Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 161

The monotonous beeping of the infirmary machines had shifted from being a mere sound to a strange comfort. It was as if the rhythmic noise was announcing the end of whatever chaos had ensnared me. I inhaled deeply, letting the air fill my lungs as I began to wake. Almost instantly, I felt a gentle squeeze around my hand. It was a warmth that radiated from my fingertips, coursing through my veins, reaching my mind, and spreading down to my toes. It was as if my entire being was enveloped in a soothing embrace, and with it came a wave of tranquility that washed over me like a gentle tide. My neck slowly turned toward the source of that warmth, and I blinked my eyes open, still heavy with sleep.

At first, everything was a blur, but as my vision cleared, I let out a soft sigh. There he was, Maximus, his golden eyes fixed on me with a gaze that felt both protective and warm. The corners of his lips curved into the slightest of smiles, a small flicker of joy in an otherwise somber atmosphere. His hands enveloped mine, grounding me in the moment.

“Hi,” I managed to rasp, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Hi,” he replied, his voice steady and reassuring.

As I lay there, I could feel his unwavering gaze upon me, and my eyes began to wander around the room. It was then that I realized we were not alone in this space. In his usual spot, leaning against the wall with an air of indifference, was none other than Valentin Lunerly. He still wore the same casual shirt and trousers he had donned during our harrowing encounter in the forest. A smear of my own blood stained his thigh, a stark reminder of the chaos that had unfolded. I shifted my gaze up to his face; as always, he wore an impassive expression, but there was a slight nod in my direction—a silent acknowledgment of my presence.

My exploration of the room continued, albeit slowly, until my eyes landed on a third figure, leaning nonchalantly against the wall. Instantly, a jolt of tension coursed through me as recognition hit. Kairos Moonraiser was here, in my infirmary room.

He must have sensed my gaze, for he turned to meet my eyes. The usual hardness that typically defined his features had softened, his freckles glinting like stars on his sun-kissed skin. His fierce gold eyes, usually so intimidating, now held a warmth that was almost inviting.

A rush of warmth surged through me again, and I felt a sudden urge to fidget. It was becoming uncomfortably warm in the room. Kicking the blanket off my feet, I sighed in relief as the cool air brushed against my skin, soothing the heat that had begun to build. I settled back against the pillows, pressing my palm against my forehead, trying to gather my thoughts.

“What happened?” I managed to ask, my voice still hoarse.

“What do you remember?” Valentin’s voice was gentle yet probing, as if he was trying to help me piece together the fragments of my memory.

I closed my eyes, delving deep into the recesses of my mind, searching for the elusive memories. All I could recall was an overwhelming sensation of pain, a searing heat, and the acrid scent of charred flesh. Then, fleetingly, images of two wolves bursting forth from the depths of the forest came to me—one with auburn fur, the other a muted, ashy brown. My hand dropped to my side, and I turned my gaze toward Valentin.

“You were there,” I said, looking at Kairos. “And, for some reason, you.”

The softness in Kairos’s expression vanished, replaced by the familiar hardness that had become his trademark. He opened his mouth to speak, but Valentin interjected before he could say anything.

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