The training hall was filled with clanging metal as Ashton sparred with Dolos, his summoned swordsman. Their blades clashed and sparks flew, filling the air with a palpable energy. Ashton's movements were swift and precise, his training honing his skills to a razor's edge.
As Dolos lunged forward, Ashton's attention was diverted by the entrance of Vimur and Leon, who were escorting Tarek into the training hall. Tarek's hands were bound by plasma cuffs, emitting a faint blue glow. Ashton's brows furrowed in concern as he halted his training and approached them.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" Ashton demanded, his voice laced with confusion and disapproval. "What's the meaning of this?"
"Otiga said we should be careful so-" Vimur mumbled, but Ashton immediately cut him off after sending Dolos back to Valhalla.
"Vimur, Leon, remove those cuffs," Ashton commanded, his voice firm but tinged with a hint of reprimand. "Tarek is not a prisoner here."
Vimur and Leon exchanged a quick glance, recognising their mistake. Without hesitation, they swiftly moved to unlock and remove the plasma cuffs, releasing Tarek's hands. Tarek flexed his fingers, rubbing his wrists to ease blood flow, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Ashton approached Tarek, his expression softening with remorse. "I apologise for the inconvenience, Tarek. I should have ensured my instructions were clear, and it was a mistake on my part."
[Such a sly bastard you've turned into.]
Although Ashton couldn't see Astaroth's physical form, he knew he was shaking his head. But not in disappointment.
Ashton had intentionally instructed Otiga to bring Tarek into the hall with cuffs on. He intended to give Tarek a dose of what would happen if he changed his mood about being turned into a werewolf.
Was it a crappy thing to do? Absolutely. Did Ashton give a shit about it? Absolutely not.
He wasn't an idealist to think Tarek would give him the whole truth just because Ashton asked him nicely. Nor was he the statue of morality to not apply underhanded tactics whenever and wherever he needed.
Tarek waved off Ashton's apology with a dismissive gesture. "No need to apologise, Ashton. I understand the precautions. I'm here because I want to be and prove my loyalty and join this team."
"That's good to know," Ashton nodded, appreciating Tarek's understanding. "I know you already gave your permission for what's going to happen next, but I'm obligated to ask you again."
He stepped closer to Tarek, looking straight at him. "Turning into a werewolf is a significant commitment, Tarek. It will grant me control over your actions, ensuring your loyalty. Are you certain this is the path you want to take?"
"I am certain, Ashton. I trust you and believe in the cause we're fighting for. I'm ready if this is what it takes to prove myself." Tarek met Ashton's gaze, his determination unwavering.
"Alright, let's do it then," Ashton mumbled before taking a deep breath.
His muscles twitched and quivered as an electric surge coursed through his veins. Slowly, his body began to change, morphing into something otherworldly, a creature of primal instinct and untamed fury.
Bones shifted and cracked, elongating and reshaping. His fingers curled into sharp, clawed appendages while his teeth sharpened into fangs capable of quickly rending flesh. Dark fur sprouted across his body, spreading like wildfire, until he was enveloped in a magnificent coat of pure white.
Ashton's senses heightened, his world transforming into a symphony of scents, sounds, and colours. His hearing became acute, allowing him to pick up even the faintest rustle of leaves. His eyes glowed with an otherworldly luminescence piercing through Tarek's soul.
With his transformation complete, Ashton let out a mighty howl. It was a natural instinct that was hard to deny, even for him. The sheer freedom and exhilaration coursing through his veins were intoxicating and empowering. He felt more alive than ever before.
[Of course, you feel alive. After all, you last switched your genes a long time ago.]
Tarek watched in awe and apprehension, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew his own transformation was imminent and braced himself for the unknown.
Tarek closed his eyes, knowing what was to come next, and sure enough, Ashton grabbed him and bit him in the next. Tarek howled in pain as blood drizzled out of his wound.
He would've thrashed his limb around if he could, but Ashton held on to him tightly, not allowing Tarek any room to move. Tarek felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins, and his skin prickled with anticipation.
The transformation had begun.
Tarek's body convulsed as bones cracked and reformed, muscles expanded, and a thick coat of blue fur sprouted. His senses heightened, and he could feel the primal instincts taking hold.
Ashton, towering above Tarek in his own werewolf form, carefully watched the transformation unfold. Tarek's eyes once filled with clarity, now reflected a wild and untamed spirit.
The scent of power and ferocity hung in the air as Tarek's howl pierced the silence, reverberating through the room.
With a surge of adrenaline, Tarek lunged forward, his newfound strength propelling him towards Ashton. Instincts fueled by the wolf's nature took over, causing Tarek to temporarily lose control. His claws swiped through the air, aiming for Ashton's defences.
"Ah, so you became one of those..." Ashton shook his head before dodging Tarek's strikes.
A scenario like this unfolding during the ceremony wasn't uncommon. The unfamiliarity with one's new powers could make someone lash out and try to take away the position of an Alpha.
Ashton, experienced in dealing with the turbulence of transformation, swiftly dodged Tarek's attacks. His instinct as an Alpha kicked in, guiding him to subdue Tarek without causing harm. He moved with grace and precision, his movements a dance of dominance and restraint.
As for the ones watching from the sidelines, they didn't know what they should do. Vimur was more than eager to join the fight as usual, but Leon was wise enough to recognise the significance of the battle between the two werewolves and help Vimur back from causing any trouble.
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