Rainer's words kept echoing in Alex's mind as he walked back to Gideon's cabin. "You will become stronger... but also more dangerous." He knew that this warning was not just about the physical strength he was gaining, but also about the control he would need to handle his power.
When he arrived at the cabin, he found Gideon sitting by the fireplace, with an old book resting in his hands. Alex entered quietly, still processing everything he had learned from Rainer. He knew he was at a crossroads and needed to understand more about his abilities.
"You had a talk with Rainer, right?" Gideon asked without looking up from the book.
Alex nodded. "Yes. He talked to me about the abilities that the strongest wolves develop. He showed me one of his... it was amazing. He broke a rock with just one move."
Gideon slowly closed the book and set it aside. "Rainer was always exceptional in using his gifts. But don't be too dazzled by what others can do. You have your own path to follow."
"I know," Alex said, leaning forward. "But what kind of abilities will I awaken? How will I know when I'm ready?"
"Abilities come when your body and mind are ready," Gideon replied calmly. "There is no manual. There is no formula. You have to work hard, train, and, above all, learn to keep control. The more power you gain, the harder it will be to master it."
Alex remembered that warning well, both from Rainer and now from Gideon. Control seemed to be the key to everything. And with each full moon, the wolf inside him grew stronger, pushing against the barriers he had built. "It's hard to keep control. I feel the wolf in me... and it seems stronger each time."
"It will be more so every time," Gideon said in a serious tone. "The stronger you become, the more your beastly side will want to take over. Don't fool yourself, Alex: the real challenge is not getting power, but learning to control it. A wolf without control is a danger, not just to others, but to himself."
Alex nodded slowly, absorbing Gideon's words. He had felt that danger inside him more than once, and he knew that the moment he lost control was not far away if he didn't manage to master it.
"And you?" Alex asked, changing the subject, looking at Gideon. "Do you have abilities like Rainer?"
Gideon looked at him, his eyes shining for a moment before he answered with a slight smile. "That's not something you should worry about now. Focus on yourself and what you are about to discover."
Gideon's evasiveness only fueled Alex's curiosity more, but he decided not to push. He knew that if Gideon didn't want to talk about it, he wouldn't. But that cryptic answer left him with more questions than answers.
"Have you discovered anything else about the hunters?" Alex said, changing the subject again.
Gideon frowned slightly, the calm on his face now tense. "The hunters are dangerous, more than most understand. They are not just regular humans, Alex. They are experts at hunting supernatural beings like us. They leave no traces, and when they find their target... there is no turning back."
"Why do they hunt us?" Alex asked, doubt and fear in his voice.
"It's hard to know," Gideon replied, thoughtful. "Whatever the reason, what matters is that they don't distinguish between an ordinary wolf and one like you. They only see their prey."
The atmosphere became heavy with Gideon's words. Alex felt a wave of uncertainty. He was not only dealing with the fact that he had to learn to control his powers, but now he also knew that there were active hunters looking to exterminate beings like him.
"Do you think they will come for me?" Alex asked, his voice barely a whisper.
"Probably," Gideon said in a serious tone. "You are different. Your lineage makes you special. And what is special always attracts the attention of those who hunt us. But don't worry too much about that. If they come for you, you must be ready. That's why we train."
The weight of those words fell on Alex like a heavy load. The danger was real, and he could no longer ignore it. He knew he needed more training, more control. If the hunters wanted him dead, he could not afford to be weak.
"I need more training," Alex said firmly, standing up. "I can't wait. If they come for me, I have to be ready."
Gideon nodded, looking at him with respect. "You are right. Tomorrow we will start more rigorous training. But be careful, Alex. Impatience can be your worst enemy. The power you seek does not come overnight. It takes time, effort, and, above all, control."
Alex nodded, understanding the seriousness of the situation. As he walked to his room, he felt a growing sense of urgency. He knew that time was against him and that the hunters could show up at any moment. Training would be his only hope of surviving and mastering the wolf that roared inside him.