Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 45

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**Where Sleeping Rivers Dream We Follow Trails Toward Tomorrow by Evan Milesa Cade – Chapter 45**

Nestled beneath the towering pines of the forest, I drifted into a deep slumber, the earthy scent of moss and pine needles wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. The world outside was still cloaked in darkness when I finally stirred, the first light of dawn beginning to break through the trees. I blinked blearily, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, only to be jolted awake by the sight of a figure hovering before me. Panic surged through me as I scrambled to sit up, my back pressing against the rough bark of the tree that had supported my slumber.

As my vision cleared, a wave of relief washed over me; it was Maximus, seated on the forest floor, his gaze locked onto mine with an intensity that made my heart race.

“I wonder if you’re from one of the packs in Western North America,” he mused, absently picking at some stray leaves scattered around us. With a gentle crunch, he crumbled the dried remnants in his hands, the sound punctuating the stillness of the morning. “You seem to have a real affinity for the forest.”

“I grew up in Pennsylvania,” I replied, my voice rough and gravelly from sleep. I cleared my throat, trying to shake off the remnants of my dreams. “There are vast stretches of woods in the Adirondack Mountains. Have you ever heard of them?”

Maximus blinked slowly, then shook his head, a hint of curiosity in his expression. “I’ve never ventured beyond the UK,” he admitted with a casual shrug. “There’s been no reason for me to, especially with Alpha Academy right here.”

I nodded, contemplating the implications of his words. If he had never left the UK, then Victoria’s castle must also be located somewhere nearby. Did that mean I was technically English? The thought sent a ripple of confusion through me as I fiddled with the foliage at my feet, lost in my musings.

“So,” Maximus drawled, breaking the silence. “Care to enlighten me about why you’re out here? Again?”

A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I tossed an acorn across the clearing. It ricocheted off the forest floor, disappearing into the underbrush. I turned my gaze back to Maximus, who was raising an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. I slumped down, resting my chin on my knees, feeling the weight of the world press down on me.

“I had a disagreement with someone,” I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Very detailed,” he replied, a teasing lilt in his tone. I narrowed my eyes at him, feeling the heat of embarrassment creep into my cheeks.

“It was my mentor,” I continued, my voice quiet and hesitant. I focused intently on the ground, searching for the right words to convey the emotional turmoil I was experiencing. I licked my lips, trying to gather my thoughts.

“Is he trying to cut ties with you?” Maximus ventured, his voice gentle, as if he understood the gravity of the situation.

I shifted slightly, feeling the tension in my chest. “Yeah,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “Basically.”

Maximus let out a heavy sigh, running a hand over his short hair, which gleamed with a bluish hue in the soft morning light. He looked at me through his lashes, his expression softening.

“I meant what I said,” he said quietly. “About helping you control your wolf. I can step in and take over the role your mentor has been playing.”

The irony of his offer struck me like a bolt of lightning. Valentin had not only been teaching me how to fight; he had also been a source of connection and understanding. And here was Maximus, another person with whom I felt a strange bond. Could he possibly fill the void left by Valentin, especially after the news of his impending marriage?

The thought sent a pang of sorrow through my heart. I instinctively shrank back, and Maximus noticed, his eyes widening in concern. He quickly raised his hands in a placating gesture.

“Or not,” he stammered, his voice hurried. “It’s perfectly fine if you don’t want to.”

“No,” I interrupted gently, my resolve firming. “I think I would like that.”

Max’s surprise was palpable as he blinked at me. “You would?”

“I don’t really have many options,” I shrugged, trying to downplay the significance of my statement.

Maximus’s lips curled into a playful smile. “Mini Moonbeam wasn’t your first choice?”

“Loren is a fantastic friend,” I replied, unable to suppress a smile in return. “But she’ll be the first to admit that she’s not exactly a pro when it comes to sparring.”