The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 139

Alaric

The ancient temple texts pointed to what we needed – ceremonial passages beneath the sacred grounds, pathways for spiritual journeys now forgotten by modern wolves. While Cassius's barriers block all surface approaches, he's overlooked what lies beneath.

"The entrance should be here." I brush centuries of debris from stone marked with the crescent moon. "Used by spiritual leaders to access the temple heart unseen."

My warriors work quickly, clearing the concealed entrance. Through our bond, I feel Sage's growing horror as Cassius reveals more of his plan. The threat to our mate bond sends fury coursing through my veins, but I channel it into focus, into determination.

The passage finally opens, narrow stairs descending into darkness. Not all warriors will fit – this route was designed for ritual, not invasion.

"I go alone," I decide, silencing protests with a look. "The rest maintain pressure on the barriers. Create the illusion of a desperate, disorganized assault."

Garrett clasps my arm. "We'll be ready when you break his defenses from within."

The ancient passage feels unnaturally warm as I descend, corruption energy seeping through stone walls. My beast rises closer to the surface, rage held in check only by tactical necessity. Through our bond, I send Sage confirmation – I'm coming. Hold on.

Her response carries forced calm masking terror – not for herself, but for what Cassius plans for our bond. For what he's preparing to take from both of us.

The passage narrows further, forcing me to navigate half-crawling through sections collapsed by time. Corruption energy grows thicker, more concentrated as I approach the temple heart. My skin burns where it touches, but I push forward, focused solely on reaching Sage.

Finally, the passage ends at a stone wall. Through our bond, I feel Sage directly beyond it – mere feet separating us now. Her consciousness brushes mine with renewed hope, with determination matching my own.

I place my hand against the ancient stone, feeling the ceremonial seal that once kept this passage sacred. No modern lock, no corruption barrier – just ancient power recognizing ancient right.

The stone recognizes the Lycan King.

Sage

The extraction equipment powers up around me, mechanical arms positioning themselves precisely. Through nearby screens, I watch corruption energy flowing through the system – the catalyst Cassius believes will transfer my abilities to himself.

"Your evolved powers will integrate perfectly with my natural Alpha abilities." He explains while making final adjustments, acting as if I'm already defeated. "Creating something beyond what either of us could achieve alone."

"The last person who gambled against my abilities ended up exiled from her territory." I allow myself a smile. "How do you think this ends for you?"

Before he can answer, a low rumble shakes the temple ground. Ancient power awakens beneath us, stone recognizing something modern science can't quantify.

Recognizing the rightful Lycan King claiming what is his.

Cassius moves quickly to security monitors, alarm replacing confidence as he realizes the source isn't from outside barriers, but from within the temple itself.

My moment arrives.

The corruption in my restraints has been subtly changing since I regained consciousness – my evolved powers altering its structure at the molecular level, just as I did with the water system. The alteration reaches a critical point, metal suddenly brittle beneath my strength.

The restraints shatter as another rumble shakes the temple, stronger this time. Stone grinding against stone as ancient passages open.