Back at the estate, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken tension.
Mike led Jace to a grand hall where a fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering light across the dark wood panels.
Several figures were waiting, their eyes sharp and curious as they sized up the newcomer.
"Is this him?" A woman asked with skepticism.
She had sharp features and jet-black hair that cascaded over her shoulders.
"Yes," Mike said. "This is Jace."
The woman crossed her arms, her piercing gaze making Jace shift uncomfortably. "He doesn't look like much."
Jace bristled. "I'm standing right here, you know."
She smirked. "Good. At least you have a backbone."
"Enough, Clara," Mike said. "We have more pressing matters to discuss."
Clara nodded, her expression turning serious. "Malik?"
"He's aware of Jace," Mike said. "I'm not letting you kill this one for just one mistake."
"Guess he's not pleased with others yet after all; you killed his son." Clara said.
"When is he ever pleased? The bastard thrives on conflict." Another figure, a burly man with a thick beard, grunted.
"This is different, Dominic," Mike said. "Malik sees Jace as a threat."
Jace raised an eyebrow. "Why does everyone keep calling me a threat? I didn't ask for any of this."
Mike turned to him. "You're part of this world now, Jace. Whether you like it or not, and they don't know about your abilities yet. Whether you like it or not, you'd be a threat until they find you useless."
Jace ran a hand through his hair. "Great. So now I've got a target on my back because of some… Lycan politics?"
"It's more than politics," Clara said. "It's survival."
Before Jace could respond, the door to the hall burst open. A young man stumbled in, bloodied and panting. "They're coming," he gasped.
"Who?" Mike demanded, striding forward.
"Malik's pack," the young man said. "They're heading this way."
The room erupted into chaos as the others sprang into action. Weapons were drawn, and plans hastily formed. Jace stood in the middle of it all, feeling out of place and overwhelmed.
"What do I do?" He asked, his voice barely audible over the commotion.
Mike placed a hand on his shoulder. "You fight."
"Fight? I don't even know what I'm doing!" Jace's stomach turned.
"Then learn fast," Mike said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Because they won't hesitate to kill you." He looked at him, "I'd protect you because I plan more than you joining my pack for you."
The estate was plunged into darkness as the power was cut, the only light coming from the moon and the distant glow of torches. Jace stood beside Mike at the front gates, his heart racing as the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder.
"They're here," Clara said, her voice low.
"Don't you think we should get other pack members involved?" She asked Mike.
"No, I don't think there's a need for that. He just need to pass the test."
The first figure emerged from the shadows, a hulking Lycan with fur as black as night.
It was followed by others, their eyes glowing in the darkness. Malik stepped forward, his smile as sly as ever.
"Such a warm welcome," he said. "I almost feel bad about what's about to happen."
"This is your last chance to leave," Mike said, his voice steady.
Malik laughed, a cold, hollow sound. "And miss the fun? I think not."
With a wave of his hand, his pack surged forward, their roars filling the night. Jace barely had time to react before chaos erupted.
The clash of claws and teeth was deafening, the air thick with the scent of blood and sweat.
Jace's instincts kicked in as a Lycan lunged at him. He dodged, his movements faster than he thought possible.
The creature snarled, its claws swiping inches from his face. Without thinking, Jace struck back, his strength surprising even himself as his fist connected with the Lycan's jaw.
"Not bad," Clara called out as she fought off another attacker. "But don't get cocky!"
Jace gritted his teeth, focusing on survival. The battle raged around him, a blur of fur and fangs. For every Lycan they took down, more seemed to appear.
Amid the chaos, Jace caught sight of Malik watching from the sidelines, his expression unreadable. Their eyes met, and Malik's smile widened.
"You're not ready for this, pup," Malik called out. "But don't worry, I'll make sure it's quick."
"Don't," Mike said, knowing Jace wanted to face Malik.
"Hiding behind Daddy, I see." Malik laughed.
Jace felt a surge of anger, his vision tinged with red.
He charged towards Malik, ignoring Mike's shout to stay back. Malik didn't move, his hands crossed at his back.
As Jace closed the distance, he felt something shift inside him, a primal force he couldn't control.
His muscles tensed, his senses sharpened, and a growl escaped his throat. Jace was surprised but didn't have much time to think about it.
Malik's smile faltered, just for a moment. But it was enough.
Jace leapt, his body moving with inhuman speed. He felt his claws extend, his teeth sharpening.
Malik's eyes widened as Jace collided with him, the force sending them both crashing to the ground.
The world blurred around them, the sounds of the battle fading into the background.
Then, everything went dark.