Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 5

**Chapter 5**

It was typical of Victoria to attract the absolute worst kind of men. It was almost as if her choices were a reflection of how she had treated me throughout my life—a consistent pattern of neglect and disdain.

Exactly, she never loved you, a voice in my mind echoed, sharp and unforgiving.

Get lost, I shot back mentally, my frustration boiling over.

Suddenly, a strong grip encircled my bicep, jolting me from my spiraling thoughts. I blinked, and there was Kairos, his hand clenching me with a grip that felt like it could crush bone. A small whimper escaped my lips, betraying my fear.

“Listen closely,” he barked, his voice slicing through the air. “You clearly know nothing about wolf culture. That’s probably because no one ever cared enough to teach you—” His lips twisted into a cruel grin, a predatory glint in his eyes. “—but you’re standing before the future king. We demand respect. Show us a hint of it, and perhaps we’ll let you off with just a warning.”

I recoiled slightly, but my feet remained planted. I raised an eyebrow, trying to project confidence. “And how exactly would you like me to do that?”

“Kneel,” he spat, venom lacing his words.

I glanced around, feeling the weight of a hundred eyes on me. The entire school would know just how easily I could be pushed around if I didn’t stand my ground against this idiot. I couldn’t let this moment define my time here; I needed to assert my strength.

“No,” I retorted, my voice steady despite the pounding of my heart.

His eyes, a darker shade of gold than Maximus’s, burned with fury. “Who do you think you are? A princess?”

Well, apparently, yes, my inner voice chimed in, but that wasn’t helping my case.

“I don’t tolerate bullies,” I shot back, my tone dripping with disdain. “And that’s exactly what you are. So, let me go and back off.”

Kairos’s glare intensified, his nostrils flaring as if he could smell my fear. Rage contorted his features, and for a fleeting moment, I thought he might actually be handsome if not for the fury radiating from him. Finally, he released my arm, shoving me away with a force that sent me stumbling.

I landed against Loren, who caught me just in time. Kairos’s scowl lingered on me for a moment longer before he turned to the crowd, a sickening smile creeping back onto his face.

“We have our first hunt!” he announced, his voice booming through the cafeteria. The crowd erupted in cheers, and a wave of panic coursed through me, so intense it felt like it could shatter my bones. “First one to make her submit wins,” he continued, his gaze locking onto mine. “Bonus points if you take her down in the process.”

My eyes widened in disbelief as I scanned the cafeteria. Everyone was on their feet, slowly advancing toward me, some snarling, others sniffing the air like wolves on the prowl.

“Zora,” Loren whispered urgently from behind me, his voice laced with fear. “You need to run.”

And then they charged. I reacted instinctively, throwing kicks and punches in a desperate attempt to fend them off. My fingers clawed at the sides of the fence, and I hoisted myself upward, away from their snapping jaws. They lunged, teeth grazing my feet, and as they began to rise on their hind legs, I seized my chance. I swung my feet down onto the grey wolf’s head with all my weight.

She whimpered, the force of my landing causing her to stagger. I pushed off, launching myself into the air, grabbing the top of the fence and swinging my body over. I landed on the other side as the wolves continued to snarl and snap at me.

My backside throbbed painfully, but I quickly scrambled to my feet, desperate to run again. I tried to sprint, but it came out more like a limping dash.

“FUCK YOU, BITCHES!” I shouted over my shoulder, adrenaline fueling my defiance.

I burst out of the alleyway, only to hear more howls echoing in the distance. Could they communicate with each other about my escape? I couldn’t dwell on that thought; I needed to find a place to hide. I kept running until a sudden force collided with me, sending my world spinning.

I blinked rapidly to clear the blurriness from my vision. My head felt like it had been hit by a freight train. As I staggered to regain my balance, a hand clamped around my wrist. I tried to shake it free, only to realize who had caught me.

Of course, it was Maximus.

“Let me go,” I hissed, fury igniting in my chest.

“Come on, little human,” he teased, a smirk playing on his lips. “Just give up. Submit and recognize you’re nothing at this school.”