Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 14

**Where Sleeping Rivers Dream We Follow Trails Toward Tomorrow by Evan Miles Cade**
**Chapter 14**

As I stood there, I could feel Valentin’s gaze piercing through my facade, his brow furrowed in contemplation. A wave of uncertainty washed over me, and I found myself grappling with the right words to convey my thoughts. “Have you ever felt this way about someone?” he probed, his tone laced with curiosity.

I opened my mouth, then closed it again, the words tangled in my throat. “No,” I finally blurted out, the response escaping my lips in a rush, leaving me cringing at my own eagerness.

Valentin studied me intently, as if trying to unravel the truth hidden behind my hasty reply. Perhaps he decided to let it slide, as he swiftly transitioned back into the rhythm of our training. He gestured towards the mat, assuming a defensive position that was both commanding and instructive.

“Alright, this is the stance you want to adopt when sparring,” he explained, his knees slightly bent, hands raised to chest level. “This athletic posture will enable you to execute swift movements, whether you need to advance or retreat from your opponent.”

I nodded, mimicking his stance, feeling the weight of the moment settle within me. Slowly, Valentin began to circle around me, and I mirrored his movements, careful not to cross my legs and focusing on making each step sharp and deliberate. His approving nod fueled my determination.

“Good,” he affirmed. “Now, try a jab.”

With a surge of energy, I stepped forward with my left leg and launched my right arm at him. Valentin effortlessly blocked my punch with his forearm, redirecting my fist downwards. A grunt escaped me as I felt the strain ripple through my shoulder.

“Too slow,” he remarked, his voice steady. “Any of the High Alphas would have caught your wrist and pinned you to the ground. You need to be quicker.”

Frustration bubbled within me, but I swallowed it down and prepared for another attempt, this time with my left fist. Once again, Valentin blocked my strike with ease. I grunted again, determination fueling my next move. I sent my right fist flying towards him, then immediately followed with my left. He blocked both but faltered slightly as my second punch disrupted his footing.

“Good,” he praised, the hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Surprise and speed are your allies. You’ll never overpower a High Alpha in sheer strength.”

With renewed vigor, I unleashed another double jab followed by a cross. Valentin nodded in approval, and we exchanged blows for a few moments. However, I soon stumbled over one of his particularly forceful crosses and found myself on the mat, landing hard. “Oof!” I exclaimed, the impact jolting through me.

Valentin extended a hand to help me up, but I batted it away, determined to rise on my own. I regained my footing and resumed my athletic stance, circling him once more. He smirked slightly, and I felt a warmth spread through me, a sensation I tried to push aside.

“So, how do I deal with the hunt?” I asked, hoping to distract myself from the lingering tension. “I noticed you called them off this morning, but that can’t be a permanent solution.”

Valentin blocked my next jab effortlessly. “It’s a temporary fix,” he replied, delivering a high kick that grazed my bicep. I dodged it with a swift step and countered with a punch aimed at his ribs, which he blocked. “The only way to truly defeat the Hunt is to overcome the one who instigated it.”

“Kairos,” I said, throwing another jab his way, which he blocked yet again. “How do I beat him?”

“With the way you’re throwing these punches,” he said, swatting away my next attempt and landing a cross that caught me at the elbow. “Right now? You can’t. But I promised your mother I would mentor you. My role is to help you thrive in this school, not just survive.”

I paused, lowering my arms as doubt crept in. “You really think I can’t beat him?”

“Guard up,” he instructed, seizing the moment to swipe at my legs. I jumped back, quickly resuming my stance. Determined to prove my strength, I threw three rapid punches towards him.

“I believe you can,” he replied, seemingly unfazed, not a bead of sweat on his brow. “But not from this position.”

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