Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 16

**Chapter 16**

“Why on earth should I trust that you actually helped me?” I shot back, crossing my arms defiantly over my chest, my irritation bubbling just below the surface.

Maximus stood there, his foot wedged firmly in the doorway, a human barricade I couldn’t simply sidestep. The audacity of his presence was infuriating, and I decided that provoking him might be my best bet. If I could get him riled up enough, maybe he’d storm off in a huff, leaving me to finally enjoy some peace and quiet.

“I didn’t want a dead idiot on my porch,” he retorted, his tone as icy as ever, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Well, I’m not dead,” I snapped back, irritation lacing my words. “So if you could kindly move—”

With a sudden burst of determination, I yanked the door open, but it didn’t budge. My gaze shot upward, only to find Maximus’s hand holding it ajar, his formidable frame blocking my escape. I narrowed my eyes, frustration flaring within me.

“You’re going to get yourself killed,” he taunted, a glimmer of amusement flickering in his eyes.

I pushed against the door again, my voice rising in defiance. “I will if I don’t get home—” I grunted, attempting to shove my way past him. Just as my arm was about to collide with his, he flinched aside, dropping the door. Seizing the opportunity, I darted past him, my heart racing.

“Don’t fight Kairos,” he called out, his voice echoing behind me as I bounded up the stairs.

I halted mid-step, turning to face him. For a fleeting moment, his expression seemed genuine, a rare sincerity shining through the usual bravado. But I quickly dismissed it as yet another tactic to manipulate me into submission to the so-called elite of Alpha Academy. My glare intensified as I challenged him, “Why shouldn’t I?”

“It’s impossible,” Maximus replied, his tone grave. “No wolfless has ever beaten him. Those who dare challenge him end up in the infirmary for months on end.”

Standing tall, I met his gaze with unwavering resolve. “Nothing is impossible,” I whispered, my voice barely audible, but somehow, I felt he heard it. His lips pressed into a thin, angry line, and with a frustrated shove, he pushed the door wide open, retreating back into the night.

I rolled my eyes at his theatrics and made my way up to my room, careful to tread lightly, knowing Loren was likely deep in slumber by now. As I entered my sanctuary, something caught my eye—a note wedged into the frame of my desk. Curiosity piqued, I plucked it from its hiding place and slipped it into my hand as I stepped into the enveloping darkness.

Fortunately, my desk lamp flickered to life, casting a warm glow that illuminated the elegant script sprawled across the note.

“Tomorrow. Same time. Same place.”

A smile crept onto my lips; it was from Valentin. I tucked the note carefully into the depths of my desk, a small thrill of anticipation coursing through me. I would prove to Maximus that nothing was beyond my reach.

The dawn of a new day found me entering the gym just shy of six in the morning. Valentin was already there, his hair swept back into a neat bun that left his striking features unobscured. He wore a navy blue outfit, reminiscent of my previous training session, which only served to accentuate the brilliance of his eyes in the soft morning light.

“Good morning,” I greeted him, my smile bright and hopeful. But my heart sank when he didn’t return the gesture. “What’s wrong?”

“How much clearer did I need to be about Kairos?” he hissed, frustration evident in his voice. “I warned you he was unbeatable given your current strength, and yet you still choose to challenge him?”

A scowl formed on my face. “Who’s your little spy on campus, feeding you all this information? Is it Loren?”

“Miss Moonbeam would gladly do it if I asked, but no,” Valentin replied, shaking his head as he stepped closer, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. “I am the Headmaster of this institution, Princess. I am aware of everything that transpires on my campus.”

His words sent a ripple of unease through me, and I fought to maintain my composure, resisting the urge to fidget under his piercing gaze. My heart raced, its rhythm echoing in my ears, accompanied by that familiar, unsettling hum. As he took a step back, the sensation dissipated, leaving me momentarily disoriented.

“You are not fighting Kairos,” he declared, his tone brokering no argument.

“I am,” I shot back defiantly, my determination igniting.

“Your mother would be livid!” Valentin exclaimed, his voice rising slightly. “Have you even considered the consequences? Kairos will shatter every bone in your body, Zora.”

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