Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 167

**Zora**

My return to campus unfolded in a haze of blissful normalcy, or at least what one might consider normal for a concealed wolf princess burdened with the weight of five fated mates, who had recently endured a kidnapping ordeal. Oh, and let’s not forget the minor detail that I was also expected to save the world from vampires.

Totally, just your average day in the life.

One thing became abundantly clear: despite my harrowing experience, the buzz surrounding my existence hadn’t diminished one bit. Whispers trailed behind me like shadows as I navigated the throngs of students. It felt as though the entire campus had collectively awakened to the realization that I was no ordinary girl. The fact that vampires had deemed me significant enough to abduct sent a shiver down my spine. I was not merely a faceless nobody; I was someone of importance.

The enormity of that truth terrified me.

The last thing I wanted was for anyone to uncover my identity as a princess. The unsettling knowledge that vampires had returned for reasons still shrouded in mystery was not something I was prepared to disclose. I remembered vividly the moment Valentin had announced it to the world, my heart racing as I felt the color drain from my face.

The auditorium had erupted in gasps and cries of disbelief. Loren, seated beside me, was gnawing nervously at her fingers, her anxiety palpable as if she were on the verge of revealing everything we had kept hidden. And then, like a thunderclap, Valentin had declared my kidnapping to the assembled crowd. Loren emitted a squeak so sharp that it drew every eye in our direction.

And just like that, the chatter began.

Wednesday arrived, bringing with it the familiar rhythm of Basics class. Loren and I strode across campus, a silence enveloping us as we readied ourselves for the challenges of the day ahead. Bubba, our loyal companion, trailed behind, doing his best to remain inconspicuous despite his size. We entered the gym a bit late, the rest of the class already engaged in their preparations. As expected, Kairos, Maximus, and Thorne were still the teaching assistants for Basics, standing at the front, their piercing gazes locking onto Loren and me.

To my utter surprise, Coach chose me to demonstrate instead of them.

“What?” I exclaimed, my voice a mix of disbelief and confusion.

It had been far too long since we’d spoken, ever since he had left me in the infirmary with my mother after my attack. The weight of that silence felt like a problem that loomed over us, especially since the last person he had seen me with was Valentin—someone he had made it clear he didn’t want me associating with.

As we approached our mat, an almost tangible tension hung in the air. Maximus remained silent as we stood there, his posture exuding strength and focus as he dropped into his sparring stance. I exhaled slowly, gathering my courage to break the silence.

“How was your break?” I asked, my voice cracking awkwardly, betraying my nervousness.

Maximus blinked, momentarily taken aback, but then he swiftly shifted into action, demonstrating his prowess with a kick that came dangerously close to my face. I felt the rush of air as I dodged, my heart racing. I grunted, instinctively throwing my body back to avoid the blow.

The gym was alive with the energy of our sparring match, and I could feel the weight of expectations pressing down on me as we prepared to engage fully in this dance of strength and skill.