| Seven |

"Family is the most important thing in the world."

- Princess Diana

Song : Just like fire by P!NK

•••

February 3, 1943

If murder wasn't a crime, I would have killed Caius by now. I couldn't believe that I was not allowed to leave the stuffy palace forever. Until we find him, you and your brothers are to stay in the palace, BriarSnow. I hated the way Caius said Rell's name. He said it like it was poison, or garbage. Garbage that needed to be picked up. I shouldn't kill Caius. Better yet I should slaughter him alive, burn him at the stake, and then spit on his ashes. I was so angry! I wanted to go and see Rell again. Rell was now plaguing my thoughts. I couldn't stop dreaming about him last night.

But one must be optimistic for the future. This morning I decided to get up and then convince Archangel to let me go hunting. Archangel may be wise, but he can be convinced to do anything. So I got up and opened the curtains. The beautiful light of day kissed my skin, making it glow. My black night dress flowed in the wind as I let the breeze in my bed chamber. I grabbed the water pitcher so I could wash my face. I added the rose petals.

I grabbed the towel hanging by the pitcher and dipped it in the water. After washing and drying my face I noticed something different.

Very different.

My eyes widened at my reflection. My once wavy dirty blonde hair, changed into an exquisite golden blonde, like sun rays. It had strange and small ebony black streaks in them that were noticeable and quite beautiful. Just like Rell's, I thought. It was now curly and flawless as it flowed and stopped a little bit below, my now, full breasts. My body has changed from slim and proper to taller and more beautiful, with all the right curves in all the right places.

My skin was no longer just pale. It was now silky smooth, and white as snow, Just like Rell's. My skin also had a small pink blush to it, making it extremely exquisite. My dull grey eyes became more full and beautiful in color, matching the color of ashes and storm clouds. I have grown a little taller in height and my face has improved as well! I had full lips as red as blood, and my nose was perfectly sculpted along with my cheek bones. I was beautiful!

Too beautiful. Too good to be true. How could this be? I know puberty happens to those around my age, but it doesn't happen this fast! What has happened! The next thing I know, I did the most reasonable thing possible.

I screamed. I screamed so loud, I bet the whole immortal world could hear me.

In a flash, my brothers, Caius, Lucius, and Dominic came up. I was surprised to see Draven with them. I always thought Draven hated me.

"BriarSnow! We heard you scream, what happened..."

Draven surprised me by asking that. Why does he care about me now? Then he slurred his speech as his eyes fell on me. Draven began staring me up and down.

"Sister?" Murmurs and gasps filled the room. My family was just as shocked as I was at my appearance. It was too shocking.

"Sister, what happened?" Ryland's trembling voice.

I looked down in shame. "I don't know. I woke up and I looked like this." Then I gasped, and covered my mouth with my palm. My voice! It sounded so silky and smooth and beautiful. Just like Rell's. It sounded like the most beautiful of bells.

"Sister?"

This was truly strange. No one wakes up and then looked completely different. Then I remember Rell's words. You're so beautiful. When you begin the transformation, you will be the most beautiful of immortals. His words echoed in my mind. This is probably what he meant by "transformation". But what does this all have to do with me? Why did he come to me? Why was Lucius, Dominic, and Caius so riled up about him? They're hiding something from me. I'm sure of it.

Then in a flash I jumped up and pointed an accusing finger at each of them. "You're all hiding something from me! You're all keeping something from me! Families aren't supposed to have secrets! What is so bad about Rell that you can't tell me?"

The next thing I knew, my brothers were on their knees, whimpering.

Whimpering?

Whimpering!

My brothers never whimpered. Never. What have I done? Then I realized the power in my voice. Like an Alpha. But I wasn't supposed to get my alpha tone until after I was crowned alpha. How did I do it? Then I saw Caius, Dominic, and Lucius whimpering as well. No immortal could bring an Alpha to their knees willingly. They have too much pride. How can I do that? Better yet, how did I do that?

"I'm so sorry." I rushed out.

Then Foxclove stood up and pointed at my eyes. I raised an eyebrow. What about my eyes? I slowly strolled to the mirror and looked to see glowing raven purple eyes staring back at me? I backed away and screamed. I fell over a chair and tumbled backwards. Just like Rell's. I remembered Rell's eyes changing into a raven purple. They were so beautiful, but scary at the same time.

"I don't know what you've done, Snow, but now we know for sure that you must stay in the palace."

I was going to cry. And I never cried. I didn't want to be cooped up in the palace all day. Why are they refusing to tell me what has happened? I didn't understand.

"You can't keep me inside forever!" I shouted across the room.

Caius just turned around, "Yes we can."

"Then tell me why!"

"Never!"

Something happened, a feeling like no other overwhelmed my body, bringing it into the strange mix of ecstasy and agony all wrapped up into one bunch. The feeling filled me, and then I started shaking, my hands turning into fists. I slammed my eyes shut, clenching my jaw.

And then I screamed.

-