Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 159

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

**Chapter 159**

In a startling twist of fate, it was Gareth who took the initiative, launching himself into the fray with an unexpected ferocity. The wolves, massive and imposing, were a sight to behold—each one easily rivaling the size of two vampires. Yet, without a moment’s hesitation, Gareth seemed to defy gravity, soaring off the forest floor straight toward Kairos. With a fierce determination, he enveloped one of the wolves in a bear hug, tackling it into the underbrush, where leaves rustled and twigs snapped beneath their weight.

Meanwhile, the other vampire stood his ground, appearing less aggressive as he extended his arms defensively. Valentin’s ash-brown wolf lunged at him, snapping its powerful jaws mere inches from his feet, teeth glistening with saliva as it growled menacingly. The vampire muttered something under his breath, a mix of fear and urgency, but his words fell silent as Valentin, muscles coiled like a spring, leapt from his haunches, aiming to seize the man by the throat.

In a desperate bid for survival, the other vampire barely evaded the onslaught, yelping in alarm as he launched himself into the air, almost as if he had sprouted wings. He soared over Valentin, scrambling toward the edge of the clearing, and just as he thought he had escaped, Gareth hurtled through the air, colliding with him mid-flight. The two vampires tumbled into a chaotic heap on the forest floor, their bodies landing in a jumbled mess amid the foliage.

As they crashed down, my bucket of blood tipped precariously, spilling its crimson contents onto the ground in a disturbing splash. “No!” the other vampire shrieked, eyes wide with horror as he reached desperately for the precious liquid. But Gareth was quicker, yanking him to his feet and away from my blood with a fierce glare.

“Leave it!” Gareth barked, his voice a blend of urgency and authority. “You saw what happened to Wesley. Your life is worth more than her poison!”

Valentin, caught in the whirlwind of emotions, seemed to be processing the gravity of Gareth’s words. His deep gold eyes flickered, darting back and forth between the two vampires and the bucket that represented danger. He raised his snout toward me, his eyes widening in sudden realization before snapping back to Gareth. With a low growl, he dipped his head, his lips curling back in a vicious snarl.

“How dare you hurt my mate!” he spat, the raw emotion in his voice reverberating through the clearing.

His mate, I thought, feeling a wave of dismay wash over me.

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