Episode 12: "The Bite of Destiny"
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INT. SHADOWBOUND HALLWAY – MORNING
Kael walks through the hall, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. The shadows that normally cling to him seem even more oppressive today. His powers are growing stronger, and he can feel it in the pit of his stomach. Every step is like walking through molasses, and his thoughts are clouded with a mixture of fear and anticipation.
KAEL
(under his breath)
What's happening to me?
He pauses by the window and looks outside. A pack of birds soars across the sky, free, but he can't shake the feeling that something is off. The darkness he's carrying within him is growing harder to control, and he knows time is running out.
LANA
(approaching, playful)
Kael, you look like someone just stole your soul. Want to talk about it?
Kael doesn't turn to look at her. He can't shake the sense of unease.
KAEL
I don't know. Everything feels like it's... shifting.
Lana steps in front of him, forcing him to look at her. Her eyes soften, sensing his distress.
LANA
Hey, you know you can talk to me, right? You don't have to face this alone.
Kael takes a deep breath, unsure of what to say. The words are stuck in his throat.
KAEL
I feel like... I'm not the same anymore. Like something inside me is waking up, but I don't know how to handle it.
Lana places a hand on his arm, grounding him.
LANA
Whatever it is, we'll figure it out. Together.
Kael gives her a faint smile, grateful for her support. But deep inside, he's still struggling with the darkness that keeps clawing its way to the surface.
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EXT. SHADOWBOUND FOREST – NIGHT
The moon hangs high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the forest. Kael is standing near the edge of the woods, his senses heightened. The rustling of leaves, the snap of twigs, every little sound seems amplified.
A low growl breaks the silence.
Kael spins around, eyes glowing faintly. He's not sure what's out there, but he can feel the presence of something—no, someone—watching him.
Suddenly, a figure steps out of the shadows. It's a tall, muscular man with a wild, untamed look in his eyes. He's dressed in torn, weathered clothes, his hair shaggy and wild. His posture is primal, and his eyes gleam with an unnatural light.
KAEL
Who are you?
The man smirks, stepping closer.
MAN
A friend. But more importantly, I'm here to offer you something... that could change everything.
Kael's hand instinctively goes to the hilt of his blade, but the man doesn't seem threatened. Instead, he just watches him with an intense, almost predatory gaze.
MAN
You've been feeling it, haven't you? The change inside of you.
Kael's heart skips a beat. How could this man know?
KAEL
What do you want?
The man's lips curl into a grin, revealing sharp, wolf-like teeth.
MAN
I'm the alpha of a pack of werewolves. And I can help you. But first, you have to trust me.
Kael's eyes narrow. This is too much to process, too much too fast.
KAEL
Werewolves? You're out of your mind.
The man takes a step closer, his gaze unwavering.
MAN
I'm not asking you to believe in werewolves. I'm asking you to believe in your own power. That darkness inside you? It's part of who you are. And I can help you unlock it.
Kael is silent for a moment, his mind racing. He knows the danger of the Rift, the power that it's bringing out in him. Could this werewolf help him control it?
KAEL
How do you know all of this?
The man's eyes flash with a knowing look.
MAN
Because you're not the only one who's been touched by darkness, Kael. I've seen it before. And I can give you the power you need to survive. But it'll come at a cost.
Kael looks down at the ground, conflicted. This could be his chance to finally control the dark magic that's been growing inside of him. But he's also afraid of what it might mean.
KAEL
And what's the cost?
The man steps forward, his voice low and serious.
MAN
You'll have to become one of us. A werewolf.
Kael's heart pounds in his chest. He's not sure if he's ready to take that leap, but the offer feels like the only way to survive. Before he can respond, the man's posture shifts, his body growing more rigid, his eyes glowing with an intense, primal energy.
MAN
You've got a choice. Trust me. Let me bite you. You'll change—your powers will evolve. You'll become something more. Something stronger. But only if you're willing to take the risk.
Kael takes a step back, his breath heavy, his mind racing.
KAEL
And if I refuse?
The man's eyes darken, his voice taking on a dangerous tone.
MAN
Then you risk losing control. The Rift won't wait, Kael. It will consume you. And it will consume everyone you care about.
There's a long pause as Kael weighs his options. He's faced danger before, but this feels different. His instincts scream at him to trust this stranger, to accept his help.
Finally, Kael nods, his decision made.
KAEL
Do it. I'm ready.
The man steps forward, his movements swift and predatory. He grabs Kael's arm, pulling him close. Without warning, he sinks his teeth into Kael's neck, the bite sharp and searing with a raw, animalistic energy.
Pain shoots through Kael's body, but it's quickly replaced by something else—something powerful, primal. He feels the magic inside him flare to life, and the world around him blurs.
KAEL
(gritting his teeth)
What... what's happening?
The man pulls away, his expression a mix of satisfaction and solemnity.
MAN
Your transformation has begun. It won't take long. You'll feel it in your bones—every inch of your body will change.
Kael staggers back, his head spinning. The bite is already having an effect. His body feels like it's being pulled in every direction at once. His vision darkens, but he keeps his feet planted firmly on the ground.
KAEL
(barely able to speak)
How... long...?
MAN
In your case? About 18 hours. Then you'll fully transform into something new. Something stronger.
Kael clenches his fists, his jaw tight. He can feel the power surging inside him, a wild, untamed force that's ready to break free.
KAEL
(determined)
I won't lose control.
The man's grin widens.
MAN
We'll see about that. But you've made the first step. Now, all that's left is to embrace the change.
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INT. SHADOWBOUND DORM – LATER THAT NIGHT
Kael stumbles back into his dorm room, his body still trembling from the bite. He locks the door behind him and stumbles to his bed, clutching his stomach. His body feels like it's on fire.
KAEL
(whispering to himself)
What have I done?
The transformation is starting. His senses are sharper, and his body feels... different. His heartbeat pounds in his chest, echoing in his ears. His muscles ache as if they're stretching and expanding.
He can hear every whisper in the hallway, every rustle of leaves outside. His senses are overwhelmed.
Suddenly, his vision sharpens, and he sees himself in the mirror. His eyes glow an eerie yellow, his pupils slit like a wolf's. His skin begins to change, hair growing where there was none before.
KAEL
(gritting his teeth)
This... this is it.