Chapter 24

A chill ran down Mateo's spine as Master's words reverberated through his mind. He felt the wolfish power stirring within him once more, more intense than ever before. His body began to convulse as the transformation took hold.

Bones crunched and reshaped themselves. His spine elongated, forcing him onto all fours. Coarse fur burst through his skin as his face contorted into an elongated snout. Within moments, Mateo had fully transitioned into his werewolf form, letting out a harrowing howl that shook the trees.

The circle of wolves closed in, baying in response to Mateo's primal cry. Master reared back on his haunches, standing over twice as tall as Mateo's wolf shape.

"You have tasted your power, but embracing it fully requires the Blood Rite," the alpha's telepathic voice resounded. "Are you willing to be reborn as one of us? To dedicate your immortal life to the preservation of our kind?"

Mateo's wolf min