Episode 13: "The Growing Pains"
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INT. SHADOWBOUND DORM – EARLY MORNING
Kael lies in bed, his body writhing beneath the sheets. Sweat drenches his face, and his heart races wildly in his chest. The bite from the werewolf alpha is still burning in his neck, a constant reminder of the decision he made last night.
He jerks awake with a gasp, his hands flying to his neck, feeling for the wound. It's healing quickly, but something's different—his senses are sharper, his mind spinning with images and sensations he can't fully process.
KAEL
(breathing heavily)
What's happening to me?
He glances at the clock on his nightstand. It's been just under eighteen hours since the bite. But the transformation... It's already starting.
Kael swings his legs off the bed, standing up unsteadily. His body feels like it's on fire, his muscles tense and throbbing as if they're about to snap. His skin crawls, and he can feel the familiar weight of magic within him shifting—darker, wilder, more intense than before.
He stumbles to the window and pulls back the curtain, gazing at the morning sun rising over Shadowbound High. But the sunlight only seems to heighten his senses. He can hear the students talking from across the courtyard, the rustling of leaves in the trees, even the soft buzz of a distant insect.
KAEL
(to himself)
I can hear everything.
The pain in his body intensifies, and he doubles over, clutching his stomach as a growl rises in his throat. His eyes glow faintly, his vision narrowing into a tunnel. He tries to focus, trying to control himself, but it's getting harder by the second.
A knock on the door. It's Lana.
LANA
(from the other side)
Kael? Are you in there?
Kael quickly wipes his forehead and steadies himself, trying to push down the wild surge of power inside him.
KAEL
(forcing a normal tone)
Yeah, I'm here.
The door opens slowly, and Lana steps inside, her eyes immediately narrowing in concern. She sees the sweat on Kael's face and the strained look in his eyes.
LANA
(raising an eyebrow)
You don't look so good. What's going on?
Kael quickly forces a smile, trying to mask the turmoil inside him.
KAEL
Just... tired, I guess.
Lana steps closer, reaching out to touch his arm. She frowns when she feels how hot his skin is.
LANA
Kael, you're burning up. You're not just tired. What happened last night?
Kael looks at her, feeling torn. He wants to tell her everything, but the weight of his new powers feels too much to share right now. He's barely processing it himself.
KAEL
(hesitant)
I just... need some time to figure things out. I'm fine.
Lana doesn't seem convinced, but she doesn't press the issue. Instead, she watches him closely, sensing there's more to the story than he's letting on.
LANA
Alright. But you don't have to go through this alone, Kael. Whatever's happening, I'm here for you.
Kael nods, grateful for her support, but the words don't reach him. He's already feeling the shift inside himself—his body, his mind—everything's changing.
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EXT. SHADOWBOUND FOREST – LATE AFTERNOON
Later that day, Kael finds himself back in the forest, walking alone beneath the trees. He needs space. His body is aching, and the hunger inside him is growing. There's a pull, a tug at his very core, urging him to embrace the change.
But he's scared. Scared of what it means. Scared of losing control.
The sun is starting to dip below the horizon, and Kael can hear something in the distance. Footsteps. Familiar ones.
TUNDE
(appearing from the trees)
Kael.
Kael turns to face his friend, but something is different in Tunde's eyes. There's a knowing look, one that's hard to ignore.
TUNDE
(seriously)
You're changing, aren't you?
Kael doesn't say anything. He simply nods, his throat tight.
KAEL
(gritting his teeth)
I don't know how to stop it.
Tunde takes a few steps forward, his expression softening. He's always been a steady presence in Kael's life, someone who's never judged him. But now, there's an understanding in his gaze.
TUNDE
You don't need to stop it, Kael. You just need to learn how to control it. I can help you with that.
Kael shakes his head, frustration bubbling up inside him.
KAEL
(snapping)
I don't want this, Tunde! I didn't ask for this. I don't know how to control it, and it's all... it's all too much!
Tunde steps closer, his tone calm but firm.
TUNDE
No one ever asks for this, Kael. But it's in you now. And running away from it won't change that. You need to learn how to use it. And we can help you. The pack can help you.
Kael's eyes widen. He's heard the rumors about the pack—their power, their unity. But he's not sure he's ready to fully embrace it.
KAEL
(quietly)
The pack? You really think I'm ready for that?
Tunde places a hand on Kael's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
TUNDE
It's not about being ready. It's about trusting yourself. And we trust you, Kael. The pack trusts you. You're one of us now, whether you want to be or not. Embrace it. We'll help you.
Kael stares at Tunde, uncertainty and doubt warring in his chest. He doesn't know if he's ready for this change, but he knows that he's not alone in it.
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EXT. SHADOWBOUND HIGH – NIGHT
Later that night, Kael stands at the edge of the woods again, staring out into the darkness. His body is pulsing with energy—raw, untamed, and dangerous. He can feel the werewolf powers growing stronger inside him, but he doesn't know how to control it.
A howl echoes through the trees. The pack. They're waiting for him.
He takes a deep breath, steeling himself for what's to come.
KAEL
(whispering to himself)
Okay. Let's do this.
As he steps forward into the woods, the moon overhead casts its glow on his face. Kael knows the journey has just begun. He's not the true alpha yet, but he's about to learn what it means to become one.