Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 134

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

That afternoon, I found myself slowly merging into the throng of students flowing into the campus auditorium, each of us drawn by an invisible thread of curiosity and trepidation. Having returned Valentin’s robe to my dorm, I had changed into a comfortable sweatsuit, the fabric soft against my skin. I pulled the hood snugly over my head, a shield against the prying eyes of my peers. The whispers and curses that followed me down the path echoed in my mind, a cacophony of disdain that made my heart race.

As I navigated through the crowd, I felt a sudden jolt. A hand shot out from the mass of bodies, grasping my arm with an urgency that startled me. Before I could even process what was happening, I was yanked out of the crowd and into the vestibule. A yelp escaped my lips, and instinctively, I raised my hands in defense, only to find myself face-to-face with Maximus.

His expression, stern and resolute, had an unexpected calming effect on me. I rushed into his arms, wrapping my arms around his neck as if he were my anchor in a storm. His hands found their way to my back, trailing down my spine in a comforting gesture. He pulled back slightly, just enough for our foreheads to touch, and I felt a rush of warmth spread through me.

“I’ll kill him,” he murmured into my cheek, his voice low and fierce. “I’ll kill every one of them.”

“Please don’t,” I said, pulling away so I could meet his gaze. “You didn’t see Lunerly. He was furious. He’ll handle it. I can’t have you expelled too.” My heart raced at the thought of losing him, the very idea sending a shiver down my spine.

Maximus nodded, but his expression hardened as he caught sight of something over my shoulder. I turned just in time to see Thorne marching toward us, his scowl a storm cloud threatening to unleash chaos.

“What the hell are you two doing?” he hissed, his voice dripping with disdain.

“Just checking in on my protectorate,” Maximus shot back, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Something you clearly lack the ability to do.”

Thorne’s eyes widened, his nostrils flaring as he puffed up like a peacock. It was clear he was ready to launch himself at Maximus, and I knew I had to intervene. I stepped between them, pressing a hand against each of their chests. Maximus immediately relaxed, his posture shifting, while Thorne flinched before settling down, albeit reluctantly.

“Enough,” I said, my voice steady and firm. “The fighting is exactly why we’re here in the first place. Just take a moment to breathe and think rationally.”

“Rationally isn’t a word Maximus knows,” Thorne snapped, his tone cutting.

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