Alger once again struggled to rise to his feet. His body was no longer the familiar shell he once knew. Every inch of his muscles twisted violently, and his bones felt as though they were dislocating, threatening to tear him apart. His consciousness was on the brink of chaos, his rational mind nearly collapsing under the weight of the overwhelming primal force inside him. The pain was unbearable, yet suddenly, a clear voice rang in his ears, breaking through all his fear and confusion.
"You have been chosen."
The voice was deep and resonant, as if it pierced through time and space, striking directly at the deepest part of Alger's soul. In that instant, he realized that he was not alone, and that this mutation was not a mere accident—it was a call from fate.
Alger spun around in panic and confusion, his eyes wide with terror, yet there was no one around him. The voice had sounded so real, as if it came from a distant place, but it carried a mysterious power. Every time he tried to break free from the transformation, the wolf's instincts roared from deep within him, almost causing him to lose control.
Just as he was about to give up, the air in the room suddenly shifted. The temperature dropped dramatically, and the moonlight outside grew unnaturally bright, illuminating the entire room. Alger, weakened, struggled to support himself as he felt a deep, powerful force seep into the room from outside. His vision blurred, making it difficult to distinguish whether he was still in the real world or trapped in some dark dream.
"You are no longer an ordinary human, Alger Clarke," the voice echoed again, its weight pressing him forward. "But you can choose your future."
Alger's gaze sharpened, and he forced himself to take a step toward a dark corner of the room. At that moment, a figure emerged from the shadows, walking toward him slowly. It was a middle-aged man, tall and slender, with an extraordinary presence, radiating a unique power. He wore a simple black robe, and his eyes were deep like the sea, as if they could see through everything.
"Who are you?" Alger asked in a hoarse voice, his words tinged with fear and confusion.
"My name is Lyes," the man replied, his voice calm yet powerful, as if it could soothe the turbulence in Alger's heart. "What you are experiencing right now is a sign that the werewolf bloodline within you is awakening. You are no longer simply human; you are a werewolf, and you are also the chosen one of fate."
Alger's heartbeat quickened, a chill running down his spine. "A werewolf?" he repeated in a whisper, his mind flashing images of eerie creatures—beasts under the moonlight, hidden wolf packs, and indescribable power.
"Yes," Lyes nodded, "the blood in your veins is awakening an ancient power. The wolf's nature is about to completely dominate you, unless you learn to control it. Otherwise, this power will destroy you, and everything you hold dear."
Alger was stunned. He forced himself to remain calm as his chaotic thoughts began to clear. What had caused all of this? Why did he possess this wolf-like nature? Why did his blood hold such power? He couldn't understand, and part of him didn't want to.
Lyes seemed to read his doubts and walked closer, his eyes deep and penetrating. "Did you think this was merely a coincidence? Did you think these changes were just a physical anomaly? No, Alger. Your bloodline has been passed down through generations of werewolves. The blood of an ancient race flows through your veins, and this power has long been buried deep within you, waiting to awaken."
Alger's heart nearly stopped. "My bloodline?" he murmured, feeling dizzy.
Lyes continued, "Whenever the werewolf bloodline awakens, it is accompanied by a painful transformation. The pain you are feeling right now is the first trial you must overcome. Whether or not you can control this power will depend entirely on you."
Alger couldn't help but ask, "What can I do? If I can't control it, will I become a beast?"
A complex light flickered in Lyes's eyes. "You've already seen the transformation. You know how powerful and terrifying this force is. The wolf's nature is not just a physical change. It is a trial of both mind and spirit. You will face a choice: surrender completely to the wolf, becoming a legendary monster, or learn to dance with this power, finding your true self."
Alger closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling the uncontrollable primal power still swirling inside him. He thought of his conversation with Mary, remembering the hope and calm he once felt. But now, all of that seemed so distant. Every inch of his skin, every bone in his body, was calling for the transformation, calling for freedom, calling for the thrill of the hunt. The wolf's power was no longer something he could ignore.
Lyes looked at him, his voice calm and firm. "Alger, don't hesitate any longer. What you possess is not only power, but also the right to choose. You can control it, or it will control you. The choice is yours."
Alger suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze meeting Lyes's with a determined gleam. He knew that at this moment, he stood at the threshold of a new beginning. His fate would be decided by him alone. Whether he would become a legend among werewolves or be consumed by this power—no one could foresee.
"I'm ready," Alger said softly, his voice trembling, but his heart growing stronger with every word. "Please, teach me how to control it."
Lyes nodded, a trace of approval in his eyes. "Good, follow me."