It was a sacred tradition in the werewolves realm that when the heir to the Alpha title turned six, they had to face a beta wolf in combat. The test wasn't just about strength, it symbolized the heir's readiness to lead, showcasing the effectiveness of their training and the spirit of the wolf within. Marcus was the first Alpha heir in Everscent pack to compete in the trial, now it was Celestial's turn to defeat a beta wolf.
Marcus, had spent years preparing Celestial for this moment. Yet deep down, his heart was heavy with worry. Celestial had never shifted into her wolf form, and he knew she would be at a severe disadvantage against a beta wolf.
The pack gathered in a large clearing surrounded by towering pines, their eager murmurs filling the air. The ring, a simple circle etched into the earth, lay at the center. It was both a proving ground and a stage where tradition played out under the watchful eyes of the entire pack.
Celestial stood at the edge of the ring, her small figure dwarfed by the imposing beta wolf that awaited her. The beta, a young but formidable opponent named Garrick, had a coat of sleek silver fur that shimmered in the sunlight. His golden eyes bore into Celestial with a mixture of confidence and disdain.
"She doesn't even have a wolf," someone whispered from the crowd.
"This will be over in seconds," another added with a chuckle.
Marcus stepped forward, his voice commanding as he addressed the pack. "This trial is not just about strength. It is about heart, resilience, and the will to fight for what you believe in. Celestial will not be underestimated."
Despite his words, the murmurs of doubt continued.
"Are you ready?" Marcus asked Celestial, his voice softening as he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
Celestial nodded, determination burning in her eyes. "I'm ready."
The fight began with a howl from Garrick, signaling his readiness. He lunged forward with the speed and precision of a trained wolf, his claws aiming for Celestial. She dodged, her human agility sharper than anyone anticipated.
Celestial countered with a quick strike to Garrick's side, her small fists delivering surprising force. For a moment, the crowd gasped, seeing her resilience. But Garrick was a beta wolf, strong, fast, and relentless.
He recovered quickly, swiping at Celestial and sending her sprawling to the ground. The crowd erupted in cheers for Garrick, while others laughed mockingly at Celestial's struggle.
"You're no wolf!" someone jeered.
Celestial clenched her fists, rising to her feet despite the pain. Her father's voice echoed in her mind: Strength isn't just about muscles. It's about heart.
She charged at Garrick again, landing another hit, but the beta retaliated with a powerful blow that knocked her back. Blood trickled from her lip, and her breathing was ragged.
As the crowd cheered for Garrick and mocked Celestial, something inside her snapped. The humiliation, the pain, the relentless doubt, it all surged within her like an uncontainable storm.
Celestial threw her head back and howled, a primal, fierce sound that seemed impossibly loud for a human. A howl louder than even that of an Alpha wolf. A howl intensity never heard in history, is now being produced by a human. The pack fell silent, their laughter and cheers fading into stunned silence.
The sky, which had been bright and clear, suddenly darkened. Clouds rolled in, obscuring the sun. The moon appeared, glowing brighter than it ever had, as if summoned by Celestial's howl.
The air crackled with energy, sending a shiver down every wolf's spine. Even Garrick, who had been circling Celestial moments before, froze in place, his eyes wide with fear.
"What's happening?" someone whispered, their voice trembling.
"The prophecy…" an elder muttered, his gaze fixed on the sky.
Marcus stepped forward, his face a mixture of awe and disbelief. "The prophecy is real," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
And just as suddenly as it had begun, the phenomenon ended. The clouds dispersed, the sun returned, and the forest was alive again with the sounds of nature. The pack remained frozen, their eyes locked on Celestial, who now stood tall despite her injuries.
Garrick lowered his head in submission, stepping back from the ring. He, like the rest of the pack, had felt the power that radiated from her.
Celestial turned to her father, her expression questioning. "What just happened?"
Marcus approached her, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "You awakened something, Celestial. Something far greater than any of us could have imagined."
He turned to address the pack, his voice echoing with authority. "This trial is over. Celestial has proven her strength, not just to Garrick, but to all of us. She is more than a wolf, more than a human. She is our future."
The pack erupted in howls, their voices filled with a mixture of fear, awe, and acceptance. For the first time, Celestial felt a flicker of hope. She didn't need to shift into a wolf to belong, she was something entirely new, and her journey was just beginning.