It seemed endless, but the last tendrils of flame finally left the ground. The tower of fire continued flying upward, erupting again as it collided with the clouds.
Fireworks.
Evelyn was dizzy from exhaustion. The screams were louder now that the roar of the fire was gone. She used her last bit of power to draw the excess heat out of the bar.
The princess swayed, depleted of magic and energy. She heard fast footsteps approach her. Leo scooped Evelyn into his arms only moments before she lost consciousness.
12
Ninety-Three
Evelyn’s head was heavy. Her whole body ached with pain and exhaustion, but at least she was lying on something soft, not the cobblestones from earlier. She tried opening her eyes, but no, that was too much work.
“Are yousureshe’s okay?” a voice asked impatiently.
Father?
“Yes, she will be fine,” a calm, feminine voice answered. “Her injuries were minor, just scrapes and bruises. Her Fire abilities prevented any burns on her skin, but she depleted her magic. Her body needs to rest in order to replenish it.”
Evelyn’s eyes fluttered open. She didn’t recognize the small room with plain walls. A wood table and two chairs sat in one corner. She was on a cot, not a proper bed. Next to her was an armchair for a visitor to sit in. The whole place smelled unnaturally clean.
This must be a hospital. How did I get here?
“How long?” King Tristan asked.
“Everyone is different,” the Healer said. “Maybe a few hours, maybe a few days. But the amount of magic she was able to summon is a testament to her strength. I would expect her to be back to normal sooner rather than later.”
“Thank you,” the king told her.
Light footsteps indicated the Healer left the room.
“Father?” Evelyn rasped.
“Evelyn, sweetheart.” Her father rushed to her side.
“Is Damien okay? Where is Leo?”
“Who?” The king shook his head. “Evelyn, why were you in the city again?”
“Are you mad at me? I know I wasn’t supposed to leave.”
King Tristan sighed. “No, but you scared me tonight. We could see the fire from the palace and I didn’t know where you were. Then I found out you were in the hospital…”
“I’m sorry, Father.”
He took her hand. “You saved so many people tonight, Evelyn. I don’t know who else could have done what you did. I hope youneverhave to do that again, but I am so proud of you. I’m sorry I haven’t been listening to you.”
“All I want is for you to trust me,” Evelyn confessed, tears falling down her cheeks.
“I do, sweetheart. I just also see you as that little girl with tangled hair, chasing after her big brother to zap him with magic for stealing her book.”
Evelyn laughed. “Rowan made me so mad!”
“Irritating his baby sister was always Rowan’s favorite game.” Her father smiled. “Even when you were a baby, he would pinch your arm to make sparks fly from your fingertips. It was so much easier to be your father back then.”
The door opened and Damien entered the room. He sighed in relief at the sight of Evelyn. “You’re awake.”
Damien was filthy, covered in soot and ashes. One of his sleeves was missing and bandages covered his arm. He brushed his loose hair out of his face. His eyes were red-rimmed like he hadn’t slept in days.
