The night breeze stirred the treetops as Elias, guided by Talia's shadow, walked steadily through the forest. The lights of Beacon Hills were far behind, and the clearing where they had found that ancient stone seemed just a few steps away. However, Elias knew he was not the same this time. Something had changed.
"Tonight we're going to see how much you can endure, Elias," Talia murmured, not looking directly at him. "That energy you felt in the clearing was just the beginning. Your power is awakening, and with it, challenges will come."
Elias nodded, swallowing hard. The strength of his lineage, that deep connection with nature and the legacy of Lycaon, was beginning to feel like both a burden and a promise.
"How do I start to control it?" he finally asked, his eyes shining with a faint glimmer. "When I touched that stone, it felt like something inside me opened up… It wasn't just power; it was something more. Something I had never felt before."
Talia looked at him with a serious expression.
"That power is a calling," she explained firmly. "The lineage of Lycaon responds to the ancient memories of this place. Not many wolves feel this connection; your mother was one of the few who could, and she has passed it on to you."
Cora, who had accompanied them and was listening in silence, cast a worried glance at Elias. She knew he was facing a solitary path, even though she would stand by his side.
"But is it dangerous?" Cora asked, breaking the silence.
Talia sighed, keeping her gaze on Elias.
"Dangerous, yes. But necessary. This power will be your defense and your strength, Elias, and the more you master it, the more you will learn about the legacy you carry. Tonight, I want you to focus on connecting with the forest, without losing control."
Cora stepped back, watching closely as Talia turned to Elias and nodded. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, extending his senses toward the surroundings. Gradually, he concentrated on the sound of the wind, the whispers of the leaves, and the heartbeat of every creature in the forest.
But then, something different disturbed his calm. A presence, strong and ancient, slid along the edges of his perception. Invisible but penetrating eyes were watching him from the shadows, and he felt a chill run down his spine.
He opened his eyes, trying to hide his unease.
"Do you feel it, right?" Talia asked in a whisper. "Something has been watching you since you awoke in the clearing."
"Yes… is that normal?" Elias murmured, attempting to mask his nervousness.
Talia shook her head.
"Not entirely. Beacon Hills attracts presences we can't fully understand, and some are drawn to those with ancient powers. It's no coincidence you felt that call in the clearing; here lie your ancestors, your origins."
Elias remained silent, processing what he had just heard. He knew his lineage was special, but until now, he hadn't felt the real weight of what it meant to be a descendant of Lycaon.
"How do I control this connection without being consumed by it?" he finally asked, trying to sound confident.
Talia gave him a slight smile, as if she had been waiting for that question.
"You must learn to balance yourself. This power is both a curse and a blessing. If you don't control it, it could overwhelm you and expose you to those who seek Lycaon's power."
"Is that what you mean by the calling? That someone could sense it too?" Cora asked, half worried and half curious.
Talia nodded slowly.
"Exactly. It's not just a matter of power, but of those who perceive it. From now on, Elias, you need to learn to keep that energy under control, not only for yourself but to protect others."
Elias felt a weight in his chest, but at the same time, a determination grew within him. Talia had been like a mother to him, guiding him since childhood. He couldn't afford to fail her, not now that he understood a bit more about his heritage.
"Alright then, let's begin," he said firmly.
Talia and Cora exchanged a glance, and the elder Hale nodded with a slight gesture. She stepped back and indicated for Elias to close his eyes once more.
"Breathe deeply. Let each breath connect you to the ground beneath your feet. Don't think about it; feel it. Let the energy flow effortlessly, without interfering with your mind."
Elias obeyed, allowing his breath to sync with the heartbeat of the earth. Gradually, the sensations that had once been overwhelming began to soften, turning into a low murmur instead of a roar.
As he progressed in his practice, a low whisper emerged in his mind. A voice as ancient as the forest, barely perceptible but full of strength. He couldn't understand it, but its essence felt both like a warning and a promise.
"Don't fight against the energy; just flow with it," Talia indicated, her eyes shining with deep, ancestral knowledge.
Elias began to comprehend, but as he tried to dive deeper into that connection, he felt something rebel within him. It was as if a part of his lineage refused to be tamed.
"I can't…" he whispered, frowning. "There's something that won't let me advance."
Talia placed a hand on his shoulder, encouraging him with a look.
"That's part of you, Elias. The wild and untamed nature of your lineage. Don't try to subdue it; instead, become one with it."
Cora watched the scene, mesmerized. It was as if the entire forest formed an invisible bond between them, a bond that spoke of ancient pacts and a history that repeated with each generation of wolves.
Then, a low whisper filtered in from the trees, as if someone were nearby. Cora glanced around cautiously, and Talia sensed her unease.
"They are watching us," Talia murmured, addressing both of them. "Those same presences I spoke of. Don't be afraid, but stay alert."
Elias opened his eyes abruptly, and in that instant, all his senses sharpened like never before. He could feel the brush of each leaf, the heartbeat of every small creature in the forest… and the watchful presence that lingered in the shadows, hesitant to draw closer.
"Who… or what is that?" Cora asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Talia exhaled calmly.
"I don't know. But this is an important moment, not only for Elias but for the whole pack. Whatever it is, it knows that our lineage has a purpose in this place."
Elias felt a wave of pride, and also of responsibility. This was not just another power; it was a legacy he had to protect and honor.
"I won't let you down, Talia," he said, resolute. "Whatever that presence seeks, I will be ready."
Talia looked at him with a glint of approval in her eyes.
"I have no doubts about that, Elias. But the real challenge has yet to begin. From today on, the lineage of Lycaon will play a special role in your life. And though the path is filled with uncertainty, remember that the forest and the ancestors of your lineage will always be with you."
Silence fell over them, and the shadows in the forest seemed to retreat, as if accepting his resolve. Elias knew he still had much to learn, but also that he was not alone. With Talia and Cora by his side, he felt he could face any threat.
However, he couldn't ignore the voice in his mind or the presence in the darkness. Something was approaching, and his instinct told him it was just the beginning.