Caitlyn's POV
Everyone watched Karma's actions, and a strange silence fell over the entire scene. Everyone gasped for air but remained silent, eventually focusing their eyes on Zed.
"I wondered why you developed so much potential in just six months. Now I’ve found the answer. It seems it's all because of this," Zed asked, looking at Karma, his face slowly turning somber.
Zed then explained to everyone why Karma emitted a dazzling light when she touched the wolf head statue. It was because she had secretly hidden Kayn's blood in her hand. So, all that was detected was Kayn's potential.
"Alpha, this must be a misunderstanding. Please believe me; I really didn't know beforehand that she was planning to do this. I'll go down and teach her a good lesson," Kayn said, arching her back, a flicker of trepidation flashing across her face.
To dare to deceive the Alpha in such a blatant manner was nothing short of humiliating for Zed.
"Alpha, I... was wrong," Karma stammered, her face turning pale, and her legs involuntarily stepping backward. She put away his usual good behavior, and fear filled her eyes as she looked at Zed.
Even if Kayn no longer respected Zed behind his back, he could be considered the public enemy of the entire pack at a time like this.
"Alpha, it's getting late. Isn't today's test only for clansmen who have recently reviewed their packs? Karma doesn't belong in that category, and her score would have been a violation..."
"Let's just leave it at that," Azir suddenly spoke up to break the tension, just as everyone waited for the saber-rattling to follow.
"Grandpa?" Zed frowned, not seeming to understand what exactly Azir was doing with this act.
Azir didn't answer but shook his head gently.
Zed instantly looked as if he knew what was going on and twisted his head to give me a deep look. Strangely enough, I detected a hint of shame in Zed's eyes.
"Thank you, Alpha. I will go back and punish her severely!"
Kayn let out a long sigh of relief before saluting toward Zed and pulling the pale-faced Karma into the distance.
"Caitlyn, the potential in you really surprises me. It looks like our pack is truly ready for a renaissance."
Azir had a smile on his face, as if he weren't the least bit affected by what had just happened.
"Hmm."
I nodded my head, a little confused, not knowing exactly what Azir meant by that statement.
"Let's get started then."
Azir flashed a smile toward me, his eyes slowly narrowing into a line.
"Start what?"
"Helping you master your power," Azir said softly, still maintaining his loving look.
For some reason, I was vaguely uneasy at the moment.
"Let's go."
As the crowd gradually dispersed, Zed walked up to me and whispered.
Unlike in the past, Zed's face was taut at the moment, and his forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat.
"What's wrong with you? Not feeling well?"
I asked Zed with concern.
"No, probably because I didn't sleep well last night. By the way, it's just up ahead."
Zed forced out a smile toward me and pointed ahead.
What came into my eyes was a circular platform, in the center of which stood a huge statue of a wolf's head. Compared to the previous one, this one looked even more hideous and terrifying, with a murderous aura permeating the surroundings.
"This is the place that will help you master your power," Azir spoke calmly, but I could feel the anticipation in his tone.
"I don't know if you've ever noticed, but the premise of us werewolves transforming into wolves is driven by our intention. So whenever our emotions fluctuate, it's also easier for us to transform into wolves."
"But like you, the first thing you need to do to master the transformation is to learn to control your emotions," Azir admonished me, then raised his head high to look at the wolf-headed statue in the middle of the platform, wondering what he was thinking.
"Well, it seems like it."
I nodded as though I comprehended, my mind recalling the sensation when I once transformed into a wolf. Both experiences involved feeling anger initially before power gradually coursed through my body.
"This platform amplifies emotions. You'll sense the emotional transformation more intensely here, but consequently, the pain you endure will be more acute. If you regret it, we have alternative methods available..."
Zed approached me at this point and nonchalantly added.
"No need. Let's do it here. The sooner I master the method of transforming into a wolf, the sooner Talon's issues will be resolved."
"Come on." I lifted my head and looked at Zed firmly.
"Caitlyn, it doesn't have to be like this. You're already exhausted from today. We can practice in a couple of days."
Zed sighed deeply, avoiding my eyes, and prepared to leave.
"Alpha..."
Just then, Azir coughed softly, blocking Zed's retreat. "Now is not the time to hesitate any longer."
"But..."
Zed reddened and attempted to argue further.
"Caitlyn, wait a moment. The Alpha and I need to discuss some things."
Azir waved his hand towards me before pulling Zed aside and engaging in a whispered discussion.
I slowly ascended to the high platform. As I stepped onto the stone floor, a twinge of unease coursed through me. The cold air seemed to have found an outlet and swiftly enveloped me.
My heart swiftly replayed the images of the giant wolf during my transformation, and for a moment, it felt like I had returned to that time. The emotions I felt then resurfaced—loss, sadness, anger.
A myriad of complex emotions surged into my heart, causing my eyes to rapidly redden. The scene in front of me blurred as tears welled up. The wolf head statue above me appeared to scrutinize me, and in a moment of trance, it seemed as if that wolf head blinked towards me.