Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 169

**Chapter 169**

The Saturday that marked the end of the first week of classes loomed over me like a storm cloud, heavy with anticipation and dread. It was the day I had been waiting for, the final showdown in my relentless series of confrontations with Kairos. Bubba, my steadfast friend, had made it abundantly clear that he disapproved of my decision to fight. His protests were loud and fervent as he walked me to the gym, his brow furrowed with concern. But deep down, I knew I had to see this through. I needed to conclude this series, to prove to the campus—and to Kairos—that I was deserving of their respect and acknowledgment. As I stepped into the locker room, Bubba’s discontent echoed in my ears.

Outside, the cacophony of the crowd was palpable, a thunderous roar that reverberated through the walls of the locker room. It was the loudest I had ever heard it, and I understood the reason behind the fervor. The campus was split, each faction fervently debating who would emerge victorious. The chatter had consumed every conversation since our last encounter in Basics. Some believed I had the upper hand, recalling how I had thrown Kairos off balance in our previous fight. Others, however, had witnessed my performance in Basics and were convinced I would falter.

Whispers seemed to follow me like shadows, swirling around the campus with an intensity that felt both familiar and new. While I had always been the subject of gossip, this semester, the tone was slightly more optimistic. One of the Alphas from my class had even approached me, flanked by his friends, wishing me luck with a hint of admiration. I couldn’t help but notice the faint blush creeping across his cheeks, a stark contrast to the usual indifference I encountered. As he walked away, I caught a glimpse of Maximus across the cafeteria, his expression dark and menacing as he crumpled a can of water into a tight ball of aluminum foil. The sight sent a shiver down my spine.

I chose to disregard it.

Distractions were the last thing I needed before the fight. In fact, I had intentionally distanced myself from all my fated mates throughout the week. I skipped training sessions with Valentin, and Thorne, who harbored enough resentment toward me to keep his distance, only added to my isolation. I couldn’t afford any drama; I had a singular focus: I needed to defeat Kairos.

With a deep breath, I sighed and finished tying the laces of my sneakers, the familiar motion grounding me in the moment. My thumb brushed against the dried smear of blood that had trickled from my nose after Kairos’s last blow. The deep brown stain was a stark reminder of how far I had come and how much I had endured. That girl who had first faced Kairos felt like a distant memory, almost like a ghost haunting my present. I tapped the mark lightly, a silent promise to myself, before rising to my feet and making my way toward the gym.

As fate would have it, Kairos chose that very moment to make his entrance. We both stepped out of our respective locker rooms simultaneously, and the crowd erupted in a frenzy. It was as if the air crackled with energy, electric and charged with anticipation. Yet, to my surprise, Kairos remained unfazed, his expression unreadable. I felt a surge of determination as I tried to storm toward the mat, but his long strides quickly closed the distance between us.

“There’s still time to back out,” he murmured, his voice low and meant only for my ears.

I couldn’t help but scoff at his suggestion. “You wish,” I shot back, my tone sharper than I intended.

I dropped into my fighting stance, my gaze fixed on Kairos, who remained calm and collected. His expression was impassive, and his stance seemed too relaxed—his wrists loose, legs unbent. A smirk crept onto my face. This was going to be easier than I thought.

“Begin!” Maximus shouted, lowering his hand with authority. The crowd roared to life, and Maximus hastily retreated, creating space for us. I began to circle Kairos, my instincts kicking in as I assessed my options.

He tracked my movements with a keen eye, and I contemplated my first strike. Should I target his ribs? Perhaps a swift kick to the head would do the trick. I was renowned for my kicks, after all. Just as I prepared to launch my attack, Kairos did something utterly unexpected. The entire gym fell silent, a collective gasp escaping from the crowd.

He took a knee.

As he lowered himself, his gaze remained locked onto mine, and when his knee touched the ground, he bowed his head. He bowed his fucking head.