Shifters - The King of Wolves - Book 1

CHAPTER 41 - THE TEMPLE OF INSEHHAN

Egon and the rest of our group regarded the man in front of us with a mix of anger and irritation. But the man seemed oblivious, his smile as broad as ever.

"I'm Alastor Cazador," the man announced with a cheerful tone. "I serve as the Keeper of this Temple." He gestured to the two Naguals flanking him. "And these are my associates, Ezequiel Navarro and K'an Zazil."

Ezequiel stood to Alastor's left, dressed in an emerald-green robe with fine bronze threads woven through it. His expression was impassive, but his piercing eyes were fixed intently on me, almost as if he was trying to decipher my every thought.

To the other side of Alastor stood K'an, her deep red gown was adorned with silver embroidery. Her raven-black hair was braided into two long braids. Small jewels and feathers were attached to several strings of her hair. She mirrored the same broad smile as Alastor, as if she too was oblivious to the tension hanging in the air.

Alastor's smile widened as he continued, "You have proven yourselves worthy– "

"Enough with the fake courtesy," Egon interrupted him. "Why did you put us through those trials?"

Even though Egon's anger was palpable, Alastor remained composed. "The trials of the Temple are designed to test shifters on their wisdom and bravery. As I was attempting to convey, entry into the temple's sacred domain is granted only to those who prove themselves worthy. Had you failed, you would have tumbled into the depths leading to the river, and then been carried back outside by the current. Given that you're standing here, it's evident that you have fulfilled the criteria."

"But my mate is not a shifter," Egon retorted, his frustration barely contained.

Alastor's laughter echoed through the large room as if Egon had cracked a joke. "Oh, we are aware of that," he said, once his laughter had died down. "But she is your mate. We all know that she was never truly in danger, Alpha King."

Egon's anger grew and I could see the effort it took for him to control it.

"I have received your letter with your question," Alastor continued. "I must say, here in the Temple of Insehhan, we are rarely surprised by news that is unknown to us. However, when we read that a shifter was mated to a human, we were more than astonished. Regrettably, I must inform you that we have yet to find any answers to your question."

Egon's eyes burned with anger as he stared at the man. "Then why did you bring us here?"

"We were eager to meet your mate," Alastor answered. "And it is always valuable for us to observe how visitors handle our challenges. It would be a pity to deprive us of that experience and merely greet you above ground."

I could hear Egon's breathing growing heavier, and his rigid stance betrayed his suppressed anger. Realising the importance of our mission here, I reached out and gently took hold of his arm, hoping my touch would soothe him.

It seemed to help a little, as he looked at me with gratitude, and his eyes began to soften.

Alastor, either oblivious to or unfazed by Egon's anger, carried on. "Furthermore, I mentioned that we haven't found anything yet, not that we couldn't. Perhaps you will have better luck. Feel free to explore our library. It is at your disposal. Should you wish to take any books with you, simply let us know."

Without further warning, Alastor transformed abruptly into an owl. His clothes dropped to the floor as he ascended into the shadows above.

Maliah, Arden, and Devi trailed behind K'an to the large round table at the centre of the room, where they started examining a collection of scrolls and papers.