Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 138

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

I could hardly wrap my mind around the scene unfolding before me as they carried Kairos off the gym mat, his body limp and unresponsive. The atmosphere in the gym was thick with disbelief, a heavy silence enveloping my classmates, broken only by the whispers that echoed off the walls, creeping into my ears like a low tide.

The energy in the room had shifted dramatically. My peers, who had once been animated by the fight, now wore expressions of boredom, some claiming that Kairos had held back, that he hadn’t given it his all. I found myself nodding in reluctant agreement. It felt as if he had been momentarily paralyzed, a deer caught in headlights as I unleashed a flurry of punches. The final blow had come so easily; I had choked him out as if it were a mere afterthought. My gaze lingered on the empty space where Kairos had been, the crowd around me gradually dwindling to just a few familiar faces: Maximus, Loren, Valentin, and myself.

Suddenly, Loren burst forward, her excitement radiating like a beacon. She enveloped me in a tight embrace, her voice ringing with joy. “You did it!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. “You really did it!”

I held her at arm’s length, wanting to meet her gaze directly. A smirk crept onto my face, a blend of pride and mischief. “I did, huh?” I teased, savoring the moment.

“There’s still one more challenge,” Maximus interjected, his tone serious as he approached me, his eyes piercing through the remnants of my triumph. “This victory doesn’t mean the end. We have to train harder. It could be anyone’s game.”

“Jeez,” I scoffed, rolling my eyes playfully. “Can’t you just be happy for my win for a second?”

The jest was half-hearted, but the look on Maximus’s face told me he wasn’t in the mood for jokes. His concern was palpable, and it made my heart race in a different way. Valentin cleared his throat, drawing our attention to him. Maximus stepped aside, allowing our headmaster to take center stage. He climbed onto the platform, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that made me feel both vulnerable and empowered.

“Though I must admit, I still find this all rather foolish,” Valentin mused, a hint of admiration creeping into his voice. “I can’t deny that your efforts have culminated into something impressive.”

A warm blush crept across my cheeks at his words. “Thank you,” I replied softly, feeling a swell of pride. I sensed Maximus draw closer, his arm wrapping around my waist, fingers pressing possessively into my hip, grounding me amidst the whirlwind of emotions.

“Still think my methods are ‘unethical’?” he growled from behind me, his tone low and intense. I furrowed my brow in confusion, glancing at Valentin, whose expression was as inscrutable as ever.

“Highly,” Valentin responded, a tinge of grit lacing his words. “Your methods are unorthodox and could potentially harm someone in practice. Yet, it seems Miss Smith has adapted them to her advantage.”

“Unethical?” I echoed towards Maximus, seeking clarification. He remained focused on Valentin, ignoring my question. “So you agree, she should be taught them,” Maximus pressed, his voice unwavering.

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