Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 124

After Basics, the situation didn’t improve; if anything, it spiraled further into chaos.

As I navigated the sprawling campus, I could feel the weight of countless gazes fixated on me, each one a silent judgment. The atmosphere was thick with tension, especially in the locker room, where I felt the heat of embarrassment wash over me like a wave. Seeking refuge, I darted into a stall, desperate to escape the scrutiny. Yet, as I emerged, the stares resumed, relentless, as I made my way across the campus and into the bustling cafeteria.

I had hoped that the cafeteria might offer a brief sanctuary, a momentary escape from the whispers and the glances. But it became glaringly apparent that news of my morning debacle, coupled with my earlier confrontation with Amara, had spread like wildfire. Even the lunch ladies, usually indifferent, shot me disapproving looks as I passed by, their expressions laden with judgment.

With a frustrated huff, I slammed my tray onto the table, the clatter echoing in the din of lunchtime chatter. I followed suit with my head, letting it drop onto my arms in defeat. Loren, my steadfast friend, slid into the seat beside me and gave my back a gentle pat, her touch both comforting and maddening.

“Come on, it’s really not that bad,” she attempted to reassure me, though her tone was light, almost teasing.

I twisted my head to shoot her an incredulous look. “Not that bad?” I echoed, my voice rising in disbelief. “Everyone thinks I’m some kind of murderous psychopath!”

“Well, they thought you were a psycho before, so really, not much has changed, right?” Loren replied with a casual shrug, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

“Thanks for your invaluable insight, Loren,” I grumbled, sarcasm dripping from my words.

Just then, a familiar voice cut through the chatter. “You’re still training with Valentin?”

I lifted my gaze to find Maximus staring at me, his intense eyes boring into mine. I blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback. Since our last encounter—an unexpected and heated moment on the gym floor—we had barely exchanged a word. I glanced sideways at Loren, seeking a hint of encouragement.

“Yeah,” I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral, not wanting to give away the turmoil brewing inside me. “After I shifted, he wanted to start working with me again.”

“And Thorne’s there too?” Maximus pressed, his voice laced with an unspoken tension. I nodded, noticing the way his jaw clenched and unclenched, a telltale sign of his agitation. He opened his mouth as if to say something but then closed it abruptly, frustration etched on his face. When he finally spoke again, his voice was low and strained.

My heart sank. Bella was spreading rumors that I had caught her and Valentin in a compromising situation. That was a disaster waiting to happen for all involved. I glanced across the cafeteria and spotted her, surrounded by her entourage of third-year girls, all of them giggling and whispering like they were in a soap opera. Anger surged within me, and I stood up slowly, my focus locked on Bella. I had tolerated enough of the lies surrounding me. I couldn’t do much about Amara, but I could certainly confront Bella.

As I reached the end of their table, the laughter from Bella’s group abruptly ceased, the air thickening with tension. The other girls shot me looks of disgust, but Bella merely smirked, her expression dripping with mockery. I felt the fire of indignation flare within me as I met her gaze head-on.

“Oh, look who’s decided to join us,” Bella chirped, her voice laced with sarcasm. “The little peeping Tom.”

“Cut the crap,” I retorted, my voice sharp and unwavering. “You and I both know this is going to hurt Valentin. So keep your trap shut.”

“Hurt Valentin?” Bella scoffed, her laughter ringing out like a bell. She leaned back, crossing her arms defiantly. “Valentin is a man. He doesn’t need anyone to look after him, especially not someone as worthless as you.”

“I’m getting really tired of the names,” I said, my anger bubbling just beneath the surface. The girls surrounding Bella shrank back, leaving just the two of us to glare at one another. I could feel the urge to wipe that smug smirk off her face intensifying.