Chapter 25 For the first time in years , I felt free . Truly free . The absence of Lucian from my life wasnt just a relief it was a revelation . I didnt realize how much of a burden he had been until now , how much peace I had been denying myself . And then there was Alpha Darian . He wasnt a man I had sought out for help , yet he had done so much for me , even when I didnt ask him to . Now , here I was , sitting across from him at a cozy restaurant owned by his pack , sharing a quiet dinner that felt oddly … perfect . I cant believe Im having dinner with someone as flirty as you , I teased , raising an eyebrow . He laughed , the sound deep and rich . Well , you like it , he replied , leaning back in his chair with a confident smirk . I smiled softly , shaking my head . Lets 85 % 12:42 1/8 Chapter 25 just say I forgot how to giggle . And yet , somehow , you managed to make me laugh the other day when you joked about me being your mate . He tilted his head , his smirk widening . Who said I was joking ? I blinked , caught off guard by his response . His tone wasnt teasing it was serious . And for a moment , I felt something flutter inside me , something I hadnt felt in years . The night felt magical , different . For the first time , I felt truly alive . Id always had everything I wanted money , power , influence but none of it had ever made me feel this kind of happiness . This kind of peace . I narrowed my eyes playfully . What are you even trying to say , Darian ? That Ive known about you for a long time , he said , his voice softening . Ive seen you with your brother back then but I 85 % 12:42 2/8 12:42 Chapter 25 84 didnt know you were his sister . I just know that Boone has a sister who vanished for training when she turned fifteen , your identity seemed to disappear . It was like you vanished into thin air , and I couldnt find anything about you . Are you stalking me ? I asked with a laugh , though my curiosity was piqued . He smiled , shaking his head . But I did try to find you . And when I finally did , I discovered youd become a Luna in someone else s pack . I didnt intervene . I respected your position . But when Lucians pack asked for my alliance … He paused , his blue eyes locking onto mine . I took the chance to visit . Not because I cared about the alliance , but because it was a chance to see you . His words left me momentarily speechless . His honesty , the sincerity in his gaze it was unlike anything Id ever experienced . With Lucian , there had always been fear , pain , and doubt . But with Darian , I felt … 85 % 12 42 3/8 12:42 Chapter 25 84 safe . His attention didnt feel like possession ; it felt like appreciation . And for the first time , I felt butterflies in my stomach instead of dread . He leaned forward slightly , his voice low but warm . You ve always been someone worth finding , Freya . Even when you didnt know it . I swallowed hard , unable to suppress the small , genuine smile that crept onto my lips . He wasnt like Lucian . This was different . And for the first time , I let myself believe that maybe , just maybe , I deserved this . Why are you so interested ? Is it because Im beautiful like all men could say- No but its because you re strong even to the time that I dont know that you re actually a Stormhood . Beautiful , yes , but thats not what drew me in . It was the way you carried yourself , even when the world seemed to crumble around you … he 4/8 85 % 12:42 Chapter 25 murmured , You look so much like a winner even when the time that you have nothing to say . You already win even when you didnt answer . I felt a lump form in my throat at his words . No one had ever spoken to me like that before , not even close . Lucian s compliments had always felt hollow , more like a ploy to keep me tethered to his whims . But Alpha Darian ? His words felt raw , honest , and they struck a chord deep within me . I glanced at him , searching his face for any sign of insincerity , but there was none . Just that same steady gaze that had both comforted and unsettled me since the day he came into my life . You think too highly of me , I murmured , breaking eye contact to look at the plate in front of me . Im not as strong as you think I am . Yes , Im a Stormhood . My blood is rare … But Id still stay even when I already have to . 85 % 12.42 5/8 Chapter 25 And yet , here you are , he countered softly . You survived everything he put you through , didnt you ? You could have given up , but you didnt . I swallowed hard , my chest tightening . I didnt survive because Im strong . I survived because I didnt have a choice . Darian reached across the table , his fingers brushing mine . The touch was warm , grounding . Maybe thats what strength is pushing forward even when you dont feel like you can . I didnt know what to say to that . My heart felt like it was racing and standing still all at once . The vulnerability in his words , in his touch , made me feel something I hadnt allowed myself to feel in years : hope . The rest of the dinner passed in a blur of light conversation and stolen glances . For the first time in what felt like forever , I didnt feel the weight of my past crushing down on me . Darian had a way of making 85 % 12:42 6/8 12:42 Chapter 25 6504 me feel lighter , freer . Like maybe , just maybe , there was still a future for me that didnt revolve around fear and regret . As we stepped out of the restaurant , the cool night air wrapping around us , he turned to me with a small , mischievous smile . So , do I get points for being the first one to make you smile tonight ? I couldnt help but laugh . Maybe a few . Just a few ? He raised an eyebrow , feigning offense . Dont push your luck , Alpha , I teased , but there was no malice in my voice , only a playful edge that felt foreign but welcome . He chuckled , offering me his arm . Shall we ? Ill take you home . I hesitated for a moment before sliding my hand into the crook of his arm . As we walked , I couldnt shake the feeling that this night was the beginning of something new something I hadnt dared to dream 85 % 12:42 7/8 84 12:42 Chapter 25 of before . And youre here , Freya . 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. Immerse yourself in a tale of deception, vengeance, and intrigue as Misty navigates through the shadows of betrayal and unearths shocking truths that threaten to unravel her very existence. With themes of secrecy, retribution, and dramatic revelations interwoven seamlessly, "Crimson Revenge: Bride Sacrifice" captivates with its modern twist on traditional narratives. Explore the depths of Misty's character as she grapples with dual identities and faces moral dilemmas that challenge her convictions. Witness the unfolding drama against the backdrop of a clandestine world where nothing is as it seems, keeping you on edge with each unexpected revelation. Dive into this ongoing saga that sets itself apart with its intricate plot intricacies and complex character dynamics. Discover what makes "Crimson Revenge: Bride Sacrifice" a compelling must-read for fans of modern dramas infused with elements of mystery and suspense. For those seeking an immersive experience, "Crimson Revenge: Bride Sacrifice" awaits your exploration at CrushReel for an unforgettable literary adventure.