Chapter 7 Michael's camp was simple, yet every detail spoke of savvy survival skills. He gave me some dried meat and water. Ravenous, I didn't stand on ceremony. As I ate, I could feel his gaze on me. It wasn't invasive, more observant, assessing. "You're not an ordinary rogue wolf," I said bluntly, after swallowing a mouthful. His ability to disperse the pack, his knowledge of Lucien, his bearing-none of it was commonplace. Michael raised an eyebrow, seemingly appreciating my directness. "And you're no ordinary stand-in," he retorted, his gaze falling on a few old scars on my arm revealed during the bandaging-left from caring for an over-energetic young Leo years ago, and others from practicing archery and riding. In the pack, these were "unsightly," to be faded with ointments. Here, they were just part of my history. "Thought about where you'll go next?" he asked. I shook my head. "Get out of the Northern Territories first." "And then?" Then? I was stumped. For eight years, my life had only two goals, "care for Leo" and "please Lucien." I'd never considered an "after." What does one do with freedom? My mind was a blank. "Don't know," I answered honestly. "Maybe go back to the borderlands? My mother's people, some might still be there." Though my mother was long gone, and that "home" might not welcome me, it was at least a direction. Michael nodded, asking no more. The night deepened. We took turns keeping watch. My shift was the latter half. The fire crackled. The surrounding wilderness was silent in its own way, punctuated by unknown insect chirps. This silence was far more comforting than the "quiet" of the castle, wrapped in countless rules and watching eyes. Suddenly, faint barks echoed from afar. Pack-bred hounds, used for tracking! They were here! Faster than I'd imagined! I immediately shook Michael awake. He was alert instantly, sleep vanishing from his eyes. His amber pupils contracted in the dark like a true predator's. "How many?" he whispered, listening intently. Chapter 7 "From the sound, at least a squad. With hounds. Moving fast." My heart sank. Lucien had indeed sent elite trackers. A direct fight was hopeless. Michael's eyes scanned our surroundings sharply, "Can't stay here and let them surround us. Follow me!" He pulled me up, extinguished the fire with a swift kick of dirt, his movements crisp. He seemed exceptionally familiar with the terrain, leading me through complex woods, trying to shake the pursuers. But the hounds' sense of smell was too keen. And the trackers were clearly skilled. The distance between us closed rapidly. We could even hear their shouts. "Miss Elara! Halt! The Alpha commands your return!" "Resist, and you will be eliminated!" The cold shouts echoed in the night air. Eliminated... The word felt like an ice pick to my heart. Lucien, you finally chose the coldest option. As a cold arrow whizzed past my ear! Michael shoved me hard, and we tumbled into a thick bush! "Stay here! Don't move!" Michael hid me securely in the dense foliage, his eyes blazing in the dark. "I'll lead them away!" "No! It's too dangerous!" I grabbed his arm. The pursuers were numerous. Him going alone was suicide! He looked at my hand on his arm, seemed momentarily surprised, then flashed a near-feral grin. "Don't worry," he patted my arm, his tone brimming with confidence. "They can't touch me." "Remember," he gave me a deep look, "no matter what you hear or see, stay hidden. Until I come back for you." Before I could say a word, he burst out of the bushes, making a loud noise, heading in a different direction. "Over there! After him!" The pursuers took the bait, shouting as they gave chase. I crouched in the bushes, heart pounding, nails digging into my palms. I listened to the distant sounds of Chapter 7 struggle, hounds barking, human cries... every second felt like an eternity. I hated my helplessness. Hated being a burden. Eight years of confinement seemed to have truly dulled my claws and fangs. I was once a wolf-girl who could survive alone in the wild! Now, I needed a stranger to protect me with his life? No. I couldn't accept this. I touched the mostly-staunched wound on my shoulder, my resolve hardening. I was no fragile girl who couldn't stand on her own. I cautiously peered out from the bushes, assessing the situation. The sounds of fighting seemed to be moving further away. I took a deep breath, ready to follow the trail. At the very least... I couldn't let him face it alone. Just as I was about to move, a figure landed soundlessly in front of me like a ghost. It was Michael! He reeked of blood, his clothes were disheveled, a shallow cut marked his cheek, but his eyes still shone intensely, even with a hint of lingering excitement. "Taken care of," he said casually, as if he'd just taken a stroll, "Just a few lackeys. Hardly a challenge." I stared at him, speechless with shock. An entire squad of elite trackers... just like that... dealt with? Just who was this man? Chapter 7 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.