Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 117

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

“Once more,”

The searing pain washed over me like a wave, the sensation of skin tearing apart, only to feel the familiar warmth of fur returning to my paws.

“And again.”

The agony surged once more, skin ripping anew, leaving my hands cold and bare, devoid of any protective covering.

“Again,”

“God,” I gasped, my voice barely escaping my lips as I stumbled forward, collapsing onto my hands. “Can I catch a break for just half a second?”

1

The squelching sound of feet pressing against the gym mat echoed in my ears. I glanced up to see a shadow crouching beside me, and as I lifted my chin, I was met with the intense gaze of Valentin.

“This method of shifting is particularly effective for young wolves,” he explained, his voice soft yet firm. “It forces your body to adapt to the transformation more rapidly, compelling it to accept the change. It’s brutal, but it yields results.”

My chest was still rising and falling violently, each breath a struggle. “How many times does it take for it to actually work?”

“Typically,” he said, tilting his head slightly, “I can push a wolf to achieve about ten shifts per minute. You managed five.”

Five. My body felt as though it were about to burst apart at the seams. My lungs were laboring, my heart racing far too fast for a normal human being. I pressed a hand against my chest, attempting to will my heart to slow its frantic pace. Valentin’s eyes remained fixed on me, observing as I struggled for control. Finally, he extended a hand toward me. I accepted it hesitantly, letting out a sigh as the familiar electric energy surged from his touch.

He helped me to my feet, his arm wrapping securely around my waist to steady me. I leaned into him more than I should have, seeking the comfort of his presence. Just then, I heard a throat clear behind me, and I instinctively jumped out of Valentin’s embrace, wrapping my arms around my waist in a defensive gesture.

I looked up to find Thorne glaring at me, his eyes narrowed as if he were trying to pin me down with his gaze.

“I think that’s enough for today,” he said, his voice low and tense.

I shot him a look, a mix of annoyance and amusement at his evident jealousy. My attention drifted back to Valentin, who wore a tense expression as he regarded Thorne. With a resigned sigh, he turned back to me.

“That was a solid first attempt,” he said gently. “We’ll pick up where we left off tomorrow.”

Chapter 57

“Okay,” I replied softly, still catching my breath.

“I’ll walk you home,” Thorne chimed in from across the mat. I fought the urge to roll my eyes at his sudden protective instinct. I offered Valentin a small, appreciative smile before turning to join Thorne.

As we exited the gym, silence enveloped us like a thick fog. It wasn’t until we reached the Admissions building that Thorne finally broke the quiet.

“How are your classes going?”

I froze mid-step, turning to face him. His eyebrows knitted together in confusion at my sudden stillness.

“What?”

“What’s your angle here?”

“Angle?” Thorne echoed, genuine bewilderment written across his face. “I’m just trying to make conversation.”

With a sigh, I rolled my eyes and resumed walking, feeling his presence hesitate for a moment before he jogged to catch up.

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