Their Hidden Princess (Zora and Maximus) novel Chapter 286

Chapter 286

Zora’s POV

In the morning, after showering and changing, Valentin and I walked outside to meet with the other. Max, Kairos, and Thome were there, looking somewhat tired and a bit rumbled but otherwise okay. I wondered if they hadn’t gone to bed yet. I knew they had followed Neo, but he didn’t seem to be here with them.

“Where’s Neo?” I asked.

“We never caught up to him,” Thorne said.

“You said you were going to follow him,” I said.

“He’s fast,” Max answered, looking away from my gaze.

Kairos just growled lightly.

Looking at the three of them, I was starting to piece together what had happened, and I didn’t like it. “Did you drive him off?”

“No,” Max said quickly.

sn’t like that,” Thorn

k,” Kairos added unapologetically, even after I shot him a sharp glance.

Gently, Val

his comf

nd my shoulder and gave me a comforting squeeze. I leaned into him, gratefully accepting

“If h

vill return,” Valentin said. “Like all of us, he won’t be able to keep his distance, even if he thought an stay away from you for very long.”

ting what he was going to say next. “Even you?”

said.

ve to leave?”

e said. “I have to continue to investigate, and to plan.”

“I know,” I told him and I did, even as I clung to him. “Just promise you will return soon.”

“I will.” He looked then to the others. “I am trusting Zora’s protection to you, as well as her training. Intensify both. The end of this conflict is drawing near. A fight is coming, sooner rather than later.”

Max and Thorne nodded. Kairos grunted but nodded also.

I turned into Valentin, as he turned into me. The others looked away, giving us a moment’s privacy. Valentin kissed me, a goodbye sort of kiss that lingered yet still ended much too soon.

“I will visit again when I can,” he said. “I won’t be able to rest without you.” Leaning in, he rested his forehead against mine.” You are my b

I will only be content when I am returned to you.”

“The olve this and come back. I’m only co Late when we are all together.” again, on the mouth this udged toward the car, look

pletely claiming me. Then, with as much rush, he stepped

s an effort, a battle of wills to take him away from me.