beginning of understanding herself.

After the meeting, the princes escorted Evie to her dormitory. Rowan walked slightly ahead, his steps quick and purposeful. Seth, Duke, and Sol flanked her, but there was an unspoken tension between them. As they reached the door to her room, Rowan slowed his pace and turned to face her.

"This doesn't mean we're becoming... involved with you," Rowan said, his tone blunt. "We're here to train you, to help you control your magic, not to be... emotionally invested."

Evie blinked, surprised by his words. They stung more than she expected. "I understand," she said softly, trying to hide the hurt in her voice.

Seth's eyes flickered toward Rowan, his usual calm expression hardening. "That wasn't necessary," he muttered under his breath.

"Let's just focus on helping her,I will personally deal with him later" Duke added, his voice quieter but firm, his protective nature already kicking in.

Sol stepped closer to Evie, his hand lightly brushing hers as he gave her an encouraging smile. "Don't worry, Blossom,we will start with sessions from tomorrow itself. Seth be there at 5 AM in the morning and I will be having 7AM session with you after that you are free to attend your lectures." he said, his voice soft

"Duke and Rowan will take sessions day after tomorrow so u won't feel drained and we will continue this same schedule for a week until u get hang on your elements. we've got you." He whispered gently ______________________________