BATTLING FOR DOMINANCE

After my work was done for the day. I could still feel the tingling sensation of excitement in the pit of my stomach. If Dr Volkov was correct, we were much closer to finding a cure for the virus. I walked quickly back to my dorm with a spring in my step. My excitement was like an itch under my skin that needed to be scratched. As soon as I reached my room, I grabbed the brushes, canvases, and paints that I kept there and ran out of the building towards the forest, I heard from my instructors that the scenery in the forest is magnificent and could be a great source of inspiration for our art.

When I reached the forest, it felt like a gentle rain on my face as I walked through the canopy of trees. The branches swayed above me in soft, repetitive waves, like a crowd of people dancing in the light. The sun filtered in through the leaves, staining the loam and moss with gold in sandy patches across the forest floor. The place felt like it was holding its breath, like it was waiting for something to happen, and I felt like I had become part of it.
I made my way deeper into the dense forest and I felt my wolf stirring within me. Despite the nagging feeling, I pushed it aside and continued, drawn by the tranquil beauty of the nearby stream.

The soft sound of flowing water filled my ears as I made my way down the path. Flowers and ferns dotted the forest floor, while overhanging tree branches formed a green-and-brown ceiling. I set up my art supplies, eager to capture the stunning scenery on canvas. “This is the spot” I say out loud excitedly.

As I began to mix colours on my canvas, an intense, pulsing pain shot through my head. Blinking back tears, I ground my teeth together and tried to focus my vision, but the world around me was a blur. The birds nearby stopped twittering; their silence replaced by a frenzied chirping. I stumbled back, gripping my temples with shaking hands. “What’s happening?” I mumbled through gritted teeth.

At first, I didn’t know what was happening, but then a burning sensation shot through my body, and I let out a blood-curdling scream. I fell to the ground, writhing in agony as my bones twisted and contorted, fur sprouted from my skin, and my senses sharpened.

“Lara?” I choke I bit back a howl of pain as the wolf within fought to take over.

The agony ripped through me, jolting my vision and tearing apart my composure. I could feel the savage force of my inner strength raging through my veins, pushing me to unleash the wild beast inside. My screams echoed through the tranquil woods, echoing like a siren’s song, as my wolf emerged – fuelled by anger and an insatiable thirst for blood.

With a flurry of ferocious snaps and snarls, I lunged at the trees in a flurry of destruction – every muscle tensed and ready to hunt and kill.
The human part of me faded away, leaving only the raging beast behind. In that moment, I was no longer just a student or a nurse, but a relentless predator – driven only by the unstoppable hunger for the kill.

**Dr Volkov POV**

I was deep in thought, buried in my research in the forest, when a deafening scream shattered my concentration. Instinctively, I knew something was wrong. I frantically dropped my notes and sprinted towards the sound of desperation, my heart pounding with dread.

“Has someone else been infected with the virus?” My boots hammered against the earth as my wolf, Shadow began to squirm in my head.

Rounding a corner, I saw Alivia writhing on the ground, her body contorting in agony as she began her transformation into her wolf. Her clothes shredded and tore as fur sprouted from her skin, her snarls filling the air with an ear-splitting sound of animalistic hunger. She had begun to transform into her wolf. I had seen many transformations in my lifetime, but what I saw next filled me with absolute awe. She was larger than any wolf I had ever seen before, with a coat of shimmering fur that shifted in colour from deep auburn to dark caramel. Her eyes were a deep brown, flecks of gold shining like stars in the moonlight. She was tall and strong, a muscular frame hinting at her strength and agility. Her thick mane surrounded her neck like a protective shield and long whiskers hung from her muzzle. Her eyes blazed with an inner fire, a mix of rage and unbridled ferocity that made me take an instinctual step back.

I knew I had to act fast to protect myself and others. I removed my cloak and clothing, exposing my own scars and tattoos. With a thunderous roar, I let the wolf within me take control. Agonizing pain coursed through my veins as my bones snapped and shifted, reshaping my frame. My muscles engorged as fur began to cover my skin, the colour a deep, dark grey. Glowing green eyes burned like fire, full of determination and rage.

I approached Alivia cautiously, knowing that she was no longer in control of her actions. Her wolf was wild, driven by instinct and the thirst for blood. With a snarl, she launched herself at me, her claws extended, and her teeth bared.

We both clashed in a fierce battle, our powerful bodies slamming into each other as we fought for dominance. Alivia was wild and untamed, fuelled by an insatiable hunger for the kill. Her powerful jaws snapped and snarled as she lunged at me, her razor-sharp claws glinting in the sunlight.

But I was a seasoned fighter, and I did not falter in the face of Alivia’s attack. I expertly dodged each lunge and swipe, keeping just out of reach of her fangs. As we circled each other, the sound of our snarls and growls filled the air, echoing through the forest.

We were locked in a fierce battle, each one of us determined to come out on top. Alivia’s wolf was a deadly force to be reckoned with, her strength and agility matched by her ferocity. But I was not to be underestimated either. I am the Alpha, and I was not about to be taken down by a mere pup.
With a surge of adrenaline, I sprang forward, my paw colliding with Alivia’s side and knocking her off balance. A piercing cry of pain rang out as she hit the ground, and the scent of fear grew heavy in the air. I pinned her down, my snarling jaw just inches away from her throat and let out a ferocious roar, demanding her surrender.

The fight was over and, almost as quickly as it had started, Alivia’s wolf shifted back into human form. I followed suit, quickly grabbing my shorts and slipping them on before throwing my cloak around her trembling body and helping her back to her feet. Fear had frozen every muscle in Alivia’s body, and I could feel her shaking beneath my fingers.

I asked with worry tingeing my voice, “Are you okay?”

Alivia met my gaze and I saw the aftermath of her transformation washing over her. She shook slightly as she asked in a trembling voice, “What happened?”

My eyes held hers as I said in concern, “You lost control, but it is alright now. You are safe.”

Suddenly Alivia stumbled back, her eyes rolling back into her head. I rushed forward, catching her before she crashed to the ground. Her body felt limp and her breathing was shallow, panic flooding my veins. I checked for a pulse and found it to be steady, giving me a moment of relief.

“Alivia, wake up,” I said softly and shook her gently, but still, she did not stir. Fear trickled through my mind that she may not make it, and so I scooped her up and began to run towards the pack’s medical facilities. My feet pounded against the ground as I pushed myself faster and faster.

In the back of my mind, I wondered what had caused Alivia’s collapse; was it the virus that had been plaguing our land or something else entirely? Despite my unanswered questions, fear threatened to overtake me.