How could the day get any worse?

Hunted by wolves. Faced off against a mother bear not once, but twice and survived.

Elwin arched his head back towards the trail he left behind in red. His right eye had swollen shut from the bear strike, severely limiting his ability to see.

The pain in his shoulder turned into a dull ache. This did little to ease his progress. With nothing left to lose, Elwin pushed forward.

A cold chill swept across the forest floor.

It just got worse.

His energy reserves evaporated, causing his legs to buckle under his weight and collapse to the ground.

Elwin refused to give in.

He lifted his head and used his good eye to stare defiantly at death.

The sun hovered over the horizon, but even its meager light did not penetrate the all-consuming darkness.

Dear god, thank you for your grace and the opportunity you provided despite my failings.

Claws dug into the ground leaving deep gouges. Saliva dripped from its gaping maw dissolving any living tissue it touched. Elwin wouldn’t have noticed if not for the steam it left in its wake.

Weak from blood loss, Elwin did nothing but look up at his encroaching doom.

White light flashed behind him.

The darkness resisted, turning it into a power struggle with Elwin stuck in the middle. The creature fought back against the purity that overwhelmed the forest. Pressure from both foes forced his head to the ground, powerless to resist.

The blinding light condensed leaving Silvertree in front of Elwin in the form of a deer. His god roared in a silent scream that drove the darkness away.

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Be at peace child. I shall save you this one time. If you wish to succeed, seek out those who would stand by your side. Rest now Elwin, I will take you home.

Safe at last, Elwin closed his eyes and let sleep take him.

Morning dew covered his fur when he opened both of his eyes only to close them against the glare of the rising sun. Tentative at first, he stretched his muscles and found himself at full strength in front of his cave.

How is this possible? I feel stronger than before.

Realization struck him at his core.

I can no longer deny who I am. It’s the only way I can become what I’m meant to be.

The cage he spent years perfecting inside his mind melted away leaving him alone with the spirit wolf. A whirlwind of energy deep within grabbed his soul and entwined the two spirits. Elwin transcended his limitations and achieved true peace and harmony. He no longer fought against the truth.

I am neither a wolf nor an elf, but something far greater.

I know what I must do.

After hunting down a rabbit, Elwin left his home to find those who would stand by his side. He wanted to earn the trust of his people again. Elwin could only wait for an opportunity to present itself.

Torvar and the rest of the wolf pack would be his best shot. The pack leader ruled with impunity. That left only one viable option.

He had to challenge Torvar for the right to rule.

It would be a hassle to fight his way to the center of their camp, so Elwin took his time avoiding detection. It took half the day to traverse the forest while keeping the wind from blowing his sent in the wrong direction.

A low gravelly howl reverberated around the forest.

It’s time.

Elwin sucked in a sharp breath and let out a strong commanding howl. He strolled confidently into the middle of their camp, ignoring the threatening growls from everyone. Either his gambit would work, and they would grant him a one-on-one battle or they would swarm him.

Howl!

Every wolf lowered their head in deference to Torvar and the alpha female by his side. Elwin stood his ground, head held high. He would be the new alpha male.

Teeth and claws clashed in a fury of movement as the two forces collided. The veteran leader held up to his attacks. but that would not change the outcome.

He dashed in and swiped at his opponent’s face forcing Torvar back. He let the alpha counter with a strike of his own aimed at his throat. Elwin ducked low and rolled onto his back below the attack.

Committed, Torvar could do little to stop Elwin from digging his claws into the leader’s belly and slamming him down to the ground. No ordinary wolf had ever maneuvered in such a way.

Elwin wasted no time leaping up and sinking his teeth into Torvar’s neck. He bit down and ripped. Elwin stood over the dead wolf and howled. The pack responded in kind acknowledging him as their new alpha.

His new mate closed the distance and settled by his side. Elwin howled. He fought for more than his existence or for the elves who turned their back on him.

Elwin was the Alpha male.