I could feel a tingling sensation erupt in my mouth. The sizzling feeling of the smooth liquid slithered down my throat, coating each side. I felt my arm hairs stand up on end. The transformation was happening. I could feel the magic coursing through me.

I was shaking rapidly, my arms stretching yet shrinking at the same time. I was turning midnight black. My mouth became pointed and sharp, slowly transforming into a triangular beak. I shut my eyes tightly, the slow transformation causing unimaginable pain. I crouched down, my knees to my stomach.

I groaned in pain, my body was screaming, but felt good at the same time, aching its way out of a cramp. I gasped, opening my eyes only to reveal the crisp, sharp image of the forest. It was amazing. My field of vision was expanded, I could see all around myself. I opened my mouth slightly about to say something in awe, when I heard a loud, 'CAW' I jumped slightly, hopping side to side on my little claws.

I pondered the possibilities for a moment, when I realized I  had made the sound. I raised up my hands- or I guess wings now, and held them up steadily, prepared to fly. I hopped onto a high surface, ready to take off. I narrowed my eyes in determination, the only thing on my mind was to overcome the barriers of gravity by manipulating it with the forces of 'lift.' I took off, only to feel the drooping sensation in my stomach as I plummeted to the ground below. 

I attempted this for a couple of more times, each result proving the same as the last. After the 6th try, I climbed the tree, my body aching from the impact of my many falls. I pushed off, feeling gravity pull me down. But this time I had tried something new. I spread my wings. Although I didn't exactly fly, I did manage to ease my falls.

I became accustomed to the idea, and so every time I fell, I attempted to flap my wings more and more. Soon I was up in the air. It was the most wonderful, breathtaking experience. The sky was so serene and peaceful, It felt as if I had gained a huge perspective on life and this beautiful planet.

I was soaring through the sky, my cares silently stripping free from the anchor of worries permanently attached to my mind. Suddenly my mission lingered back to my mind. Right.

I leaned left, steering towards the gates guarding the castle. The two guards slowly became small blurs, a figment of the breeze. I flew over the wall, people barely acknowledging me. Now all that was left to do was wait one day.

***

The sun was breaking through the clouds as the early break of dawn made it's presence known. I sat upwards and I felt pain shoot throughout my body. I groaned lightly to myself. How long will I feel like this? Will this happen every time I transform? So many questions came to my mind but were left unanswered. 

My arms were scratchy and slowly draining of it's black pigment, my brown skin now present. I raised my hand to my mouth, feeling for my beak. I sighed in relief when I felt my normal, human lips. I stood up groggily, shaking away the lingering pain. 

I snuck around the market, pulling rags over my body and smearing dirt over my face. I was walking and suddenly heard a low growl coming from near me. It was my stomach. I inwardly sighed. I took a step forward, my feet dragging against the ground. I looked to my side and saw an apple cart.

Aha

I ducked beside the cart, careful to not catch any attention. I swiftly reached my hand over the cart, feeling for the smooth, waxy surface of the red, nectar filled treat. When I finally felt one brush my fingertips, I guided my hands over to it, grasping the delicious fruit. Suddenly, I felt a rough hand grasp my hand. 

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" A voice said.

"Crap," I muttered under my breath.

"Oh I'm going to get some big money from you little gem," the man said, pulling me up.

I squinted my eyes. The man looking slightly similar. Oh.

It was the man who had told me it was the King and Queens anniversary all those years ago. I stared into his eyes. Noticing a bright powerful green color radiating from them. Interesting.

I was too busy lost in my own thoughts to realize where I was. Back at the castle. My breath hitched as I was escorted to the throne room. Seems a little too soon for me to be back here.

The king cleared his throat loudly. "It appears someone had the audacity to come back here and show her face." the king remarked, fury seeping unto his face.

"Haven't you done enough damage already?" The queen remarked, shocking both of us.

"Your majesties, I have come to your kingdom, begging for your mercy. I know I have done wrong, but I have something to offer you something nobody can refuse." I said, nervousness lacing my words.

"You really think after all the damage you have caused to my kingdom, we could just accept you back? You see, we didn't even accept you in the first place. You broke in. Do you have any idea how many laws you have broken child?" The king said distastefully. 

I could feel my face burning up. I took five deep breaths.

"Please, allow me to humor you this one last pitch," I said, desperation fully taking over my tone.

"Oh, I say we let her try, the court jesters have been delayed, so why not?" The queen said, humor dancing in her eyes.

"May I present to you, the Spinning Wheel," I said as I snapped my fingers, a poof of green smoke revealing a spinning wheel.

"So what?" The queen said, boredom clearly shown.

"You see, this spinning wheel isn't normal, no, it can spin straw, into gold." I said. I had been working on this masterpiece for weeks, hoping it would impress the King and Queen. 

The king and queen shared a glance before laughing loudly.

"Oh dear, I haven't had a laugh quite like that in a while." The queen said, lifting a finger to her eye to wipe away a tear.

"Here, just look," I said, annoyance seeping into my voice.

The king snapped his fingers and a servant arrived with a pile of straw in his hands. 

I inhaled deeply and began to spin. 

Slowly but surely, small threads of gold began to appear. 

The kings eyes doubled in surprise as he was taking in what he was seeing.

"H-how?" the king stuttered.

"We all have our secrets," I said as I winked.

"Alright, I have a compromise for you." The king said. "If you can spin gold for us three times every week, you will be allowed to stay in our kingdom."

"Deal!" I said happily. 

"Alright then, you may be dismissed. As for you peasant, don't think I forgot who you are, I know your crimes," The king said darkly.

I shrugged to myself and walked out of there. Suddenly, someone crashed into me and I fell over.

"Hey watch where your going," I groaned, rubbing my head lightly.

"Sorry," the voice said.

I looked up to see a boy about my age. He had shiny jet black hair that could reflect a thousand stars. Bright Amber eyes, even the most adventurous sailor could get lost in them. His nose was perfect, small freckles dusting across his face. I stood there, my mouth slightly agape. Who is this hot little devil?

"It's aright," I murmured.

"I'm Sawyer," he said.

"Maeve," I replied giving him a small smile.

"Nice to meet you," I said, extending my hand for a handshake.

"The pleasure is mine," he said, giving me a warm smile.

As soon as our hands connected I felt an electrifying shock shoot through me. Sending shivers up my spine. It felt as if I had known him my entire life, the silence between us was enough to say everything.

I shook my head to snap out of it. 

Day two of the king and queen and you already have a crush, my conscience scolded 

Oh shut up.

I looked down realizing our hands were still connected. I immediately retracted.

"Well, I think I should be best on my way now, bye Sawyer" I said nervously. 

"See you around Maeve," Sawyer said shooting me a wink that made my knees turn to jello.

Hello! So right now, my laptop is about to die, so when I charge it up, I will edit it TWQ (The Wolf's Questions) Also, what do you think of Sawyer? Anyways, bye for now!! <3