The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the village as Elias prepared to leave. Marella and her family stood near the edge of the village, their expressions a mixture of gratitude and reluctance. Elias had spent the morning helping them one last time, repairing a loose roof tile and hauling sacks of grain to the storage shed. His tireless strength had become an unspoken reassurance to them, though they never voiced their amazement aloud.
Marella stepped forward, holding out a small bundle wrapped in cloth. "For the road," she said softly. "Bread, cheese, and dried meat. It's not much, but it should keep you fed for a while."
Elias took the bundle with a nod. "Thank you. And for everything else."
Her uncle clapped him on the shoulder. "You're a good man, Elias. Take care of yourself out there. And remember, the roads are dangerous, especially at night."
Marella's expression grew serious. "Leave now, while the sun is still high. You'll have a better chance of avoiding trouble."
Elias glanced at the horizon, where the shadows of the forest loomed. "I'll be fine," he said, his voice steady.
Marella hesitated, then reached for the pendant she had given him earlier. "Keep this close. For protection."
He nodded, tucking it beneath his shirt. With a final wave, he turned and began walking, his steps steady as he left the village behind. The sounds of their farewells faded into the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.
The forest was alive with movement, the canopy filtering the sunlight into dappled patches on the ground. Elias moved with purpose, his keen senses on alert for any sign of danger. But as he walked, he couldn't ignore the strange sensation building within him. It was subtle at first, a faint hum beneath his skin, but it grew stronger with each step.
He paused, glancing around to ensure he was alone. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, he ran. The world blurred around him, trees whipping past in streaks of green and brown. His speed was astonishing, far greater than anything he had achieved before. But it felt… incomplete, as though something was missing, something that would make this newfound power truly his.
Elias skidded to a halt, his breathing steady despite the exertion. He clenched his fists, trying to piece together the moment it had changed. It wasn't like the natural growth of his abilities as an Alpha. No, this was different.
He sifted through his memories, focusing on the fight with the vampire. His claws had sunk deep into its torso, and in that moment, he had felt a pull—a faint but undeniable sensation of something being drawn into him. The realization hit him like a thunderclap.
Back home, they spoke of this, he thought. Some werewolves had the ability to absorb powers or traits from the supernatural. But that was rare, almost mythical. And I've never heard of it happening without intention.
He flexed his hands, his claws extending briefly before retracting. The memory of the vampire's pained screams echoed in his mind, and he shivered despite himself. Had he somehow stolen something from it? Its speed, perhaps?
Elias shook his head, trying to calm the whirlwind of thoughts. "I need to find out what's happening," he muttered. "If this is real, if I can… take from others, then what does that make me?"
The question lingered, heavy and unanswered. Elias continued walking, his pace slower now as he tried to process this new development. The forest seemed darker, the air thicker with tension. His senses remained sharp, but his mind was clouded with uncertainty.
He needed answers. And he had a feeling the answers would lead him further into danger. But Elias wasn't one to back down, even from the unknown.
Whatever I am, he thought, I'll find out. And I'll use it to survive.
The trees closed in around him as the path twisted deeper into the forest, and Elias steeled himself for whatever lay ahead.
As the sun dipped lower, the vampires who had heard of Elias's departure began to gather. Their hushed voices were filled with anticipation.
"He's alone now," said one, a younger vampire with an eager gleam in his eyes. "This is our chance."
Corvin, the vampire who had faced Elias before, stood at the edge of the group. His pale face was twisted in frustration. "We'll drag him to his knees," he hissed, "and I'll rip his heart out myself."
The others murmured in agreement, but Corvin's impatience burned hotter than their collective resolve. As the group debated their plan, Corvin slipped away, his mind fixed on revenge. He would face Elias alone, reclaim what he believed had been stolen from him.
Elias walked steadily through the forest, his senses alert. The meal Marella's family had packed for him was already gone, the taste lingering faintly on his tongue. He remained on guard, the quiet of the woods feeling too deliberate. The moon rose high above, bathing the forest in silver light.
Then, a voice cut through the stillness.
"You!"
Elias stopped, turning slowly. From the shadows emerged Corvin, his movements less fluid than before. His once-commanding presence was diminished, but his eyes burned with fury.
"You did something to me," Corvin snarled. "I can feel it. I'm weaker because of you. What did you take?"
Elias didn't answer immediately. Instead, he crossed his arms, his expression calm but taunting. "Weaker?" he said, his voice laced with mockery. "I barely touched you."
Corvin's fists clenched, his fangs bared. "Don't play games with me! Give it back, or I'll make you wish you were dead."
Elias raised an eyebrow. "Make me?" he said, stepping forward. "You're slow, Corvin. Slower than last time. What makes you think you can take me now?"
With a roar, Corvin lunged, his speed still impressive but noticeably diminished. Elias sidestepped easily, his reflexes sharper than ever. He laughed, the sound cold and biting.
"This is pathetic," Elias said. "You were faster before. Stronger, too. Did I really take that much from you?"
Corvin growled, his anger boiling over. He charged again, but Elias caught him mid-strike, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. Corvin's eyes widened in fear as Elias's red eyes glowed in the moonlight.
"What are you?" Corvin whispered, his voice trembling.
Elias didn't answer. Instead, his claws extended, sinking deep into Corvin's torso. The vampire screamed, a sound filled with pain and desperation, as Elias felt it again—that pull, that surge of energy flowing into him. Power. It coursed through his veins, stronger and more vivid than before.
Corvin's struggles weakened, his body growing pale and lifeless. When Elias finally let go, the vampire's corpse crumpled to the ground, devoid of any spark of life. Elias stood over the body, his breathing heavy, his senses alight with the rush of newfound strength.
He threw his head back, a primal growl escaping his lips as he gazed at the moon. His claws glinted in the silver light, raised triumphantly. Whatever he was becoming, it was more than he had ever imagined.