A Dance of Wolf and Dragon

Chapter 8. Unexpected Wings

The night air was alive with the rustle of leaves, and the soft murmur of the Moondance Pack gathered in the ancient clearing. Twinkling lights hung from the trees, casting a gentle glow over the faces of the community as they encircled the ceremonial ground. It was a sacred space, bordered by stones that had witnessed countless shifts and transformations, bathed now in moonlight and expectation.

Melody just shifted.

Frederik stood a bit apart from his more enthusiastic peers and adjusted his glasses with a shaky hand. Unlike his three sisters, the world of shifts had always felt like a story he could only witness, never partake in.

And tonight, another person he used to be close to experienced something he would never.

Applause erupted, mixed with awe-struck cheers. Frederik clapped too, his eyes never leaving the beautiful wolf that had been Melody moments ago. Something within him stirred, echoing the magic that danced in the clearing.

Suddenly, the ground beneath Frederik’s feet hummed a silent vibration that only he could feel. His heart skipped, then pounded furiously as if trying to break free from his chest. The sensation was bewildering, terrifying, and yet… exhilarating.

“Frederik?” It was Ash, his good friend, who noticed his distress. “Are you alright?”

“I—I don’t know,” Frederik stammered, his voice barely a whisper. The world seemed to tilt, the colors and sounds intensifying. He could hear his blood rushing in his ears, feel every breath of wind, and feel every whisper of leaves like he never had before.

Without warning, pain lanced through him, sharp and insistent. Frederik doubled over, a cry escaping his lips. Eyes turned towards him, a ripple of concern spreading through the crowd.

“What’s happening to him?” Clover murmured.

“Is he shifting?” Ash added, a mix of disbelief and curiosity swelling in the air.

Solstace was at his side instantly, his hands gripping Frederik’s shoulders. “Focus, Frederik. Let it happen.”

Let it happen? The thought was a gale-force wind, clearing the fog of panic. Frederik breathed in, deep and steady, and embraced the tumult within. His body responded, not with the grace of Melody’s shift, but with a raw, unbridled force that wrenched, tore, and rebuilt.

The pain was a forge, and he, the metal, was being shaped. When it subsided, Frederik stood transformed. A dragon marked with swirls of dark and light, his scales shimmering with an iridescent sheen unlike any seen before.

Silence fell over the clearing, profound and heavy. Then, slowly, wonderment filled the eyes of the watchers. Whispers grew into cheers, into roars of approval and surprise. Frederik, still catching his breath, looked around, his heart swelling.

“He’s beautiful,” Serenity remarked to Melody as they walked toward him. The moonlight highlighted his chiseled features, casting shadows that accentuated his strong jawline and the serene yet intense look in his eyes. His dragon form was even more striking, with scales that shimmered like precious gems, reflecting the light in myriad colors.

“Why did he have to steal my thunder?” Melody quipped, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and admiration.

“What’s wrong with you, human?” Serenity replied, her voice echoing in Melody’s mind with amusement and confusion.

“He’s… he’s…” Melody stammered, unable to find the words to describe the overwhelming emotions surging through her. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mix of awe and an inexplicable connection taking hold of her.

“A beautiful dragon,” Serenity finished for her, her tone matter-of-fact. Melody’s eyes remained locked on him, her thoughts whirling with admiration and uncertainty. The dragon’s presence was not physical; it seemed to reach deep into her soul, stirring emotions she didn’t fully understand.

For the first time, Frederik met her gaze and saw no shadow of comparison, only pride and joy. Crimson approached him, tears glistening in her eyes. “You are unique, Frederik. Just as we hoped.”

Solstace moved closer to Frederik. “Son, you’ve just shown everyone here that being different is not just good. It’s extraordinary.”

Ash, smiling broadly, leaned in. “You thought you would never shift. Here’s to proving you wrong.”

“I always thought I was flawed,” Frederik thought to himself. “Maybe I was wrong.”

But while Frederik heard his father and friend, Melody mesmerized him in her wolf form. The two of them had entered a staring contest.

Gabriel, oblivious to this, boomed. “It is tradition to have a pack run when one of the Alpha’s family members has their first shift. Tonight, we witnessed something extraordinary. Two childhood friends shifting on the same night.” He paused and looked at the pack.

“Solstace, should we do a joint run and flight? Frederik, do you think you would be up for it?”

Anxiety overtook Frederik, and he shook his head while in his dragon form still.

“Flying is not as natural as running, Gabriel,” Solstace replied. “We will let you enjoy your pack run while we celebrate the occasion as a family.”

Gabriel nodded and shifted in his wolf form.

“Ready, pup?” Gabriel mind-linked Melody.

“Ready!” Melody replied.

Zeus let out a long howl, and the pack members shifted. He got in front of the pack, Lila on his right and Melody on his left, and they set out for the traditional pack run.

***

Back in the clearing, Frederik was overwhelmed by the day’s events. The weight of his newfound form pressed heavily on his shoulders. Clover, Ivy, and Guinevere all shifted into their dragon forms, their scales gleaming under the sunlight, indicating they wanted to fly. Their excitement was palpable, their mighty wings unfurling and casting shadows on the ground below.

Solstace was more prudent, his eyes studying Frederik’s every move. “Can you shift back?” he asked, his voice steady and calm.

Frederik struggled, his muscles tense and uncooperative. He shook his head, feeling the anxiety building like a storm inside him. His breathing became shallow, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

“Come on, Freddy, it’s easy!” Ivy nagged her voice, a grating reminder of her ease in shifting. She had just shifted back to her human form effortlessly. His sisters danced between their dragon and human forms, then flew over him, their laughter like a chorus of bells, each transformation fluid and natural.

Frederik’s anxiety intensified, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest. He clenched his fists, trying to will himself to change, but the fear and frustration held him captive.

Solstace’s voice cut through the chaos. “Stop!” he roared at the girls, his voice echoing through the clearing. Clover, Ivy, and Guinevere landed and shifted back to their human forms, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity.

“What’s going on, Dad?” Guinevere asked, her eyes wide with worry.

“Frederik needs time,” Solstace replied, his tone firm. He motioned for Crimson to take them away. “Go with your mother for now.”

Crimson approached, her presence calm and reassuring. “Come on, girls. Let’s give Frederik some space,” she said gently, guiding them away from the clearing.

“But we want to help!” Clover protested, her eyes flickering with the same determination as her father’s.

“You can help by giving him room to breathe,” Crimson said, her voice kind but persistent. She wrapped an arm around Clover’s shoulders, steering her away.

As they walked away, Crimson glanced back at Solstace, a silent exchange of understanding passing between them. They both knew this was a crucial moment for Frederik.

“Breathe, son, deep breaths,” Solstace said, turning his attention back to Frederik. His eyes locked onto Frederik’s, his gaze grounding him. “The hard part is done. The dragon has been liberated.”

Frederik inhaled deeply, the air filling his lungs and slowing his racing heart slightly. He could feel the tension begin to ease, but the fear of failure still loomed large.

“Good, continue to breathe,” Solstace encouraged, stepping back and sitting on a tree stump. “We’ll take all the time you need. I know you can do this, son.” His words were like a balm, soothing the raw edges of Frederik’s nerves.

Frederik closed his eyes, focusing on the rhythm of his breath. With each inhale, he felt a little more in control. The world around him faded, leaving only the sound of his breathing and Solstace’s steady presence. Slowly, the dragon within him began to recede, and he could feel his body returning to its human form. It was not easy, but with Solstace’s unwavering support, he found the strength to embrace his human and dragon selves.

As he shifted back, the glow of his dragon scales dimmed, replaced by the familiar contours of his human skin. When he finally opened his eyes, he saw Solstace smiling with pride.

“You did it, Frederik,” Solstace said, his voice filled with warmth. “I knew you could.”

Frederik looked around, the clearing now empty save for him and Solstace. He felt a profound sense of accomplishment and a newfound respect for the power within him.

Frederik approached his father, his steps hesitant but purposeful. “Father,” he began, his voice a mix of curiosity and concern, “why did my shift happen like that? What did it mean?”

Solstace’s eyes softened, his gaze filled with pride and understanding. He motioned for Frederik to sit beside him on the grass. “Frederik, every dragon’s first shift is unique, reflecting their inner strength and the journey they are meant to take. Yours was intense and powerful. It signifies the raw potential within you, waiting to be harnessed.”

Frederik frowned, trying to process his father’s words. “But it felt so different from what I expected. It was chaotic, almost violent. Does that mean something’s wrong with me?”

Solstace shook his head, placing a reassuring hand on Frederik’s shoulder. “Not at all, my son. It means you possess a rare strength and resilience. Your shift was a testament to your inner power and the trials you will face. It wasn’t graceful because your path is not meant to be easy. It’s meant to forge you into a leader who can withstand immense pressure and emerge stronger.”

Frederik nodded slowly, feeling the weight of his father’s words settle into his heart. “But why did it have to be so sudden?”

Solstace’s expression turned contemplative. “Pain is often a catalyst for growth. The pain you felt was the forging of your true self, a necessary process to awaken your full potential.”

Frederik looked down at his hands, the memory of the glowing scales still vivid. “So, what do I do now?”

Solstace smiled, a gentle, encouraging smile that spoke of endless support. “You embrace it. You learn to control and channel this power. It will take time, and it will take patience. But you are not alone. I will guide you, as will your sisters and Melody. Together, we will help you master this gift.”

Frederik met his father’s gaze, a new determination burning in his eyes. “I won’t let you down, Father. I promise.”

Solstace’s smile widened, his pride evident. “I know you won’t, son. Now, let’s begin your training. The journey ahead is long, but with each step, you will grow stronger.”

The two stood, their bond solidified by the shared understanding of the path Frederik was destined to walk. As they moved deeper into the clearing, ready to begin the next phase of Frederik’s journey, a sudden chill ran down Frederik’s spine. He paused, looking back toward the ceremonial ground, where shadows gathered unnaturally under the trees.

“Did you feel that?” Frederik asked, his voice tinged with unease.

Solstace’s expression turned serious, his eyes scanning the treeline. “Yes,” he replied quietly. “We need to stay vigilant. Your transformation might have awakened more than just your dragon.”

Frederik nodded, the weight of uncertainty settling back onto his shoulders now mingled with a sense of foreboding. He clenched his fists, feeling the remnants of his dragon form stir within him. Whatever lay ahead, he would face it, not just as Frederik but as the dragon he was meant to be. As they ventured further into the forest, the distant howl of a wolf echoed through the night, a reminder that the world was watching, waiting for what Frederik would become.