{"id":649,"date":"2026-08-17T17:46:19","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T17:46:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/depthguide.com\/?p=649"},"modified":"2026-08-18T22:12:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T22:12:54","slug":"the-wolf-was-also-his","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/depthguide.com\/?p=649","title":{"rendered":"The Wolf Was Also His"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tales from the Universe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Moral Dilemma:<\/strong> When a part of yourself is genuinely capable of causing harm but is also responsible for strength, courage, and survival, should you try to destroy it\u2014or learn to live responsibly with something inside you that you may never completely trust?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin woke with blood on his hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This was concerning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He checked himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No wounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More concerning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His boots were muddy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Front door open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kitchen chair overturned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He remembered going to bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outside, something had killed three chickens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin stared at the feathers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His neighbor Hale stood beside him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWolf.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin swallowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cProbably.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hale pointed toward the tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Large.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They began beside the chicken coop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They ended beneath Orin&#8217;s bedroom window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cInteresting,\u201d Hale said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDon&#8217;t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI didn&#8217;t say anything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou said interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSay less.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The attacks had begun two months earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sheep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chickens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then a traveler had been mauled near the marsh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Survived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He described:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSomething like a wolf.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone began carrying weapons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This would become ironic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The second time Orin woke outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Naked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Half a mile from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He remembered a dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thousands of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Something moving ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin vomited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He told nobody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This was mistake number one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He chained himself to the bed the following night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Iron cuffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heavy chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At dawn the chain was broken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin was asleep beneath a tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There was blood in his mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mistake number two had apparently been assuming the problem respected hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He went to Sena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sena was a physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also discreet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These qualities made her popular with criminals and embarrassed aristocrats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She examined him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then asked:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHave you been bitten recently?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cScratched?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCursed?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNot knowingly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFamily history?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOf what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTurning into a wolf.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sena didn&#8217;t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His grandfather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin remembered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Old stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grandfather disappeared during full moons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone said drinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grandmother said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYour grandfather had wilderness in him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin had assumed this was poetry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He increasingly disliked poetry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sena tested his blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then locked the laboratory door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou should sit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou&#8217;re a werewolf.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin sat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCan you cure it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMaybe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe treatment may kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLess good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAnd I&#8217;m not certain it would remove everything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sena looked uncomfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSome traits may remain.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSuch as?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHeightened senses. Healing. Strength.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI have those?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou didn&#8217;t notice?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI thought I was healthy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou healed a broken wrist in eleven days.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI eat well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sena closed her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Suddenly parts of Orin&#8217;s life rearranged themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He could hear conversations through walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smell rain hours before storms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See better at night than anyone he knew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He rarely became sick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He had always been unusually strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">None of this had seemed supernatural because it had always been his.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then came the memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Five years earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A robber entered his house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin remembered fighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The man had a knife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin remembered becoming very calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then the robber was on the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Arm broken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin had no idea how he had done it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The wolf had been there long before the fur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cRemove it,\u201d Orin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sena nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The treatment required silver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also feverwort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three days fasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A complicated ritual Sena admitted she found medically embarrassing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBecause I prefer medicine that doesn&#8217;t require chanting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDoes the chanting work?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThen chant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI will complain while doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFair.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The night before treatment, someone screamed outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin ran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A child had fallen into the river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spring flood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fast water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People stood on the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nobody could reach him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin jumped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The water was freezing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He smelled the child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That was impossible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He saw through darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Swam harder than any human should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caught the boy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A branch struck Orin&#8217;s shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bone cracked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He kept swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dragged the child ashore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By morning, Orin&#8217;s shoulder barely hurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sena examined it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe fracture is already knitting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat would go away?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cProbably.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cProbably?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe are discussing removing a supernatural wolf from your blood, Orin. The literature has limitations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He postponed treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mistake number three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The full moon came.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He locked himself in an abandoned stone cellar outside town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Steel door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sena waited outside with armed guards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At dawn they opened it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The door was scratched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deeply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin lay naked on the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They did it again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin began learning the pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The transformation wasn&#8217;t random.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stress mattered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moon mattered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hunger mattered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anger mattered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He could feel it approaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heat behind the eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Teeth aching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smells becoming too loud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The wolf had signals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then Orin transformed during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A man hit his daughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not Orin&#8217;s daughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A stranger&#8217;s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The man struck the girl across the face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin saw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Something opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He remembered everything this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That was worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The man&#8217;s heartbeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fear smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin&#8217;s hands changing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People screaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The incredible relief of becoming something that did not need to negotiate with itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He pinned the man against a wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jaws around his throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin wanted to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deeply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The wolf wanted blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin wanted blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There was no clean border between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That frightened him more than losing consciousness ever had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The man lived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The girl ran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin fled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTreatment tomorrow,\u201d Orin told Sena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No argument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then the girl&#8217;s mother came.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin expected anger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead she said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI almost killed him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBut you didn&#8217;t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI wanted to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHe has been hurting her for years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin became quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe tried courts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFamily intervention. Priests. Neighbors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin said nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHe was afraid of you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat isn&#8217;t necessarily good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBut it was useful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin hated that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because again:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">True.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He underwent treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Silver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chanting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sena complained throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin nearly died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then woke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His hearing was normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Terrible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He had never realized how quiet humans were.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His vision at night became useless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His shoulder hurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Old injuries returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He felt weak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Slow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ordinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then the next full moon arrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His hands changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only the hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Claws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sena stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI warned you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou said traits.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat is a trait.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat is a paw.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTechnically a hand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The wolf remained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin became obsessed with removing the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stronger ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each stripped something away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His smell dulled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Strength decreased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Healing slowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The transformations became smaller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So did Orin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not physically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hale noticed first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou don&#8217;t laugh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI laugh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhen?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin couldn&#8217;t remember.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou don&#8217;t hunt.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI don&#8217;t need to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou loved hunting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin became irritated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat was the wolf.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWas it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What else belonged to the wolf?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His love of forests?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Running?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Protectiveness?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Temper?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Courage?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Violence?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Joy in physical movement?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The strange peace he felt outdoors?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where did Orin end?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where did wolf begin?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sena had no test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAnother treatment might remove it completely,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat else might it remove?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI don&#8217;t know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There it was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin declined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead he built rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not romantic ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Full moons in secure shelter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No alcohol near transformation periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leave arguments when he felt the heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tell people close to him the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Never assume control simply because the last transformation went well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sena kept silver restraints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin hated them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They remained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He also trained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not to suppress the wolf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To recognize it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anger arrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He noticed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Protective instinct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The desire to dominate someone who frightened him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notice that very carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Years passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No one died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not because Orin became harmless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because he stopped requiring himself to believe he was harmless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then raiders came.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thirty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The town had twelve guards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin smelled them before the watchtower saw them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He knew immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Old senses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He warned the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People sheltered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guards prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Raiders entered after dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin went to the cellar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hale followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLocking myself in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe need you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOrin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou could help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI could kill everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hale corrected himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThem.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat&#8217;s exactly the problem.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outside:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Screaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Steel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin stood before the cellar door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He had spent years learning that capability was not permission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now restraint might mean watching neighbors die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sena arrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bleeding from the forehead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThey broke the east gate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin looked at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHow bad?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCan the guards hold?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin closed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCan you stop me afterward?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sena held up a silver chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI can try.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Terrible answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The only honest one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin walked toward the gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He changed deliberately for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not surrender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Invitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The wolf came.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">World exploding into scent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fear everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His own excitement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That frightened him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fear was information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He attacked the raiders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not like a hero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like an animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Terrible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three fled immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Others fought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin broke weapons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He lost track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This was exactly what he had feared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then the raiders ran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin chased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sena shouted:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cORIN!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Again:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cORIN!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The wolf continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then Hale stepped into the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stupid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Extremely Hale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEnough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hale stood twenty feet away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unarmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCome back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin smelled his fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enormous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hale stayed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin took one step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sena raised the silver chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin saw it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remembered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cellar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He changed back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Collapsed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three raiders died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two by Orin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe the third.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nobody knew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eleven townspeople survived injuries they likely would not have otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nobody called the outcome clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin insisted on that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some people called him a hero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He corrected them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some called him a monster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He didn&#8217;t correct them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both words were too simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Years later, Orin taught guards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not werewolves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ordinary people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Which meant the lesson translated surprisingly well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He asked:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWho here is capable of hurting someone?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nobody raised a hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThen this will be a very long class.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eventually hands rose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He pointed to the strongest recruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAre you dangerous?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The recruit smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOnly if I need to be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin&#8217;s expression changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The room quieted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat answer has buried many people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The recruit frowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat should I say?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cJust yes?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin walked closer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou are dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He pointed at another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSo are you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAnd you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSo am I.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTraining does not make that untrue.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGood intentions do not make that untrue.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He touched the silver bracelet around his wrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cControl does not mean pretending the capacity disappeared.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A recruit asked:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThen how do we know we&#8217;re good people?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin smiled sadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI don&#8217;t know that \u2018good person\u2019 is a permanent condition.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTry good practices.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He wrote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>NOTICE.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>RESTRAIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>CHOOSE.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>REPAIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>ASK FOR HELP.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then beneath them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU FEEL HARMLESS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That evening Orin walked home through the forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moon nearly full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He could feel the wolf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not enemy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not excuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A rabbit moved through brush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orin smelled it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His mouth watered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There it was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He continued walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The wolf came with him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tales from the Universe Moral Dilemma: When a part of yourself is genuinely capable of causing harm but is also responsible for strength, courage, and survival, should you try to destroy it\u2014or learn to live responsibly with something inside you that you may never completely trust? Orin woke with blood on his hands. This was [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-649","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-tales-from-the-universe"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Wolf Was Also His - Depth Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/depthguide.com\/?p=649\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Wolf Was Also His - Depth Guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Tales from the Universe Moral Dilemma: When a part of yourself is genuinely capable of causing harm but is also responsible for strength, courage, and survival, should you try to destroy it\u2014or learn to live responsibly with something inside you that you may never completely trust? 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