Footsteps echoed on the cold wooden floor as the figure of a girl grew fainter with each step. The footsteps seemed aimless, but only she would know what was going on in her head.

Only she would know that it felt like a void.

"What did you do to Gwenyth?" Isla asked, concerned.

"I took her magic. I took magic from the last witch of the Houston coven who is alive, other than me." Valerie said.

"Are you going to tell me why?" Isla asked.

"I found a memoir the day I hid my coven's body. It had some rather interesting spells, promising immortality." Valerie said with a smile.

Isla felt her throat choke at those words. The last thing she needed was another immortal being in the mix.

"You look like you've seen a ghost." Valerie joked as she moved closer to Isla. "Relax, I'm not immortal."

"But you said-" Isla began as her shoulders relaxed on their own.

"I'm no fool. These promises, they're all based off of a coincidence of getting the perfect situation which is not practical. Everyone dies eventually." Valerie said.

Isla could feel her cheeks widen as a smile appeared on her face. Valerie had given her the hope she needed. All this while she thought that Hayden's death was a fantasy, that only the creator could destroy her.

This power grab gamble was no longer based on their advantages. It was based on how they chose to move forward.

The stars had already aligned for Isla's victory, for she was exceptional at gambling.

'*•.¸♡ ♡¸.•*'

It's almost as if this ring was made for me, Hayden thought as she stared at the glimmering object with awe. 

She knew that no one could question her anymore. The ring chose to stay with her and that was undefiable. Knowing this, she made her way to the pack's house with quick footsteps as she couldn't contain her excitement.

The leaves under her rustled as she stomped on the ground with every step. Her hopes were finally seeing the light of day and at that moment, all the sacrifices seemed to be worth it.

She stood in front of the door, her chin up and shoulders high. Her time was here and she had made her way to the top.

Kicking the door opened, she entered as if she owned the place, which she did. Her eyes darted from left to right, acknowledging the people in front of her.

"What are you doing here?" Someone screamed from the back of the room while others looked at her with raging eyes.

"Can't an alpha return to her pack?" She mocked and walked further into the room.

If looks could kill, the furious glances from the pack would have dug Hayden's grave. Still, Hayden didn't feel anything but pride and her body barely flinched.

"You are not our alpha!" Noah said, forwarding towards her.

"The ring has chosen to stay with me." Hayden said, wiggling her finger to show it off.

"How did you get your hands on that?" Noah asked, grimacing his teeth.

"I didn't do anything. The ring reached out to me and I accepted. Gladly." Hayden said. It was a lie, but she wasn't going to let the pack know about Claudia's betrayal. Not after she helped her.

"Do you dare to question your alpha?" Hayden asked, her golden eyes shining as she barred her teeth. No one dared to oppose the wishes of the moon and all they could do was accept defeat.

"That's what I thought." Hayden said, contended with their reaction. She treaded slowly towards the big, mighty chair and seated herself onto it.

I am going to make the most of my rule, Hayden thought, her head was up in the clouds and nothing was going to ruin her mood.

"There are going to be some changes. I will make sure my pack sees its true glory." Hayden said, as her eyes looked for skeptics.

"I don't think we will. Not with you as the alpha." a female voice said. Hayden jerked her head to the side to see the brunette she had come to loathe. She felt her blood boil at the sight of the back-stabbing wolf who dared to deceive her.

"I'd watch my mouth if I were you." Hayden said.

"Why, because the ring chose you?" Isla scoffed.

"Are you challenging me?" Hayden asked with furrowed eyebrows.

"I am. I'd watch my back if I were you." Isla said with confidence.

Noah grabbed Isla's arm and pulled her close to him.

"Why are you questioning the moon's decision?" he asked with alarm.

"Quiet Noah!" Isla exclaimed, jerking her arm away from him. She clenched her teeth and locked her eyes with Hayden while she looked back at her with fierce eyes.

"You do remember what happened when you tried to take what's mine, right?" Hayden asked menacingly.

"You do remember that you're just a delusional girl with anger issues, right?" Isla asked with the same tone.

Hayden clenched her fist and took a deep breath in. She looked at her pack, who was staring intently at what was going on.

"Leave before I ask them to kick you out." Hayden said with anger.

"Still trusting as always." Isla said with a chuckle. She moved closer to Hayden's ear. "It will be your downfall."

Isla slammed the door shut behind her, leaving the room speechless and Hayden angered.

"Get back to your rooms." Hayden ordered, followed by the scurrying of their feet. 

I should watch my back. I can't risk losing everything, Hayden thought as she rubbed her chin. She had climbed her way to the top, she wasn't going to be pulled down by a lowlife like Isla.

I wonder what gave her this much confidence, Hayden thought. Maybe Isla knew something that she didn't. After all, she had been spending some time with Valerie.

I'm going to trust Valerie. One last time, Hayden told herself, knowing that she might regret her decision.

Valerie only looked out for herself and Hayden needed something to persuade her. Something Isla did not have. 

She paced around the room, wondering if Valerie would help her or retain Isla's trust. 

Hayden felt her head heating up with every passing second. The day she thought would be perfect turned to be a day filled with worry.

Her pack flashed before her eyes as she bit her lips in anger. 

I can't even trust my own pack, she screamed in her head. Her hands were restless as she threw her lamp across the room. It shattered into pieces, only leaving the flame of a candle to illuminate the room.

But one thing was for sure. She wasn't giving up. 

Neither of them was.

It dawned on them that only one would get the life they envisioned.

All they could do was hope that the world wouldn't let them down.

And so they sat, all of them in different parts of the city, planning their final move.

The game was coming to an end.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'M POSTING AFTER SO LONG OMG! I AM KINDA FREE FOR A WHILE SO I WILL BE POSTING REGULARLY FOR A WHILE AGAIN! I MISSED THIS WHOLE WRITING THING! SO WHAT DID YOU THINK ABOUT THIS CHAPTER? WHO DO YOU WANT TO WIN? NOT THAT YOUR OPINION MATER BUT STILL :D. I REALLY HOPE YOU LIKED IT!!! O BTW I DIDN'T POST BCZ OF EXAMS, JUST FYI. ANYWAY, COMMENT AND VOTE, AND I'LL SEE YOU NEXT SUNDAY. BYE!!