PROLOGUE:

Damon's heart raced as he stood in the middle of the large garden-like forest area of his family's mansion. He was just fourteen years old, and tonight was the night he would experience his first transformation. His father's words echoed in his head, telling him not to be afraid of his wolf. Damon took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.

The moon hung high in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the surroundings. Damon could feel the power building up inside him, a force he had never felt before. Suddenly, a surge of pain shot through his body, causing him to double over. His clothes ripped as his bones cracked and shifted, reshaping themselves.

The pain was excruciating, but Damon clenched his teeth, determined not to let it overpower him. He knew that this was just the beginning, that he had to endure the pain to embrace his true nature. And just as quickly as the pain had come, it began to fade away.

Damon slowly straightened up, his body trembling. He looked down at himself, amazed to see his clothes torn and tattered. But what caught his attention was the reflection in the nearby stream. There, staring back at him, was a powerful dark-furred beast with beautiful red fur streaks running through its coat.

His wolf.

Damon's heart swelled with pride as he watched his wolf take off, running through the forest with grace and power. He could feel the wind rushing through his fur, the ground beneath his paws. It was a feeling of freedom he had never experienced before.

After what felt like an eternity, Damon's wolf returned to the mansion. The transformation back into his human form was seamless, and Damon found himself standing in the forest, naked but unharmed. His father stood before him, a proud smile on his face.

"Well done, Damon," his father said, his voice filled with pride. "You have embraced your wolf, just as I knew you would."

Damon's chest swelled with pride as he looked at his father. He had done it. He had survived his first transformation. But as the adrenaline faded, Damon's body gave in to exhaustion. He felt his vision blur, and the next thing he knew, he woke up in his bedroom the next day.

He sat up, his mind still foggy from the events of the previous night. But as he looked out the window, he felt a wild urge stirring within him. It was as if his wolf was calling out to him, urging him to go out into the estate reserves and hunt.

Damon couldn't resist the pull. He quickly dressed and made his way outside, the fresh scent of the forest filling his nostrils. As he stepped into the reserves, he felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins. He felt stronger, faster, more alive than ever before.

For hours, Damon roamed the reserves, his senses heightened. He could hear the rustling of leaves, the scurrying of small animals. He could smell the earth, the scent of prey. It was a thrilling experience, one that he knew he would never forget.

As the sun began to set, Damon reluctantly made his way back to the mansion. Years passed, and Damon grew into a strong and confident man. He had learned to control his wolf, and then, just as his wolf was about to speak to him, the blaring sound of an alarm clock filled the room. Damon's eyes snapped open, and he found himself lying in bed, drenched in sweat.

It had all been a dream.