The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 57: Chapter 57

Rowan POV:
I woke up and the cool air felt so much better than the stuffy air at the Mondragon mansion. I looked around and saw tall pine trees, a bubbling stream, and no human buildings anywhere.
"Where am I?" I said, my voice sounding rough.
"You are on the sacred grounds of the Drakhor Clan, young alpha," a deep, rumbling voice boomed.
I spun around, surprised. A huge white wolf with gleaming eyes stood a few feet away.
"The Drakhor Clan?" I said, frowning. "How did I get here?"
The big wolf stepped forward, moving smoothly despite his size.
"Your mate's parents brought you, after finding you hurt and alone in the forest."
I felt my heart race. "Catrina's parents? Henri and Maggie? Where are they? What did you do to them?"
The wolf raised a huge paw to stop me.
"Calm down. Your mate's parents are safe, resting after their long trip. We have been waiting for you."
I eyed the wolf warily. "Waiting for me? Why?"
"Because," the wolf rumbled, "you have a great darkness inside you. A sickness that threatens your pack."
I felt a shiver go down my spine.
"The Kezrach Larva," I said. "You know about it?"
The wolf nodded. "Yes. The Drakhor have guarded the ancient knowledge of this curse for generations. We alone can stop its spread."
I felt anxious. This was more than I had expected.
I felt my heart pounding. "Then you have to help me," I pleaded.
"My father, the Alpha of the Magnus pack, is sick with it. If you know how to cure it, please tell me."
The wolf's expression hardened. "It's not that simple, young alpha. The Kezrach Larva is a powerful, ancient curse that can't be cured with just remedies or potions."
My stomach sank. "Then what? What do I have to do?"
The wolf's intense eyes bore into mine.
"You must undergo a ritual, one that will cleanse the darkness from your soul. Only then can the Kezrach Larva be stopped and the balance of our world restored."
I swallowed hard, my mouth dry.
"What kind of ritual?" I asked, barely above a whisper.
"A test of your strength, courage, and loyalty as an alpha," the wolf rumbled. "It will push you to your limits."
I felt a bead of sweat on my brow.
"I'll do whatever it takes," I said, trying to sound braver than I felt.
"Just tell me what I need to do."
The wolf's expression softened, with a hint of respect.
"Very well, young alpha. Follow me, and we shall begin."
The big wolf turned and strode into the forest. I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and followed, my determination growing with each step.
The journey through the dense forest was long and hard. The path was twisty and dangerous.
My lungs burned from the effort, but I didn't stop.
Finally, the wolf led me to a huge, ancient-looking building - a temple, with walls carved with complex, mystical symbols.
I felt a powerful energy coming from the building, which both amazed and scared me.
"This is the sacred hall of the Drakhor," the wolf rumbled, his voice echoing off the temple's weathered stones.
"This is where you will do your trial."
I swallowed hard, my heart pounding.
“Are you ready?” I took a deep breath as he spoke.
"I'm ready," I said, determined.
The wolf looked at me for a long moment, then nodded.
"Then step forward, young alpha, and face your destiny."
The wolf stepped aside, and I approached the massive temple doors.
Bracing myself, I pushed them open and went inside, the weight of my task heavy.
The inside of the temple was dimly lit, with the scent of incense and the whisper of ancient magic.
My footsteps echoed as I made my way deeper, my eyes scanning the ornate walls and towering statues.
Suddenly, a booming voice filled the chamber, making me jump.
"WHO DARES TO ENTER THE SACRED GROUNDS OF THE DRAKHOR CLAN?"
I whirled around, my heart pounding, to see a huge, regal-looking white wolf on an elevated platform.
"I-I'm Rowan Magnus," I stammered, feeling small. "I've been called here to do the trial, to stop the Kezrach Larva in my pack."
The wolf's eyes narrowed. "Rowan Magnus," he rumbled.
"So, you carry the taint of the Kezrach Larva in your bloodline."
I felt afraid, but I made myself stand tall and meet the wolf's gaze.
"Yes, sir. My dad, the Alpha of the Magnus pack, is cursed. I have to find a way to stop it, to save my pack and family."
The wolf rose, towering over me.
"What makes you think you're worthy to take on this burden?" he demanded.
I swallowed hard, but didn't back down.
"I'll do whatever it takes," I said firmly.
"I'm the rightful heir to the Magnus pack, and I have to protect my people, no matter what."
The wolf regarded me for a long moment, then let out a rumbling chuckle.
"Well spoken, young alpha. You have the makings of a true leader, willing to face the darkness."
I felt a flicker of hope.
"Will you help me?" I asked, desperate.
The wolf raised a paw, silencing me.
"The Drakhor don't just give out help. You must prove your worth, strength, and commitment to your pack."
I nodded, determined. "Tell me what I must do."
The wolf's eyes gleamed. "You'll be testing the limits of your abilities as an alpha. Only if you win will we share the knowledge you seek."
I felt nervous, but didn't show it. "I'm ready," I said firmly.
The wolf chuckled. "We'll see, young alpha. We'll see."
He turned and went to the ornate doors at the back, their symbols pulsing with a strange light.
"Follow me," he commanded. "Your first trial awaits."
I took a deep breath and followed, filled with determination.
As I went through the towering doors, I found myself in a huge, open room.
The walls were covered in fancy carvings and glowing symbols.
The air felt thick with magic, and I could feel a tingle of power.
In the middle of the room stood a giant, white wolf. Its eyes were glowing with a weird, unnatural light.
"Welcome, Rowan Magnus, to the first of your trials," the wolf said in a booming voice that echoed around the room.
I felt a bead of sweat trickle down my forehead.
"What is this trial?" I asked, trying not to sound scared.
The wolf's eyes narrowed. "You have to go deep into your own mind and memories, and face the demons that haunt you."
I felt a surge of panic. "But I don't even know where to start-"
The wolf raised a huge paw, cutting me off. "The answers you need are inside you, young alpha. You just have to find the courage to face them, no matter how painful it might be."
I opened my mouth to say something else, but the wolf's expression hardened, and he didn't let me speak.
"The trial starts now. Face your demons, Rowan Magnus, and prove you're worthy to lead the Magnus pack."
Before I could respond, the room was suddenly filled with a bright light, and everything around me started to blur and twist.
I felt a strange feeling wash over me, and then...