The castle was incredibly dark. Not even the candles that were set into the wall gave much light. She felt like she had been wandering for hours when she came upon a door, the only one that was slightly ajar and had faint light coming from it. Hesitantly she entered. "Good evening Serena." A deep voice from the general direction of the fire place rumbled. "Good evening my lord." Serena squeaked, dropping a quick curtsy. "Have you come of your own will? No one has forced here?" The voice asked, or rather, growled. "No one has forced me to come here, my lord." Serena said solemnly. The beast surged from his chair suddenly and Serena cowered back. "I am the Beast, and as such you will call me." He snarled. Serena cowered back even more, "Y-Yes my lord. I mean Beast!" She fell back against the door, which seemed to have shut itself. The beast made a small moan sitting back down and said, " You need not fear me Serena. I swear you will take no harm from me, as I told your father. But I suppose the word of a beast has no value, as well is shouldn't." He was silent for a long time then he stood again, slower this time. "I suppose I should have greeted you as soon as you arrived, but I did not want to startle you horse." He said something then, something in a language Serena didn't know, and Candles all around the room sprung to life. Serena stared in horror at what was before her. More than anything he looked like a lion. A lion that had started to become human but never quite finished the process. He was clad only in a pair of pants. Golden-bronze fur covered his body. Deadly talons served him as nails. The most frightening thing about him, Serena decided, was that his eyes were human. "I am very ugly aren't I?" The beast said. What kind of a question was that? "Uh. well. Are very. uhh. large." She offered. "You are being kind. I shall let you take your leave of me Serena. Your room is down the hall and to the right; your name is on a plaque beside it. Good night." Serena curtsied again, "Good night Beast."

Short lil' chapter. Sorry this little thing wasn't up sooner. School got me busy and I didn't have a chance to work on it but a little at a time. Review please!