Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 176

**Where Sleeping Rivers Dream We Follow Trails Toward Tomorrow by Evan Milesa Cade 176**

“Whatever you do now, is with me.”

A soft whimper escaped my lips, and in that moment, it felt as if a spark ignited the connection between us, illuminating the unspoken bond that had been growing in the shadows. Before I could fully process it, I found myself caught in the intensity of Kairos’s gaze, his mouth moving as if to speak, but the words were lost in the electric atmosphere.

“Have you asked them?” Mona interjected, her tall frame swaying slightly as she spoke, her eyes glinting with mischief.

I grumbled under my breath, irritation bubbling up once more, and turned back to Loren, who was arching her eyebrows in that infuriatingly knowing way. With a heavy sigh, I let my elbows rest on the table, burying my face in my hands as if trying to shield myself from the weight of my thoughts.

“What am I supposed to do? Just go on a date with Kairos?” I blurted out, the words spilling from my mouth more dramatically than I intended.

Loren merely shrugged, her expression nonchalant. “It wouldn’t hurt to just talk to him, you know.”

I groaned, the sound muffled by my hands as I pressed my palms against my eyes, trying to block out the reality of the situation. With a frustrated huff, I slammed my hands down onto the table, rising abruptly from my seat. “Fine,” I declared, my voice resolute. “I’ll go to his house right now.”

“It’s Saturday?” Loren questioned, a hint of concern creeping into her tone. “He’s probably hammered.”

“Perfect,” I replied, shrugging my backpack higher onto my shoulders. “Maybe he’ll be less guarded that way.”

I slipped out from under Thorne’s watchful gaze, leaving the library behind. The distance to Kairos’s house was short, and I found myself there in about fifteen minutes. As I approached, I glanced at my watch, noting the time—almost midnight. The house was awash in vibrant blue and pink lights, pulsating like a heartbeat. A dull thrum of music vibrated through the air, pulling me closer. I took a deep breath, trying to muster my courage before stepping into the chaotic party.

The interior was familiar, a replica of the other gatherings that had unfolded in this very space. However, this time, the crowd was noticeably smaller. The music blared loudly, and the lingering scent of spilled beer hung thick in the air. As I entered, all eyes turned toward me, and I felt painfully out of place, clutching my backpack and wearing a worn-out gray hoodie that seemed to scream “awkward.”

Navigating through the throng, I followed the sound of deep, raucous laughter, ultimately finding myself in the kitchen. There stood Kairos, sandwiched between two of his friends, their laughter echoing like they had just heard the most hilarious joke in the universe. But in stark contrast, Kairos wore a look of utter misery. The moment our eyes met, he straightened up, his expression shifting.

“Smith,” he greeted me flatly, as if my presence was an inconvenience.

His friends immediately quieted, exchanging knowing smirks that sent a chill down my spine. My heart sank as I stammered, “Can I—”

“Yeah,” Kairos interrupted, pushing himself off the counter and striding past me. He jerked his head, and I followed him, my hands gripping the straps of my backpack tightly, anxiety coursing through me.

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