BACK IN THE BASEMENT AUTHOR’S POV “Easy, son,” Alexsey muttered, his voice low and steady as the black beast rose, the transformation complete. It didn’t merely stand; it unfolded, muscle locking into place with terrifying purpose as it reached its full height. Werewolves were never truly wolves; they were larger, denser, and built for violence and power rather than speed alone. And royal wolves were something else entirely. Lev’s wolf towered. Its frame was massive, shoulders rolling beneath jet-black fur that gleamed under the harsh lights of the reinforced room. The coat shimmered as it moved, catching hints of deep gold-red fire behind its ears and along the pads of its enormous paws, as if embers burned just beneath the surface. Its claws dug into the concrete, carving shall

