Humans can find themselves growing furs and running beneath the moon in one of two ways - being Changed or being Bitten. 

 

Changed wolves are people born with the necessary gene that lays dormant until a time in which there is prolonged exposure to a vampire presence. Due to the genetic factor, it isn’t uncommon for entire families to undergo the Change, and, in these communities, it is seen as a second puberty. Those who Change usually do so in their teen years; however, it’s possible to experience the Change later in life. Once Changed, aging slows but doesn’t stop, giving the wolf a more youthful appearance for longer. After the Changed’s first Moon, they are capable of turning humans with a deep bite while in wolf form. 

 

Bitten wolves are people who have been deeply bitten by a werewolf while in wolf form and have fully completed the Change. Like Changed wolves, Bitten can only be turned from their teen years on - typically after puberty. If the person is too young and the body is not sufficiently mature, a bite will have no effect, regardless of how deep it may be. Once Bitten, humans will undergo the same process as Changed wolves leading up to their first Moon. Once they’ve completed the Change, aging slows but doesn’t stop, giving the wolf a more youthful appearance for longer. After the Bitten’s first Moon, they are capable of turning humans with a deep bite while in wolf form. 

 

A critical difference between Changed and Bitten is the circumstance in which they undergo the Change. Some Changed wolves consider themselves superior to Bitten wolves, similar to human cultures that value long lineage over new money. However, the most essential difference between Changed and Bitten is that the process for Changed is natural and will only occur when the right conditions are met. For Bitten, there is a significant risk as they undergo an unnatural process. If not given adequate time to complete the Change, a Bitten’s body will be unable to handle the stress of their first shift.  Usually, if a human is bitten too close to a full moon, they will continue the Change and will not shift until the next full moon. Shifting before the Change has been completed will always result in death. 

 

The Change is a month-long process that must be completed before a werewolf can shift for the first time. There is no medical, magical, or natural way to speed up the process. Shifting before the process is complete will result in death. Humans who are Bitten too close to a full moon will not shift until the next full moon.

 

The first week after the Change begins with flu-like symptoms that worsen as the week progresses. This usually starts with a low-grade fever that engulfs the individual. For Bitten, this will begin within 24 hours of being bitten, and the bite will appear reddened as if infected. Medical assistance can be utilized to lessen the symptoms, such as using fever suppressants, but will not be able to get rid of them completely. By the end of the week, all medication will have no effect. 

 

The second week of the Change is when the body will get stronger. As the week progresses, the flu-like symptoms will dissipate, and the body's overall condition will improve. For Changed, this will look like returning to their pre-fever state. For Bitten, this may look like a return to their pre-bitten state with their bite wound no longer looking infected. By the end of the week, their metabolism doubles, and wounds heal 1.5x faster than usual unless the injury is inflicted by another werewolf,  shifter, or vampire. 

 

The third week of the Change sees a state of heightened abilities. All five senses will heighten to a painful degree that will only improve with time and acclimation. Dim lights shine like a cloudless sunny afternoon, smells continually assault the nose, and even the quietest of whispers might feel like someone screaming. The body continues to get stronger, and a Bitten’s wound will finally scab over. Changed and Bitten alike will feel more robust than ever before, getting a taste of the heightened physical abilities that are to come. 

 

The week of the Full Moon will be a confusing, overwhelming time. Senses in overload combine with body aches and restless energy to make for a temperamental wolf-to-be. The intensity grows until the night of the Full Moon when bodies break and reform. All previous discomfort and pain pale in comparison to the first shift. Once completely Changed, memories will stop for the night until the new werewolf returns to their skin, the hours of hunting and unique way of experiencing the world a complete blank. 

 

While nearly all wolves must rest after shifting back (read: Shift Coma), new Pups have it especially hard. After a good 16-hour nap, the wolf wakes up completely Changed and a full-fledged werewolf. In addition, wolves who experience the Change in Bellamy will automatically be able to communicate with the local Pack unless they shift separately (read: Pack Communication & Pack Mind).