Days blurred together, each one bringing new challenges and fresh pain. Dooku's expectations were relentless, his approval as rare as water in a desert. I found myself relying more and more on my Indoraptor form, my wolf shape exhausted from the constant transformations.

"Let out your true power, apprentice!" Dooku's voice cracked like a whip across the training grounds.

Another arc of lightning erupted from his fingertips, sizzling through the air towards me. I ducked, the glittering tendrils of energy passing so close I could feel the heat on my scales.

My breath came in ragged gasps as I struggled to keep up with his relentless assault. Every muscle in my body screamed for rest, but I knew better than to show weakness. Dooku's idea of "encouragement" was not something I was eager to experience again.

"Is this all you're capable of?" he taunted, his amber eyes gleaming with disappointment and barely contained rage. "Perhaps I was mistaken about your potential."

His words stung more than they should have. I snarled, feeling something dark and primal stirring within me. The power he wanted, the strength he demanded – it was there, just beyond my reach. But at what cost would I claim it?

As another bolt of lightning arced towards me, I made my choice. It was time to show Dooku exactly what I was capable of.

In a surge of desperation and anger, I slammed my tail against the ground. A wave of raw power radiated outward, a shockwave that caught Dooku off guard. The force bowled him over, sending him crashing into one of the ornate pillars of his home with a sickening thud.

As Dooku grunted in pain, his guards sprang into action. They stepped forward, their staffs crackling with ominous energy. I lowered my head, a deep growl rumbling in my throat, my posture screaming threat and defiance.

"Let... let her be," Dooku croaked, his voice strained as he struggled to regain his composure.

The guards hesitated, turning to their master in confusion. One of the droids, its metallic voice filled with indignation, protested, "But Master, she hurt you!" It raised its staff, the weapon humming with barely contained energy as it pointed at me.

I remained coiled, ready to strike again if necessary. The air crackled with tension as we all waited to see what Dooku would do next. Had I finally proven myself, or had I just sealed my fate?

"I wanted her to," Dooku said, rubbing his head as he staggered to his feet. Strangely, he bore no visible wounds, but his unsteady movements betrayed his dizziness.

I curled my tail protectively around my flank, baring my jagged teeth at this man who thought he could train me. If Dr. Wu couldn't manage it, what made Dooku think he could?

"Again," he commanded, straightening his posture. His eyes gleamed with a mix of pain and excitement. "Do it again."

And so the day unfolded, a relentless cycle of attack and defense. I slammed my tail into the ground repeatedly, using shockwaves to fend off his lightning attacks. My claws flashed through the air, cutting through his light saber's deadly glow.

Hours passed in a blur of exertion and pain. By the time the sun began to set, I was more bruised than Dooku, my body aching from the constant barrage of attacks and the strain of unleashing my power.

As I stood there, panting and battered, I couldn't help but wonder: was this progress, or just another form of torture? And more importantly, what was Dooku really training me for?

The old man's eyes never left me, even as he dismissed his guards. There was something in his gaze – a hunger, a calculation – that sent a shiver down my spine despite my exhaustion.

With a wave of Dooku's hand, the guards moved forward. Each gripped one of my arms, their cold touch a stark contrast to my overheated scales.

"Take her to her cell. She needs rest now," Dooku commanded before turning and walking away, his cape billowing behind him.

I was unceremoniously dragged back to my cell and thrown inside. My only rewards for the day's grueling trials were a single slab of red meat and a small bowl of water. Ravenous and parched, I devoured the meager offerings before collapsing onto the hard floor.

As the pain pulsed through my body, I found myself staring at my claws, contemplating my existence. Is this truly all I'm good for? Killing? A heavy sigh escaped me as I tapped my sickle claw rhythmically against the ground, the sound echoing in the empty cell.

Exhaustion began to overtake me, my eyelids growing heavier with each passing moment. As sleep claimed me, I couldn't help but wonder what nightmares awaited in my dreams - or if they could possibly be worse than the reality I now faced.

The last thing I saw before darkness enveloped me was the glint of my claws in the dim light, a reminder of the weapon I had become.