Out of nowhere, a powerful force struck my chest, slamming me violently against the cold wall. Pain exploded through my body, as the impact knocked the air from my lungs. The flashlights we had been using clattered to the ground, their beams scattering in erratic directions before plunging the corridor into total darkness. From the shadows, a vampire ghoul emerged, its glowing eyes cutting through the void like burning embers, filled with hunger and fury, unlike anything I'd seen before.

"Tobias! Are you okay?" Gerald's voice echoed through the corridor, frantic and desperate. "This ghoul was recently turned. We need to be extremely cautious. The sun's gone down, and these creatures can be a pain to deal with."

Derrick, sensing the threat, began his transformation—bones cracking, muscles expanding—but the vampire ghoul didn't hesitate. It lunged toward him with unnatural speed, faster than even Derrick could anticipate. Its razor-sharp claws ripped across his chest, leaving a deep, gaping wound.

"Derrick!" I shouted, seeing the imminent attack towards him.

The creature's guttural growl reverberated through the corridor, as its piercing eyes shifted towards Antolio, who had completed his transformation. The tension was suffocating as the ghoul snarled and charged. Even in his full form, Antolio struggled, his strength no match for the ghoul's supernatural speed and raw power. Blow after blow, the ghoul overwhelmed him, driving him backward.

With Gerald's support, I forced myself to my feet, pain radiating through my chest as I watched Antolio being pushed into a corner, his claws barely deflecting the relentless assault.

I clenched my fist with anger, watching as Antolio and Derrick were easily defeated by the vampire ghoul. "This creature, it's stronger than a hybrid hunter. If this is just one, how do we defeat an entire army of them?"

"You must not lose faith, young master," Gerald said. "Delve within your soul and summon the beast that resides within you. Unleash the ultimate form of the Reinhart family. Show us the raw, unyielding power of the Demon Wolf's curse."

Once the creature had dominated Antolio, pinning him to the cold ground, its bloodthirsty gaze shifted toward me. I could see the hunger in its eyes—the certainty that I was next. There was no time to think, no time to doubt. I had no choice but to rely on the one thing that could save us all—the wolf within me.

I took a deep breath, allowing the fury, fear, and raw determination to fuel me. The anger burned like fire in my veins, igniting the ancient power within me. My heart pounded like a war drum as I clenched my fists, feeling the primal force clawing its way to the surface.

With a fierce growl, I charged toward the creature. Each step drew me deeper into the transformation, the power ripping through me like a storm. My bones cracked, reshaping; my muscles expanded, and my vision sharpened as the world around me changed. In the span of seconds, my body shifted, fur sprouting along my skin like wildfire. Before I realized it, I had fully transformed into a massive white wolf.

Gerald circled around us cautiously, avoiding the chaos as he grabbed Derrick's limp body and dragged him to the far end of the corridor. But the vampire ghoul had no interest in anything other than me. With a guttural roar, it launched itself forward, its claws aimed directly at my throat.

Yet, something was different now.

As a man, its speed had been blinding—impossible to react to. But as I watched it through my wolf's eyes, everything slowed. The blur of its movements became clear, every muscle contraction and shift in its body telegraphed its next move. My instincts took over, guiding me as effortlessly as breathing.

I dodged to the side with ease, the creature's claws slicing through empty air with a frustrated hiss. Before it could recover, I spun around and lunged, sinking my fangs into its arm. The sensation of its stone-like skin was jarring, the resistance, unlike anything I'd ever encountered. My teeth barely pierced its surface, leaving only faint indents, failing to deliver any real damage.

But deep within, I felt a change within me. The beast inside me stirred, its grip loosening as though surrendering control willingly, ready to merge its power with mine. A pulse of energy spread through my body, my muscles swelled and reshaped again. My limbs elongated as the white wolf fused with my human form. Bones cracked, skin stretched, and raw power coursed through every fiber of my being. The transformation was complete—I had entered into my lycanthrope form.

The creature, sensing the change, lunged at me in a frenzy, moving fast, unable to land a single hit on me. Its movements were easy to track, predictable even, as I dodged and weaved effortlessly. Each strike missed its mark, and with a growl of frustration, the creature retreated, its form vanishing into the shadows that cloaked the corridor. Its glowing eyes dimmed and eventually closed as it melded with the surrounding darkness, blending seamlessly into the void.

But the darkness wasn't enough for the ghoul to hide from me.

My heightened senses picked up its rotten scent as it moved, the almost silent scrape of its claws against the stone floor revealed its hiding place, I couldn't see it, but I knew, it was there. It was circling me, carefully moving through the corridor, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The flickering beams of scattered flashlights made it harder to see, but I didn't need to rely on sight.

Suddenly, it pounced, moving through the dark like a predator closing in on its prey, sidestepping the occasional beam of light. But to me, its strategy was obvious. I remained calm, ignoring the screaming hints of the beast within me to move out of its way. Then I saw it coming, discerning the shape of its body concealed within the enveloping darkness. In a sudden move, I evaded its deadly claws, spinning around just in time to counter its attack. My clawed hand slammed into its chest with enough force to send it skidding across the floor.

I approached the creature, then I looked down at its chest, where my claws had struck, expecting to see a deep wound. But instead, I found only shallow marks, scratches that barely penetrated the surface of its hardened skin. Frustration bubbled up inside me, but I gritted my teeth and forced myself not to let anger take over me.

"In your current form, there's little you can do against that creature, young master," Gerald's voice echoed from the shadows, steadying me. "There's more power within you—a final stage where every ounce of the demon wolf's curse can be unleashed. Believe me, I have seen it with my own eyes."

I turned toward him, my breath labored, my body trembling with both exhaustion and adrenaline. His eyes were filled with a sense of urgency but also confidence—confidence in me.

"The demon wolf bloodline is more than a curse," Gerald said, stepping closer. "It is the embodiment of raw, unrestrained power, channeled directly through you. Curtis achieved that transformation the day he saw the vampires butcher his pack. He was no longer just a werewolf—he became something far greater, a monstrous fusion of man and beast. His form towered over his enemies, his strength capable of crushing iron and shattering stone with his bare hands."

"You must look within you, young master. This lycanthrope form is powerful but is not enough to defeat that creature alone. Summon the fury that drives the demon wolf bloodline, the same fury that awakened Curtis. Transcend your current form and unlock the power you are destined to wield. It is the only way to protect your pack, to upset the outcome of the upcoming war, and to ensure the survival of your bloodline."

The vampire ghoul staggered to its feet, its stone-like body cracking faintly before it melted seamlessly back into the shadows. Its glowing red eyes flickered in and out of the darkness, watching, calculating. Gerald instinctively took a step back, his gaze darting between me and the creature as it crouched low, preparing for its next attack.

"Behind you!" Gerald shouted.

I turned around just in time to see the ghoul spring from the darkness. It lunged at me, jaws wide, aiming for my throat. My instincts flared, and in a split second, the power coursing through me surged like a raging fire. My reflexes sharpened, reacting without hesitation. My hand shot out, gripping the creature by the neck before it could sink its fangs into me. With a snarl, I slammed it into the wall, the impact cracking the stone. Dust and debris scattered around us, as I stared at its red eyes.

My body began to change once more, this time without any restraint. My muscles expanded rapidly, swelling with terrifying power. The wolf-like features of my previous lycanthrope form receded almost instantly, replaced by something far more monstrous—something primal and unstoppable.

The vampire ghoul thrashed in my grip, its claws tearing into my flesh in a desperate frenzy. But the pain never reached me. Each time its claws raked my skin, the wounds sealed shut almost immediately. The beast clawed at me with all its strength, but it was futile. I could feel the fear in its movements now—its attacks losing their edge, becoming more frantic as it realized the futility of its efforts.

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A deep growl escaped my throat, almost unrecognizable as my own. I stared down at the ghoul with cold, merciless eyes. The transformation was nearly complete. I was no longer simply a wolf or man. I had become something far more terrifying—the form of the Demon Wolf's curse. Gerald smiled, as he watched my body achieve the full transformation.

"Outstanding," Gerald said. "I had no doubt you could achieve the Demon Wolf form."

He watched the vampire ghoul writhe helplessly in my grip, struggling but slowly succumbing to the overwhelming strength that now coursed through me. "You might want to finish off that ghoul you have pinned to the wall," Gerald said.

I smiled faintly, lifting the creature effortlessly into the air and tossing it across the corridor. It landed with a heavy thud, quickly standing up, ready to attack. "Uh... I'm pretty sure the better idea was to kill the creature, not to toss it away," he said.

But Gerald hadn't noticed what I had—an undetectable to most, yet unmistakable scent now wafted through the corridor. It mingled with the thick darkness around us, a scent I recognized instantly: Dahlia. She was nearby.

The ghoul hissed once more, gathering itself to lunge again. But before it could attack, a flash of light cut through the shadows. A gleaming dagger pierced the creature's chest, sinking deep into its core. The ghoul froze mid-movement, its eyes wide with shock. A faint growl was heard before its body began to stiffen, limbs turning to stone. In moments, it crumbled to pieces, collapsing into a pile of dust and jagged fragments on the ground.

Dahlia stepped from the shadows, her eyes widening at the sight of my transformation.

"Incredible," she said. "Before I had to look slightly up to look at you straight into your eyes. Now, the only thing I can see is your hairy chest. I guess the legend is true. The Demon Wolf's curse is real."

From a far distance, I could sense more vampire ghouls coming our way. I could hear their claws raking against the stone floor, gaining speed. "Gerald, take Derrick and get into the secret room. More vampire ghouls are coming."

"I guess this is goodbye, for now," Dahlia said. "I trust you'll be diligent and keep your mouth shut about what you saw me doing down here. It's better for both of us if you remain silent."

"You have my word," I said, as my eyes flickered toward the dagger in her hand—the one with the strange blade. Something about that weapon nagged at the back of my mind, a memory I couldn't quite place. I had seen a dagger like that before, or at least something strikingly similar.

Then, like a sudden clap of thunder in a stormy sky, the realization struck me.

The dagger—inside the hidden compartment behind my mother's portrait in the Gathering Room. I had found it, tucked away beside something equally unsettling: the vial of vampire elder essence.

"The weapon you hold in your hand," I said, eyeing the dagger still faintly glowing in the dim room, "it killed the ghoul the moment you impaled it. I never knew that kind of weapon existed. Yet, after all this time, you knew how to quickly dispose of these rotten creatures. Why didn’t you say something sooner?"

Dahlia’s gaze flicked toward the weapon, her fingers tightening briefly around its hilt before she let out a breath. "This weapon was given to me a few days ago by Mathis, the leader of the Keepers of the Sanctuary. Once he revealed himself as an ally of Vantos in his quest to end the culling of Adams Town once and for all, he entrusted me with this."

She held the dagger up, the faint purple hue of the crystal on its cross-guard glowed faintly in the darkness. "This is one of the twin daggers forged by the master smith of Azamara. It goes by the name of Eclipsion. It’s not just any weapon—it siphons the dark energy from demons and lesser beings, like this vampire ghoul. It was created to be a contingency weapon against dark magic wielders—originally meant for someone like Vantos himself."

"So, what about the second dagger?"

"The second dagger, Luminara, was stolen decades ago during a raid on the Scarlet Enclave, orchestrated by werewolves. Unlike Eclipsion, Luminara was enchanted specifically to wound an elder vampire, even during the night when we’re at their most powerful. Luminara also prevents an elder vampire to regrow their limbs instantly. Both daggers are exactly the same. The difference between them is the Ethran crystal in the cross-guard."

"That’s not a weapon you just hand over lightly."

"No, it’s not," Dahlia agreed. "Mathis knew the risks, but he also understood that the stakes are higher now than ever before. If I can end the culling from within the Scarlet Clan, I won’t hesitate, even if it costs me my life."

"You don't need to take it that far. Losing a skilled fighter like you can be devastating for the alliance. We can’t afford that."

She stepped closer, staring at my eyes. "Tell me something different, puppy. Something that will make me reconsider the way I feel about the Scarlet Clan. This isn’t just about the alliance to me. It’s personal. I’ve seen the horrors they’ve inflicted; what they’ve done to the people I care about. If sacrificing myself means stopping them for good, I’m willing to take that chance." She leaned in slightly, feeling her cold breath against my skin. "Tell me you see me as more than just a weapon. Maybe, as a woman you’d risk everything for—not just a vampire willing to betray her own kind."

I stood frozen, lost in words, unable to give her the honest answer she was looking for. "I don’t think this is the ideal place for a conversation like that. I know you feel like you have nothing to lose. No family, nobody to care for—just like me. But that doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. That could change. Let’s avoid throwing your life away, Dahlia. This war will be brutal, but surviving it is more important. You’re important. So, let’s focus on that."

A brief smile crossed her lips, one that held both gratitude and sadness. She turned around, stepping into the shadows. But just before her body was swallowed completely by darkness, she glanced over her shoulder one last time. "Good luck, Demon Wolf."

Then, the shadows of multiple vampire ghouls appeared at the end of the corridor, coming in our direction. I approached Antolio, carefully lifting his limp form in my arms. Without wasting another second, I moved quickly toward the unlit torch mounted on the wall. I pushed it upward, triggering the hidden mechanism. The wall groaned as it began to slide shut, grinding slowly back into place and sealing off the entrance to the sewers. The eerie silence of the corridor gave way to the muffled sounds of distant claws fading behind the stone barrier.

Inside the secret room, Gerald had already managed to carry Derrick to safety, laying him gently against the wall. Inside, the heavy scent of smoke and burnt wood wafted through the air. The flickering glow of embers danced across the walls, their light entering through the old storm gate.

Immediately, I noticed the source of our newest problem. A portion of the wooden structure from the upper floor had collapsed, falling directly over the storm drain that was supposed to lead us to the abandoned warehouse's backyard. The debris formed a tangled mess of timber and ash, blocking the exit and trapping us inside.

Gerald chuckled, shaking his head as he watched Derrick and Antolio slowly regain consciousness. "You two got beat up real fast. That didn't take long at all."

Derrick groaned, pushing himself off the wall, trying to stand on his own. His eyes widened as he took in my new form, noticing the bulked muscles, elongated claws, and the ancient markings across my arms and chest. "Tobias, what happened to you? You're... different."

I nodded, kneeling down next to him. "I'm glad you're okay. You need to rest. It looks like we'll be waiting here for a bit, at least until the fire clears from the gate. That should give you some time heal your wounds."

Derrick rubbed the back of his head with a wince. "Man, that thing took me down in just a couple of hits."

"More like one," Gerald said, housing a smirk on his face. "But hey, no shame. That ghoul was a strong one."

Gerald's grin faded, as he crossed his arms. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we're trapped in here. If those ghouls figure out how to operate that lever, it's game over. And if they get out into town... who knows what kind of chaos they could unleash? We're talking carnage on a massive scale."

"I doubt they're that intelligent. And besides, I believe Dahlia won't let that happen." As I spoke, I felt the power within me begin to recede. My muscles shrank, my claws and fur vanished, and soon I was back to my normal human form. I sighed, feeling a strange relief as my body returned to its natural state.

Just then, a sudden movement caught my attention—a small black frog leaped across the room. Its glistening skin reflected the faint glow of the fire, seeping through the gate. I stood and walked over to it, crouching down to get a closer look.

Quickly, I gently cupped the frog in my hand. It sat calmly in my palm as if waiting for something.

"Hey there, little friend. We need some help. Care to let your master know we're down here? We're trapped and could use a hand."

The frog leaped out of my hand, its tiny body moving with remarkable speed as it headed straight toward the fire at the storm gate. Without hesitation, it hopped through the flames, completely unharmed.

"You think talking to the frog will work?" Gerald asked.

"It doesn't hurt to try. That frog is almost identical to Titus. I've assumed, it was one of his sentinels."

Suddenly, the fire crackling around the gate dissipated, vanishing as if it had never existed. The air shifted, heavy with magic, as a powerful gust swept through the room, scattering the collapsed timber like twigs in a storm. Antolio stood up, his hands signing rapidly, pointing toward the wall where a blood sigil glowed faintly next to the gate.

"I see it now, and it looks like, we didn't have to wait long."

With a metallic creak, the storm gate groaned and slowly swung open, revealing a shadowy figure stepping inside. Vantos, cloaked in his usual enigmatic presence, entered the small room with Titus perched comfortably on his shoulder. The frog croaked, as if confirming its role in guiding him here.

"You've chosen an inconvenient time to pay me a visit, young master," Vantos said. "I felt the surge of raw power coming from these sewers. But I never imagined it would be you radiating it. I assumed you have finally unlocked the full power of the Demon Wolf's curse."

He moved toward Derrick, who lay weakly against the wall. Vantos knelt beside him, inspecting the wounds, then hovering his hand over Derrick’s chest. A soft glow emanated from his palm and within moments, the gashes began to close, leaving only faint scars as a reminder of the fight.

"Things are getting difficult around here," Vantos said, standing up and walking towards Antolio. "The clans are making their moves, preparing for war. The innocents in Adams are suffering as collateral damage, and this is only the beginning. The Scarlet Clan isn’t waiting for anyone. They intend to claim dominance, no matter how many lives they destroy in the process. I’m glad you’ve managed to tap into your full potential. The Demon Wolf’s curse was always more than a burden—it’s a weapon, one that could shift the balance of this conflict. And we’re going to need every ounce of it... very soon."