Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 107

**Where Sleeping Rivers Dream We Follow Trails Toward Tomorrow by Evan Milesa Cade 107**

**Chapter 107**

The aftermath of Valentin’s explosive outburst hung heavy in the air like an ominous cloud, casting a shadow over the training sessions that followed. His words had struck a chord, and the silence that enveloped him was palpable. Throughout the week, he spoke only when necessary—his voice a mere whisper of its former self. When he did break the silence, it was to correct my form or to intervene in the escalating tensions between Maximus and Thorne. The animosity between the two was electric, crackling with unspoken hatred, as they exchanged barbed comments that sliced through the air. They seemed to reserve their venom for each other, leaving me and Valentin untouched by their scorn. It was as if we were cloaked in an invisible barrier, one that kept the chaos at bay.

As the second week of classes drew to a close, I found myself utterly drained. The weight of their animosity seemed to seep into my bones, leaving me yearning for respite. By Saturday, I allowed myself the luxury of sleep, indulging in the comfort of my bed until the clock struck half past ten. Reluctantly, I roused myself and nudged Loren awake, dragging her along to the library for a study session. But studying proved to be a formidable challenge, as my thoughts wandered relentlessly to my fated mates. The question loomed large in my mind: how was I supposed to share my life—and my bed—with all of them?

At least with Maximus, I had already crossed that line. Despite my mind’s attempts to dismiss our physical encounters as mere flings, I couldn’t deny that it made navigating this tangled web of relationships a bit easier. But therein lay the crux of the problem—Maximus was fiercely protective, unwilling to share what he considered his. And honestly, I couldn’t blame him. The thought of being shared felt uncomfortable, even if a small part of me wondered what it might be like.

Valentin, on the other hand, seemed more open to the idea of sharing, yet he was so ensnared in his own self-loathing that he couldn’t see the potential for a deeper connection between us. He had shared the tragic tale of the war, painting himself as a monster for the loss of my aunt. But I couldn’t reconcile his perception of himself with the kind, if troubled, soul I saw. He was the only one who truly understood my unique situation, yet he kept me at arm’s length, as if afraid of what might happen if he let me in.

In stark contrast was Thorne, who shadowed my every move like a specter. Yet, despite his constant presence, he had severed our bond, viewing our interactions through the lens of duty rather than desire. Just the other day, he had walked through the library with Petyr, shooting me a disdainful glance that felt like a dagger to my heart. I had traded Kairos’s rage for Thorne’s disdain, a fair exchange, or so it seemed.

And then there was Kairos. The very same Kairos who had once loathed me for being a wolfless human, who had tried to end my life simply because I lacked a wolf. His relentless pursuit to make my existence miserable had only intensified after I finally gained my wolf. Yet, everything had shifted dramatically just a week ago when he had stepped back during our fight, only to lean in and kiss me. It was a moment that had left me reeling, and now, I found myself grappling with the implications.

I huffed in frustration, pushing a stray lock of hair from my face. Loren, ever perceptive, noticed the shift in my demeanor. She lifted her head from her notes, her brow furrowed in concern.

“What’s going on in that head of yours?” she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

“Just thinking about—” I gestured vaguely toward the table where Thorne and Petyr sat, locked in their own world. “Them. And what it all means.”

Loren nodded, her pen poised above her notebook. “Well, it’s almost four, isn’t it?” she remarked, glancing at the clock.

I pressed my index finger to my lips, shushing her instinctively, my eyes darting back to Thorne’s table. I had confided in Loren about my kiss with Kairos after returning to my room, and by now, she was privy to most of my secrets—except for the monumental one about being the “savior of the wolves.”

“Yes,” I muttered under my breath, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “Not that it makes things any easier.”

“Have you talked to him?” Loren asked, her tone shifting to one of concern.

I scrunched my face in distaste. “Kairos? Absolutely not,” I scoffed. “I can’t shake the feeling that the whole thing was just a ploy to get under my skin and keep me from realizing my potential.”

“He was the one who told Lunerly he thought you were in trouble,” Loren mused, shaking her head. “You should have seen him, Zora. He looked like he was about to lose it standing outside our door. I don’t think I could ever replicate that look. He genuinely cares about you.”

I grumbled, leaning back in my chair as I dropped my pen with exaggerated flair, crossing my arms defiantly over my chest. Loren watched me, eyebrows raised, as I chewed on the inside of my cheek, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts.

Despite all the lessons Valentin and my professors had imparted about fated mates, I remained skeptical. A part of me was convinced that none of these men actually liked me; it was merely the influence of ancient magic that bound them to me. As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I felt Mona’s eye roll echoing in the recesses of my consciousness.

You know that’s not how it works, she drawled, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

So you’re telling me that even without these bizarre signs of fate, we would have fallen for each other? I scoffed aloud. Nice try. It’s all magic. These people despise me.

Have you asked them? Mona countered, flicking her tail dismissively.

I grumbled again and turned my gaze back to Loren, who was watching me intently, eyebrows raised in inquiry. With a heavy sigh, I rested my elbows on the table and buried my face in my hands, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on me.

“I mean, what am I supposed to do? Go on a date with Kairos?” I sputtered, incredulous at the very thought.

Loren merely shrugged, her expression nonchalant. “It wouldn’t hurt to just talk to him.”

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