Tiger stretches luxuriously atop his pillow-laden dais, amber eyes half-lidded as he surveys the assembled faithful.
The stone floor is worn smooth by generations of knees, and the scent of jasmine and myrrh hangs heavy.
A ripple passes through the crowd as two senior acolytes escort Alexander, his wrists bound with braided silk, toward the dais.
"Bring him closer," the tiger’s voice resonates, low and resonant, a sound that vibrates in the chest.
Alexander[/@ch_2] to kneel, the soft rustle of silk rope the only sound.]
Tiger circles Alexander, his gaze unblinking, whiskers twitching with curiosity and suspicion.
"You seek to join us, mortal. But many have tried to deceive me across the centuries," he rumbles, his voice echoing off the stone.
Alexander meets the tiger’s gaze without trembling, his jaw set, eyes clear.
"How far would you go for me?" Tiger demands, his muzzle inches from Alexander’s face. "Would you give your own flesh? The flesh of one you love?"
Tiger[/@ch_1]’s breathing. Shafts of colored light from the stained glass windows paint the kneeling man in bruised hues. All eyes are on Alexander as he prepares to answer.]
"I would give anything you ask," Alexander says, voice unwavering. "My own flesh, the flesh of those I love. My devotion is true. Test me as you will."
The words hang in the air, heavy and irrevocable.
Tiger leans in, the heat of his breath stirring Alexander’s hair, and clamps his massive jaws gently but firmly around the aspirant’s throat.
Time seems to stop; not a muscle in Alexander’s body flinches.
Tiger[/@ch_1] holds Alexander captive in his jaws. Worshippers press closer, eyes wide, as the tiger’s fangs press but do not break the skin. The weight of centuries of ritual hangs between predator and supplicant.]
Long moments pass, measured only by Alexander’s steady breath.
Then Tiger withdraws, satisfaction glinting in his golden eyes.
With a flick of one razor-sharp claw, he severs the ropes binding Alexander’s wrists, the silk falling away in silent surrender.
"Rise, and be welcomed," he intones, his voice gentle as thunderclouds.
Alexander[/@ch_2] from the sanctum, through arched halls lined with flickering lanterns and into the quarters of the initiates. The scent of ritual oils and old parchment rises from the walls, and soft voices murmur blessings.]
Alexander rubs his freed wrists, awe and relief mingling in his eyes.
Other initiates nod in silent respect, some offering bowls of water and platters of fruit.
He is led to a pallet draped in fresh linen, a sign of acceptance and a new beginning.
Tiger[/@ch_1] ascends to his dais once more, his massive paws silent on the stone. The worshippers bow low as he settles among his cushions, his presence both blessing and warning.]
Tiger surveys his domain, eyes hooded with ancient wisdom and the satisfaction of another soul claimed.
Outside, the bells of the village ring softly, signaling another day under the tiger’s protection and rule.
The temple breathes with renewed devotion, shadows flickering as the sun dips low—while Alexander begins his journey as an accepted servant of the ancient and powerful tiger.
