I awoke the next day, realizing I only got about 3 hours of sleep. Maybe my grandmother was right, I think I do have feeling towards James. I don't want to think about that right now. I have more pressing matters to speak of. I walked down stairs and into the kitchen where the chef was cooking us breakfast. I sat down across the table from grandmother and father. They both stared at me curiously. "Do you need to say something or are you just going to keep staring at me?" I asked. My grandmother spoke up, "The full moon is tonight dear, we just wanted to make sure you will be fine on your own. I know what happened yesterday wasn't very good news, but it's what's right for everyone here!" I took a deep breath and said, "I'll feel better on one condition," I stared for a moment and then continued, "I want you both to explain to me what this 'ritual' is. What it is, what it does, how it works! I want to hear it all!" Fear showed upon my fathers face, and enthusiasm upon grandmothers. They looked at one another with deciding looks. Finally my grandmother said, "For the ritual to work, it must take place on a full moon, just before the moon is at its apex. Then, we use the blood of whomever wishes the gene upon themselves." My father cut in and continued, "After that, you must bind the blood with your pack's blood. The one who will be turning will have to drink the blood, when they do the moon will be at its apex. Then they will immediately turn into a werewolf. And every full moon from that." My father seemed to be hiding something else. "What else is there? I know you're not telling me something..." My father looked terrified, not for himself, but for me. "You must take the life of someone you love deeply. Whether it's a family member, someone from the pack. Or a significant other." My face came to a realization of the situation, "You mean... my mother died because you had to use her in the ritual? You loved her more than anyone else in this world and that's the real reason why she died?" A tear streamed down my face, more followed shortly after. My Grandmother quickly defended him, "Sweetheart, he had to. In order to keep you safe, and your mother is the one who volunteered herself for it. She wanted to do whatever it took to keep you safe!" In a whimpering voice I replied, "That doesn't make it okay! I would've been fine, she didn't have to die because of me!" I quickly ran out the door. I'm relieved I got dressed before coming downstairs today. I sped out the door and just kept running. I didn't know where I was going or how long I ran for, but I ended up by the castle gates. I sat down on a bench sitting by the gate. A guard confronted me and asked, "Are you okay? Are you here to see the royal family?" In my whimper I asked, "Can you bring Prince Thomas out? I need to see him. Tell him Amelia is here." The guard nodded in his concern and took off. I began crying once more. A few minutes later I saw the gates opening, Thomas following them. He walked out and signaled for his guards to leave us be. "What happened Amelia? What's going on?" I looked up and he realized I was crying. He sat down next to me and pulled me to him, I quickly answered his question, "My father just explained to me the ritual on how you become a werewolf!" Thomas seemed confused so I continued, "You have to kill the person you love most. My father killed my mother when I was just a baby, then he lied my entire life by telling me it was a sickness that took her!" He held me in his arms and said, "It'll be alright Amelia, I promise." I sat up straight again and said, "I'm sorry Thomas, I had no where else to go. I had to get out of the house, your family is the only other people I know outside of mine!" He smiled sincerely and replied, "It's alright, there's nothing you should be sorry about. I'm glad you came to me about this. You can do this as much as you need!" I nodded my head ensuring his promise. Then, out of the blue, James appeared at the gates and saw me crying. He ran over and said, "Thomas, may we have a moment?" He nodded and quickly left. Still in my seat, I said, "Hello My Lord." He ignored me and got down on one knee to see my face clearly. James held his hand to my face and wiped away my tears and said, "I heard what happened. I'm very sorry about your mother Amelia. It'll get better over time!" I turned up to him and asked, "How do you know?" He took a deep breath and answered, "I'm not the true Lord. I'm only half royalty. I'm the result of a one night stand my mother had with a father I never knew, it was only while I was at war when I heard of his passing. But I've overcome it, and so will you! It just takes some time." I did my best to smile for him but it didn't fool anyone. "Can I get you anything? Would you like to come inside?" I shook my head and replied, "There's only one thing I want." He gestured for me to continue so I did, "I wish to become a true werewolf like my family..."