The sky turned purple like my feet from the excessive standing. Lucius switched from teaching me morals into teaching me to control the life I give.

"You have to feel the energy that comes out. The reason why you can't regulate your power is that you are emotionless. You block every feeling. Think of how good the energy that flows out of you feels like. Do not think of them as nothing. It's like silk coming out from your feet and palms.”

He had me blindfolded. My shoes and gloves were removed. 

"When you want to control, just clench your hands tightly and stiffen your body. When you want to release, just take a deep breath and exhale. Relax your body and unclench your hands. Before you know it, you can manage your power as if it was your instinct to breathe."

"I do not think I can do this."

"You can. Always think that you can," he cheered. "I'll remove your belt now."

I stiffened my body once the belt was unclasped. I clenched my hands and restrained any possible energy that might escape. The sudden surge of power tickled my palms and feet.

"Okay now, azatum (release).”

I loosened my fists, exhaling slowly as I did so. The energy was smooth and warm. My heart raced, my lips curling into a smile.

"Very good," he complimented.

The rotten smell of the forest was shadowed by a sweet smell. The woodland moaned back to life with the constant sound of wood cracking. The birds began to sing again.

"Now, control.” 

My heart kept pumping faster. I didn't want to stop. 

"Lucian, imperium! (control)"

Someone began to laugh.  Every muscle in my body loosened. I completely surrendered. My whole body trembled from excitement, but once the belt was clicked back, the tickle stopped. Lucius removed my blindfold. My lips flattened. 

He bore a soft smile, caressing my cheeks as the mirth vanished.

"As much as I love hearing your laughter, we still need the forest dead to test your progress," he explained. "You almost revived the Tree of Beginnings. That is astonishing. I cannot wait to see your full potential.”

Our surroundings became vibrant. A wide diversity of plants grew in the area. Small and fluffy hopping animals came into view before they disappeared into the bushes. Insects made bizarre noises. Yellow glitters floated midair. 

I did this?

"You did well today, don't you think so too, wolf?"

At that acknowledgment, I turned around and found the same black werewolf I encountered earlier. He was peeking behind a tree that didn't do much in covering his gigantic body, especially that tail that kept wagging. He licked his nose, shyly lowering his head.

I approached him. His eyes moved from left to right as if he was looking for an escape route. I knelt in front of him, making him tower over me. Fenris leisurely dropped his head to the ground. His tail wagged excitedly when he saw my hand moving towards his head. I placed my palm on his fur, feeling the same tickle in my chest from our initial encounter.

"Lucius...can we bring him with us?" 

"I don't think the vampires would enjoy having a werewolf near them. They are too cautious."

Upon hearing the word 'vampire', Fenris rose in caution. He whimpered, pushing his head to my chest which made me fall to my bum. Despite smelling rotten, I did not mind it at all. 

“Vampires have started hunting werewolves.”

"Hunting?" I repeated.

Why would they hunt such innocent-looking creatures with some tendencies to rip one's leg off?

"I will grow a huge tree in their land and make sure that the roots swallow them all.”

I will make great use of this new skill. Lucius’ teaching shall not be put to waste. 

Onii tried to ask Fenris to change himself into his man form, but Fenris merely shook his head and whimpered. My brother created a house for him and more trees with edible fruits for his benefit. Fenris wagged his tail as he witnessed how I tried to give life to a tree he was pawing on. He bounced back and forth after my success. 

It was time to retire for the night. Fenris was giving me gooey eyes. I petted his head.

"We will come back tomorrow," I assured him. I glanced at Lucius for confirmation. 

"We will return so do not fret Fenris,” he supported.

The werewolf whimpered, snuggling against my chest.  I did not want to leave him alone in this dark and eerie forest. If those vampires tried to hurt Fenris, who would back him up against them? 

"Can Argo carry the three of us?"

Argo neighed in protest.