Chapter 8

That night, I sat, shuddering violently, in my bed trying my best not to let the tears fall from my eyes. I could not sleep, as each time I closed my eyes images of the beast being dragged into the dungeon assaulted my mind. And each time the memories smashed into my mind, tears and deep burning sobs shook my body. What I had seen disgusted me, the thoughts making my stomach churn. I frantically scrubbed the tears from my eyes once again, scratching my face, leaving deep red marks on the soft skin.

Oh God! I prayed silently. Please, please help me figure something out. Please help me persuade Gaston to let the creature free. But I knew my prayers were useless. My future husband was extremely pleased with himself, smugness radiating from him as he had led me back into the house. His celebratory mood had also covered up my obvious anguish too, as he barely recognised any difference.

I felt it now, by body was too exhausted to carry on and slumped against my pillows, my limbs feeling like dead weights, sinking deeper. But my mind did not slow down as the thoughts came flooding back. I was too drained to fight them off. I had tried my best to beg Gaston to free him, almost screaming at him. He hadn't listened. As the beast roared in pain, my begging ceased, the agony of the sight caught in my throat and choked me. All the while, I could feel his eyes burning into me. Gaston had just laughed at my hysterics, boomed something about being tired and led me into the house.

And finally I drifted into a fitful and uncomfortable sleep.

As I awoke the next morning, I felt a clarity that would have been almost comforting had it not been for the fact I was positive I would not be able to help. I dressed quickly and, after spending a short time with my father, dashed to see Gaston. As I entered his office for the second time that week, his smug grin widened.

"Belle," his voice was soft and his eyes sparkled.

I couldn't decipher the reason behind his jubilance and it unnerved me slightly. Why was this creature so important to him?

"Gaston, I...I've something I need to ask you," I raised my hand to stop him speaking, "Please don't interrupt or I doubt I'll be able to say it. I wondered if you would be able to let the beast go. You can hunt for anything else, but I just can't bear to see it lock up. He's in agony, Gaston." I breathed, tears brimming my eyes. As the words fell from my mouth, I noticed the easy smile that had lit his face had become slightly tense and the sparkle in his eyes had faded.

"Are you quite finished?" it was hard to work out whether his voice was annoyed or amused. My eyes flickered downwards, already feeling defeat wash over me, "I am not letting this thing go. Not only is it a wonderful discovery, my sweet, but the end to a very, very long hunt. It is going to bring us a lot of money."

"But...I don't need money..." I trailed off as he laughed.

"Yes you do," his smug smile returned, "I doubt very much you would be here if you didn't need money."

The comments stung me into silence. I fought with myself, trying to disagree but I couldn't. Embarrassment burned my cheeks and I had to stare at the floor to stop the shame choking me. A small laugh escaped his lips . My eyes were still intently studying the wood floor as he shifted to lean against the huge desk, so very close to me.

"I thought not," his voice was flat, "I have been hunting this monster for years now and thanks to you I finally have it."

My own voice was barely audible, "But what will you do with him."

A large hand gently touched my arm, trying to reassure, "Belle. I promise I won't hurt him. We're going to sell him, or lend him to side shows for a fee, naturally. What does this thing mean to you that you would beg for his release?"

The dumbfounded silence pierced the room, as I tried to form some coherent thoughts. But hideous visions of the travelling circus' that passed through the villages every now and again throbbed before my eyes. The whips and the pain the creatures were in. The abuse. It was torture.

"No," I whispered, tears blinding me again.

A sigh escaped Gaston's lips and through my tears I could see confusion and frustration forming in his dark eyes. He didn't understand. How could he? I felt my feet moving beneath me and I wasn't sure how until I released the reassuring hand that was on my arm hand become tight and was leading me to the door.

"I'll be busy today, Belle. I'm sure I will see you at dinner," he said, his voice gruff. And with that I was out of his office. The tormented visions of the beast's eyes were replaced by those of the horrid things that his future held.