Chapter 5 The arrow cut through the air, carrying the young Alpha's undisguised hatred. I didn't dodge. I didn't even blink. A soft thud. The arrowhead embedded itself in my shoulder blade. Not deep, but painful. More piercing than the icy pool water, more searing than Snowball's blood. Leo held the crossbow, his small face first showing triumph, then a flicker of panic upon seeing the blood seep from my shoulder, quickly replaced by deeper stubbornness. "You... you deserved it! Who told you to leave!" He was punishing my "betrayal" in this way. Like all spoiled young creatures, thinking hurt would bring compliance. I looked down at the quivering arrow shaft. I remembered eight years ago, when he was toddling, he had also rushed towards me so recklessly, dirtying my dress. Back then, I held him, my heart still tender. Now, this arrow has shattered the final remnant of that tenderness. Behind me, the castle gates burst open with a crash. Lucien's figure appeared at the boundary of light and shadow. He had clearly seen this scene. His brows habitually furrowed, carrying the Alpha's customary impatience with troublesome matters. Olena clung to his side like a vine, a smug smile playing on her lips that she couldn't quite suppress. "Elara!" Lucien's voice was cold and stern, a command. "Enough of this farce! Come back!" He didn't even ask first if Leo was hurt, or how my injury was. In his eyes, this was probably just another act to gain attention. I raised my hand, gripped the arrow shaft in my shoulder, and pulled it out with a sharp tug. Blood welled up, staining my fingers. I threw the bloody arrow to the ground, where it landed with a clatter. Chapter 5 "Lucien," I said, looking at him, calling his name with a calmness I'd never used before. "Consider this arrow repayment for the 'kindness' you showed by bringing me here from the borderlands all those years. ago.' He was stunned, seemingly unprepared for my reaction. Olena spoke in a syrupy voice, "Oh, Miss Elara, why go to such extremes? Arguing with a child, hurting yourself... it's not worth it. Come back and let the doctor see to you. Lucien is just worried about you." I ignored her, keeping my eyes on Lucien. "You see," I pointed to the injury on my shoulder, then at the contract documents symbolizing our agreement on the ground, "between us, besides this wound and these worthless papers, nothing remains." I blew the bone whistle again. This time, the sound was sharper, more piercing. My hawk no longer circled but dove down like black lightning, its sharp claws aimed directly at Olena's meticulously styled hair! "Ah!" Olena shrieked, hiding behind Lucien, her face pale with fright. My steed reared up with a long whinny, breaking free from the last groom trying to hold it, and charged to my side. With a fluid motion, I leapt onto its back, as though the eight long years of confinement had left no trace on I was still Elara from the wilderness, who could dance with hawk and horse. "Elara!" Lucien's voice was filled with rage, and a trace of barely perceptible panic. "Don't you dare leave!" His pheromones pressed down like an icy storm. He attempted to subdue me with the Alpha's oppressive aura. In the past, I would have turned pale and trembled uncontrollably. But now, I felt something dormant within me awaken. It effortlessly neutralized his pressure. I even smiled at him. "Lucien, stop deceiving yourself." "You're not keeping me because you need me, or because Leo needs me." "It's only because you've grown accustomed to having a shadow of Serena within easy reach, to satisfy your longing and your... desires." Chapter 5 "But now, this shadow no longer wishes to play this tedious game of make-believe with you." I pulled on the reins. My horse reared. "Tell Leo," I took one last look at the small boy, now pale-faced and hiding behind a pi11ar, "I taught him archery so he could protect those important to him, not to harm someone who once protected him." "Also," my gaze swept over Lucien and the terrified Olena, "I wish you... get exactly what you deserve." With that, I felt no more attachment. I dug my heels into the horse's sides. It shot forward like an arrow from a bow, charging towards the vast world outside the castle walls. The hunting hawk let out a clear, long cry in the sky, following closely behind. Behind me were Lucien's furious roars, Olena's hypocritical pleas, and Leo's finally tearful, faint cries of "Elara... Mom..." But the wind was too strong, scattering everything. I faced the wind, the wound on my shoulder still bleeding, but my heart felt as if a thousand-pound weight had been lifted. An unprecedented lightness. The taste of freedom. It smelled of earth and fresh grass. Chapter 5 In the world of "Crimson Heiress" by CrushReel, business magnate Zelda falls victim to a treacherous plot orchestrated by her own brother and husband, unwittingly surrendering her empire to the cunning Yasmina. As Yasmina's sinister intentions unravel, Zelda meets a tragic fate. However, a twist of fate brings Zelda back to life, setting the stage for a riveting saga of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. Exploring themes of deceit, power struggles, and the complexities of relationships, "Crimson Heiress" delves into the intertwined lives of its characters against the backdrop of a captivating blend of CEO dynamics, time travel elements, and mysterious reincarnations. The narrative unfolds within the opulent setting of a grand mansion, where secrets are as abundant as the characters' ambitions. As Zelda navigates through her journey of transformation and retribution, readers are drawn into a web of drama that promises unexpected twists at every turn. What sets "Crimson Heiress" apart is its seamless fusion of suspenseful storytelling with elements of glow-up narratives and intricate character developments. With its gripping plotline and immersive exploration of vengeance and second chances, this ongoing tale captivates audiences seeking a compelling blend of mystery and drama. Discover the allure of "Crimson Heiress" for yourself; available to read online at CrushReel.