What had felt like home turned into a cage filled with icy looks and judgmental murmurs. I heard all of the words even though they weren't s

The forest engulfed me, its shadows growing darker as though it understood the cost I now incurred. Every stride I took throu

ed to fight, to shout, to plead for another opportunity. The blackness surrounding me, however,

the past to the present. Recollections flared like smoldering fires. The str

d of whispering about defeat, the shadow inside me spoke of power that was jus

yes and allow

rees were now more than just trees; they

in the breeze that I

d partner now. There was

was obvious. I

as lost. My belly rumbled with hunger. I tur

perceptive, listening to every heartbeat and rustle. Every obstacle I faced fueled

liberate, heavy footsteps came through the darkness. With a racing heart, I va

he Ceremon

Unfazed, he moved closer, as though

ded to say. It was an or

bile. My inner shadow arose, de

to my cheek. I felt a shock go through

words, "Yo

uncertain. A different area

the night once more, leaving

n't over

ction was only

landscape the following morning, I noticed a mark on my wrist that was as dark as night and pulsed like a h

y more than si

y had m

ts way. With the air heavy with secrets and danger,

at the pack claimed I was. Otherwise, I'

ginning of so

at wasn't strictly wolf as I stood on the brink of the unknown. Something horrib

a brand. A subtle call guiding me toward a future I was not yet aware of. The darkness within me

forest. Something ancient and powerful lurking in the roots and stone

was insufficient; I had to accept it or it would consume me. I worked on it night after night, pushing the limits of my newfound power. I could bend the shadows to my will, and they cur

any internal voice. I was tormented by their horrified and disgus

ement of the chase served as a sobering reminder of my losses. And what I might develo

be a warning that I was still in exile. The wind howled around me, causing the trees to trembl

with purpose. A small light that appeared out of this planet glowed in

kness and produced a little pendant that seemed antique. It h

es I had never seen, and a battle older than memory. The pendant served as a key, connecting the pack and the w

ightning struck the neighboring earth, sending a shockwave. I opened my eye

. The force within me was connected to a much more sig

expectation, the shadows in the woodlan

d the key to a terrible and ancient thing.