Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 162

**Where Sleeping Rivers Dream We Follow Trails Toward Tomorrow by Evan Milesa Cade 162**

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Chapter 162

“At ease, Alpha Wolfham,” my mother’s voice rang out, soothing yet authoritative. Her gaze softened as she offered me a gentle smile before turning her attention to Valentin, the Headmaster.

“I received your message,” she said, her eyes drifting back to mine, filled with an unmistakable concern. “A vampire on campus?”

“Two, Your Highness,” Kairos interjected, stepping forward to face my mother more directly. His expression was serious, the weight of the situation evident in his posture. “The Headmaster and I managed to eliminate one. The second has been captured and is currently being interrogated.”

“Gods be above,” my mother murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She nodded once at Kairos, a gesture of gratitude. “Thank you, Alpha Moonraiser. The Headmaster informed me that you conducted yourself with both honor and strength.”

Kairos inclined his head slightly, acknowledging her words. “Your honor,” he replied, his tone respectful.

“I will speak with you shortly,” Victoria said, addressing both Max and Kairos. “For now, however, I wish to hear Miss Smith’s account of what transpired.”

Maximus squeezed my hand one last time, his grip firm yet reassuring, before he and Kairos exited the room. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted, leaving just my mother, Valentin, and me. As the door slammed shut behind them, Victoria’s hands found my face, her touch both tender and urgent as she searched my eyes for signs of distress.

“Are you hurt?” she asked, her voice laced with worry.

I shrugged, trying to downplay the situation. “Just sore. I—”

“This is precisely why I should never have brought her back, Val,” my mother hissed at the Headmaster, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “Someone must have warned them. They know about her. They nearly killed her!”

“She’s alive, Victoria,” Valentin replied, attempting to calm her rising panic. “Those two vampires were weak. Gammas, if they were wolves. They posed no real threat—”

“But they are aligned with something far more dangerous!” Victoria’s voice trembled as she turned back to Valentin, her eyes wide with fear. The two exchanged a brief, meaningful glance before her focus returned to me. Her gaze was intense as she caressed the side of my face gently. “My sweet girl,” she murmured softly, her voice thick with emotion. “I could have lost you.”

I gently pushed her hand away, feeling a mix of frustration and concern. “I’m fine,” I insisted. “But I would have been better prepared if you had told me these kinds of threats still existed. If you had just told me that I’m some sort of wolf weapon!”

“Weapon?” Victoria blinked in disbelief, her eyes darting sideways at Valentin before settling back on me. “You are not a weapon.”

“Victoria,” Valentin warned, his tone firm yet cautious.

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