Their Hidden Princess (Zora and Maximus) novel Chapter 292

Chapter 292

I wrapped my arms around him, and we stayed like that for a while, trading kisses, our bond strumming happily between us. For this moment, I allowed myself to hope. Maybe this could still work.

After a while, we returned to the others, who seemed tense until they saw me, then relaxed somewhat. Somehow I had to convince them that Neo would never hurt me. They didn’t have to fully trust him, just trust him enough to believe that I was safe with him.

“We should do more training,” Thorne said. “With… Neo… We need to practice working together.”

“I think that’s a great idea,” I told him, proud of him for putting in the effort here.

“You think you can work in a team?” Max asked Neo.

Neo ignored him, staring at me like Max hadn’t said anything at all.

He was supposed to be trying, like Max clearly was, so I gave Neo a pointed look in return. Seeing it, he immediately stiffened, then lowered his head.

“Yes,” he said to Max. “I believe that such a thing.. could be possible.”

“Good,” Max replied.

I gave Neo a small smile, proud of his efforts. He saw it and quickly looked away.

“Since we have more people now,” Thorne said. “We should do two on two.”

“I can fight all of you,” Neo said.

“Neo,” I chastised lightly. “Remember, part of the purpose of this training is to practice working together.”

His face hardened. “Right.” He huffed a breath. “Two on two is fine then.”

Thorne and Max took point, protecting me from Neo and Kairos who would be acting like our vampire attackers. Kairos and Neo both glared at each other.

When we were in position, Thorne signaled the start and Neo and Kairos surged forward. They moved as a unit, in quiet tandem with each other. It was thrilling to see them so in sync, without even needed to talk to each other.

Trusting, Max to handle Kairos, I turned to assist Thorne in any way that I could.

Neo almost seemed to be playing with Thorne, making him go left and then swooping in the right. Yet then Neo would hesitate, not pushing past Thorne like he so clearly could. Once, when Thorne stumbled, Neo met my gaze and winked.

Maybe this was Neo’s way of cooperating. Pushing the limits of the others without outright breaking them. But his power and speed were awe–worthy. I felt like he could do anything.

Once, Thorne, in desperation to block Neo who had slipped by him, tripped and fell.

“Thorne!” I cried out and hurried to him, rushing past Neo, who simply tapped me on the shoulder to indicate he’d won.

“I’m fine,” Thorne grumbled as he pushed himself up. Though I was going to him, he moved away from me, putting distance between us.

“I believe this means Kairos and I are the winners,” Neo said.

He was right, but I couldn’t take my eyes of Thorne, and the way he was glaring at Neo like he’d just made a mortal enemy.