A/N: I found this prompt from a while back and it just so happened I had re-watched Ravenous when I was home from work sick. Naturally, the Muse was being beckoned! I did take some liberties from the movie as well as history so I hope you all enjoy it!

Ravenous

Likes_My_Red_Cape prompted: Captain Belle French, recently promoted, is transferred to Fort Spencer where the small regiment has been picked off one by one by the cannibalistic Colonel Gold. Now, she is the sole survivor and has no choice but to face the man nicknamed the Dark One… (Rated M for violence, gore, sexual overtones, and eating human flesh).

She couldn't believe it now came to this. It almost felt like a different lifetime but everywhere she looked… blood. Blood stained the bits of grass and snow and dirt all over Fort Spencer. Not to mention the slews of body parts and bare bones from whence the flesh was picked clean.

How did it come to this?

And… will she be able to survive from the Dark One?

xxXXxx

Belle French had been accused of not many things, but a dreamer mostly. Her whole life was surrounded with books of heroes doing heroic acts and lands so exotic and foreign that it unlocked a hidden yearning to leave home and see the world.

Most importantly, she wanted to be a hero.

Sadly, there wasn't much "hero-ing" to speak of in her hometown and many would laugh and tell her she was too little, too young, too weak, too… feminine. The world and the adventures… they weren't designed to entice women but men. Strong men. Over and over she was told to leave anything that required strength to the men and stick to what women did best: domestics.

She hated that word. Her father, God blessed him, did the best he could to shelter and protect her, but ultimately, he had to be the one to dash her hopes and dreams and tell her that her place was in the home and not out there doing manly chores. It was high time she woke up to reality, yet he did tell her that she wanted to be a hero then she could always write books with heroes.

Not the same. So, Belle prayed each and every night for a change. At last her prayers were answered in the form of the Spanish-American War. The government was desperate for volunteers to protect their territories out West and they needed anyone, anyone who can carry and fire a rifle.

Therefore, Belle packed a bag and went to the first recruitment office she could find. Initially, she was laughed at, but not going to be deterred, Belle resolutely told them that the posters said anyone was needed as long as they can carry and fire a rifle. It did not specify gender or age and as far as she was concerned she fit all the qualifications they were looking for in the army. The officers ceased their laughing and snickering as their faces became withdrawn with sobriety. She made a very good point, and thusly, proved her capabilities of holding and firing the weapon. They had little choice but to accept Belle into the army.

(It did come to light that there were several other women who also showed up with the same straight-laced logic as Belle and they were also accepted as a technicality. The posters were quickly torn down and reprinted with the male requirements.)

Regardless of the army's position, Belle was in and she was determined to prove everyone wrong that she—a woman—could do the impossible and save the day by winning this war for America. She worked harder unlike any of her male counterparts and with the great reluctance of her superiors… Belle worked her way in becoming a lieutenant. She was finally achieving her dreams and she knew it wouldn't be long before she would finally be the hero she always longed to be…

Then the bloodiest battle took place.

She had seen war. She had seen what a battle consisted of and she had seen men die around her. But this battle was different. This was more.

It all became out-of-hand so quickly, unraveling at lightning speed, that Belle was powerless to do anything but watch as every one of the soldiers in her regiment were being shot down, blown apart, stabbed, hacked, ran through, stomped, oh the humanity, as she stood there with her pistol in hand with the mingled look of horror and disbelief, a disconnection from what was going on. Helplessness creeped along her spine, rooting her feet into the ground, and amidst all the screams and explosions, she could hear her Captain shouting for her as well as similar calls for help from those dying around her. Everywhere she looked were bodies upon bodies that Belle knew not where to start or what to do. Her mind had gone completely blank as she slowly sank to her knees and then her belly as she stretched herself out, closing her eyes, wishing for all of this to end. Please God let this all come to an end!

She stayed playing dead even when the enemies victoriously hoot and hollered as they ruffled through the dead's belongings, searching for what prizes they could find. Belle had been groped and searched for coins, food, ammunition, and once the vultures finished their tasks, she was dragged by the arms into their territory. Belle fought to keep her composure, making sure her breaths weren't loud or noticeable, even though it had been tempted to look with one eye to see what was going on, yet her brain told everyone to shut up and be dead.

It was agonizing, the wait. Hours passed before Belle felt it was safe for her to open her eyes, but only then, the nightmare still wasn't over.

She had been tossed with the other bodies of her comrades on a wagon that was waiting to be taken out to bury the decease. Fortunately, the enemy wanted to get rip-roaring drunk first so Belle had the time to make her escape. It was easier said than done for she had to wade through the piles of corpses, body parts, and organs as the blood from her men cascaded down as a river, never ceasing its ever-ending stream. The nauseating scent of copper and death, smoky and charred, sharp with its metallic flavor covered Belle's every inch, and as hard as she tried, she couldn't avoid the blood from making its way through her closed mouth, trickling all the way down her throat. She coughed, hacked, sputtered, and gagged, but she would be greeted with another mouthful of blood that would wind itself on the course through her intestines.

What followed next could only be described as dumb luck.

Belle freed herself from the corpses, located a weapon, and single-handedly captured the fort with ease. All of this accomplished due to a sudden surge of energy and strength unlike she ever felt (which she wondered if it was due to the adrenalin and emotional toll she experienced). Even her superiors couldn't quite figure out how she managed to complete such an arduous task without anyone else to support her or help her. Of course, they weren't complaining. It was another victory the U.S. government could proudly proclaim; however, the details were called into question and suspicion went rampant through the officers' minds. Everything suggested that Belle's actions were deemed as cowardly and culpable and she should be punished for abandoning her men when they were dying.

But that fort… She took the fort and such action could not be ignored either.

Hence, Belle French was given a promotion: Captain, and with it, all the decorous trimmings that came with such honors. A war hero, they called her. At least those who were not privy to the truth called her. Those who knew better continued to gaze down at her with condescension, disgust, and disdain. Belle would have to agree with them. She wasn't a hero. She was unworthy of the title because she had done nothing to deserve the praise. She pretended to be dead to save her own hide when she should have fought with her last breath and died as a hero on the battlefield as the rest of her men did.

And yet… Belle could not forget her actions. Something happened, something she couldn't explain, but even then, she knew something was wrong. Something was just not right in the way she seized that fort. Indeed, Belle had little understanding to those events. It would be much later when she finally understood why.

xXx

As part of her promotion, Belle was also given new orders. She was to report to Fort Spencer in California, near the Nevadas, to Colonel H. Mills. It was an outpost served to provide aid and shelter for travelers moving West through the mountains. As it was reaching into the winter season, the chances of travelers reaching Fort Spencer were pretty much nonexistent.

Colonel Mills was a fatherly figure, a bit portly, but somewhat of an optimistic man despite the truth that Captain Belle French was sent to an unwanted post. He welcomed her warmly; sincerely proud of the honor it was to have someone like her gracing the barracks. He also introduced (well, more like a friendly warning) to her the rest of the men in Fort Spencer:

Private Hopper—Fort Spencer's very own self-proclaimed emissary, very shy and reserved, but determined to bring God's message to the men.

Major "Grumpy" Leroy—he loved any bottle that graced his fingertips; formerly a hospital janitor prior to enlistment and now the fort's doctor since he is the only person with some medical knowledge.

Private Arthur—the soldier in the bunch; he was constantly, almost unhealthily, pushing the boundaries of the human body under any extreme pressures.

The locals, Granny and Ruby Lucas—a grandmother and granddaughter pair that were inherited after the Americans took Fort Spencer from Spain.

Private Jefferson—he was the overmedicated member of Fort Spencer and also the cook.

All of this was now Belle's new happy, little family for the foreseeable future. Indeed, they were a ragtag team of misfits, and for some, a danger to society, but Belle was not in a place to be picky or demand a new outfit. This was where she was assigned, and this was where she would stay until the army could decide on another suitable punishment.

Fort Spencer promised tedium and boredom, a place of reflection, and that was Belle's goal: to reflect on her cowardliness. The last thing that any of Col. Mills's men expected was for the fort to become a bloody massacre.

And it was all thanks to an unlikely man who wandered into the fort, lost and frozen, practically delirious.

At once, the men of Fort Spencer responded judiciously to the poor soul. Even Major Leroy managed to be sobered if only for five minutes. The stranger was stripped, bathed in hot water, rubbed and covered in furs and blankets, anything that they could find to throw over the shivering man's body.

He had been thin, frail, a quivering mass who spoke in incoherent ramblings and utter nonsense. Even Private Jefferson, with his penchant for the ridiculous and an unusual knack of understanding inane languages, did struggle in deciphering what the stranger raved but he did pick out "monster" and "death."

Those two words alone did little to assuage the troop. Yet there was nothing they could do to morning and hopefully the man would survive the night so they could get the full story from him.

Col. Mills charged Belle to stay with the stranger after Major Leroy wandered off and passed out on his bunk. It wasn't like she had any medical knowledge that would prove useful to the man, but Col. Mills handed her one of the Major's books and she took comfort in that. Private Hopper stayed for a while to pray over the stranger, but eventually, he too, turned in for the night.

Belle, alone, gazed upon the brow of the man as he continued to tremble beside the crackling fire. He was pale, ghostly white, and his hair was long and scraggly also brittle to the touch as Belle discovered when she brushed it behind his ear. He slept fitfully but she could not stop her scrutiny. His jaw and chin were bearded and stiff from the bitter cold. The picture of him naked appeared in her mind, and she had to look away lest her burning cheeks would be noticed if he were to wake. Not that he would… out like a light he was but Belle's modesty was something she cursed from showing. After being in the army as long as she had been, she had seen many a naked male body and while it came as a shock, she soon became accustomed and desensitized to the fact. However, there was something about this man that she could not prevent her from blushing. While he was terribly thin, he still sported somewhat of a muscular chest, lean stomach, and sturdy legs. Even his—presence—was bigger and larger compared to her male comrades. Belle could not have that image burned in her mind, especially when the man was at death's door, but as she was alone and the others could not witness, she brought that vision forefront and she could not suppress the soft sigh or the flood of wetness that pooled between her legs.

Maybe being in the army and surrounded by oversexed men did leave an impression on her after all.

She dared not relieve herself of the discomfort for he could wake and the last thing she wanted was Col. Mills to hear how she was pleasuring herself instead of following her duty to nurse the invalid. Biting her lip, Belle kept her legs squeezed together as she rocked on her knees, but that was useless. Eventually, she decided to ignore the throbbing and focus on the sick man.

"Please wake up," she told him.

A couple hours later, he did.

Belle had dozed off for a moment so she didn't see the man's roving eye or the little flare of his nostrils as a crooked grin graced his lips, exposing his sharp teeth. It wasn't until she heard coughing that roused her from her sleep. She checked the man to make sure he wasn't suffering anymore injuries or the frostbite didn't take effect. Satisfied, Belle told the man she would be right back and for him to stay put. He only mumbled a reply, but she didn't catch what he said.

A few minutes later, Col. Mills and everyone was gathered around the man and the fire.

"Sir? Can you hear me?" Col. Mills asked.

"Aye," came the reply. He tried to sit up, but still struggled from the fatigue that Belle immediately went to him, providing some support so he could sit straight. "Thank you, dearie," he said cheekily, sending her a wink meant for her alone. Belle wanted to say something in kind for the audacity but then again… she remembered how aroused she was at the sight of him and kept her lips pressed tight.

"What were you doing out there?" questioned Private Arthur.

"Walking. Looking for food." And with that, the man launched into his sorrowful tale of woe.

His name was R. Spinner. He was part of a traveling party through the Nevadas for a better life. There were five others with him, including their guide, a Colonel Gold. At the name, Spinner sneered as if he had tasted something sour. Unfortunately, no one among them knew who Colonel Gold was, and Spinner told them they were very lucky not to know the detestable man.

"He was disliked by all in our party, but we had no choice in guides and we believed him when he said he knew a shortcut through the mountains…"

They ended up being stranded in the snow and had to seek shelter in a cave. Food soon became scarce and they were forced to eat the animals and the leather of their belts and straps. But still they hunger for something substantial, something that would take away the gnawing feeling.

"A couple of us left to forage what we could. In the mountains… there is not much in way of food. We took what we found, mainly sticks and branches for the fire, and when we returned… One of our parties, Mr. Glass, had succumbed to death the previous night and the others were cooking his legs. I know what you're thinking," he told the speechless group. "I, too, was unprepared and if I was there, would I have stopped it? I don't know. But I do know that it was meat cooking and I thanked the Gods for this deliverance." Spinner broke down weeping as if the memory suddenly reminded him that eating another human being was immorally wrong. "Forgive me. I could not help myself. I was hungry. So hungry. Just like the others. We thought in time God would forgive us our sins but there were some who were too greedy, too selfish. They took and ate too much, and before the week was out, we were back to having nothing at all."

Belle's hand went to her mouth. Sympathy filled her eyes as Spinner sobbed against her. She couldn't begin to imagine, let alone think what she would do in that situation. And while he pleaded for forgiveness from them and God, the least she could do was take his hand and hold it gently. The simple act had him looking at her with something shining in his eyes, but she swore she saw gratitude within the tears.

"Col. Gold wanted more. I begged we try to leave the cave and go down the mountains. Surely there was a new trail, new travelers, anything that could lead us to salvation and away from this unholy horror that we created. But Col. Gold didn't want to leave. He was fine where he was at, and in front of us, he killed Misters Whale and Jones, leaving myself and Mrs. Jones. I wish I could say I was heroic but I was not. I'm a coward and I l-l-left." Spinner lowered his head, covering his face in shame. "I wouldn't be able to fight him off. I wouldn't be able to protect anyone! I escaped and I got lost in the woods and I don't know how long I've been wandering… then I saw the smoke coming from your fort and I knew I was safe. I knew I was safe."

"You are safe," Belle assured him. "But Mrs. Jones…" Something about his story didn't make sense to her, but if there was someone in danger or needed help…

"Ah, yes, Mrs. Jones, we should go and help her," Col. Mills said. "Are you certain this Col. Gold is still in that cave?"

Spinner nodded. "I have no doubt the monster is there."

"Right." Col. Mills gave an abrupt nod. "We will need to gather a rescue party. Hopper, Arthur, and Jefferson—you will be coming with me. The others will stay on the off chance Mrs. Jones might have escaped herself."

"What about me?" Spinner asked. "I could take you to him."

"I don't know," Col. Mills said. "You're not in the best condition."

"You must let me. I have to atone for what I did, abandoning her like that. Besides, there is a reason they call him 'the Dark One.'"

"The what?" This captured all the soldiers' attention.

"He mentioned it to us. Briefly. I think we all thought he was joking, but he really wasn't. The Dark One is a nickname he earned for the way he would toy and kill his enemies. He would have this hideous cackle that I'm sure even Satan himself would tremble in fear. He is a madman."

"Mr. Spinner, we are all mad here," Priv. Jefferson declared with a boyish grin and laugh.

"You know an often lot about this Col. Gold," Priv. Arthur said. "I have never heard of such a man in the army."

Belle wanted to add "same here" but she kept an eye as Spinner cleared his throat. "He does exist. I wouldn't be making this up."

"I didn't say you were."

"But you're implying it. Private." Spinner glared as Priv. Arthur shifted his weight.

"Gentlemen," Col. Mills placated. "Right now, our major concern is that poor, helpless woman trapped in that cave. We can debate on the matter of Col. Gold's existence later. I have given you my orders. Men, let's go to the armory."

Belle watched as the men Col. Mills selected follow the good Colonel outside, and part of her felt the sting that she was excluded. She was Captain after all and technically she was the third in control. If anything, she could be useful on this rescue mission. However, she kept her mouth closed as she and Mr. Spinner were soon on their lonesome. The Lucas women had followed the Colonel and she could hear what sounded like an argument underway as young Ruby translated what her grandmother was telling their commander.

She got up and walked to the door where she hoped to catch what snippets she could.

"I wouldn't do that. Dearie."

Belle looked in her company's attention. "Do what?"

He pointed to the door. "Eavesdropping. Not always good."

"I'll be the judge of that Mr. Spinner," she responded. "You stay there and get warm. You're fortunate the frostbite didn't get to you."

He flashed a broad smile, teeth and all. "I don't recall the army allowing women to join."

"You wouldn't. Only a few were granted permission," she retorted.

"Ah. So you were one of the lucky few."

"Yes."

He hummed as he continued to stare at her quite blatantly. Belle tapped her foot impatiently as she did manage to catch the word "wendigo" before the Colonel and the Lucases were gone, but she was waiting for Spinner to stop his gawking like he never seen a woman in uniform before. Of course, his surprise of her in the army indicated that he probably hadn't, yet he was being explicitly rude and Belle didn't tolerate such disrespect.

"All right, Mr. Spinner, that is enough—"

The last thing she remembered was being smacked across the face and nothing.

xXx

By the time Belle came to, her head was a little sore from the impact of hitting the floor. Groaning, she cradled her head as she sat up. When she was able to see clearly, Belle looked around, her eyes widening in astonishment as Spinner was gone.

He hit her!

Her hand immediately went to her right hip for her pistol, but she felt emptiness and muttered an oath. Spinner took her gun and he was Gods know where. But she couldn't help asking herself why when he was the victim from his story.

Unless…

Belle didn't want to entertain it but the possibility that Spinner was not who he said he was, was growing stronger. After all, why in the world would he knock her out and take her gun? For a second, Belle was sorry she was even lusting after the man in the first place!

Getting to her feet, Belle opened the door and stepped into the cold wind. The fort was oddly quiet, not even the sound of the horses could be heard.

Did the others leave?

Looking down at the snow, there was some fresh powder but Belle could make out the footsteps and hooves going towards the fort's gate. If they made it out… then maybe she could catch them and warn them about Spinner.

Running, Belle got to the stable and flung open the door—only to freeze in her tracks.

Blood.

All across the stalls and floor was blood. The few horses left behind were lying in the piles of straw and hay, coating it with their crimson fluids.

Belle's gasp was lost to the howling outside as a force rushed her from behind, shutting and locking the door, securing them with the horses. Belle lost her balance and began to slip in the pool of blood and nearly fell until a hand reached out and steadied her.

Ruby!

"Wha—?" she started but the young girl shushed her, putting her finger over her lips.

"He will hear you."

"Spinner?" Belle demanded.

Ruby nodded. "But he's not Spinner. He's a wendigo."

That word. "Ruby, what is going on? What's happening?"

Sighing, the girl motioned Belle to follow as they stepped over the carcasses so they could settle in the back. "We tried to tell him. Granny was positive he was not who he said he was, but Col. Mills wouldn't listen. He blew her off and her warning as some childish story. He told her we were being fools. Monsters don't exist. Pst. Look at where it led."

"Ruby," Belle said, avoiding the urge to roll her eyes. "You're not making sense. What is a wendigo?"

"It's a myth but something our people believes in," Ruby began. "The wendigo is formerly a man who has the taste of human flesh. It is said the wendigo will eat his enemies to help make him stronger, faster, invincible. Spinner has eaten the flesh of his fellow men and craves more. He is the devil in sheep's clothing walking among us now."

So… basically what Belle thought before was confirmed. Spinner was probably this Colonel Gold. If he really was a Colonel…

"So then what?" Belle inquired.

"The Colonel and his men gathered their guns and horses for one last check before searching for that woman. Out of nowhere, a gunshot rang out and poor Priv. Hopper was shot in the gut! As the others scattered looking for the shooter… I saw Spinner come around and he went right up to the Colonel and stabbed him—here!" Ruby demonstrated with thrusting her fist up into her abdomen and towards her heart. "He started laughing this horrible sound… he was like a demon… and he started chasing the others around the fort. No one could get a shot in. He was too quick! Granny and I fled to our rooms to get our crossbows, and by the time, we returned—they were dead. All of them."

Belle felt her chest tighten. All?

"We assumed you were dead too," Ruby told her. Tilting her face, she peered at Belle through squinted eyes. "Why are you not dead? You were in that room alone. Together."

That was a good question and one Belle wasn't sure how to answer. "He knocked me out. I woke up and my gun was missing. Then I found you."

"Huh." Ruby licked her chapped lips. "I guess he was saving you for dessert."

Whether or not Belle appreciated the crack, she decided to ignore it. "Where is your grandmother?"

Ruby blinked and Belle noticed the girl was holding back tears. "He got her. That's all you need to know."

"Oh. We need to fight back. Do you have any other weapons on you?"

Ruby looked at her sharply. "I have nothing. I lost my crossbow."

"Wonderful." Trapped in the stable with no weapon and a murderous cannibal on the prowl… Fort Spencer was losing its tedium. "We have to fight back. What is a wendigo's weakness?"

"If he doesn't eat, then he loses his power."

That should be simple, but they were looking at five men, one woman, and eight horses dead.

Speaking of which…

"Where are the bodies?" Belle mused aloud as she dared to look out the window. The winds were picking up and snow was falling, but other than that, Belle didn't see any signs of the violence that Ruby described.

"He cleans fast," Ruby muttered.

"Wait." Belle's brows furrowed but she saw him—Spinner. He appeared to be dragging something behind to the chopping block for firewood. Her eyes widened when she saw it was Hopper. She could barely make it out but it looked like Hopper was alive and he was waving his arm futilely as Spinner picked up the ax. She didn't have the heart to watch what happened next as Spinner swung the ax overhead.

Ducking, Belle closed her eyes and covered her mouth to keep herself from vomiting. Ruby watched her impassively and crossed her arms over.

"So, Captain, what do we do?"

Belle was at a loss but she knew one thing: "We can't hide here. We have to get help."

"Where?"

"There has to be another base nearby. Or a town."

"There's a village about two days' journey from here," Ruby supplied. "It won't be enough time."

"No. But it should be plenty for us."

"We need to kill him," Ruby insisted.

"In time. First, we have to survive," Belle explained.

"I'm not going to keep hiding," Ruby accused.

"I didn't say that!" Now, Belle was getting annoyed. "We have to keep our wits. We won't survive two hours if we blindly run out of here."

"What do you suggest?"

"We need guns."

"The armory could have guns left. It didn't look like they took that much anyways."

"Okay. The armory. Once the coast is clear, we will make a run for it."

That meant they would have to watch him butcher their friends.

Getting her bearings, Belle lifted her head once more. Thankfully, it looked like the mutilation of Priv. Hopper was over as the man called Spinner or Gold whistled a tune as he used a cloth to drag the pieces behind him. He disappeared into the kitchen.

This was it.

"Go," Belle whispered.

She and Ruby made a dash from the stables and began running to the armory as fast as they could despite the stinging slap of Mother Nature trying to slow them down. The doors were already whipping and banging together by the time the women arrived, and as Belle hoped what wouldn't happen did happen.

Empty.

All the rifles, pistols, ammunition… gone. Vanished. Poof!

"Bastard," Ruby growled next to her.

"New plan. We need to come up with a new plan," Belle said.

"I'm all ears."

But Belle's mind was blank. She was banking on this working all the way through. "We will have to run for the forest."

"What?"

"Yes," Belle said, nodding. "We can make it. If we stick to the path and maybe climb the trees to rest… he won't find us."

"We're better off staying here and hiding then risking it out there," Ruby cried.

"You don't know…"

"I do! You know, Captain, you do what you want. Me? I'm going to kill a beast."

Spinning on her heels, Ruby started to head towards the kitchen. "I know there are knives. Good luck Captain."

Belle protested but the girl refused to look back as she continued with her purpose. So Belle could watch as Ruby peeked through the windows before going within. She had to assume Ruby had it under controlled.

As for Captain French…

Belle looked out to the gate and wondered if it was possible to make it out in the woods with nothing but what she had on her person. She wasn't familiar with the terrain and she doubted her skills would help her find the village Ruby spoke of.

"Well, well."

Belle whirled, her heart racing, as Spinner showed up beside her. In one hand he held a knife dangling between his fingers. Gazing at her, he gave her a slow onceover, his tongue pressed lewdly against his teeth.

"I believe I caught a damsel in distress."

"I'm not in distress!" Belle exclaimed, realizing how silly she sounded when she had nothing-in fact- on her to fight back. "You're…"

"Colonel Gold? Why, yes. Yes, I am." He continued to walk closer as Belle backed away. "Now, now my good Captain. You have nothing to fear."

"You killed my men!" she shouted. "And the Colonel!"

He winced. "I did, didn't I? The Colonel was a nice enough fellow but did he really think that Mrs. Jones would be alive if I—'Mr. Spinner'—left her to the villainous Col. Gold? Think about it. I did say he killed two men in front of us." Then he threw his head and chuckled.

He hadn't been kidding. That laugh… It would definitely cause the Devil to tremble before him. Belle wondered if she would be able to run to the kitchen, to Ruby, or if she should stay and try to disarm him. He was much thinner than she and Belle had to surmise her weight could pin him if necessary.

"Although, I am terribly sorry about killing him. He and I could have been friends. Then again, maybe not. I was never good at keeping them." Again, he trilled that high-pitch laugh as he continued his forward assault, moving closer and closer. "But you… You knew or suspected I might add." Staring at her intently, his boldness never wavered. "I have never met anyone like you. You're different from the others. I know you are. You've tasted it."

Whatever she expected him to say, that was the last thing. "I've what?"

The knife danced in his grasp. "The blood of man. I can smell it on you but it's getting fainter. You know exactly what kind of power it wields."

"I haven't a clue what you're going on about," Belle said. She knew she had to make a decision and quick. If this man had the abilities that Ruby said he had… he might be able to outrun her. She couldn't let him get the upper-hand, no matter what. So without warning, Belle dove towards him, catching him around the middle, as they fell to the ground.

The knife flew from his hand and fell a distance shortly behind. Belle couldn't help but smile at the triumph.

"Mmm… I knew you were hot for me."

Before she knew what was happening, Gold wrapped his arms around her waist and rolled them over so she was pinned below. He forced her legs to spread as he settled between them, his hardness hardening as he rubbed against her. Smirking lasciviously, Gold couldn't help the sweep of his lashes as he took her all in. "I bet you're tight," he purred in her ear, his voice deepening to a guttural tone. "I never had the chance to tell you how delicious you smelled last night. Gods… thinking how you were getting off in front of me and I had to pretend to be sick from the cold… Unfair, my dear. Really unfair of you."

Belle squeezed her eyes as Gold bent and licked the side of her neck to her cheek. "You can't help it even now. Already you're getting so… wet." To prove his point, he rotated his hips as his bulge happened to graze her in the right spot.

Belle bit her lip to keep from moaning but he did it a second time… only he added a little thrust. Her jaw fell as a harsh pant escaped from her and he took it as a sign, diving down and catching those lush lips with his.

The kiss was wholly unexpected, and as her eyes flew opened at the contact, Belle couldn't resist kissing him back as he plundered her with his tongue. Her body was on fire from Gold's touch and the power he had as he devoured her in the kiss… For a brief second, she could almost forget he murdered the men of Fort Spencer…

Cognizance returned and Belle caught and bit his lip. Hard.

Gold pulled back, startled, but there was amusement glittering in those dark eyes of his as he wiped his mouth to show blood on his finger. "You like to play rough, I see."

"Oh yes." And Belle clenched her fist and punched him as hard as she could. That caught him unawares as he landed in the snow, holding his jaw.

Belle scrambled to her feet and ran for the knife, picking it up, and turning to use it on him, but Gold was gone. He had fled.

Looking around, Belle couldn't tell where he went. But she knew she had to warn Ruby. And fast.

xxXXxx

The winds had stopped and the snow ceased its falling as Belle managed to get a better view of the fort.

Just a few hours ago, she and the whole troop were listening to the stranger's story and a group of them were to embark on a rescue mission. Now… it was only a massacre.

After her run-in with Colonel Gold, Belle went searching for Ruby to no avail. The girl had disappeared for the better lack of the word. As much as Belle wanted to make sure she was alive so they outnumbered Gold, she couldn't stick around forever for her.

It disturbed her how Gold was able to butcher and string up her fellow officers like they were nothing but cows as she moved around in the kitchen. Even poor Granny Lucas met a horrible end with a cleaver nestled comfortably in her scalp. Belle did her best not to retch at the slaughter or acknowledge the large stewpot already in the fire and bubbling with whatever it was.

She couldn't think about those things right now. Not when she had to find a way to stop this monster, this beast.

Keeping her knife in front, Belle slowly moved through the corridors, hissing Ruby's name. It didn't help that she could hear Gold outside with his disturbing laughter and garbled voice as he sang her name. And she was certainly not thinking about earlier when he had her beneath him.

But it was a punctuated scream that grabbed her attention. Ruby!

Belle ran outside, and sure enough, Gold had poor Ruby by the throat. A knife was protruding from his thigh from where she stabbed him. Belle called him but he was too busy with his new toy. With his other hand, he yanked the knife from his thigh and plunged it into Ruby's belly.

"NOO!" Belle screamed as Ruby choked up blood. Gold dropped the girl as she twitched and tried to pull the knife out. He gazed at her dispassionately as the life faded away from her. Not even Belle's screams pierced him as he spun on one heel and limped away.

His back was to her and she had to strike now.

Belle slammed into him again, taking him to the ground, and with the unsteady grip in her hand, she started to plunge the knife downwards. She managed to get a couple strokes in his shoulder before he knocked her off him. Rolling to her belly, Belle half-crawled, half-scrambled to get the knife but Gold came back on top of her, knocking the wind from her chest.

Seizing her by the head, Gold slammed her face into the snow. It took a few hits but Belle was out.

"Well?"

Her head lolled to the side as Belle cringed at the dull throb in her skull. It took her a moment to realize she wasn't outside. No… She was inside the main living space of Fort Spencer's quarters. And she was tied to a chair. The knots were well-done as Belle twisted and squirmed but the rope wouldn't give.

Giving up, she leaned back as she looked to find Col. Gold sitting across her from the small table. He was dressed accordingly to his status but the clothes were obviously too big on him. It was a mockery to see him in Col. Mills's uniform but she was too tired to comment or even fight back. If he was going to kill her… let it be quick.

"Do it," she begged. "Kill me."

"Now, why would I want to do something like that?" he asked somewhat offended and possibly hurt.

"You killed the others. Why spare me?"

"I told you. You're different."

He stood up and went to the fireplace where a bowl was keeping warm. He picked it up and placed it in front of her. At first glance—a harmless looking stew, but harmless it was not as it was not only loaded with potatoes and carrots and onions but the protein were her former colleagues. Her stomach lurched in both hunger and revulsion.

"If you think I'm going to eat—"

"I do," Gold interrupted. "Makes you stronger, powerful. I told you Belle. You and I… we're kindred. We're not like those fools."

"I'm not a monster," she said. Despite the proclamation, her stomach continued to gurgle like the traitor it was. Even her eyes betrayed her—looking down at the steaming bowl of stew. The voice inside her head, whispering, One bite. That's all you need. Remember how good it felt.

"I understand the reluctance. I struggled too but you see—it's all for a purpose. A good purpose."

Once more, Belle tried to look away, to take the higher ground in all this madness. Still the sweet, seductive purr of "eat, eat" continued to gnaw at her. If she did this, then it would give her the ability she lacked before. She could help the men on the battlefield, save countless lives. So what if she had to kill and eat someone every so often? Surely the sacrifice might justify the means? But then what about the morality of it? Her soul? Was that worth it?

Gods… She was so hungry.

Gold came around the table where she sat. He was about to undo one tied wrist… A slow smirk overtook his lips as he instead dipped his finger into the bowl, squeezing the bit of meat, lifting the fingers coated with the red nectar and began to smear it across her mouth. He did this slowly, his touch electrifying, sending a shock through her veins to her core. Clenching her legs together, Belle wiggled to get away but Gold would not let up as he continued to bait her with each plop of his finger into the bowl and caressing her with the blood gravy.

By the fourth time, Belle opened her mouth as he inserted the digit inside. She was not in control as her tongue tentatively licked the tip. The taste was pure honey as she groaned. Never had something been so divine!

Her hands were straining against the ropes. Gold snapped the cord effortlessly.

Immediately, her freed hand went for the spoon and dug in. It ignited a wildfire as Belle put spoonful after spoonful into her mouth. The meat practically dissolved on her tongue. She chewed and swallowed over and over until the bowl was completely empty.

The craving in her belly was satisfied and the pangs were gone. Only a new feeling remained as she turned her gaze on Gold who had watched the engorging feast with a cat who ate the canary glint in his whisky brown eyes. Flicking his tongue against his lower teeth, he couldn't resist asking:

"How do you feel now?"

Breathing harder, Belle dropped her gaze to his mouth. Her bound wrist broke free from its constraints as she seized his lapels and crushed him to her as she bit and sucked his bottom lip.

Drawing back, she couldn't help the lopsided grin.

"Ravenous. Now… eat me."

A little departure but I had so much fun writing this. I don't know what that says about me, but I hope you all liked it!