Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 137

**Kairos**

The moment Zora pressed her fingers into his carotid artery, cutting off the blood flow to his brain, a peculiar calm enveloped Kairos. It was the most serene he had felt throughout the entire fight.

Initially, the fight had commenced with a thrilling energy. Zora had stepped into the ring, and then it was his turn. The deafening cheers of the crowd, chanting his name, ignited a fire within him. Yet, beneath that exhilaration, a flicker of anxiety danced in his gut. He would never admit it to anyone, but the nagging thoughts about Zora haunted him. The knowledge that she had been training tirelessly with both Maximus and the Headmaster only deepened the knot in his stomach.

And then there was the sight of her as he walked out.

She stood there, exuding an aura of strength and confidence. It was clear that her additional training had sculpted her body. Her legs were not just toned; they were alive with muscle, practically vibrating with energy. The sliver of skin visible between her fitted shirt and leggings showcased the definition of her abdominal muscles, a testament to her dedication. She embodied the essence of an Alpha, her chin held high, radiating an undeniable power.

But it was her hair that drove him to distraction. Part of him wondered if someone had let slip how her curls sent him into a frenzy. Yet, he quickly dismissed the notion, realizing he had never voiced such a thought to anyone. It was merely a coincidence, but that didn’t stop the irritation from bubbling within him when he noticed her curls cascading freely. As he approached the mat, he could have sworn he caught a whiff of her scent, mingling with the sweat and adrenaline in the air, intensifying his conflicted feelings.

Despite the turmoil in his mind, he launched into the fight with determination. The initial moments felt reminiscent of their first encounter in the ring. Zora was quick to defend herself, but her reflexes weren’t quick enough to counter every strike he threw. On the third impact, his fist connected with her cheek, breaking skin and causing crimson droplets to trickle down her pale face and stain the collar of her shirt. The sight twisted something deep within him, a visceral reaction he couldn’t ignore.

What the hell is wrong with me? he berated himself internally.

He fought to shake off the revulsion that threatened to consume him and aimed another punch her way. He landed two solid hits to her ribs, but on the third attempt, she dodged with a speed that left him momentarily stunned. Before he could recalibrate, her elbow slammed into his ribs, knocking the breath from his lungs.

Gasping for air, he struggled to regain his footing. Fortunately, Zora paused for a moment, granting him a brief reprieve. He blinked, willing the pain to subside while rolling his shoulder to ease the tension.

And then he heard it—a faint rhythm in the background, a sound he wouldn’t have noticed had he not been attuned to it.

Lub-dub, lub-dub, lub-dub.

His heart raced as he turned to face Zora again. The sound intensified, and his heart felt as though it might burst from his chest. He opened his mouth, desperate to say something, but the words escaped him.

Then, without warning, she charged.

He found himself in a whirlwind of jabs and punches, each strike powerful enough to rattle him, but not enough to throw him off completely. Though he was disoriented, each time her hands made contact with him, it felt like a jolt of electricity coursing through his veins. All he could do was push her away! When she roared, launching herself at him with claws bared, he swatted her aside as if she were a mere insect.

Deep down, he couldn’t bring himself to inflict harm on her.

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