It was early when the first rays of the sun made my red fur glow. "Hot!" I yelled and jumped out of my bed. The heat was unbearable, as if my fur had caught fire. The pain shot through my body like fiery needles, and in panic, I ran to the window. The curtains, heavy red drapes with an imposing wolf's head on them, swayed lightly in the breeze. The wolf's head, embroidered in a beautiful yellow-gold tone, seemed almost alive in the morning light, as if it wanted to warn me.

With a tug, I pulled both curtains together, and the burning heat was finally shut out. Relieved, I leaned against the cool walls, my overheated body slowly calming down. My breath was still heavy, but the worst was over. I could feel my pulse slowing down, the fire in my veins subsiding. After I had recovered, I got ready. Today was the day of departure. The journey to Newhurst.

A chilling shiver ran down my spine at the thought of what awaited me there. My friend was somewhere in that city, trapped in a human cage. The mere memory of it made me shudder. "Stupid humans," I muttered in disgust as I left my hut. The morning was clear and cloudless, but the warmth of the sun weighed heavily on my shoulders.

"Sly," the familiar, raspy voice of my father called out from behind me. He stood there, appearing out of nowhere, as imposing as ever. "Are you ready? You need to get going." Slowly, he approached me, another mask in his hand. Without warning, he thrust it into my hand. "Here! Take it," he said, almost casually, but I could hear the sternness in his voice.

Hesitantly, I took the mask. The memories of the previous day made my hands tremble. The transformation that had left me so helpless was still fresh in my mind. I hadn't been able to control my instincts, felt weak. Reluctantly, I put the mask on. As expected, I felt the transformation, but this time it was different. I only partially transformed, but I didn't feel sick. No nausea, no dizziness. Just a strange feeling, as if I were caught between two worlds.

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"And?" my father asked, his voice pressing. "Do you feel dizzy?"

I paused, searching for the familiar feeling of nausea and disorientation—but nothing came. It felt... normal, almost routine. "No," I finally stammered out.

"Then everything's fine," he laughed softly. "Have some breakfast, and then you need to leave. If you want to be on time."

With those words, he turned away, his broad shoulders as rigid as ever. "I’ve got something to take care of. Take care of yourself, Sly." He walked away without looking back.

That was his way. He had always shown me the cold shoulder, as if I were nothing more than a tool to him—the Alpha’s son, no more and no less. His approval was something I had never really had. Deep inside, I felt a familiar pain, but I quickly suppressed it.

"Sly!" a soft, familiar voice tore me from my thoughts. It was Silinea, my little sister. She smiled at me, her face radiating warmth and innocence. "Come, sit with us." She motioned for me to sit down with a wave of her hand. I couldn't resist her request.

I approached the breakfast table, where Silinea and a few others from the pack were already sitting. The scent of fresh bread and grilled meat filled the air. For a moment, the heat, the worry, the impending fight—all of it was forgotten. The simple luxury of being near my family brought me peace, if only for a moment.

"Today is a big day, isn't it?" Silinea asked as I sat down beside her. Her tone was cheerful, but I could see the concern in her eyes. She knew what was at stake.

"Yeah," I replied, biting into a piece of meat. The spice burned my mouth, but I preferred that to the burning thoughts filling my mind.

"Be careful out there," she whispered, placing her hand on mine. "Promise me."

I nodded silently, looking up at the clouds that were slowly gathering in the sky. A storm was coming. Was it a sign?

After a balanced breakfast, the time had come. My way towards Newhurst.