Free Gauntlet Rite of Ascension by Marcus Abshire

weeks passed in a daze. So much happened, yet I was unable to engage in any of it.
    My school allowed me to miss the rest of the year. There wasn’t much left anyway and my grades up to that point were stellar.
    Georgetown sent a letter letting me know that due to the recent tragedy in my life the scholarship was secure and they looked forward to my attendance in the fall.
    The news of the event went national and for a week the town was full of major news outlets trying to talk to me and my sister, we managed to avoid them and when the official report was released that a bear was behind the attacks, they left in search of a juicier story.
    Life went back to some semblance of normalcy. For the next month I kept to myself. My sister had seemingly forgotten about trying to find the truth. She spent most of her time with Ricky, helping him recover.
    He was doing better. The wounds were deep and had damaged some muscle, but he was healthy and had the resiliency of youth.
    My mom never talked about how she knew Abaddon and I never asked.
    I could feel the power of the Beast within me. At times, it would grow like a wave cresting then it would ease.
    The few times I tried to channel it, the power came to me easily. I was scared by my newfound abilities and tried to ignore it.
    I absently kept track of the cycle of the moon, subconsciously understanding that what happened to me, as far-fetched as it seemed, had something to do with werewolves. I studiously absorbed all the information I could about them. Using the internet I read everything.
    Max called every day and wanted to come over and hang out. He was worried about me, but would never say as much. I told him I was fine and just needed more time. I did, however, ask him about what he knew about werewolves and he quickly turned his focus on something he was passionate about. He sent me article after article about animal attacks and missing person reports. He had a surprising amount of material on the subject.
    A week before the full moon Abaddon showed up. I was lying in bed staring at the ceiling when I heard my name come from the open window.
    “Eric.” Abaddon said.
    I got up and tentatively looked out. He stood in the moon light, wearing the same dark coat as before and the same hat.
    “It is time Eric, time to begin your training. We have wasted too much precious time. Come.” He said.
    “What are you talking about? I’m not going anywhere with you.” I said.
    He never faltered or looked away. His steady countenance was unnerving.
    “Do you know what happens when the moon is full? That is but four nights away. Are you willing to risk losing control? I can teach you to control the Beast. Come with me and I can help you. Right now you are a threat to your family.” He said.
    I had been afraid of that possibility ever since that fateful night. Afraid that what I had gone through wasn’t some dream and that this newfound gift was a nightmare that could turn on those I loved. Abaddon saw as my fear sweep over me, understanding.
    “Come downstairs, we need to talk.” He said.
    “Fine, I’ll be down in a minute.” I said, hoping he could help me.
    I hurried downstairs; worried that Abaddon would be seen, unsure how my mom would react. I came to the bottom of the stairs and found Abaddon standing in the kitchen talking to my mom. They both stopped and turned to look at me. My mom smiled and motioned me to come closer.
    “Come here, we need to talk.” She said.
    “Okay.” I said, apprehensively.
    I walked over and sat down at the kitchen table. My mom sat next me and held both my hands in hers.
    “I know you have many questions. Unfortunately I don’t have many answers. Abaddon does.” She said nodding to him.
    “Your father had secrets he kept from me. I accepted this because I loved him and I believed him when he said it would be dangerous for me to know. I am beginning to piece some things together but I am not going to be able to help you. I want you to go