Belle stepped into the entry way and inhaled as she was overcoming with the feeling that she was entering another world. It was winter here, six months out of season. And while the castle reminded her how small she was, it caused a bubbling excitement to coarse through her. She nodded politely to the door as it closed, the weight surly helping. Smirking slightly as she brought her precious pencil to paper to record what she saw.
The castle is where and as described though it appears the dates have been recorded incorrectly. This castle is in utter disrepair, abandoned would be the first thought, and an excellent setting to a horror story. The chill I cannot tell whether from the out of season snow on the castle grounds, or from the horrific images and statues the castles contains. At one time, perhaps, this held the royal family of Villeneuve, but not for centuries, at least. And whoever recorded its beauty either was absolutely mistaken, accidentally illiterate, or the castle had since been drastically modified. But who would modify a castle for no one?
"Excuse me, is there anyone here?" She called, not looking up from her quick writing. She knew it was unlikely there would be anyone here. Why live in a castle alone? The sound of metal clattering to the ground had her dropped her pencil. She dropped to her knees, the castle feeling darker and the silence heavy around her. She swept her hand back and forth, trying to feel for her sole writing tool, a gift from her father. Her hand swept over something furry. She moved back, bringing her fingers forward to feel claws. She quickly dived backwards, crawling to the door. She thought to bring snacks, an extra cloak, but forgot about wolves.
"Thief, there is nothing here of value and the master of this castle holds no wealth. Leave, before I lock you in this castles towers for trespassing." It was a male voice, but it was deep, it had a timbre about it that vibrated Belle at the same level of her excitement.
"Sir, my deepest apologies. I am no thief, rather a historian, of sorts. All I am collecting is my thoughts and experiences as I search for the lost royal family of Villeneuve, nothing more." Belle bowed her head, shoving her sewn parchment into her waist pocket in case she needed to run. She would have to make a new pencil but should could make do until then. "I did not know anyone could live here."
"Historians do not look like you, peasants and thieves do, and I have no need for either in my home." The man stayed in the shadows, Belle leaned against the door, feeling for its heavy handle, hoping to let in light and give her an escape.
"Still judging based on immediate appearances after all this time? You've learned nothing." Belle heard a soft melodic voice surround her. The man in front of her roared an inhuman sound, the closets she had ever heard to the marriage of man and animal. Belle waited for the man's breathing to slow, and to see if the voice would sound again. Was there a lady in the castle as well? Why did she drop her pencil, she was going to forget something by the time she got home?
"Sir, pardon me, but as a woman of logic I must say that either you are admitting to being part of the royal family of Villeneuve, or knowing what happen to them." Belle's curiosity had her letting go of the handle, stepping forward into the dark. "I was reading a book of history on Villeneuve and it simply stops after the Prince's twentieth birthday. It's almost like everyone had forgotten, but the books do not. Surely an entire village would not forget their royal family."
"You have no idea what you talk of, where you are, or what could happen to you. Go." The sound of clothing and steps started to walk away, dismissing her. Belle had bravery in spades and realized that she could learn something no one else knew of. And the chance was walking away from her.
"I would like the chance to explore. I wouldn't bother you, nor be in your way. I'm not seeking your hospitality, merely a chance to explore. I'm curious." Belle stepped again towards where the man stood.
"I said go!" The man took a heavy step toward her, grabbing her arm. The castle breathed to life as lights illuminated and Belle stood face to face with a monster.