There once was a princess who was more beautiful than the sun. She radiated happiness and warmth and was beloved by her people. But after her father's death, the princess became hard and cold. The girl who used to love equally became vain and angry.

One day, an old man knocked on the castle door, seeking refuge from the storm. He offered her a single rose in return. Basing her opinion on the man's haggard appearance, she turned him away. The old man warned her that she shouldn't judge someone on their appearance. The princess again turned him away. Then, suddenly, the old man turned into a handsome enchanter. The princess begged for him to come inside. "It is too late," said the enchanter. "For you must learn that there is more to someone than their appearance."

The enchanter cast a spell that made the princess into a horrible beast. The rose that the enchanter offered became enchanted as well. "When the last petal falls, you will remain a beast forever. The only way to stop this is to fall in love and have them fall in love with you in return."

The princess sobbed into her hands- or rather her paws. For how could anyone learn to love a beast?

Bellamy walks through town, book in his hand, and tries to ignore the stares of the towns people. He moved here with his sister years ago, and the people still look at them like they are outsiders. Bellamy moves the book to block the view of his face. He doesn't need to see these streets to know where he is going. Every day here is just the same, the same pastries from the baker, the same huntress that is always vying for his attention.

He makes it to the bookshop, grateful to see Wells, the only person who understands him here. Wells' eyes light up as he spots Bellamy. "Finished already?"

Bellamy grins, "Anything new?"

"Same as always, you know."

Bellamy picks up a worn copy from the shelf. "Could I borrow this one?"

Wells laughs, "Again?"

"It's my favorite," Bellamy responds with an easy shrug.

"Keep it."

"Are you sure?" Bellamy asks. He feels like this could be one of the best gifts he's ever received.

"Of course. Now get going. You've got reading to do," Wells says with a smile.

Bellamy tucks the book under his arm and exits the shop. He finds his spot by the fountain and reads. He'll stay here just for a bit; he needs to check on Octavia soon.

He's walking back to his home when Echo stops him. She grabs the book from his hands. "Why would you want to read this?" she asks.

Bellamy takes the book back from her. "Well, Echo, some of us actually enjoy reading."

Echo makes a face, but shakes her head. "Think of all the ways your time could be better spent. Perhaps you could even be so lucky to be spending that time with me."

Bellamy tries not to roll his eyes. Talking to Echo can be tedious. "I've got to get going now."

Bellamy starts to move around Echo, but she grabs his arm. "You will be mine one day, Bellamy."

He shakes her hand off his arm and walks home.

Octavia is sitting by the fire, sewing together her newest work. His sister had always loved clothing, so it was no surprise to him when she began making and selling her own creations.

"Getting ready to take your new creations to the market?" Bellamy asks as he sits down beside her.

"Oh, Bellamy! They're sure to love these. The woman who usually buy my dresses told me that they were going to tell their friends. It's a wonderful opportunity and maybe finally we can go somewhere new! I know how you long to travel."

Bellamy puts his arm around his sister's shoulders. "It will be your money, Octavia. You will not be spending it on me."

Octavia takes a deep breath. "It won't be for you! It will be for us. We will travel. Back to Paris, perhaps? I miss it so."

Bellamy smiles, it reaching his eyes, which hasn't happened for a long time. "That would be a dream come true."

Bellamy waves as Octavia takes Helios to the path by the woods. He knows that she won't be gone long, but he misses her already.

He can't help but think of going to Paris.

He wants so much more than this provincial life.

Octavia and Helios are making great time going to the market. She thinks they'll make it there by sundown at this pace. She looks at the forest and sees a blue butterfly. She smiles happily.

Suddenly Helios stops and Octavia becomes more alert. There's a tree down in their path. But as Octavia looks, she sees that there is another path beside the fall branch. She looks to her map, shrugging. This path can't be too off of the one she meant to take. She moves Helios down this new path, much to the horse's reluctance.

The woods become very dark as they travel down the path. Octavia is on edge now and halts Helios. "This isn't right," she mutters, thinking that it's time to turn around. There's the sound of a snapping branch behind her and she turns quickly. There is a wolf there, snarling, and staring her down. Helios bucks and runs so fast that Octavia can barely see where they're headed. She pulls on his reins to lead him away from a cliffs edge, turning to see that there are now three wolves behind her. She has to think fast, to get out of this. Helios turns suddenly and Octavia is aware that she is falling off of the horse. Helios continues to run without abandon, not realizing that he has lost his rider. Octavia catches the sight of a tall metal fence in her peripheral vision, and runs as fast as she can to the gate. She is on the other side and closing the gate when the wolves spot her. She slams it shut and locks it quickly. The wolves wrestle as she gets far away from the gate. She hopes Helios is alright.

Octavia turns to see a brilliant castle. She wonders how she's never heard of it before. A cold shiver runs through her body as she makes her way up the steps to the main entrance. She knocks loudly. "Please," she begs, "please let me in. I've lost my horse. I'm chilled to the bone. I just need somewhere to stay until morning."

The castle door creaks open, although Octavia can't see anyone inside. "Hello?" she calls.

There is no reply. She takes a shaky step into the castle. "Is anyone there?"

She hears whispers behind her but can't place them. There is no one else in this room.

"I'm going to sit by the fire," she announces to the emptiness.

That's when she spots the moving candlestick, and the talking clock. "She can't be here!" the clock exclaims.

"What is-?" she begins to ask.

"Oh now you've done it!" shouts the clock. "Now you've really done it, Jasper!"

The candlestick laughs. "You've scared the girl, John! Come, miss, let us sit by the fire."

She follows the candlestick and sits by the fire. Then a teapot and a tea cup are by her side as well.

"Have a drink," the tea pot tells her, pushing the teacup forward.

"Don't push!" complains the cup.

"I don't need anything, thank you," Octavia replies. This whole situation is insane.

Then the room goes dark, and Octavia's hairs rise on the back of her neck.

"Who are you?" booms a loud female voice.

"I was lost in the woods-" Octavia begins.

"YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE."

"I-I'll leave, just give me one moment, I-"

But then Octavia feels a large paw on her shoulder. It holds her in place and she cannot move.

"Take her to the tower," the voice commands.

"But madam-" Jasper starts.

"But nothing! Take her to the tower. Now!"

Bellamy is sitting by the tree behind their house. He is reading some of his favorite book, utterly lost to this reality.

He hears hooves tromping into the dirt, and confusion hits him.

That surely couldn't be Octavia back already.

He looks up from his book to spot a frightened looking Helios without Octavia in the saddle.