Chapter 8 Michael seemed to read my astonishment. He grinned, wincing slightly as it pulled the cut on his lip. "Don't look at me like that," he said, wiping blood from his face casually. "Used to make a living on the edge. Force of habit." He offered me his hand, "Let's go. Not safe here. Your horse and hawk are smart; they'll likely be waiting ahead." I looked at his hand, warm and broad despite the blood. I didn't hesitate. I placed mine in his. In the faint light of dawn, we walked side by side. I knew I had lost things. That false "home." Eight years of devotion. But I had also reclaimed things. Like courage. And this man beside me... perhaps he would be the most important part of this new life. We found my hawk and horse waiting calmly by the stream. Michael didn't lead us in a blind flight further. Instead, he took a circuitous route to a hidden valley. There was a natural cave, its entrance veiled by vines, extremely well-concealed. "This is safe," Michael said, lighting a small fire that dispelled the cave's chill. "The pack's search parties won't find this place quickly." He handed me a waterskin, checking his own minor wounds. After the night's chase and fight, we were both disheveled. But strangely, with him, this dishevelment wasn't humiliating; it felt like the solidarity of shared hardship. "Thank you," I said, taking the waterskin sincerely, "If it weren't for you, I'd probably be captured by now." Michael waved it off. "Just happened to be passing. And..." he paused, looking at me, his gaze profound, "...I've had a bone to pick with that Lucien for a long time." I was startled. He... had history with Lucien? Michael didn't elaborate, just shared some dried food. We ate in silence, the only sound the crackling fire. After a while, he spoke again, his voice calm, but dropping a bombshell, "Did you know you have an old injury? Not the arrow wound. Older. In the bone." Chapter 8 My head snapped up. My heart clenched as if by an invisible hand. How... how could he know? It happened long ago. Not long after I arrived at the pack, Lucien was in a rut, his emotions extremely volatile. I tried to soothe him, but said the wrong thing. Enraged, his Alpha strength, even without a full mark, was terrifying. He had wrenched my arm so hard it broke. Though it was set and healed, it still ached on damp days. It was a deep-seated shame and fear I'd buried, never telling anyone. Even the pack doctor thought I'd fallen. "You..." my voice was hoarse, "...how can you tell?" Michael's gaze was sharp enough to seem to see through flesh and bone. He paused, his tone carrying a trace of barely concealed anger, "Was it Lucien?" I lowered my head, acquiescing silently. My nails dug into my palms. The old fear and humiliation surged back. I thought I'd forgotten. I hadn't. I'd just suppressed it forcefully. "That bastard!" Michael cursed under his breath, punching the nearby cave wall with a dull thud, "Laying hands on a woman. He doesn't deserve to be called an Alpha!" His anger was so genuine, it stunned me. In the pack, an Alpha's absolute dominance over his mate was accepted; occasional "discipline" was tacitly permitted. No one had ever felt injustice on my behalf. "It's in the past," I said softly, as if trying to convince myself. "It's not past!" Michael cut me off. He came closer, crouching down to meet my eyes directly, his expression utterly serious, "Elara, harm is harm. Don't numb yourself with 'it's past.' You have to face it to truly move beyond it." His eyes were like fire, scorching the memories I tried to freeze. The neglected grievances, fears, and resentments churned like lava. Chapter 8 "L..." I wanted to speak, but my throat felt blocked. Just then! A familiar, suffocatingly powerful Alpha pheromone flooded into the cave like a tidal wave! Cold, authoritative, bearing an undeniable pressure! Lucien! He had come himself! And he'd found us so quickly! Chapter 8 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.