THE RING

Upon hearing the old man's utterances, Zion swiftly positioned himself in front of Victor. Since entering the cave, he had sensed an intense energy emanating from both the old man and the young boy, instigating a sense of caution within him.

Elizabeth's countenance morphed into a frown as she urgently exclaimed, "Father!"

Attempting to diffuse the tension, her father composed himself and offered an apology, "I apologize if my demeanor seemed confrontational. I genuinely value your assistance. If not for you, I would be dying soon, so thank you."

The old man bowed at the end of his words.

Victor acknowledged the weight of the ring encircling his finger, prompting him to ask, "What do you know about this ring?"

Butler Kain, the butler of the Parker family, had previously informed Victor that the ring was an inheritance from his late mother. Little did Victor realize, the ring held deeper layers of significance.

Elizabeth's father, a man of discernment, cast his gaze across the room, si