The mirror answered my wishes, bringing forth images of joyous occasions that I longed to partake in.
I wanted so badly to find myself amongst the crowd that danced in that grand halls. I wanted to dine with the men while drinking all the necessary ale. I wanted to joke with the jesters as they threw the red balls into the air. I wanted to walk through the fields, just breathing, living...being.
But I couldn't. For as I looked into the mirror, staring at my reflection, all I saw as the dark and desolate life that shadowed me. Deep within this lifeless castle, I remained alone. No one would take time to know me, to see the man that lay underneath the fur and fangs and claws. No one knew me.
Me. Me. Me.
The beast.
That is...
...until she came along.
She had flowing brown hair, pale skin, and a beauty that could compare to no other.
For a while, she cowered in fear of my appearance, hiding from me-resisting me.
But...soon...she saw me.
She could see past the curse that had befallen me.
She had seen past the fangs. She had seen past the claws. She had seen past the fur.
She didn't need a mirror, or a magnifying glass.
All she needed was her heart. It was then I learned that I didn't need a mirror to find myself within a reflection.