Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 104

The Saturday marking the conclusion of the first week of classes loomed before me like a storm cloud, heavy with anticipation and dread. This day was the final showdown in my relentless series of confrontations with Kairos. Bubba, my ever-concerned friend, had practically begged me to reconsider my decision to fight. He had a way of grumbling that made it clear he was not just worried but genuinely frustrated with my choice. Yet, deep down, I knew I had to go through with it. I needed to finish this series and prove to the campus—and to Kairos himself—that I was deserving of their respect. As Bubba walked me to the gym, his murmurs of disapproval trailed behind us, but I brushed them off.

The sounds of the crowd outside the locker room were deafening. It was the loudest I had ever heard, and I understood why. The campus was abuzz with speculation about who would emerge victorious. Conversations had swirled all week following our last encounter in Basics. Some believed I had the upper hand, especially after the way I had managed to throw Kairos off balance. Others, however, had witnessed my performance during Basics and were convinced I would falter.

As I made my way through the hallways, I could feel the whispers following me like shadows. They were different this semester, tinged with a hint of positivity. A member of the Alphas, someone I had never expected to approach me, had even come over with his friends to wish me luck. I couldn’t help but notice the flush creeping across his cheeks, a small victory in itself. But then my gaze shifted across the cafeteria, where I spotted Maximus. He was crushing a can of water in his fist, his expression dark and brooding.

I chose to ignore him.

I couldn’t afford any distractions before the fight. In fact, I had deliberately steered clear of all my fated mates throughout the week. I skipped training with Valentin, and Thorne, clearly irritated with me, had kept his distance. I didn’t need any unnecessary drama; I had a singular focus.

I had to defeat Kairos.

With a deep breath, I finished lacing up my sneakers, my fingers brushing over the dried blood from the last fight—evidence of my struggle, now a dark brown stain. That girl who had first faced Kairos felt like a distant memory. I tapped the mark lightly, a reminder of my resilience, before standing up and heading toward the gym.

As fate would have it, Kairos chose that very moment to make his entrance. We both stepped out of our respective locker rooms simultaneously, and the crowd erupted into a frenzy. Kairos, however, appeared unfazed, his demeanor calm as ever. I huffed in frustration, determined to storm toward the mat, but his long strides caught up with me before I could make my move.

“Still time to stop this,” he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “You wish.”

He halted abruptly, and I mirrored his stop, my brows knitting together in confusion. The cheers of the crowd swirled around us, but there was an intensity in his gaze that made my heart skip a beat. I instinctively rubbed my chest, feeling a strange flutter. His eyes widened, then he locked his gaze back onto mine.

“I do,” he said softly. “I do wish.”

For a moment, I was caught off guard, his sincerity cutting through the noise around us. But I quickly shook off the feeling, scowling as I turned on my heel and marched up the stairs to the stage. To my surprise, Maximus was standing in the center, commanding the fight. I hesitated for a heartbeat before taking my place on his right. I hadn’t expected him to be here, let alone to be the one overseeing the match. I opened my mouth to say something, but one glance from him silenced me. My jaw snapped shut, a weight settling in my stomach. Had he given up on me?

Kairos ascended the stairs, his expression a mask of indifference. He stood opposite Maximus, his eyes fixed on me, exuding an unsettling calmness that was almost eerie given the impending clash.

Maximus raised his hand, and the crowd quieted down instantly. He glanced between Kairos and me, then spoke with authority.

“This is the final round of the challenge,” he announced. The crowd erupted into cheers, but he quickly raised his hand again to restore silence. “All sparring techniques are permitted,” he continued. “A knockout results in an automatic win. Fighters, take your positions.”

I dropped into my stance, my eyes locked onto Kairos. His expression remained neutral, and his stance appeared loose, his wrists not taut and his legs not bent. A smirk crept onto my face. This was going to be easy.

“Begin!” Maximus declared, lowering his hand. The moment his hand fell, the crowd surged with excitement. I began to circle Kairos, my heart racing as I strategized my first move. Should I go for his ribs? A kick to the head might be more effective. After all, my kicks had a reputation. Just as I was about to strike, Kairos did something utterly unexpected. The entire gym gasped in disbelief.

He dropped to one knee.

His eyes locked onto mine as he did so, and when his knee hit the ground, he bowed his head. He was bowing—giving up.

NO! Mona, my inner voice, howled in protest. I was left utterly incredulous. He was conceding, letting me win. I wouldn’t allow that.

“Get up!” I barked, my voice sharp and commanding.

“I concede,” Kairos stated, his tone flat and devoid of emotion.

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