Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 6

**Where Sleeping Rivers Dream We Follow Trails Toward Tomorrow by Evan Miles Cade**
**Chapter 6**

With a sudden tug, my arm was yanked, pulling me back into the chaos I was desperately trying to escape. “I’m so sorry I covered you in mustard!” I exclaimed, my voice tinged with frustration as I yanked my arm again. I was rooted to the spot, unwilling to let him drag me back into the fray. “But this ridiculous murder game is a bit much!” With one last determined jerk, my wrist slipped free from his grasp.

I took off once more, my heart racing as I wondered just how long I could keep this up without being caught again. My legs were burning, muscles screaming for respite, but I pushed onward, fueled by sheer panic. The howls and snarls of the wolves echoed around me, growing louder with every passing second. Just when I thought I might be cornered, a chilling voice cut through the cacophony.

“Enough.”

Instantly, all the wolves ceased their movements, some whimpering in pain while others snapped their jaws in frustration. The voice resonated deep within my mind, powerful enough to make me drop to my knees, hands pressed against my ears as I tried to block out the sound. The ringing in my head faded, and I dared to look up.

Striding across the field was a man clad in flowing maroon robes, the fabric billowing around him as though he were gliding over the grass. His long, wavy hair framed his face, tucked neatly behind his ears, and his eyes, so pale they appeared almost white, held a depth of power that sent shivers down my spine. It was the same kind of energy that radiated from my mother, a force that felt both familiar and intimidating.

This man was no ordinary Alpha; he was the true embodiment of one. Unlike the others at the academy who merely claimed the title, he exuded authority and strength.

Beside me, one of the wolves transformed back into their human form, standing tall yet visibly trembling. “Professor Lunerly,” they began, their voice shaky. “We were just partaking in this year’s hunt. It’s a tradition—”

“Don’t lecture me about tradition,” the robed figure interrupted, his voice smooth and rich, like velvet draping over my senses. “I, too, attended Alpha Academy.” His gaze fell upon me, and I felt a chill run through my body.

“What I didn’t do, however,” he continued, “was pick on the wolfless.”

“But she was the weakest!” another wolf-turned-human protested, their voice rising in desperation. “And Kairos—”

“Mr. Moonraiser will be compensated for the hunt this year,” Professor Lunerly stated firmly, cutting off any further objections. “But the rest of you are dismissed to afternoon classes.”

A few of the wolves attempted to protest, but the sight of Professor Lunerly’s mouth set in a thin, unyielding line silenced them. One by one, they shifted back to their wolf forms and sprinted away across the campus. As the last of them disappeared into the distance, I looked up at my unexpected savior.

He couldn’t have been much older than me, yet he carried himself with an air of wisdom and power that belied his age. The way he stood reminded me of the royal demeanor I had felt when I was in the castle—an unspoken authority that demanded respect.

“Thank you,” I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

He barely acknowledged my gratitude, turning sharply on his heel and walking towards the admissions building. He paused briefly to see if I would follow, then gestured for me to come along. I hurried across the grass to keep pace with him, my mind racing with questions.

We ascended the stairs and entered the building, where Professor Lunerly guided me through the dimly lit oak-paneled halls until we reached a room. The word “HEADMASTER” was elegantly inscribed on the door in a swirling font. He motioned for me to take a seat in front of a large desk, and I complied, feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity. He settled into the chair behind the desk, sliding an old rotary phone toward me with a gentle push.

“For you,” he said, his tone indicating that this was a matter of importance.

Furrowing my brows, I picked up the handle of the phone, placing it against my ear.

“Hello?” I said, my heart still racing from the earlier chaos.

“Zora!” It was Victoria. Just what I needed after a day that felt like a fight for survival.

“Victer, your highness,” I said, catching Professor Lunerly’s gaze, trying to mask my irritation.

“You shouldn’t need such formalities,” Victoria replied, her voice warm. “Valentin is a family friend.”

I glanced up at Professor Lunerly, whose mouth remained set in a firm line, giving him an air of authority that felt intimidating. He didn’t seem particularly friendly, but rather, proper.

“Right,” I replied into the phone, stretching the word as I tried to gather my thoughts.

“So how was your first day?” Victoria asked, her tone bright and curious.

“Um, well,” I started, running a hand over my face in exasperation. “I didn’t pass the run. Missed it by like a quarter of a mile. Then I accidentally spilled a sandwich all over a student, which triggered the hunt, where a bunch of angry wolves started chasing me and trying to kill me. And then Professor Lunerly ended it and brought me here.”

I let out a half-laugh, the absurdity of my day hitting me. “So, pretty eventful.”

“My Gods,” Victoria chuckled, clearly amused. “You certainly are my daughter. Causing such a commotion on your first day!”

“I’m sure your commotion was much more positive than mine,” I grumbled, feeling a twinge of envy.

“Well, yes,” she admitted. “The princess-heir was beginning her education. At a different school than her mother! How scandalous.”

I hummed noncommittally, unsure of how to respond. The silence stretched between us for a moment before Victoria sighed, breaking the quiet.

I slumped back in my seat, frustration boiling within me. “She left me to rot in an orphanage for eighteen years. Victoria deserves it.”

The professor hummed thoughtfully, leaning back in his chair. His fingers brushed against his lips, an elegant gesture that matched his refined appearance.

“Your mother requested that I keep an eye on you,” he said, his tone serious. “That is why I intervened today. Given your temper, can I assume I’ll have to do that frequently?”

“If everyone else can leave me alone, you won’t have to,” I snapped, my irritation flaring again.

“So, yes, then?” he pressed, a hint of amusement in his voice.

I rolled my eyes, exasperated. “Most likely.”

Professor Lunerly hummed again, the sound beginning to grate on my nerves. These people and their non-verbal comments were maddening.

He stood up from behind the desk and motioned toward the door, but just as I reached for the handle, he pressed it shut again, standing mere inches away from me. I caught sight of gold flecks dancing in his otherwise pale eyes, like tiny stars against a canvas of white. They were mesmerizing, framed by long, dark lashes that brushed against his cheeks. I felt myself locking eyes with him, unable to look away.

“Try to keep your head down,” he said softly, his voice low and earnest. “For both our sakes.”

“I can make no promises,” I shot back, still caught in his gaze.

“Trouble seems to follow you,” he mused, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

“That it does,” I replied, finally breaking the connection as he opened the door slightly, ushering me out. His eyes lingered on mine, still locked in an unspoken understanding. “Princess.”

“Professor,” I replied, my voice steady.

“Princess?” a voice called out, cutting through the air.

I snapped my head up, only to find Maximus lounging against the wall in front of me. I had been caught.