Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 131

**Where Sleeping Rivers Dream We Follow Trails Toward Tomorrow by Evan Milesa Cade 131**

“What the hell is happening?” I spat, my voice barely above a whisper but laced with a mix of disbelief and anger.

“Come on, Smith! Smile big for the camera!”

A sudden burst of light blinded me once more, the flash searing into my vision like a branding iron.

I instinctively raised my hand to shield my eyes, my other hand fumbling for the towel that had been my only defense. The sound of maniacal laughter pierced through the haze, and I froze, heart racing. That laugh—it was unmistakable. The blonde girl who had tormented me on my very first day of classes had returned, and she was ready for more chaos.

As my vision began to clear, I could see her standing there, phone raised like a trophy, the flash illuminating my wet, cold skin in an unforgiving spotlight. A gasp escaped my lips as I dropped my hand, desperate to cover my exposed body. The laughter escalated, echoing off the locker room walls.

“Come on, Smith! Don’t you want to show the boys what they’re missing? Or are you saving yourself for Maximus?”

The way she uttered Max’s name was reminiscent of how I used to idolize famous celebrities—full of longing and admiration. I opened my mouth to retort, but the flashes kept coming, one after another, like a relentless storm. In a panic, I darted behind a locker, trying to escape the onslaught of humiliation that followed.

“I think we got it,” the blonde girl cackled triumphantly. “Get ready for your big break, wolfless.”

I’ll show them who’s wolfless, Mona growled within me, her voice a low rumble of anger.

Not now! I shot back, my thoughts racing as I tried to regain control.

Turning my head cautiously, I noticed the towel had somehow found its way back to the shelf where I had first seen it. The laughter of the girls faded as they strutted out of the locker room, their heels clicking ominously against the tile floor. Once the door slammed shut behind them, I bolted toward the towel and wrapped it around myself, feeling a momentary sense of relief.

However, my relief was short-lived. When I returned to where I had left my training clothes, I was met with a disheartening sight. My clothes lay in tatters, shredded beyond recognition. Those girls had clawed at them in their cruel amusement while I was distracted. I held up the remnants of fabric, frustration bubbling within me. I had only two sets of training clothes, and now one was completely ruined. With a defeated sigh, I tossed the scraps into the trash before heading back to my locker. I slipped into the clothes I had worn to class, feeling the remnants of the earlier humiliation cling to me like a second skin. My hair, still damp, was beginning to frizz in defiance, and with an exasperated huff, I pulled it into a tight braid, hoping to regain some semblance of control.

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