Chapter 6 I urged my horse onward, galloping wildly. I didn't know how long I rode, only until the castle completely vanished from sight and the horse's breathing beneath me grew heavy and labored. The sky darkened. The wound on my shoulder, aggravated by the jostling ride, split open again. Blood soaked through my clothes, bringing waves of dizziness. I knew I couldn't stop. Lucien's ego wouldn't allow him to let this go. Pursuers would come soon-either to drag me back forcibly to continue being that docile shadow, or to permanently eliminate the "ungrateful" nuisance. Pack justice was often swift and brutal. I found a secluded spot by a stream and dismounted. I used the cold water to clean the wound, tearing a strip from my underskirt to bandage it roughly. The movements felt familiar, as if I'd never left the wild. My hawk perched on a branch, vigilantly scanning the surroundings. The horse drank, occasionally nuzzling me as if in comfort. Leaning against a tree trunk, exhaustion washed over me like a tide. Eight years of careful performance, eight years of following rules, felt like a thick layer of greasepaint caked on my face. Now, I could finally wash it off, revealing the original, rough but authentic skin beneath. I took out a small leather pouch from my bosom. Inside was the handful of soil from my homeland I'd brought with me eight years ago. I'd kept it all this time, a keepsake of freedom. Now, it was time to return it to the earth. I loosened the pouch, letting the soil trickle onto the ground by the stream, merging with it. Chapter 6 Just then, my hawk let out a sharp, urgent cry of warning! In the darkness, several pairs of glowing green eyes appeared. Low, menacing growls approached. Not one wolf, but a pack. A wild wolf pack. They'd caught the scent of blood and saw me as prey. I gripped the short knife at my side, my heart sinking. Injured, exhausted, facing a hungry pack... this was dire straits. As the alpha wolf crouched, preparing to attack, a dark shadow shot out from the trees to the side like a phantom! Unbelievably fast! I could barely see the movements, only hearing dull thuds and the wolves' pained yelps. The wolves closest to me were sent flying, rolling on the ground with frightened whimpers. The pack grew restless, their green eyes wary of the sudden newcomer. Moonlight fell upon him. A man. Dressed in simple leather hunting gear, tall and well-built, with black hair tied casually back. His features were sharp, and his eyes, a wild amber, shone strikingly bright in the night. He held no weapons. With just his fists and terrifying speed, he had intimidated the entire pack. He stood protectively in front of me, his back to me. His presence was steady, exuding a powerful pressure that wasn't just physical strength, but a deep, innate authority surpassing that of ordinary wolves. The alpha wolf growled, seeming to weigh its options. The man merely glanced at it coolly, making no sound. But the invisible pressure made the alpha's tail instantly tuck between its legs. It whimpered and actually took a few steps back. Then, with a long howl, it led the pack swiftly back into the dense forest. Chapter 6 The danger had passed. The man then turned to look at me. His gaze fell on the bleeding wound on my shoulder, and his brow furrowed slightly. "Need some help?" His voice was low, slightly hoarse, but strangely reassuring. I didn't answer immediately, just watched him warily. A man who could move alone at night, easily disperse a wild wolf pack... he was anything but ordinary. He seemed to sense my caution, the corner of his mouth quirking in a faint, almost-smile. "I'm Michael." He gestured to my injured shoulder. "That needs proper tending. My temporary camp's nearby." He paused, adding with a straightforward look, "Course, if you don't trust me, you're free to go on your own." I looked into his amber eyes. They held none of Lucien's condescending scrutiny, none of the pack members' hypocrisy or calculation. There was only a pure, beast-like directness and calm. The pain in my shoulder throbbed. Pursuers were likely on my trail. It seemed... I didn't have a better choice. I took a deep breath and nodded. "Elara," I gave my name. "I'd appreciate your help." Michael didn't say more. He turned and efficiently built a small campfire, taking clean cloth and salve from his pack. His movements were practiced and precise, his touch surprisingly gentle as he tended the wound. "Arrow wound? Carries the scent of a young pup's pheromones," he said without looking up, his tone unreadable, "Got scratched by your own cub?" I remained silent, surprised by his keen sense of smell. "Something like that," I replied vaguely. He didn't press, just carefully applied the salve and bandaged the wound. "Your hawk and horse are fine creatures," he commented, glancing at the now-calm animals. "Shouldn't be caged." His words struck a chord deep within me. Chapter 6 Watching the flickering flames, I asked softly, "Who are you? Why are you here?" Michael's hands stilled for a moment as he bandaged. He looked towards the dark outlines in the distance. "Passing through," his answer was simple, carrying the air of a wanderer. "Heard the Alpha up north, Lucien, has had some trouble lately," he added casually, his amber eyes glinting in the firelight. "Seems the 'shadow' who looks like his dead wife ran off." My heart skipped a beat. He... knew? I stared at him, my whole body tensing. Michael chuckled, showing a mouthful of white teeth, a wild, untamed charm about him. "Relax," he said, patting the area near the bandaged wound. "I'm not interested in dragging you back for a reward." "On the contrary," he added another stick to the fire, the flames illuminating his sharp profile, "I think you did the right thing." "That place... a gilded cage. Stifling." He looked at me, his eyes holding appreciation. "Hawks should fly free." In that moment, far from the castle's oppression and schemes, in the quiet wilderness, facing this strange yet somehow trustworthy man, I smiled a genuine, heartfelt smile for the first time in eight years. Chapter 6 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.