As the sun rose, Alex and Rainer returned to the shelter. During the journey, both were silent, processing what had happened in the fight. Rainer remained serious, and occasionally glanced at Alex, as if trying to understand how he had achieved something that until then seemed impossible. Copying abilities wasn't something any wolf could do. It was, in all aspects, a mystery.
"When was the first time you used the ability?" asked Rainer, breaking the silence.
"In last night's fight. I saw your ability and something in me made me replicate it. It was like the energy responded in a way I didn't fully control."
Rainer looked at him intently, nodding slowly. "That ability to copy powers might be connected to your lineage. But with each victory, you must learn to control them."
Alex nodded, feeling extra weight on his shoulders. He knew having copied abilities would be useful, but it was also a responsibility.
That afternoon, while they both rested near the forest, Rainer continued explaining about the energy and power of werewolves, teaching him to better control each attack. However, the peace wouldn't last.
Suddenly, a familiar scent reached Alex's senses. It was the same presence he had felt the night of his transformation. That figure who watched him in the darkness of the forest. A shiver ran down his spine as he remembered the red eyes glowing in the distance.
"Rainer..." muttered Alex, turning to him with concern.
The Alpha was already alert. "I sense it too. Stay alert and maintain control."
The figure emerged from the trees, its dark cloak waving in the wind and its red eyes fixed on them. Its evil smile prompted a growl from Alex. This time, it wouldn't be just a warning. The attack was so fast they barely had time to react. The figure launched itself at them with overwhelming speed, its fangs and claws flashing in the air.
Alex stepped back, trying to use Rainer's ability to counter the attack. As he focused, he felt the energy flow through his hands like before, but the process was harder now that he was under pressure.
"Use the ability!" shouted Rainer, blocking a direct hit that almost tore his arm.
Taking a breath, Alex let the energy flow and felt how Rainer's power merged with his own. With a firm movement, he launched a slash in the air that generated a wave of bright blue energy. The figure dodged, but the wave grazed its arm, leaving a smoking trail on its cloak.
The enemy let out a growl, and its red eyes glowed with fury. It lunged at Alex with renewed speed and strength, ignoring the pain of the wound. Alex felt a moment of panic, but his inner wolf took command. He raised both hands and, this time, the slash in the air was more powerful, an energy wave strong enough to push the enemy back.
The figure growled again, touching its injured arm, and retreated, throwing one last look of hatred. "We'll meet again, Alex. This isn't over."
The clearing fell silent again when the figure disappeared into the forest. Alex lowered his hands, feeling exhaustion in every fiber of his being. He had used Rainer's ability in real combat. The energy surrounding him slowly faded, leaving him almost breathless.
Rainer approached him, watching him with a mixture of concern and admiration. "Alex... you have no idea what you just achieved. That ability to copy powers is something no wolf has ever done before."
Alex nodded slowly, still processing what had happened. His inner wolf was calm, as if it also understood the magnitude of what they had just discovered. He knew there was still much to learn and control, but now he had something that gave him a unique advantage.
With one last look at the dark forest, Alex decided he was ready to face any threat that crossed his path.