Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 70

**Where Sleeping Rivers Dream We Follow Trails Toward Tomorrow by Evan Milesa Cade**
**Chapter 70**

**Zora**

I exited my first training session with Valentin feeling utterly defeated, my mood as dark as a stormy sky.

It was infuriating that I couldn’t shift in front of Thorne. That arrogant jerk would probably use it against me, like some twisted trophy. But what grated on me even more was Mona’s fury echoing in my mind.

*I don’t understand,* she raged, pacing restlessly within me. *He’s not even our mate anymore. Why does he still have this hold over us?*

*Beats me,* I grumbled back, staring down at my hand as I focused on the sensation of dirt beneath my fingers. In an instant, my hand morphed into a paw, fur sprouting from my skin all the way to my elbow. Just as quickly, I clenched my fist, and I was human again, the transformation as jarring as it was familiar.

*I don’t get it either,* I thought as I strolled out of the locker room. Now dressed in my regular clothes after training, I had an hour to kill before my first class. My damp curls were pinned back in a hasty braid, and I hoisted my bag higher on my shoulder, making my way across campus toward the cafeteria.

*I don’t even like Thorne,* I continued my internal dialogue. *If I were embarrassed to shift in front of anyone, it would be Valentin. I mean, I have a major crush on him.*

*Finally, you’re admitting it,* Mona chuckled, her tone teasing and wolfish. *But this shifting thing is definitely odd.*

*Do you think it’s related to the bond rejection?* I pondered aloud.

*Perhaps,* she replied thoughtfully. *Some kind of subconscious nerves, maybe?*

As I stepped onto the main lawn of the campus, I mulled over that idea. Did Thorne make me anxious? A bit, yes. In fact, he made me extremely uneasy. My secret felt most vulnerable around him. After all, he was in the castle when I was there, his mother was my mother in a way. If anyone knew my true identity, it was Thorne Blythwitch.

Yet, intertwined with my nerves was a sense of disappointment I couldn’t quite pinpoint. It wasn’t merely disappointment over the broken bond; it wasn’t about his choice to associate with Kairos and his band of obnoxious friends. It was more like a sorrowful recognition that he didn’t truly know me.

*That makes some semblance of sense,* Mona remarked, her voice softening. *He barely gave you a chance to show him who you are before he severed the bond. I can only imagine how that would bruise your ego.*

*But not yours?* I shot back, a hint of sarcasm in my tone.

*Please,* Mona scoffed. *I am an ancient High Magikal being. Nothing can touch my ego.*

*Noted,* I snorted, rolling my eyes. *But maybe you’re onto something. Maybe it’s disappointment stemming from the fact that he doesn’t see me as worthy of his time. Or perhaps strong enough for it.*

*That would explain why we’re unable to shift,* Mona mused. *Why give someone our strongest form if they perceive us as weak?*

I shook my head with a sigh, exasperated. *God, this wolf stuff is draining. Does it ever get easier?*

*Did you miss the part where I said “ancient High Magikal being”?* Mona replied, her laughter echoing in my mind. *It never gets easier. Only more complicated.*

I chose not to respond as I continued my trek across campus. Just as I approached the cafeteria, Loren came barreling toward me, arms flailing wildly. She was calling my name like a lunatic, drawing the attention of everyone around us.

“ZORA!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her exuberance. She launched herself at me, and I caught her in a dramatic flourish. We almost tumbled to the ground, but we managed to stay upright, for the most part. I gently pushed Loren away, holding the bouncing ball of energy in my arms.

“I have news!” she squealed, her excitement palpable.

“Okay, okay,” I chuckled, trying to contain my amusement. “Seems like half the campus noticed.”

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