Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 117

“Once more,”

The searing pain washed over me like a wave, the sensation of skin tearing apart, only to feel the familiar warmth of fur returning to my paws.

“And again.”

The agony surged once more, skin ripping anew, leaving my hands cold and bare, devoid of any protective covering.

“Again,”

“God,” I gasped, my voice barely escaping my lips as I stumbled forward, collapsing onto my hands. “Can I catch a break for just half a second?”

The squelching sound of feet pressing against the gym mat echoed in my ears. I glanced up to see a shadow crouching beside me, and as I lifted my chin, I was met with the intense gaze of Valentin.

“This method of shifting is particularly effective for young wolves,” he explained, his voice soft yet firm. “It forces your body to adapt to the transformation more rapidly, compelling it to accept the change. It’s brutal, but it yields results.”

My chest was still rising and falling violently, each breath a struggle. “How many times does it take for it to actually work?”

“Typically,” he said, tilting his head slightly, “I can push a wolf to achieve about ten shifts per minute. You managed five.”

Five. My body felt as though it were about to burst apart at the seams. My lungs were laboring, my heart racing far too fast for a normal human being. I pressed a hand against my chest, attempting to will my heart to slow its frantic pace. Valentin’s eyes remained fixed on me, observing as I struggled for control. Finally, he extended a hand toward me. I accepted it hesitantly, letting out a sigh as the familiar electric energy surged from his touch.

He helped me to my feet, his arm wrapping securely around my waist to steady me. I leaned into him more than I should have, seeking the comfort of his presence. Just then, I heard a throat clear behind me, and I instinctively jumped out of Valentin’s embrace, wrapping my arms around my waist in a defensive gesture.

I looked up to find Thorne glaring at me, his eyes narrowed as if he were trying to pin me down with his gaze.

“I think that’s enough for today,” he said, his voice low and tense.

I shot him a look, a mix of annoyance and amusement at his evident jealousy. My attention drifted back to Valentin, who wore a tense expression as he regarded Thorne. With a resigned sigh, he turned back to me.

“That was a solid first attempt,” he said gently. “We’ll pick up where we left off tomorrow.”

“Okay,” I replied softly, still catching my breath.

“I’ll walk you home,” Thorne chimed in from across the mat. I fought the urge to roll my eyes at his sudden protective instinct. I offered Valentin a small, appreciative smile before turning to join Thorne.

As we exited the gym, silence enveloped us like a thick fog. It wasn’t until we reached the Admissions building that Thorne finally broke the quiet.

“How are your classes going?”

I froze mid-step, turning to face him. His eyebrows knitted together in confusion at my sudden stillness.

“What?”

“What’s your angle here?”

“Angle?” Thorne echoed, genuine bewilderment written across his face. “I’m just trying to make conversation.”

With a sigh, I rolled my eyes and resumed walking, feeling his presence hesitate for a moment before he jogged to catch up.

“Is it so terrible to make small talk?” he pressed, a hint of frustration creeping into his tone. “I’m your knight. We might as well be civil to one another.”

“Don’t,” I called over my shoulder as I jogged back toward the gym. “I’m perfectly capable of handling this on my own.”

I heard Thorne chuckle softly behind me as I made my way back to the gym. Thankfully, the lights were still on, indicating that Valentin was likely still inside, tidying up after our session. I stepped cautiously back into the gym, the bright lights illuminating the blue mats beneath my feet.

“Hello?” I called out, my voice echoing off the walls.

The sound reverberated in the empty space, and I walked across the floor, my feet making soft slapping noises against the vinyl. Spotting my jacket discarded by the locker room, I hurried over and draped it over my shoulders, feeling the familiar warmth envelop me.

Suddenly, a noise from the locker room startled me. I hesitated, my heart racing as I peeked into the men’s locker room. The sound of an old shower turning on filled the air, causing my brow to furrow in confusion. It was well past the gym’s closing time; no one was supposed to be there.

Cautiously, I stepped into the locker room, every sense heightened. The spray of the shower continued, and as I moved deeper into the room, I heard several loud thuds followed by hushed whispers.

I crept past the office and into the rows of lockers, crouching down to remain hidden. The lights in the locker room were mostly off, save for the bright illumination above the showers. As I approached, the sounds of muffled voices grew louder.

Peering around the corner, I caught sight of two figures caught in the cascade of water from one of the showers. One was unmistakably a man, mid-shower, completely naked and dripping wet. The other was a woman, fully clothed, her legs wrapped around the man’s waist as if she had leapt into his arms. Their lips were locked in a fervent kiss, her long black hair cascading down to shield their faces from view.

The scene before me was nothing short of scandalous. Their hands roamed hungrily over each other, passion igniting the air around them. A breathy moan escaped the woman, prompting the man to spin her around, pinning her against the wall. His bare backside was exposed to me, and I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment as I quickly averted my gaze.

Yet, the moment I glanced back, I was struck with shock as I recognized the woman. It was Bella.

She must have sensed my presence because her eyes flew open, and upon realizing it was me, a wicked smile curled at her lips. Without hesitation, she turned her focus back to the man, turning up the volume of her moans and writhing beneath him.

“Sh,” he hushed her, and as he leaned in to capture her lips once more, I gasped for the second time.

The man entwined with Bella was none other than Valentin Lunerly.