Chapter 91 The Alchemist

*Lucas*

We arrived at Lotus Pack territory right before daybreak. The clouds hovered in the heavens, covering the dark sky. Our surroundings were covered with snow which made the mansion look ethereal.

I thought I would never be able to set foot on this territory nor enter the Lockwood Mansion ever again. It felt so surreal just looking at it as I disembarked from the SUV Michael and I drove in with my mother and her friend sleeping in the back seat throughout the trip.

The mansion looked amazingly well-kept. I could see there had been renovations done and the whole house was repainted. I didn't notice, I had begun to reminisce, a feeling of nostalgia from my youth.

"Welcome home, brother," Athena said. "It's not the homecoming you expected, but believe me when I say it's good that you are home where you belong."

"Actually, we never believed we would be able to set foot on this territory again. Right Michael?" I asked Michael so he could confirm.

"Uhm, no. I knew we'd be back, Lucas. For Diana," he said.

"Well, I didn't. Just to protect Diana. Yet, the black wolf has plans of her own and claiming Diana's birthright is one of them," I said.

All of a sudden, several screams broke the silence of the night. Michael and I looked at each other, wondering what was happening.

"Onyx is having her fun," Diana said casually, emerging from the SUV Ethan had driven. "I need something from Grandfather Lockwood. A key in the drawer of his nightstand."

"Well, his bedroom is near the stairs, but he usually locks his door," Athena said. "And I don't have the key that opens his door."

"Not a problem. I'll unlock his door," Ethan said, showing a small black bag.

"Right," Michael said. I looked at him with a puzzled expression on my face. "He unlocked the door using his tools when we couldn't get in the suite the kids were in."

"Ah, that explains it. Alright, we only have half an hour before daybreak. Diana, if you need to find something in this house, you better look for it now. Athena, open the door," I said.

Athena rummaged through her purse for the keys to the door to the mansion. She finally pulled out a set of keys and after punching in the security code, opened the door to the mansion. "Security code is 12-21-03, the day you disappeared and Chase became Alpha. Chase thought it would be a good reminder," Athena explained while turning on the lights. Come on in boys. I'll cook us some breakfast."

"I'll help you," Didi offered. "I'll cook my signature pancakes."

"I'll help too. I just need to find Harley a bed to sleep in," Otis said, carrying little Harley who was still fast asleep.

"You can put Harley in my room," Athena replied. "Last bedroom in the west wing of the house. Boys, if you can, can you take my kids into their bedrooms, please. Last two bedrooms on the east wing. Just look for the pink and blue  wallpaper." Ethan's men nodded and carried the children out from Athena's car.

"What about your mom and Rose?" Michael asked.

"You can put the both of them in any empty room on the east wing," Athena said. "If any of you want to sleep, there are rooms in the east wing. Michael, unfortunately your house was given to Chase's Beta."

"We'll kick him out later," Alpha Connor said, coming from behind us. We met his men at the border of New Jersey and they happily escorted us to Lotus Pack territory in the hope of getting their vengeance from the man who had given the order for their pack's extermination. Many of them had that triumphant look in their eyes...that payback was a bitch. "Lucas, you ready to face your old man?" I nodded my head.

"Well, I'm ready. That bastard killed my parents," Michael said, growling.

We entered the mansion and I was impressed it was given a more modern and trendy look inside just like Elder Minerva's mansion in Rhode Island. The carpet was gone and was replaced with nice oak wood panels. The vintage furniture, which was once owned by my grandparents, were gone. The fireplace was also upgraded and the floor plan had a nice open concept. The kitchen had new stainless steel appliances and the dark cupboards were replaced with white.

"Nice house," Diana said. "Dad, we're going upstairs to get that key before Grandfather wakes up." She placed a hand on my arm. "Relax, Dad, you're home. Uncle Mike, I need you to come with me."

"Sure thing, kiddo," Michael answered, smiling. Alpha Connor, I noticed looked hurt. He wanted in on the job.

"And what about us?" Alpha Connor asked, pointing at the both of us.

"You guys stay here and keep watch for now. When I get that key, that's when I'll need your help with the secret dungeon."

"Secret dungeon?" I asked, surprised.

"Yes, Dad. You'll see," Diana said. "Come Ethan. We don't have much time." Diana, Ethan and Michael went upstairs to my father's room. There was a secret dungeon? Who or what was in it?

"Luke, Alpha Connor....coffee's ready." Athena pointed at the kitchen.

"Let's get some coffee before we go in search for this secret dungeon. Your family has more secrets than the president," Alpha Connor nudged me towards the kitchen counter.

"It's a shame really. My father is a disgrace," I said.

"Well, for what it's worth, his days are coming to an end. That's for sure."

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*Diana*

"I'm honored you asked for my help, Diana," Uncle Mike said.

"You're better at this stuff than Dad. He has a tendency to complain," I told him, regretting what I said the instant it came out of my mouth. "Uncle Mike, don't tell him I said that, please."

"My lips are sealed," Uncle Mike said, gesturing to me that his lips were sealed. "Alright. This is Eric Lockwood's room." Uncle Mike pointed to the door. Ethan bent down and started picking the lock. "What do you need me to do?"

"I need you to get a map of an underground tunnel system. It served as an escape route for the war, but Grandfather tweaked it up a bit to accommodate a guest," I told him.

"Okay. Do you know where I'm supposed to find this map?" He asked.

"I'm guessing it's underneath his mattress," Ethan said, turning the keyhole of the door after the sound of a click. He then turned the doorknob. "And viola! It's open. So am I right? About the map being underneath his mattress?" Ethan asked. I giggled, but I abruptly stopped when we heard a yell coming from my grandfather.

"Almost. It's in a loose floor panel underneath his bed. You can tell by the difference in color." We walked inside the bedroom and stood directly infront of my grandfather who was struggling under the covers.

"Whatever is happening to him, I hope Onyx lets him live," Uncle Mike said. "So we can all extract our share of justice. But if he dies in his sleep, so be it."

"It'll be too easy. He needs to suffer," Ethan said before he bent down to check underneath the bed.

I opened the drawer of the night stand right beside my grandfather and took out a small wooden box with a lock. I lifted the dainty table cover of his nightstand and took out a small key to unlock the wooden box. I unlocked it and inside was the key to the heavy reinforced steel doors that led to the dungeon and a number of pouches filled with diamonds. I took the key and locked the wooden box. The diamonds weren't my concern.

Ethan was lying on the floor with a flashlight in one hand and the other hand outstretched, reaching for the floor panel. "I see it, but I can't reach it."

"Let me move this bed so you can get closer." Uncle Mike gently pushed the bed to the side. Ethan slid forward. "Lockwood is heavy for an old man. He must have something underneath his mattress. Probably gold."

"Got it," Ethan said, standing up with a folded piece of parchment. "Wait, I forgot to put the panel back in its place. Here Michael." Ethan gave the map to Uncle Mike who immediately started scanning to see where the secret dungeon was.

"There's a secret door in the garage? I never knew nor did Lucas. Wow. It's been there all this time," Uncle Mike said.

"Okay, panel is back. All we need to do now is push the bed back in its original position." Ethan tucked the flashlight away and both of us pushed the bed back. Uncle Mike was right. The bed was heavy. Grandfather probably hid his valuables under his mattress.

"Now let's go before we run out of time. The sun is about to rise. Hurry," I told them. We ran downstairs to find the others who were at the dining area having coffee.

"What do you have there, Michael?" My father asked.

"A map of an underground tunnel system first built during the Civil War to hide fugitive slaves to help facilitate their way to freedom. I didn't know the Lotus Pack helped the humans during that chaotic period," Uncle Mike said. "Diana says this will lead us to the secret dungeon."

"So this dungeon is underground? Will there be enough oxygen?" My dad asked.

"Yes. Grandfather placed a ventilation system as well as an air filtration system. We will be passing through these tunnels to get to this point," I pointed to an area on the map. "Follow me."

I went to the garage and pressed a small button on the wall hidden by a large cabinet full of tools. The wall moved to show a thick steel door. I unlocked the door by using the key and the door swung open, showing us a metal staircase as the lights automatically turned on.

I went down first with the others following me. The tunnel was reinforced and had lights along the way. I followed the lights further through the tunnel. As we went deeper into the tunnel, we noticed a hydroponic garden and metal shelves stacked with food and water. Eric Lockwood made sure his guest was well fed.

We passed by a small laboratory as well as a small glass cabinet with antiques and artifacts placed neatly on the shelves. Again, we passed a number of hydroponic gardens until we reached a bright red door.

I was about to knock when the door opened and out came an old man. He had long white hair, a white beard and moustache and was dressed in blue silk pajamas with a matching blue robe which matched his stark blue eyes. He smiled at me and welcomed me into his outstretched arms.

"I have kept my promise and have waited for you to come back." The old man hugged me then moved back to scrutinize me. "My Alpha, you look just like her when she graced our world so long ago. Look for yourself." He took out his necklace which had a locket and opened it to show me the she-wolf who bore the black wolf long ago. It was a tiny painted picture and even if it was just an illustration, the resemblance was uncanny. He then looked behind me to smile at  the group of people with me. "So many of you have come to visit. Do come in. I am so sorry for the mess. Eric Lockwood has been providing for me although he has kept me prisoner in this stuffy bunker."  He opened his red door wide open and I caught a glimpse of his living quarters. It actually looked like a studio type apartment inside, fully furnished.

"I'm sorry. You're speaking to my daughter as if you're best friends. I am Lucas Lockwood and she is Diana Lockwood. And you are?" My dad asked in an authoritative tone.

"Calm down, strict daddy," the old man said, jokingly. He then bowed at my father. "My humble apologies. My name is Emmett. I have lived for very long waiting for the black wolf to return. I am a descendant of the Beta of the Black Wolf. I am the last of my bloodline unfortunately, for I have been kept prisoner here in this very bunker for decades. However, all is not lost as the black wolf has finally come." He smiled at us, his blue eyes twinkling.

"Do you have what the black wolf wants?" I asked him.

"Ah, the green emerald of harmony. It has been in my care for so long. Of course, my Alpha. I have gone to great lengths to keep it hidden from Eric Lockwood. Little does he know I come from a long line of alchemists. Well, mages to you," he winked at me.

He took out a small pouch from his robe and stood infront of a small indoor pond with lotus flowers in it. Then, he sprinkled some red powder from the pouch. Suddenly, the murky water became clear and a green light glowed from the depths below. He dipped his hand into the water, took the glistening green gem from the pond and placed it gently in my palm.

"Alpha, the time has come. Once you unite all three gems, all wolves will bow to you. I suggest tonight with the moon as our witness," Emmet said. I smiled at him and put my arm around him.

"Come, Emmet. It's time for you to regain your freedom," I said.

I guided him back to the garage and into the mansion. He took a seat at the dining table and sniffed the wonderful scent of Didi's pancakes. He then took a couple of pancakes and began eating.

The light from the sun came in through the windows and I knew that my uncle and grandfather would be awake soon. I sat down on the sofa in the living room waiting for the two of them to wake up. Uncle Chase was in the study and he would be the first I would have to deal with. I was right.

He was angry and red in the face, claiming he was Alpha. I showed him the ring, arguing that through the virtue of the ring, I was Alpha. He paced up and down the living room and I noticed a slight limp. He had been wounded by Onyx.

Finally, my grandfather appeared. He was showered and nicely dressed. Obviously, he had bandaged the wound we saw a while ago when we were in his room.

I thought he would say something threatening, but when Alpha Connor stood up to face him, I noticed, for just a moment, there was fear in his eyes. Yet, he regained his posture and looked Alpha Connor straight in the eyes.

"You forget your place, Connor. This is my house, my territory. I am Elder while you are just a mere nominee for High Councilman. Take your sinister tone elsewhere," my grandfather said.

The door of the mansion suddenly opened and a group of wolves, who were loyal to Uncle Chase came barging in,  with razor sharp teeth and claws. I wanted to laugh. I could smell the blood from their wounds. They obviously ignored Onyx's warning. I stood up, but Emmet gestured for me to sit down.

"I regret to inform you, Eric Lockwood. This is Alpha Diana's house and territory. By virtue of the ring," Emmet said, walking casually to the middle of the living room. "Bow to your Alpha."

"How did you get out of the bunker?! And I will not bow! How dare you tell me to bow..." My grandfather wasn't able to say another word. Emmet clapped his hands and my uncle, grandfather and the wolves who barged in automatically knelt on the floor and kissed it.

"My master's rebirth has given me my strength back. Ooooh, as well as the delicious pancakes." Emmett looked around at the others who were staring at him, stunned. "Can I have some more please?" He hurriedly walked back to the dining table but before he sat down, he made an announcement.

"Alpha Diana Lockwood's anointment ceremony will be later tonight. All who oppose will be banished and by the smell of blood, will consequently die a painful death. As decreed by the black wolf herself." Emmett sat down and began to pour maple syrup on his pancakes. "Make no mistake."