The barracks stirred before dawn, a quiet ripple of movement and murmured voices. Today was the day the rest of the pack would receive the serum series, and the weight of anticipation pressed down like the cold Siberian air. Dmitry Ivanov, already transformed by the initial injections, sat silently on his bunk, his hands clasped tightly together. He watched the others with a quiet intensity, ready to guide them through the process he knew too well.


    The beast lay in the corner of the room, its steady breathing a low hum in the background. Despite its non-verbal nature, it had become a silent pillar in the group. The soldiers had begun to accept its presence, though wariness lingered in their gazes. Dmitry found himself glancing at it often, a reminder of what lay ahead for his comrades.


    “Up and ready, men!” Captain Mikhailov’s voice broke the stillness, sharp and commanding. He strode into the barracks, his boots striking the floor with deliberate force. “Today, you take the next step. Report to the lab at once.”


    The soldiers moved quickly, the air thick with unspoken apprehension. Dmitry led the way, his pack following closely behind. Yuri walked just behind him, his usually bright demeanor replaced by a grim determination. Pavel brought up the rear, his knife tucked into his boot—a small comfort he couldn’t bring himself to part with.


    The lab was a stark contrast to the barracks, its sterile white walls and bright lights amplifying the sense of foreboding. Rows of medical equipment gleamed coldly, and a team of scientists awaited them, their faces impassive. Dr. Yelena Morozova stood at the forefront, her clipboard clutched tightly in her hands.


    “Each of you will receive the serum series in quick succession,” she began, her voice calm but firm. “The process will be monitored closely. Be aware that the changes will be… intense. Physical, mental, and emotional. Dmitry will assist as needed.”


    The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances, but no one spoke. Dmitry stepped forward first to stand beside the equipment, his presence steadying. He gave Yuri an encouraging nod.


    Yuri was the first to take the chair, its design more reminiscent of a restraint device than a medical seat. As the first injection pierced his skin, his expression tightened, but he held firm. The transformation began almost immediately. His muscles convulsed, and his features twisted into something grotesquely beautiful, his eyes glowing with a lupine amber light. Claws emerged from his fingers, and his breathing turned ragged as a guttural growl escaped his throat.


    “Let it flow, Yuri,” Dmitry said, his voice calm but commanding. “Don’t fight it. Acknowledge it. Let it run its course.”


    Yuri locked eyes with Dmitry, and the primal rage flickering within him seemed to calm. Moments later, his body sagged, returning to its human proportions. He passed out in the chair, his features softening into a peaceful slumber.


    Dr. Morozova nodded approvingly. “Success. Let him rest.” Two orderlies moved Yuri to a nearby cot, where he slept soundly.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    One by one, the others underwent the process. Pavel, true to his nature, endured silently as his transformation took hold. His skin stretched over bulging muscles, and his teeth elongated into sharp fangs. For a brief moment, he let out a low snarl, his claws flexing against the restraints. Dmitry stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Pavel’s shoulder.


    “Let it flow,” Dmitry murmured. Pavel’s growl softened, and his body returned to normal proportions. He slumped in the chair, unconscious but stable. Two orderlies carried him to the cots, where he joined Yuri in restful sleep.


    Nikolai’s turn came, but it did not go as smoothly. As the serum entered his bloodstream, his transformation began with violent convulsions. His eyes darted wildly, glowing bright amber, as claws tore at the restraints. “Stop it! Get it out of me!” he shouted, his voice filled with panic and rage. His muscles bulged grotesquely, his form taking on an unnatural appearance.


    “Nikolai,” Dmitry said firmly, stepping into his line of sight. “Let it happen. Don’t fight it. You’re part of the pack.”


    But Nikolai’s panic overtook him. He thrashed violently, the chair creaking under the strain. Dmitry placed a hand on his shoulder, his amber eyes glowing fiercely. “Listen to me! You’re not alone in this. Let it flow.”


    Nikolai’s struggles slowed for a moment, but the serum’s effects intensified. His limbs spasmed uncontrollably, and his growls turned to guttural screams. Dmitry reached out, steadying him as best he could, but the transformation had gone awry. Nikolai’s form became grotesque, his features warping into a monstrous visage. His limbs grew uneven appendages, and his movements became erratic and savage. The room fell silent as the creature that had once been Nikolai roared and lunged, no longer recognizing friend or foe.


    Dmitry acted swiftly, backing Nikolai into a corner with a powerful roar of his own. The beast’s amber eyes met Dmitry’s, flickering with a moment of recognition before being overtaken by madness. “I’m sorry,” Dmitry whispered, his voice heavy with sorrow. In one decisive motion, he ended Nikolai’s suffering. The room was silent, the weight of the act settling heavily on everyone present.


    Dr. Morozova lowered her clipboard, her face pale but resolute. “This was always a possibility,” she said quietly. “Let us move forward.”


    The soldiers stood in stunned silence as the orderlies removed Nikolai’s remains. Dmitry took a deep breath, steadying himself. “We keep going,” he said, his voice steady despite the heaviness in his chest.


    When it came time for Anton, the quiet young man hesitated before taking the chair. The air was thick with tension as the injections began. For a moment, it seemed as though his body would reject the serum entirely. He convulsed violently, his breaths coming in shallow gasps. The scientists exchanged worried glances, and one muttered, “He’s not going to make it.”


    “Wait,” Dmitry said firmly. “Give him time.”


    Anton’s body stilled, and the room held its collective breath. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, his transformation began. Unlike the others, his form expanded with an almost serene grace, his features taking on a strikingly lupine elegance. His eyes glowed a deep, piercing gold, and his movements were fluid and controlled.


    Dr. Morozova stepped forward, her voice tinged with awe. “Remarkable. He’ll require further observation, but this is… extraordinary.”


    Dmitry approached Anton, meeting his steady gaze. “Welcome to the pack,” he said, his tone carrying both pride and caution.


    The beast, watching silently from the corner, rumbled its approval.


    As the soldiers settled into their cots to rest, Dmitry remained awake, his senses attuned to the changes in the room. The air was thick with the scent of transformation, of something both primal and extraordinary. Tomorrow, they would awaken as something new. For now, Dmitry watched over them, a leader among predators, preparing for the days to come.