My name is Gemma Marie and I am one of the most powerful lycanthropes on the planes.

My family is descendents of the very first lycanthropes, or werewolves as they’re known as today, to grace the planet. Let me just tell you now, that being powerful isn’t always fun. Sure I’m treated like royalty, but I keeping up a reputation like this entail (no pun intended of course)a lot. You always have to be on your best behavior, and you always have to deal with the problems of others, while no one really cares about your problems, as long as you uphold the correct reputation.

            Anyway, that’s not what’s important right now. I’m fourteen and about to start my freshman year at The Academy for Multi-Talented Teens (a.k.a. The Academy). I knew when I was born that I would be attending the academy. Unlike most I was born a werewolf, yet another reason I’m so unique.

            The first time I transformed I was nine. It wasn’t that bad for me, since I knew it was going to happen eventually. My mother and father taught me what it would be like from the time I was able to talk. It isn’t nearly as cool as books and movies make it out to be though. It’s actually quite painful, but very calming at the same time. The crack and pop of you bones growing and changing. It’s sort of a good pain. Like the pain you get in your muscles after a long workout.

            Most of the werewolf myths you hear are just Hollywood versions to make it seem more glamorous or to make for more interesting stories. No, vampires are not the enemy of werewolves, though they usually don’t mingle. And, no, werewolves don’t stalk human prey; we prefer hunting in the woods like any other wild animal. We can change anytime we want if we try hard enough, though it does take practice. At the same time, we do have a stronger urge to change during the full moon, but you can fight it off. 

            Don’t be fooled though, there are things that can set off the change. Feeling strong emotion is the big one. It’s not a certain emotion exactly, though there are emotions that set off the change more then others. For example anger, frustration, and jelously set things in motion more then sadness, or elation.

            All in all, don't ever do anything to piss off a werewolf, but especially around the full moon. Like I said though, those of us that are more practiced, or just have more natural skill are able to control it more. Me being the only born werewolf around, means that I have more natural skill, and therefore don't have to try as hard. The first time I changed though, was just as hard as it was for anyone else.

            Yes my parents told me what would happen, and how things would change, but someone telling you can never match the true feeling of the change. The first time I changed was because of the full moon. I was nine years old and noticed subtle differences around me. My sight for one seemed to be enhanced, along with my hearing and sense of smell. Then when the sun set, I got this feeling in the pit of my stomach. I told my parents I didn't feel good, so they sent me to bed. Later that night I changed. My parents were extatic. The next morning I remembered everything. I was excited that I could finally live up to my parents wishes. You see, nine years old is a little young for the first change.

            As I got older I trained myself, with my parents help, to control the change. Now it doesn't even really effect me. I don't notice as much when the full moon comes around, I can control when I change, and being angry or frustrated doesn't really do anything because I can hold it off. Now changing is just something that I like to do. I go out to run, or to have time with the pack. That's another show of my power. It takes years and years to learn that kind of control and I mastered it in only 5. In some of the most marvelous cases it's been 10 years since the person's first change. I even mastered it fast then my parents.