Under the Skin

Chapter 50: Crinos and The Primordial

Kai's senses returned to him gradually. He felt a soft breeze on his face, the warmth of the sun on his skin, and the rustle of grass beneath his fingers. He opened his eyes and found himself lying in a vast, verdant field. The sky above was a clear blue, and the tranquility of the scene was at odds with the chaos he had just been through.

Kai stood up, disoriented. "Where am I?" he muttered to himself, turning in every direction, trying to make sense of his surroundings. The last thing he remembered was the intense battle with Viktor, the crushing defeat, and the mysterious voice urging him to let it in.

"Kai..."

The voice echoed again, clearer and more resonant. He spun around, and his breath caught in his throat. Standing behind him was a towering figure, a monstrous yet majestic being, exuding an aura of immense power. It was the Crinos, the primal embodiment of his werewolf heritage.

The Crinos was a fearsome sight, with rippling muscles, dark fur, and eyes that glowed with an ancient, otherworldly light. Despite its terrifying appearance, there was an air of wisdom and strength about it that made Kai feel both awe and a strange sense of familiarity.

"You are the Crinos," Kai said, his voice a mix of wonder and apprehension.

"Yes," the Crinos replied, its voice deep and resonant, echoing in the vastness of the field. "I am the primal force within you, the true power of your bloodline."

Kai took a step forward, his curiosity overcoming his fear. "Why am I here? Why did you bring me to this place?"

The Crinos regarded him with a steady gaze. "This is a realm within your mind, a sanctuary where your true self can manifest. I brought you here because the time has come for you to embrace your full potential."

Kai clenched his fists, frustration and determination mingling within him. "I need your power. Viktor is too strong. He's going to destroy everything and everyone I care about."

The Crinos nodded. "Viktor is indeed powerful. But he is not invincible. The power you seek has always been within you, waiting to be unlocked."

"How do I unlock it?" Kai asked, desperation in his voice. "Tell me what I need to do."

The Crinos stepped closer, its towering form casting a long shadow over Kai. "You must accept me fully. Embrace the primal force within you. Only then will you be able to harness the true power of your bloodline."

Kai's mind raced. The battles he had fought, the losses he had endured, the people he had vowed to protect—all of it led to this moment. He knew he had no choice but to accept the Crinos' offer. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come.

"I accept," Kai said firmly, meeting the Crinos' glowing eyes. "I will embrace the power within me."

The Crinos extended its hand, and Kai grasped it without hesitation. A surge of energy flowed through him, unlike anything he had ever felt before. His senses heightened, his strength amplified, and his mind flooded with ancient knowledge and primal instincts.

"Remember, Kai," the Crinos said, its voice echoing in his mind. "This power is a part of you. Use it wisely, and you will become the protector you were always meant to be."

The grassy field began to fade, the serene landscape dissolving into darkness. The Crinos' form melded with Kai's, becoming one with him. The power surged within him, awakening every fiber of his being.

As the vision faded completely, Kai found himself back in the chamber, the sounds of battle ringing in his ears. He opened his eyes, now glowing with the intense, otherworldly light of the Crinos. The strength of his ancestors coursed through his veins, and he knew he was ready to face Viktor once more.

The final battle awaited, and this time, Kai would fight with the full power of the Crinos within him.