“Omega. She’s an Omega.”
Whispers filled the air, sounding like the buzzing of a thousand bees, deafening to the ears. It was all so loud, pulsing in a way that made heads spin, followed by a sickening feeling that churned the stomach.
“Oh, God. Poor thing.”
“I’m not surprised at all. I mean, we’ve all noticed her frail physique all along. So, it makes perfect sense if she’s an Omega.”
Young Vione snarled in an uncontrollable panic attack. In an instant, her instincts lit up with anticipation of whatever might happen. She braced herself and scanned her surroundings with a sharp look. But nothing happened. Everyone stayed where they were, just looking at her, staring at her with pity.
The young Vione’s growl faded. She found those pitiful stares more painful than the physical violence she had endured from the bullies. A pang arose in her heart, a pain she couldn’t escape.
Young Vione stepped back. She retreated slowly; her mind filled with a whirlwind of emotions. Everything was fighting inside her, her head felt crowded. Her chest tightened and she asked herself, what was happening?
It took a moment for the young Vione to briefly recall her memories. She was sure it all began when she and her parents arrived with the Frostholm Pack in the Amerotha Forest, a legendary place in the Pack’s history.
According to their beliefs, Amerotha Forest was the source of power and wisdom. The pack believed that the mystical energy that had protected them all this time emanated from there. Consequently, this was the absolute reason why the pack considered the Amerotha Forest to be sacred, the only sacred zone worthy of being the venue for all events and rituals.
One of the events and rituals was the Coming-of-Age Ceremony, which was a regular part of the agenda and the most anticipated moment, along with the New Alpha and Luna Blessing Ceremony. This was because the coming-of-age ceremony was a magical ritual that released the spirits of the young werewolves. It was the moment when they would become wolves for the first time.
The coming-of-age ceremony would physically and spiritually transform the young werewolves. They would realize the true potential and strength hidden within them. They would also come to understand their roles and responsibilities within the pack. The future of the pack was in their hands.
This reality reminded young Vione of the reason for her presence there. She hadn’t come to watch the ceremony as a spectator like in previous years, but quite the opposite. This time she was one of the young werewolves who would undergo the ceremony.
The Sacred Land bore silent witness. Young Vione and the other young werewolves stood in a circle around the altar. Their faces were stiff, suggesting the tension that gripped each of their hearts. They all seemed to realize that their future and fate would be determined by this night.
Young Vione took a deep breath, trying to calm herself as Ayla approached, emerging from the crowd of packs surrounding them. Ayla walked straight to the center of the altar, then lifted her face and gazed at the full moon.
The slight commotion that had been there vanished instantly. Everyone fell silent, mouths tightly shut. Straight gazes focused on the altar, waiting with bated breath.
Ayla raised both hands. Murmuring under her breath, she recited prayers and incantations that resembled an ancient song. Her voice echoed in a synchronized rhythm, then rose to the heavens, summoning the presence of the nature spirits to surround her.
The last word Ayla uttered caused every breath to be held in anticipation. Everyone waited, and nature responded, as if answering Ayla’s call.
A gentle breeze began to blow through the trees. The scent of fresh flowers and leaves spread everywhere. Most of all, there was the dazzling light of the full moon, reflecting its glow onto the altar.
The atmosphere was tense. The altar began to sway, its vibrations spreading to the feet of the young werewolves. Spiritual power was transmitted, flowing into their bodies.
Heat emerged. Blood began to surge. Sweat broke out, and the young werewolves felt their hearts pounding.
They were struck by an unexpected force. Knees buckled; hands remained on the altar. Fingers gripped the altar stones as the pain surged mercilessly, a torment that promised to shatter them completely.
The young werewolves moaned. Heavy sounds echoed, indicating intense pain. Their faces were flushed, drenched in sweat. Veins bulged on their foreheads, their expressions showing unimaginable agony.
It was as if they were being flayed alive. Their skin was peeled off, then their flesh was torn. This created a new wave of pain and agony unlike anything they had ever felt before.
The suffering continued and intensified as nature joined in. The once gentle breeze began to show its fangs. Thunder roared, causing chaos that turned the surroundings into a mess. Dry leaves, gravel and dust flew around. As a result, the situation quickly became uncontrollable.
They tried to persevere. They continued to try to stay strong amidst the increasingly violent wind and increasing pain. But everything was beyond their control and defense. An unfamiliar sensation, one they had never experienced before, hit them unexpectedly. They grappled with waves of magical power that penetrated every fiber of their being, reaching into the deepest layers to awaken hidden potentials within.
As time passed, the vibrations became more intense, like a powerful earthquake. Then came the pain that came from within, as if thousands of sharp needles were piercing their flesh. Their skin felt torn in all directions, followed by the terrible sound of cracking bones.
The transformation happened. The grip of their fingers on the altar floor turned to sharp claw marks. Groans faded, replaced by terrifying growls. Human faces faded, replaced by majestic wolf faces.
The tension vanished without a trace. The pack, witnessing the transformation, breathed a sigh of relief and smiled unconsciously, pleased that the ceremony of coming of age had gone smoothly.
The young wolves emerged in forms that impressed everyone. Their appearances varied, and each of them had different characteristics. They seemed captivating, with unique auras that set them apart.
The eyes of the pack swept over the young wolves one by one. Proud glances were clearly visible in their eyes. Then all eyes were drawn to the captivating appearance of young Vione.
Her white, silvery hair was sleek and shimmered in the moonlight. Her eyes sparkled like blue gems, radiating strength and courage. Her movements seemed effortless, as if she glided without leaving a trace. An aura of elegance and natural power emanated from her, capturing the hearts of the pack who couldn’t take their eyes off her.
The looks directed at young Vione brought different reactions. Many were astonished, but there were also some who felt differently. Some of the young wolves looked at her with envy.
Young Vione blinked. Her gaze swept around. She looked at the pack with immeasurable relief. She paid no attention to the astonishment of others at her magnificent wolf form. Deep in her heart, she was only thankful that she had successfully passed the coming-of-age ceremony. She could transform, she had a wolf form, she…
Young Vione’s gaze stopped at a point in the darkness of the night, hidden behind the shadows of tall, dark trees. Her eyes narrowed, trying to sharpen her vision, but it was empty! A moment later, the silhouette disappeared.
Young Vione moved impulsively. Her front paw stepped forward, intending to take a step. She seemed to forget everything and wanted to check it out. But suddenly there was a burst of readiness with such drama.
“No claws!”
Young Vione stopped in her tracks. She turned to the source of the voice and found a she-wolf staring at her, eyes wide open.
“Vione has no claws! Look at her feet! She has no claws!”
Confusion washed over young Vione. The meaning of these words was lost on her for a moment. It took a while for her to realize that the willingness was followed by another willingness.
“It’s true! Vione has no claws!”
“Oh, God. She’s an Omega!”
Young Vione was stunned. All those words wrestled in her head, bringing a chilling sensation. Her breath caught in her chest, then she mustered the courage to prove it. She lifted one of her front legs and looked at it with uncontrollable anxiety.
Her heart seemed to stop. Her breathing stopped. The world seemed to collapse as young Vione discovered the truth. She did not have claws.
*