a thousand instincts (#1)

Temple of Godhead (16)

Aeress

     Hours passed in silence. Her anxiety worsened each mile they crept closer to the location. 

      Then finally they came to a halt. Once again surrounded by a full circle of terrifying guards, they were escorted into shiny, black SUVs. She sunk into the vanilla leather seat, looking over to find Warrick to her right. "First a jet, then a fancy train, and now an SUV. Is the yacht next?" 

      "No, but would you like a yacht?" he looked at her, and she laughed, until she realized he wasn't joking. 

      Aeress shook her head. "In light of recent events, I am not a strong swimmer. In fact, I am not a big fan of swimming to begin with. This means that being on any kind of boat, in any body of water is one of the last things I want to do." 

     "Being a weak swimmer is the least of your worries, Aeress." 

     She frowned, once again reminded of what awaited her. "Knowing my luck, I don't think so," she decided to respond. 

     After a good thirty minute drive, they pulled onto a trail, which lead to a structure of gigantic proportions. Even from far away, Aeress could tell this building was enormous, crafted from ancient stone. 

     "This is my temple," she whispered. She had no idea why those words came to mind. 

     She felt Warrick whirl around to stare at her. "You know what this place is?" 

     She nodded, but then shook her head in uncertainty. "What is it?" 

     "The Temple of Godhead. This is where you-she is worshiped. It is our greatest place of religion and loyalty to all werewolf kind. Think of this place as the most hallowed ground." 

     Her eyes were glued to the structure as its details became more clear. Emotions flooded her chest, ones she couldn't begin to understand. "So many love me and so many hate me. Why would they hate me?" she muttered to herself as she felt a great sadness. Like a disappoint only a loving mother could feel for their child. 

     "Your eyes are glowing, Aeress." 

      "Do you think I am Godhead?" she turned to look at him, ignoring his comment. "Do you truly believe I will pass these trials?"

     He sighed. "You are my mate, and I sense the power within you. I cannot deny you your truth."

    That was not what she wanted to hear. "But is it your truth? Their truth?" 

     "It will be." Finally she could be consoled by his confidence which seemed to be lacking before. 

     The car rolled to a stop. 

     There was a low, almost undetectable roaring which burst all around. Aeress didn't understand until she saw the surrounding people which were racing toward the temple. 

     "Move!" Warrick commanded, pulling her out of the car harshly and up the stairs to the grand double doors. 

     She could hear what everyone was shouting, or at least the bits which were most prevelant. 

     "Godhead, is it you?" 

     "Mother, I love you!"

     "Our prayers have been answered!"

     "She is a fake!"

      "Kill the imposter!" 

      She was barely given time to register the throng of people as she was ushered inside. The guards just managed to shut and seal the doors behind them. Their expressions were as cool as ever, rather like the presence of so many people did not surprise them.