Max couldn't breathe. His lungs were tight, his heart pounding as the man stood before him, eyes glowing. The words he had just spoken echoed in his mind, "You've been marked".
Max looked down at his hands again. The tingling sensation was stronger now, his skin prickled, and his muscles ached with an unfamiliar tension. It felt as though his own body was betraying him, shifting in ways it shouldn't.
"You're not... you're not making any sense", Max said with a shaky voice. The man took a step closer to Max. He stood there watching him, his eyes never leaving Max's face. "I'm not", the man replied, his voice low and smooth but with a harsh undertone. "But you'll understand soon enough. The wolf in you is awakening. You feel it, don't you? The change".
Max swallowed hard. He did feel it. It was like nothing he had ever experienced before. His body was hot, his senses sharp, and every sound in the forest amplified a hundred times.
The man took another step forward. "I know it's overwhelming, but listen. The mark you bear isn't just a symbol. It's a bond, a call, and it's been waiting for you".
Max took a step back, his mind racing. He tried to force the panic down, but it was impossible. "A bond? What are you talking about? I don't even know who you are!".
The man's expression softened slightly. "My name is Kael, one of the guardians of the wild, and the protectors of the ancient bloodline. And you, Max, are part of that bloodline. You're a descendant of the wolves. The bond you carry is what connects you to the wolves".
Max blinked in disbelief. He'd never heard of anything like this. He had grown up hearing stories of mystical creatures of supernatural forces hidden in the shadows. But those were just stories to keep children entertained or scared.
His hand went to his chest, touching the pendant that has been passed down through his family. The silver medallion was warm against his skin. It had always been a part of him, but he had never thought much of its significance.
Kael seemed to sense his doubt. He reached into his own jacket, pulling out a similar medallion, but his looked much older. He held it up for Max to see.
"This is the original pendant", Kael explained. "The first of its kind. It was created long ago, when our kind was first marked by the forest. This medallion was worn by your ancestors, and now it's yours".
Max stared at the medallion. "But.....I don't -"You don't feel it yet, do you?" Kael interrupted. "The call, the shift, the hunger? It'll come in time.
Max shook his head. "I don't want this. I don't want to be....one of them". Kael stepped closer. "You don't have a choice, Max. This isn't about what you want, it's about what you are. And you'll embrace it, very soon".
Before Max could gather his thoughts, Kael signalled for silence. The distant howl echoed again, this time much closer than before.
"That sound ", Kael said quietly, "is the call of the pack. They know you're here".
Max frowned. "The pack? You mean the.... wolves?"
Kael nodded slowly. "Yes, but not just any wolves. Those wolves are the guardians of the wild, and they've been waiting for your awakening. The bond you share with the wolves run deep, Max, and you've been chosen to lead them".
"Wait, wait..... I'm supposed to lead wolves?"
"Not just lead", Kael said. "You're meant to protect them and the forest. But first you'll need to learn to control the power within you. It isn't something that can be done overnight. It takes time, practice and guidance".
Max shook his head. "I don't know what you are talking about. I don't want to lead wolves or -"You don't get to choose!" Kael snapped with a harsh voice. "This is your fate, and you can't turn away from it. You're marked, Max, and the wolves have already claimed you".
"I don't understand". Max said.
Kael sighed. "Come with me. There's a place in the woods where you can learn what's happening to you. You're already transforming, Max, and it's only a matter of time before you change".
With a heavy heart, Max nodded. "I'll follow you". Kael gave him a grim smile. "Good. The pack is waiting, and so is your destiny".