Ash's POV
The air was heavy, suffocating. It pressed down on Ash's chest, wrapping around him like chains, holding him in place. He stood at the edge of the clearing, his body rigid, his fists clenched. His brothers were around him, their faces pale, their eyes wide with fear. Even Opal looked vulnerable, her shoulders hunched, her mouth pressed into a tight line.
His heart raced, his muscles twitching with restless energy. He hated this feeling—this weakness, this helplessness. He was supposed to be the strong one, the protector. But he was powerless.
His skin burned, a scorching heat spreading through his limbs, his chest, his spine. It was suffocating, relentless. His bones ached, his muscles tightening, cramping. He felt like he was being pulled apart, his body too small, too fragile to contain the energy swirling inside him.
"Ash..." Opal's voice was shaky, her eyes pleading. "What's happening to us?"
He opened his mouth, but no words came out. He didn't know. And that terrified him.
A sharp pain shot through his back, searing, blinding. He fell to his knees, his fingers digging into the dirt, his nails splitting, lengthening into claws. His spine arched, his shoulders contorting, his muscles stretching, tearing, rebuilding.
He heard someone screaming—a raw, guttural sound that sent chills down his spine. It took him a moment to realize it was his own voice.
His chest expanded, his ribs cracking, his lungs burning. His face elongated, his jaw widening, his teeth sharpening into fangs. His vision blurred, then cleared, the world sharper, brighter, more vivid. His senses were overwhelming, chaotic, but powerful.
His skin rippled, thick fur sprouting along his arms, his back, his legs. It was black as midnight, streaked with silver. He felt his body expand, his limbs growing, his muscles strengthening. He was huge, powerful. He was no longer human. He was something more.
Ash.
The voice was deep, rich, and warm, echoing inside his mind. It was ancient, powerful, familiar. It was like hearing his own voice, but layered, resonant.
Who... who are you? Ash's heart raced, his body tensing.
A low chuckle filled his head, a sound like distant thunder. I am you. And you are me. I am your wolf. Your strength. Your shadow. Together, we are one.
My... wolf... The realization sent a shock through him, his body shuddering. This... this is real.
Yes, the voice affirmed, calm and steady. I am Shadow. I have always been with you, waiting for you to awaken. Waiting for us to become whole.
Shadow... The name resonated within him, a perfect fit. It felt powerful, ancient, true.
You are strong, Ash, Shadow continued, his voice a steady rumble. Stronger than you know. You were born to protect them. To lead them. To fight for them.
Ash's chest tightened. But... I was scared. I couldn't protect them. I couldn't stop this.
Because it wasn't meant to be stopped, Shadow said gently. This is who you are. Who we are. We are guardians. Warriors. Their shield, their sword. Their shadow.
A surge of pride flooded through Ash, his body tingling with new strength. Protectors...
Yes. You are the wall that stands between them and danger. The strength that holds them together. You are their guardian. Their alpha.
Ash's eyes widened. Alpha? But...
You are their leader, Shadow said firmly. The firstborn. The strongest. You were born to lead, to protect, to fight. You are the shadow that shields them. The strength that guides them.
Ash felt his heart race, a fierce determination burning in his chest. I won't let anything happen to them. To any of them. I promise.
I know, Shadow whispered, his voice soft and proud. Because we are powerful. We are warriors. We are pack.
Ash looked around, his senses sharp, his vision clear. He saw them—his brothers, his sister. No longer human, but he knew them, recognized them instinctively. Ridge was powerful and solid, his fur a rich earthy brown, his stance bold and unwavering. Forrest was agile, his golden fur rippling with every movement, his eyes playful and cunning. Brooks was elegant, his smoky gray coat gleaming under the moonlight, his gaze calm and wise.
And then there was Opal.
Ash's breath caught. She was beautiful, ethereal. Her fur shimmered like an opal stone, shifting colors with every movement—white, silver, blue, pink, gold. It was mesmerizing, magical. She stood tall, strong, her body sleek and muscular. She was no longer small, no longer fragile. She was powerful.
Shadow's voice softened, filled with awe. She is light. Hope. The heart of our pack. She is more powerful than even she knows.
Ash felt tears prick his eyes, a fierce protectiveness swelling within him. She's... she's incredible.
She is the light, Shadow whispered. And you are her shadow. Her protector. Her guardian. We were born to keep her safe, to stand by her side, to fight for her.
Ash felt his chest tighten, love and loyalty burning within him. I will protect her. I will protect all of them. No matter what.
I know, Shadow said, his voice steady and strong. Because we are powerful. We are warriors. We are pack.
Ash lifted his head, his golden eyes gleaming with purpose. He looked at his siblings, his pack. They were changed, stronger, but they were still his. Still together.
A howl broke the silence, deep and powerful, echoing through the trees. It was his voice—Shadow's voice—a call to the night, to the moon, to his pack. It was a song of strength, of loyalty, of protection.
One by one, his siblings joined him, their voices blending together, creating a harmony that shook the earth, that echoed through the woods. It was a promise, a vow.
They were wolves. They were pack. And Ash would always protect them.
No matter what.
Brooks POV
The night air was cold, sharp against Brooks' skin. He stood in the clearing, his heart pounding, his breath coming in short, shallow bursts. His brothers and sister were around him, their faces pale, their eyes wide with fear. Even Ash looked shaken, his jaw tight, his fists clenched.
Brooks tried to steady himself, but his body wouldn't stop trembling. There was something wrong—something inside him, restless, hungry, burning. His muscles ached, his bones throbbed, his skin felt too tight, like it was about to burst.
He hugged his arms to his chest, trying to contain the pressure building inside him. His heart raced, his chest tight. His instincts screamed at him to run, to get away, but his legs felt heavy, rooted to the ground. He couldn't move. He was trapped.
His mind was spinning, his thoughts fragmented, chaotic. He felt like he was losing control, like he was being torn apart from the inside. His senses were overwhelming, sharp and raw. He could hear everything—the rustling leaves, the whispering wind, the rapid, uneven breathing of his siblings. He could smell the earth, the moss, the wildflowers. He could feel the pulse of the forest, the heartbeat of the night.
But beneath it all was a scent that made his chest tighten, his heart ache. It was familiar, comforting, grounding. His pack. His brothers. His sister.
Brooks looked at Opal, his throat tightening. She was hugging herself, her shoulders hunched, her face twisted in pain. She looked so small, so fragile. He wanted to go to her, to protect her, to tell her everything would be okay. But he couldn't move. He was powerless.
A wave of fear crashed over him, sharp and suffocating. He was supposed to be the calm one, the steady one, the one who kept them together. But he was falling apart. He was weak, helpless.
His knees buckled, his body trembling. Pain shot through his chest, his spine, his limbs. It was hot, searing, relentless. His muscles tightened, his bones ached, his skin felt like it was splitting apart. He was breaking.
He heard himself whimper, his voice raw, broken. "It... hurts..."
His vision blurred, his body seizing, his limbs locking. His fingers curled, his nails splitting, lengthening into claws. His back arched, his shoulders contorting, his muscles tearing, rebuilding. He felt his body expand, his limbs stretching, his spine elongating. His skin rippled, thick fur sprouting along his arms, his back, his legs.
His chest expanded, his ribs cracking, his lungs burning. His face elongated, his jaw widening, his teeth sharpening into fangs. His senses exploded—sound, scent, taste, touch—all heightened, overwhelming, consuming.
His heart raced, wild and erratic. He could hear it pounding, feel it pulsing through his body, his blood roaring in his ears. His vision cleared, his eyes sharper, his surroundings brighter, more vivid. He felt the ground beneath his paws, the cool earth, the soft grass.
His paws.
Brooks looked down and felt a shock of disbelief. His hands were gone, replaced by sleek, powerful paws. His body was covered in thick fur—a smoky gray that shimmered under the moonlight, a gradient of silver and charcoal. He was tall, elegant, graceful. He was no longer human.
A chill ran down his spine, fear twisting in his gut. He felt exposed, vulnerable, lost.
Brooks.
The voice was soft, calm, soothing. It echoed inside his mind, wrapping around him like a blanket, warm and comforting. It was gentle, familiar, safe.
Brooks' body tensed, his ears flicking. Who... who are you?
A soft laugh filled his head, a sound like a breeze rustling through the leaves. I am you. And you are me. I am your wolf. Your spirit. Your calm. We are one.
Brooks' breath caught. My... wolf...
Yes, the voice affirmed, his tone gentle and reassuring. I am Zephyr. I have always been here, waiting for you. Waiting for us to become whole.
Zephyr... The name resonated within him, like a whisper in the wind. It felt ancient, powerful, true.
You are calm, Brooks, Zephyr continued, his voice soft and steady. You are the balance. The peace. The harmony. You are their anchor. Their center. The one who keeps them together.
Brooks' chest tightened. But... I was scared. I couldn't keep them safe. I couldn't keep them calm. I... I was weak.
No, Zephyr said firmly, his voice unwavering. You were never weak. You were scared. But even through your fear, you stayed with them. You held them together. You are their peace. Their balance. Without you, they would fall apart.
A warmth spread through Brooks, steadying him, grounding him. Their peace...
Yes, Zephyr whispered, his voice soft and affectionate. You are the calm in the storm. The light in the darkness. You are the one who heals. The one who understands. The one who loves without fear.
Brooks felt tears prick his eyes, his chest tightening. I... I love them. I love them so much. I don't want to lose them.
You won't, Zephyr promised, his voice soothing. Because you are the one who keeps them together. You are their bond. Their heart. Their hope.
Brooks looked at his siblings, his heart aching with love. They were no longer human, but he knew them, recognized them instinctively. Ash was powerful and strong, his fur black as night, his eyes fierce and protective. Ridge was bold and unwavering, his rich brown coat solid and grounding. Forrest was agile and quick, his golden fur bright and playful.
And then there was Opal.
Brooks' breath caught. She was beautiful, ethereal. Her fur shimmered like an opal stone, shifting colors with every movement—white, silver, blue, pink, gold. It was mesmerizing, magical. She stood tall, strong, her body sleek and muscular. She was no longer small, no longer fragile. She was powerful.
Zephyr's voice was soft, filled with awe. She is light. Hope. The heart of our pack. She is the bond that ties us together. The light that guides us home.
Brooks felt his heart swell, his chest tightening. She's... she's incredible.
Yes, Zephyr whispered, his voice warm and proud. She is light. And you... you are her calm. Her peace. The one who keeps her grounded. The one who heals her heart.
Brooks felt a fierce protectiveness rise within him. I will always be there for her. For all of them. I will keep them safe. I will keep them together.
I know, Zephyr said gently. Because you are the calm. The healer. The heart. You are Brooks. And you are Zephyr. We are one. And we are pack.
Brooks lifted his head, his silver eyes shining with purpose. He felt whole, complete.
Together, they were strong. Together, they were pack. And Brooks would always keep them together.
No matter what.