Chapter 21 The grand hall erupted into a cacophony of gasps and murmurs , the weight of my fathers thunderous voice silencing the bravest of wolves . The tension was palpable , suffocating , as all eyes turned to Lucian . He stood rooted in place , his pride shattered , his expression a volatile blend of fury and despair . Vlanche , pale as a ghost , stumbled backward , her hand instinctively reaching for Lucians arm . He shrugged her off , his attention fixated entirely on me . Freya , he said , his voice trembling , a hollow echo of the bravado hed once flaunted . Please , you have to listen to me . I arched a brow , my expression as cold as the Stormhood name I bore . Listen to what ? Another excuse ? Another feeble attempt to salvage what little dignity you have left ? 25 % 12 41 1/6 Chapter 21 Freya , please , I was wrong , he stammered , his hands shaking as he took a hesitant step forward . I didnt know- You didnt know ? I cut him off sharply , my voice slicing through the murmurs like a blade . You didnt know I was a Stormhood , so you thought it acceptable to treat me like dirt ? To mock me ? And worse to cheat on me with a low- blood girl ? He flinched , the weight of my words visibly crushing him . Vlanche gasped , her face crimson as she hastily tried to shield herself behind her hands . I … I was foolish , Lucian admitted , his voice breaking under the pressure . I let my pride blind me . Freya , I- Enough . My father s commanding tone echoed once more , silencing Lucians pitiful pleas . His gaze bore into him with the force of an alphas fury . Do you truly believe an apology can erase the insult youve brought upon my 85 % 12:41 2/6 Chapter 21 daughter ? Upon my bloodline ? Lucian fell to his knees , the sound of his collapse reverberating through the grand hall . A collective gasp rippled through the gathered wolves . His fists clenched , his head bowed in a futile attempt at humility . Alpha Stormhood , he pleaded , his voice raw . I beg you just one chance to explain myself . It was all a misunderstanding … My mother stepped forward , her regal presence commanding the room as she gazed down at Lucian with ice cold disdain . You dare to kneel in this hall after publicly humiliating my daughter ? Her voice dripped with contempt . Have you no shame , boy ? And , if I recall correctly , no one invited you to this sacred gathering . Please ! Lucians voice cracked , his desperation spilling out like an open wound . He turned to me , his once arrogant demeanor crumbling . Freya , you re my 85 % 12.41 3/6 Chapter 21 mate ! You must feel it too . Give me a chance to prove myself ! The crowd erupted into whispers , the weight of his claim rippling through the hall . Boones ever present smirk faltered , and Alpha Darian standing just beside me -tensed , his dark eyes narrowing dangerously . Mate ? I repeated , mockery dripping from my tone as I stepped closer to Lucian . I leaned down slightly , my gaze boring into his . A mate doesn t humiliate the other . A mate doesn t treat their partner like a pawn in their schemes . You , Lucian , don t deserve the title . Freya , please ! His voice grew frantic , his hands clawing at the polished marble . floor as though seeking purchase in a sinking world . Straightening , I turned my back to him , the dismissal final . Your desperation is pathetic , Lucian . 85 12 41 4/6 Chapter 21 Alpha Darian stepped forward , his presence radiating authority as he placed a protective hand on my shoulder . You ve had your chance to speak , he said firmly . Leave this hall now , before you disgrace yourself further . But Lucian didnt move . His breathing grew uneven , his eyes wild with unrestrained emotion . If you send me away now , he warned , his voice low and trembling , youll regret it , Freya . Youll regret rejecting me . I glanced at him over my shoulder , my voice calm but cutting . No , Lucian . My only regret is ever allowing someone like you to leech off the strength of my name . My tone hardened , each word a nail in the coffin of his pride . Now , I can finally breathe . The room descended into a heavy silence , the wolves waiting with bated breath for Lucians next move . But as he knelt there , broken and defeated , it became clear that 85 12:41 5/6 Chapter 21 the storm he had once stirred had turned against him and I was its fury . You might also like Ten Years of Title: Crimson Revenge: Bride Sacrifice (English-dubbed) Embark on a riveting journey with Misty, a fresh police academy graduate, as she fearlessly undertakes a perilous mission to infiltrate the enigmatic 'Divine Marriage' ritual in Florals Village. Disguised as a Florals Maiden, she plunges into the depths of the mysterious Florals Cave with secrets lurking at every turn. 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