Wolf under an oak tree.

I stared at Zander till he was completely gone before I started making my way towards the Gamma’s house. Mike’s house was similar in size to Walter’s and Jace’s house, but something else felt different here. The house was built with wood and glass that gave it a modern yet rustic look but what turns a house into a home is all the small details that the in habitat adds to it, which were lacking in the other two’s houses.

The entrance of the house had a small wooden gate and fence, and when you enter through it, there is a small paved path that leads to the door, on either side of the paved path, there are rose bushes that are beautifully trimmed to bring more color to the front yard, and once you step in to knock the door, there is a small wooden board with Mike’s name and position on it and a welcome home below it.

Mike must be really into gardening and decorating. Elana is one lucky mate.

I knocked on the door and waited till someone opens it, and a few minutes later, I heard the sound of the lock, and then the door opened to reveal Elana, who looked like she just rolled out of bed.

“Good morning, did I disturb you guys?” I asked her, and she quickly tied up her hair into a messy bun and opened the door wider for me to enter.

“No, I was already awake. Mike is the one who is still sleeping. Come in.” she said and led me towards the kitchen, and I took a seat on the stool while she started preparing coffee for the both of us.

“So, who helped you navigate your way here?”

“Oh, it was this guy, his name was Zander. And I think he is kind of sweet too.” I said, and Elana had a smirk on her face.

“Of course he is. Zander is our head warrior, and he is one of the most trusted allies that this pack has. One loyal and sweet guy.”

“Wow! You are praising him a bit too much there.”

“I don't think my words will do much justice to what he has done to this pack, Iris. He has almost died many times saving this pack from rogues. But, sadly, his father was killed in a rogue attack when he was only one, and then his mother committed suicide soon after that, leaving him an orphan here. But, I must say, that guy has a heart made of gold. He worked very hard to earn this title. And Jace, Walter, and Mike trust him so much too.”

“Oh, his mate will be one lucky woman,” I said, and she nodded her head.

“So, what brings you here early in the morning?” Elana asked me, while she kept a steaming cup of coffee in front of me, and I mumbled a thank you before taking a sip.

“I have to ask you something. And, I don't know whom to trust in here, so that is why I came to you.”

“Oh, what do you want to know?”

“You were the only person who was very close to Jace’s grandma, so I would like to know, did she tell you anything about a ring that holds weird power?” this question made Elana choke on her coffee, and she coughed up a lot before she cleared her throat.

“How do you know that it is a ring? I mean, everyone only knows that it is a stone, no one knows where that stone is or in what jewelry it is kept.” Elena whispered and dragged her chair closer to me.

“Do you remember when we were stuck in that room, and I opened a locker?” I asked her, and she nodded her head. “Well, there was a ring inside it that was identical to what I am wearing now, but the only difference is that the ring in the locker had a small diamond on it and my one didn't,” I said, and she stared at me in confusion, and I showed her the ring that I am wearing now, and her eyes widened, and a gasp left her mouth.

“Your ring got switched with that?” she asked me, but I know that she knows the answer to it.

“But this ring will emit its powers only when the rightful wearer has it. That is what grandma told me. I know that there is a rumor spreading that whoever possesses this stone can get unlimited power. But that is not true, only a person who has an aura similar to Grandma will be able to activate its power.” Elana explained.

“But, Jace told me that if he finds his soulmate, then that person can activate its power?”

“Well, that was just an assumption created by the elders since no one knew how this ring actually worked, only grandma and I knew it,” she said, and I stared at the ring in horror.

“So, what are the things that this ring can do?” I asked her, and she shook her head and took my hand.

“It's not what the ring does, Iris. The ring is just like a small crystal, it only activates the powers that were lying dormant in that person. But, when the ring finds the rightful owner, it will help the owner to unleash the hidden powers that are destined with.” I stared at her in awe.

She must have been really close to Jace’s grandmother to know this must. Since no one else knows this much information.

“Anyway, why are asking me so much about this ring?”

“I...um, I think something happened this morning, and I doubt that the ring must have caused it.” I was speaking in riddles, and I know that Elana must be beyond confused, so I got up from my place and went over to where there was a set of knives kept, and I took the smallest one and turned toward Elana.

“What are you trying to do, Iris?” Elana's voice was alarmed, and she was cautiously approaching me, but I quickly made a slit on my palm, and this time, I made sure to not cut too deep.

“Iris, are you out of your mind!” Elana yelled at me, and she quickly came towards me with a paper towel, but I held her hand and shook my head.

“Please, just watch what happens next.” I insisted, and Elana reluctantly moved her hand away from me. Once she was a few steps away from me, I closed my eyes and calmed myself, and thought about how my skin should be mended back together, I gently placed my finger on that cut and willed my powers to heal it. And instantly, I felt a tinkling sensation, and I opened my eyes to see that the skin was mending itself, and it was completely healed.

“What! I can't believe it.” Elana exclaimed and took my hand to examine it, but there was not a scar left.

“You are the rightful owner!” and I slowly nodded my head. And Elana sat on the floor next to me.