When the intruder raised his voice, Alec's fingers flexed and a dagger appeared in his hand. The cats stopped their curious weaving, crouching down in case the being attempted to attack. Alec wasn't sure what the creatures would do, but he was certain that they were just as deadly as he could be.

He didn't move, keeping his posture relaxed despite being ready for an attempted attack. Perhaps he'd been wrong about the being not wanting to invade the temple. Maybe the music box had been meant to lull him into inattention. He carefully ignored that minor hurt. He should have known that no one would give him a gift because of kindness. He should have known there'd be a cost for the happiness it had given him. "When I arrived here, I was told a priestess would share my work. No one else was supposed to be able to find this place. It is my duty to protect it from everyone except the chosen priestess."