1 Bloody Ring

As Iridessa strolled through the misty streets of her neighborhood in Greenwich Village in New York City, rain gently drizzling down, she wrapped her coat tighter around her.

"Ugh, why on earth did I forget to bring an umbrella?" she scolded herself, quickening her pace through the damp streets.

People hurriedly rushed in all directions, but that's just New York for you - always bustling with activity.

If it weren't for Melissa, that troublemaker, Iridessa wouldn't be walking in the rain. Melissa was supposed to be the one responsible for retrieving the bridal dress from the storage room. But no, because she knew it was a stressful task, she conveniently feigned a headache and convinced Madame Rosaline to assign it to Iridessa. Iridessa didn't mind doing any work in the shop, but she despised the way Melissa shirked her responsibilities.

Just thinking about it was enough to get her worked up, and she found herself muttering under her breath. Lost in her thoughts, she accidentally collided with a man.

"Watch where you're going, lady," he growled, shooting her a disapproving glare.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't see you there," she apologized, giving him a sincere look. He grumbled something under his breath and walked away.

Oh no! If she hadn't been trapped in that storage unit for what felt like forever, she would have left work early. She was actually daydreaming about creative ways to deal with her annoying co-worker when a notification popped up on her phone. It turned out to be a message from her roommate and best friend, Indiana.

Indiana: Where are you?

Iridessa: I'm on my way home.

Indiana: Can you please grab some mozzarella sticks, burgers, and fries on your way back? Pretty please, with a cherry on top?

Iridessa: Haha, you and your mozzarella sticks obsession! No worries, I'll be there soon.

Indiana: Yeah, yeah, hurry up! I have a feeling the rain is about to pour down. Love you!

She quickly replied and tucked her phone back into her coat pocket, picking up her pace as she walked.

Suddenly, she felt a tug in the opposite direction, a powerful force pulling her away. She typically relied on logic over instincts, but as she walked past the shop, she couldn't resist turning back. She found herself gazing up at the antique shop, with the words "Golden Heritage" proudly displayed at the top.

Stepping into Golden Heritage, she was immediately embraced by a comforting warmth that contrasted sharply with the cold rain outside. The air inside was thick with the scent of aged wood and the musty aroma of hidden treasures, sending a delightful shiver down her spine.

As her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, she marveled at the countless shelves filled with ancient artifacts, boxes, and exquisite jewelry. Dust had settled on most of the items, adding to their mysterious allure.

An uncanny sensation of being observed lingered, as if the eyes of the antique portraits adorning the walls were tracking her every move. Yet, there was an undeniable allure to the place, drawing her deeper into its enchanting depths.

With each step, the creaking floorboards whispered beneath her feet, heightening the eerie feeling. She couldn't resist running her fingers along the polished surfaces of the aged furniture, feeling an inexplicable connection to the objects surrounding her.

Despite the peculiar atmosphere, an insatiable curiosity swelled within her, compelling her to explore every nook and cranny of the shop. She couldn't help but ponder the hidden secrets concealed within each artifact that caught her eye.

As she delved deeper into the maze of antiques, she could sense a subtle shift in the air, as if the very essence of the shop was alive and pulsating with energy. It was as if she had stepped into another realm, where the mundane world faded away, leaving only the whispers of the past echoing in her ears.

As she looked at the shelves, her gaze was drawn to a glowing pendant nestled among a collection of faded trinkets. Intrigued, she reached out to touch it, feeling a faint hum beneath her fingertips. Engraved on the pendant was the letter "B," its surface shimmering with an otherworldly glow.

Before she could really get a close look, a voice broke the silence, startling her. "Hello there," it said, gentle yet unmistakably ancient. Startled, she turned to find an old man standing behind the counter, his eyes twinkling with an otherworldly wisdom.

"Ah, I see you've found the pendant," he remarked, his smile warm and welcoming. "It has quite a story behind it, if you're interested."

She expressed her interest, nodding her head as she admired the pendant. It truly was a remarkable piece.

The old man chuckled, his eyes filled with a mysterious gleam, and replied, "That's a story for another destiny, my dear. But yours… your destiny holds something far greater than you can imagine."

Intrigued, she couldn't resist asking, "What do you mean?"

He simply smiled and inquired, "Are you fond of jewelry and antiques?"

"Yes," she eagerly responded, her curiosity intensifying with each passing moment.

With a knowing nod, he reached behind the counter and retrieved an ancient, dusty box. As he gently blew away the dust, it swirled in the air, causing her to cough and shield her face from the gritty particles settling on her skin.

As the box was opened, her eyes widened in astonishment. Resting inside was a breathtaking red ring, its surface shimmering despite years of neglect. With cautious anticipation, she extended her hand and grasped the ring, instantly overwhelmed by a peculiar sensation.

It felt as though a lifetime of memories flickered before her eyes, fleeting yet vivid, leaving her feeling lightheaded and disoriented. These memories were not her own. Stumbling backwards, she clutched the ring tightly in her palm.

Breaking through the haze, the old man's voice pierced the air, sending a chill down her spine. "Take it," he whispered gently. "No one else can possess it but you."

"But... but this must be worth a fortune," she stuttered, her mind struggling to comprehend.

He shook his head. "Some things are beyond price, my dear. And this ring is destined for you."

"Please, let me at least pay something for it." She reached into her pocket and retrieved a hundred-dollar bill, extending it as an offering. However, he simply dismissed it with a knowing smile.

"Keep it," he said. "And remember, when you wear it, never take it off."

She examined the ring further and saw that it had two initials, "I" and "I," engraved on it. In the center, there was a tiny red dot that appeared to be pulsating with an eerie energy, almost like a frozen drop of blood.

Just as she was about to inquire about the ring's meaning, she glanced up... only to discover that the old man had disappeared without a trace, leaving her alone in the store with only the enigmatic ring in her possession.

Hastily, she placed the ring back in its box, stashed it in her purse, and hurriedly exited the shop, her heart pounding in her chest.