Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 160

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

“Wolfsbane,” I muttered, a bitter taste creeping into my mouth. I couldn’t help but snort derisively. “The bane of my existence.” My voice echoed in the cold, damp air, a stark reminder of the torment I had endured.

“Gods, almighty,” Kairos hissed, his voice tight with frustration as he hovered over Valentin’s shoulder. The tension in his voice was palpable, a mix of urgency and dread.

Valentin remained silent, his focus unwavering. He pressed his hands against one of the chains binding me, his determination evident as he attempted to pry them apart. With a grunt of effort, he managed to dent one, but the price was steep; deep burns marred his palms. I could see the frustration etched on his face as he raked his fingers through his hair, only to wince again when his fingers brushed against the raw wounds.

“Move,” Kairos barked, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I watched as his wolf, a magnificent creature cloaked in shadow, approached from behind Valentin. There was an elegance to the way he shifted, a grace that belied the raw power within him. For a fleeting moment, his piercing gaze locked onto mine, a silent understanding passing between us. Then, he bent down, grasping the chain with fierce determination. With a single, powerful pull, it snapped in two, the sound echoing ominously in the stillness. I noticed his own palms were burned, the blood pooling ominously, a testament to his sacrifice.

With careful hands, the two men began to unravel me from the chains that had held me captive. As I fell to the floor, a wave of pain surged through my body, each ache and throb a reminder of the torment I had endured. But before I could fully register the agony, strong arms enveloped me, lifting me gently.

My head rested against Kairos’s forearm as he cradled me across his lap. Valentin knelt before me, his expression a mix of concern and urgency. He lifted my arms, inspecting the blisters that had formed, etched deeply into my skin. His fingers moved to my neck, brushing aside the matted, blood-dried hair from my shoulder. A sharp intake of breath escaped him, and I felt a shiver run through me at his reaction.

Kairos leaned in closer, his face paling as he took in the sight. “Is that normally how they do that?” he asked, his voice strained.

“No,” Valentin replied, shaking his head slowly, his fingers pressing gently over my wound. “They used special knives. Ones forged from wolfsbane. They’re designed to cause harm to wolves. That’s why these wounds remain open, and why your body hasn’t healed them yet.” His voice was steady, but I could sense the underlying anger simmering just beneath the surface.

Valentin’s gaze shifted to Kairos, his frown deepening. “Where’s the Princess?” he asked, concern etching lines across his face.

“Dunno,” Kairos grunted, his frustration palpable as he gestured toward me with a nod of his chin. “Got more important things here.”

Valentin nodded, his expression resolute as he continued to examine my body. His hands moved with a careful precision, searching for any further signs of injury. He glanced back up at Kairos, determination in his eyes.

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