chapter 7 The path of power

Reed sat beneath an ancient tree, its gnarled roots twisting like the veins of the earth itself. The remnants of battle clung to him—his clothes torn, his body aching from the brutal encounter with the six-headed tiger. His heart still pounded from the thrill of combat, but something deeper stirred within him.

Power.

Raw, untamed power crackled beneath his skin, sending faint jolts of lightning through his fingertips. It was unlike anything he had ever felt before, an energy that was no longer merely dormant within him—it was alive. It responded to his thoughts, his will, his rage. It was exhilarating, yet terrifying.

His father's words echoed in his mind, spoken in that commanding, unyielding tone that had defined Reed's training since childhood.

"There are two paths to power, my son," his father had told him during one of their grueling lessons. "The first is through natural growth, slow and steady. The second is through awakening—an explosive surge that grants rapid advancement. But be warned: power without control is a storm without direction."

Reed exhaled slowly, staring at his trembling hands. He had chosen the second path, not out of preference, but because the storm had chosen him. The awakening had pushed him beyond his previous limits, but now, he stood on the precipice of something greater. Something he barely understood.

Lightning flickered around his fingers, responding to his heartbeat. It no longer lashed out wildly; it danced in controlled arcs. His body had changed—his senses sharpened, his movements felt lighter, his instincts keener. He had become something more than human, yet he knew instinctively that this was only the beginning.

His father had always spoken of their bloodline, of the inheritance buried deep within their lineage. A power even more fearsome than lightning.

"The Blood Dominion," his father had whispered once, eyes gleaming with something between pride and warning. "When the time is right, it will awaken within you. The power to control blood itself. To turn an enemy's strength against them. To make their own bodies betray them at your command. This is the true heritage of our clan."

Reed's breath hitched. He had always known his family was different—feared, respected, whispered about in hushed voices—but only now did he begin to grasp the weight of their legacy. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. Would he become the master of his own power, or would it consume him?

A rustling in the underbrush snapped him from his thoughts. His sharpened senses picked up the presence before he saw it. Something—or someone—was watching him.

Reed stood, lightning crackling around his body. "Come out."

Silence.

Then, from the shadows, a figure emerged. Draped in dark robes, the man's face remained concealed beneath a hood. But his aura was unmistakable—cold, calculating, and powerful.

"You awaken faster than expected," the stranger said, his voice smooth like silk but carrying an undercurrent of menace.

Reed didn't lower his guard. "Who are you?"

The man stepped forward, hands clasped behind his back. "A messenger. Sent by one who watches over your growth."

Reed narrowed his eyes. "My father?"

A slow chuckle. "Perhaps. Or perhaps someone even older than him."

A flicker of unease crept into Reed's spine. "What do you want?"

"To see if you are worthy."

Without warning, the man moved. Faster than Reed's eyes could track, faster than even his enhanced reflexes could react. A blur of motion, and then—

Pain.

A dagger of energy pierced his shoulder, sending a jolt of agony through his body. Reed staggered back, gritting his teeth as blood trickled from the wound.

"Too slow," the stranger murmured. "Despite your awakening, you remain undisciplined."

Reed growled, rage flaring within him. The storm surged in response. Bolts of lightning shot from his hands, crackling toward his attacker.

But the man merely raised a hand. In an instant, Reed's own lightning was absorbed into a swirling vortex of energy, dissipating harmlessly.

Impossible.

The stranger tilted his head. "You do not yet understand your true nature."

Reed clenched his fists. "Then show me."

The man smiled. "Very well."

He vanished.

No, not vanished. He moved—so fast it seemed as though he had disappeared. A heartbeat later, Reed felt a presence behind him.

Instinct kicked in. He spun, unleashing a blast of raw energy. The lightning surged outward, striking the forest floor and leaving a scorched crater.

The stranger reappeared a few feet away, unscathed. "Better. But not enough."

Reed's breath came in ragged gasps. He was powerful, but against this man, he felt like a child playing with fire.

The stranger studied him for a long moment before nodding. "You will learn. In time."

With that, he turned and walked into the shadows, disappearing as if he had never been there.

Reed stood frozen, the silence of the forest pressing against him. The pain in his shoulder throbbed, a stark reminder of his weakness.

But something else burned within him.

Determination.

He would not be weak. He would not be a pawn in someone else's game. If power was what it took to carve his own path, then he would claim it. Master it. And surpass everyone who stood in his way.

The storm had awakened within him. Now, it was time to wield it.

As he turned toward the ruins in the distance, he knew one thing for certain—his journey had only just begun.