Page 88 of Shrine of Fire

Warmth squeezed me, sending a frisson all the way through my body.

We started to go deeper into the mountain, descending downstairs until we reached a large cavern.

Glowing softly were hundreds of crystals, the light casting green, blue, and white.

“This is the Oasis.” Vicente paused at a large bridge.

I paused, the splendor of where we were rendering me speechless.

In the center of the cavern was a huge stone circle with four giant statues stationed around it. It looked like it was floating in midair despite the rock supporting the circle from the bottom.

The air was soft and cool down here; hushed like no one had been here for a hundred years or more.

“The Oasis is not as active as I had hoped,” Kalahar said, his eyes still glowing.

Vicente took a step back. “It…uhhh…it comes and goes in waves.”

“Of course.” Kalahar gave a nod. “I don’t mean to unsettle you, omega.”

Vicente’s cheeks turned red. “You’re not. I mean, I don’t…” He glanced desperately at me. “I swear I don’t want your pack. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“It’s okay,” I said. I put my hand on Vicente’s shoulder. He was clammy to the touch. “Easy.”

“I’m out of sorts.”

Kalahar looked at me, and then back at the trembling omega. “He is suffering the same issues as your friend, Zara.”

I froze. His erratic behavior made sense.

“What did Zara have?” He eyed Kalahar, stepping closer to me.

“Spirit magic.” I patted his shoulder. “I don’t have it myself, but she definitely felt like she was losing her mind.”

“It’s gotten worse ever since…” Vicente paused. “Three months.”

“When the Shrines went down,” Hashir said cheerfully. “Right on schedule.”

Vicente huffed. “I’ve always enjoyed the oasis, but now…”

“It’s too much stimulation,” Kalahar said. “We will complete our research here and bring you with us when we return to Tolaga.”

“I’m okay.” He shook his head, his black hair swinging. “Really, it’s been getting better.”

“Like hell,” Aki said with a cutting look. “Your aura is all over the place. You’ll lose your mind in a few months if you’re not trained.”

Vicente visibly paled, and I shot both men a look. The other omega’s behavior made sense. If he had spirit magic, he would be in danger until he had an alpha’s bond to steady him.

“Are you bonded?” I asked, already knowing the answer was no.

“No, uhh…there’s not a lot of time…I mean, my life’s work…” He shook his head, darting a glance at Hashir and then back at me. “Not that I want your alpha. It’s nice to be around his…energy.”

And like that, the jealousy dissipated. He wasn’t trying to make a move on my alphas, he was struggling.

“Sorry, I’m close to my heat and…” I felt my cheeks get warm.

“No need to be sorry.” Vicente gave me a weak smile. “They are yours.”

I brushed my hand against Stefan’s. “Are you going to be okay while we go into the oasis?”

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