Chapter 2


BELLE huddled in the dimly lit alcove of the unfamiliar wing of the castle she now found herself in, her trembling form not calming in the aftermath of her violent sickness. The shadows seemed to come alive, twisting and contorting into grotesque shapes that whispered sinister secrets.

Terrified, Belle was beginning to wonder if she had inadvertently ventured into the very heart of the castle's malevolence under the Enchantress's sister's curse, and now, it threatened to consume her. Her thoughts raced as she struggled to make sense of the torment that had befallen her.

Had this vile reaction been caused by the curse that now afflicted Adam and the entire castle, if she was to take this new witch, Lenore, at her word?

Or was it a sinister trap set by Lenore, this enigmatic witch who seemed to revel in their suffering?

Doubt gnawed at her, like a relentless predator circling its prey. The realization that she was utterly alone in this dark, foreboding place sent shivers down Belle's spine. She called out for Adam in her mind, desperately hoping that somehow, her husband would hear her thoughts and come.

But the eerie silence that greeted her only deepened her sense of isolation and despair. With every passing moment, her resolve to find a way to break this new curse that had been cast upon all of them wavered. Fear threatened to overpower her, and the weight of her choices pressed upon her shoulders like an unbearable burden. But deep within her, a glimmer of determination still burned brightly.

She knew she couldn't let her fear paralyze her.

She couldn't allow Lenore's malevolence or the curse's ominous grip to dictate her fate and the fates of her husband or the rest of the servants and her father here in the castle alongside her. Belle had always been a fighter, and she knew that if she succumbed to despair, then all hope would be lost. Pushing herself to her feet, Belle steadied herself on trembling legs and wiped away the tears that clung to her cheeks. She couldn't stay in this cursed alcove forever, as much as a part of her might have liked to. She had to find a way out, find Adam, and together, they would confront the darkness that enveloped them.

Taking a deep breath, Belle cautiously stepped out of the alcove and into the shadowy corridor. The torches lining the walls flickered ominously, their flames casting eerie, dancing silhouettes on the stone surfaces.

Belle's delicate footsteps echoed through the passageway, each one a reminder of her vulnerability. As she ventured deeper into the wing she had no recollection of, she realized with a jolt, that unsettling tapestries and grotesque sculptures leered at her from the walls. The air grew colder, and the oppressive atmosphere seemed to thicken with every step. Belle's heart raced, but she forced herself to press on.

The corridor eventually led her to a large chamber, its entrance guarded by a heavy, ornate door. A sense of foreboding settled over Belle as she approached it, but she had come too far to turn back now.

With a trembling hand, she pushed the door open. Inside, the unfamiliar room was bathed in a ghostly, pale light. Night had since fallen on the realm since she and Adam had begun their research into attempting to find meaning behind her love's nightmares, and now, moonbeams filtered through a towering, cracked stained-glass window, casting an ethereal glow over the room's contents.

Belle's breath caught in her throat as she beheld the odd sight before her.

The chamber was a repository of forgotten memories and lost dreams.

Books and scrolls piled high on ancient shelves, their pages filled with knowledge and mysteries. Artifacts and relics from bygone eras adorned ornate pedestals, their origins shrouded in obscurity.

Belle's eyes widened with wonder and curiosity.

This hidden chamber held the secrets of the castle and those who had come before the Prince and his family, she was sure of it, and perhaps it now held the key to breaking this new witch's curse. She knew she had to explore its contents, to uncover the truth that had remained concealed for so long.

But as she stepped further into the chamber, her senses sharpened, and she became aware of an eerie presence. The air grew heavier, and a faint, chilling whisper filled the room. Belle turned, her heart pounding, and saw a figure standing in the shadows, watching her movements with malevolent intent.

Lenore had found her, and the sinister witch's smile revealed her obvious delight in Belle's unease.

Belle had ventured deeper into the castle's mysteries, but now, she faced a darkness more formidable than she could have ever imagined.

The witch's laughter, like a chilling melody, filled the chamber, reverberating off the walls and echoing in Belle's ears.

"Ah, beautiful dear Belle, the realm's new pretty princess," she hissed, her blue eyes glinting with malice, "You're quite the curious one indeed, aren't you? Exploring the secrets of the castle, I see."

Belle's fear twisted into determination as she took a deep breath to steel her nerves and boldly confronted the witch.

"Lenore, please, we can't go on like this. Adam and I and the rest of the people who live here in this castle alongside us deserve to be free from whatever curse you've cast on us, and I won't let you stand in our way."

The witch stepped out of the shadows, her form ethereal and ghostly, like a specter from a nightmare, save for her lovely autumn locks which cascaded about her face in gentle ringlets, the only thing of the witch that even remotely resembled normalcy.

"You're a brave one, Princess, I'll give you that," she said, her voice dripping with condescension. "But breaking my curse won't be as simple as you think, my dear. It's been bound by the darkest of magic, and the price for undoing it is steep."

Belle squared her shoulders, refusing to be cowed by Lenore's ominous words. "I don't care about the price. Adam and I will find a way, no matter what it takes. Love prevailed over a curse once, I think it can do it again a second time."

Lenore's laughter rang out again, a sound that sent shivers down Belle's spine.

"Love," she sneered, "such a naïve and foolish notion. Love may have softened my sister's heart, but it won't work on me. I've seen the depths of your love for your Prince, though he will always be nothing but a Beast to me, and nothing can stop it from happening."

As Belle and Lenore locked eyes, a battle of wills raged between the Princess and the vengeful Enchantress, a clash between the power of love and the darkness of grief-driven despair and revenge.

At that moment, Belle knew that their path forward would be fraught with peril, but she refused to back down. Adam's voice echoed in her mind, a reminder of the unbreakable bond that had formed between them since their wedding.

"Together, Belle," he had said. "We won't let this witch tear us apart."

That promise fueled her determination.

"Please," she began, her voice quivering as she pleaded with the witch, hoping to supplicate her some, "Why are you doing this? What happened to your sister?"

The sinister smile on Lenore's face wavered for a moment, her wintry blue eyes flickering with a mixture of emotions.

"Why, you ask?" she replied angrily, her voice carrying a bitter edge. "Because, Princess, your Prince's man D'Arque, a man whom your Prince is responsible for, took my sister's life, extinguishing the very light that had given hope to those she helped. How is that for your, 'Why?', Majesty?" she bit out, her eyes boring into Belle's with such an intensity that sent shivers down Belle's spine.

Belle's heart constricted in her chest, her empathy overwhelming her as she felt the weight of Lenore's sorrow.

"Why lay blame on us?" she inquired, her brow furrowing with genuine concern. "What connection does your thirst for revenge have with Prince Adam and myself? Yes, it's undeniable that Adam gave the order to remove the Enchantress from the village when she was caught trying to escape, but we remained entirely unaware of her fate, unaware that she was taken to D'Arque's or that she met such a grim end," she whispered, her voice filled with sudden horror.

Belle grasped the profoundness of Lenore's grief and the perverse notion of justice fueling her actions, compelling her to confront Adam. But she couldn't allow this cycle of vengeance to persist.

"Lenore," she implored softly, her voice barely audible above a whisper, "please, we can't rewrite history, but we can forge a different path. Vengeance will not mend the wounds in your heart, nor will it bring your sister back. Allow Adam and me to search for a way to break the curse and put an end to this cycle of suffering."

Belle's heart sank as Lenore's eyes blazed with dread, and her voice trembled with anger.

"You speak of choosing a different path as if it's so simple, Princess, as if I can just forgive and forget what happened. But you don't understand, Highness," she spat out, her words dripping with venom. "The curse that binds us all is not so easily broken, as I warned you. It will cause you and your Prince to rot and wither from the inside unless your Beast gives himself up to me in exchange for your life."

Belle swore she felt her heart burst at hearing the witch's words and as Lenore's words hung in the air, a sudden, excruciating pain ripped through Belle's abdomen.

She gasped, clutching her stomach with fumbling fingers, her face contorted in pure agony. It felt as though something was gnawing and clawing at her insides from within, a searing, relentless torment that made her knees buckle. Lenore's triumphant smile faded as she witnessed Belle's torment, realizing her curse's power was finally taking its hold on the realm's crowned Princess. Panic surged through Belle as the pain intensified, and she struggled to stay on her feet, her vision blurring with tears.

Desperation and fear coursed through her, and she managed to choke out, "Lenore, please…help us…find a way…to end this curse…"

But Lenore's face remained cold and unmoved, her anger having not abated. She watched Belle suffering with an unsettling detachment.

"I cannot help you, Princess, and I would not even if I could," Lenore replied, her voice devoid of warmth or compassion. "The pain you feel is just the beginning, Highness. It is the price you must pay for the sins of your prince. I won't stop until your prince has felt the agony I've endured, as he watches as you rot and wither away slowly from the inside out as my sister did when she was trapped in that man's wretched insane asylum and your prince did nothing to stop her mistreatment. Only love and blood can break this curse, I will leave it to you to determine my words' meaning. You've one month before the curse completely consumes you. You seem an intelligent enough girl to know what it means soon enough."

With those chilling words, Lenore turned on her heels and disappeared employing her magic, leaving Belle writhing in pain on the ground. The room seemed to spin around Belle as she struggled to catch her breath. The curse's relentless grip on her intensified, and she knew her time was limited.

Alone and in excruciating pain, Belle was left with the daunting task of determining what Lenore's words meant before this curse consumed her from the inside out.

Belle was left to stand alone in the dimly lit corridor, clutching onto the bricked walls for support as her cheeks felt clammy and hot and a wave of dizziness washed over her as the pain still coursed through her, and a lingering sense of uncertainty weighed heavily upon her heart.

The witch's cryptic words echoed in her mind, and she couldn't shake the feeling that there was a deeper, hidden truth to the curse that now ensnared her.

She looked blearily around the room through the tears that were welling in her eyes, searching for any clues or answers that might help her understand the enigma behind the curse.

But the chamber remained silent and inscrutable, its secrets locked away in the dark shadows.

Determined to uncover the truth and break the curse that threatened her and her beloved Prince, Belle knew that they faced an arduous and perilous journey ahead, with only six months to discern the meaning of the witch's words on how to lift the curse that now afflicted Belle.

The path to redemption was shrouded in darkness, but she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, for the love between her and Prince Adam was a powerful force that could conquer even the most insidious of curses.

Just as Belle was lost in her thoughts, pondering the witch's cryptic words and the formidable task ahead, a familiar voice broke the silence, one that made her smile despite the immense pain she was in.

"Belle? Is that you?"

She turned quickly, her heart leaping with a mix of surprise and relief, as her father, Maurice, stepped into the dim chamber. He looked weary and disheveled as if he had endured a long and difficult journey.

Weeks had passed since Belle last laid eyes on her father. He had decided to return to their small and modest home in Villeneuve, opting not to reside in the grand castle with Belle and Adam after their marriage. He believed in giving them the space they deserved as newlyweds and wished to avoid being a burden, despite Belle's persistent assurance that her father could never impose such a burden on them.

He remained in the village at his request, though her father remained a frequent visitor to the castle but had since been away at the annual Harvest Festival the last week, showcasing a new invention.

"Papa!" Belle exclaimed tiredly, rushing to his side and embracing him as tightly as she could, though her body still trembled with the aftermath of the witch's curse now set upon her. "I thought I'd not see you until next week!"

Maurice warmly embraced his daughter, returning her hug with equal affection.

"I happened to be passing by on my way home and thought I'd give you a surprise by visiting," he began, his voice laced with genuine concern. "I've been searching for you, my dear," he continued, his brow furrowing with worry. "Your husband is beside himself, terribly worried. He told me you had vanished, and he's been ranting and raving about a witch and a new curse. What in the world is happening, Belle? Has some other witch cast a curse upon your Prince?" he demanded, his incredulity clear, though not directed at her. Maurice studied her intently, eager to hear her take on the perplexing situation Adam had described.

Belle took a deep breath and gently rested a hand over her abdomen, wincing as another sharp, shooting pain coursed through her stomach, causing it to twist in an uncomfortable tangle of nerves and distress. Despite her discomfort, she met her father's stricken and worried gaze, her resolve unwavering as she began to recount the intricate tale.

"Oh, Papa, it's a long story, one I don't know if I have time to tell you all the details," she began, her voice steady even as pain flickered across her features. "There's another witch named Lenore, sister to the Enchantress who cursed Adam. Lenore holds a deep grudge against Adam for what happened to her sister. But, you see, Monsieur D'Arque, Papa, on the very night the curse was lifted, he... he didn't take the Enchantress to prison as Adam had demanded on behalf of the king's order. Instead, he took her to his asylum, and she... she died there, Papa. I don't know the details of how it happened," Belle whispered, her eyes welling up with tears as she relived Lenore's haunting narrative.

Maurice's expression morphed from curiosity to shock as he pieced together the grim revelation.

"You mean to say that D'Arque...?" he trailed off, his confusion mirrored in the depths of Belle's tear-filled, dark brown eyes.

Belle shook her head and gave a helpless shrug of her shoulders, using a trembling finger to brush away a stray tear that escaped the corner of her eye.

"I wish I knew, Papa, but I'm afraid I don't know for sure, not without speaking to the man myself," she confessed in a hushed whisper. "I don't want to believe it, but..." She paused, her gaze averted for a moment as she steadied herself. "Lenore has cast a curse upon me, Papa. She wants Adam to experience the same agony her sister endured as she withered away from the inside out," she admitted, a shiver coursing down her spine as the pain in her stomach flared again. "She claims that only love and blood can break this new curse. But she didn't provide any details, Father. It's evident that this curse hides more secrets than we can fathom."

Maurice's eyes glistened with a mix of concern, empathy, and determination as he absorbed the weight of his daughter's words. He could see the pain etched on poor Belle's face, both the physical distress she was enduring and the emotional turmoil from the shocking revelations the witch had revealed.

As he heard Belle let out a pained groan through gritted teeth and her arm jutted out to wind around his arm for support as another wave of pain washed over her, he could feel his anger rising, a seething rage building within him at the injustices and cruelty that had been inflicted upon his beloved daughter and his new son-in-law.

"Belle!" he exclaimed, his voice quivering with indignation. "This is beyond appalling. That witch, Lenore, what has she done to you, my poor Belle, and your husband? This vengeance, this curse…it's unthinkable. And that D'Arque, that wretched accursed man…to imprison and let her die in such a place! If that is what happened, it is unforgivable! Adam must tell the king!"

Belle watched her father's growing anger with a mixture of concern and understanding. She knew his outrage was justified, but they needed a clear head to navigate the treacherous path before them.

"Papa, I share your anger," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. "But we must focus on finding a way to break this curse and not let anger cloud our judgment."

Maurice took a deep breath, trying to rein in his fury, for his daughter's sake. He knew Belle was right, but the injustice weighed heavily on his heart.

"Spoken like the princess you have become, Belle, my dear. You are right, of course, you're right," he conceded, his anger still simmering just beneath the surface. "We must find a way to lift this wretched curse, but D'Arque will answer for his crimes. Mark my words, Belle, dearest, he cannot be allowed to continue in this manner. See to it it's done."

With renewed determination and her father now by her side, Belle felt a glimmer of hope in the darkness that surrounded them. The journey ahead was uncertain, but their love and resolve would guide them through the challenges she and Adam were about to face head-on. She allowed her father to escort her out of the chamber, grateful her father was careful to move at a slow pace, and kept one hand around her waist for support, as she felt too weak to walk on her own without help. Maurice gently led Belle down the corridor, her father's steady presence offering her comfort and support.

As they made their way back towards the West Wing of the castle, the faint but growing sound of Prince Adam's voice reached their ears. His voice had gone hoarse, and his shouts were filled with frustration and anger, echoing through the corridors as he vented his frustration to anyone willing to listen.

Belle's heart sank at the thought of the Prince's fiery temper. He had calmed considerably since his curse was lifted and they had married, though he still was known for an occasional outburst from time to time in times of extreme stress. She and her father exchanged a worried look and quickened their pace, the urgency to calm him down and find a solution to their predicament with every step.

When they reached the West Wing, they found Prince Adam in a state of turmoil, restlessly pacing back and forth as he berated Lumiere and Mrs. Potts. His face was twisted and contorted with anger, his roars of frustration reverberating through the grand chamber.

"Where is she?!" he thundered, his voice filled with desperation. "I've searched the entire castle! How can my wife still be missing, Mrs. Potts?"

Lumiere and Mrs. Potts tried to calm him, but their efforts seemed futile in the face of their master's overwhelming distress and fury.

Belle rushed forward, shrugging out of her father's gentle grasp, calling to the Prince.

"Adam! I-I'm here, my love! Please, calm down," she exclaimed, her voice filled with urgency and love.

His eyes were wild with panic as he looked towards the door upon hearing the sound of Belle's voice, and they widened as he saw Belle approach.

"Belle!" he exclaimed, his voice breaking with relief as he rushed towards her. His arms enveloped her in a tight embrace, and he held her close to his chest, unwilling to relinquish his vice grip on her, as if afraid she might disappear once more.

Belle returned the embrace, feeling the tension drain from both of them.

"Adam, I'm here, my love," she whispered, her voice filled with reassurance, though she cringed as even she could hear the faint weak tremor in her voice as the curse still took its toll on her and she suspected it would continue to do so until it was lifted.

Maurice stood nearby, not even feeling his feet move as he came to stand between the Prince's servants, his heart warmed by the love he witnessed between her daughter and her husband, and grateful that they had been reunited.

Belle gently pulled back from the embrace, her hands shakily resting on Adam's shoulders as she met his eyes, filled with concern and understanding.

"Adam," she began hesitantly, biting on her lip as she took a moment to carefully consider her words, not sure how to say what she knew her love needed to hear. Her voice was soft but resolute as she continued, "There's…something you need to know."

The Prince, still trembling with relief at her return, looked into Belle's eyes with a mixture of curiosity and anxiety. "Belle, what happened? Where were you?" he asked, his voice shaking.

Taking a deep breath, Belle continued, "Lenore, she…she confronted me. She's angry with you for what happened to her sister, Adam. She's placed a curse on me. She wants you to feel the same pain that her sister did as she withered away from the inside out," she said solemnly, biting the wall of her cheek as she studied the Prince's expression nervously, watchful for signs of an outburst.

Adam's expression shifted from shock to a mixture of fear and anger.

"A curse? Belle, my love, what kind of curse?" he demanded, the Prince's worry escalating as he took notice of how pale his princess was becoming, not liking the beads of sweat appearing along her forehead, or the shadows that were beginning to form under her eyes that mirrored his own.

Belle bit her lip, feeling another wave of excruciating pain course through her stomach. She struggled to maintain her composure as she continued, her voice strained.

"I don't have all the details, Adam, but whatever Lenore did to me, it's causing so much pain," she whispered through gritted teeth. "Lenore mentioned something about only love and blood having the power to break this new curse. She didn't offer further explanation, but we must find a way to break it and end this cycle of suffering. She also said... she said we have only six months before this curse becomes permanent, my love..."

Adam's heart clenched at Belle's words, his concern deepening as he listened to the urgency in his wife's voice. He took her hands in his and gently pressed his forehead to hers, his blue eyes filled with determination and love.

"Belle, dearest," he murmured, his voice now filled with a fierce resolve, "we won't let this new witch break us. We won't let your curse consume us, love. We have six months, and we'll use every moment of the time that's ahead of us to find a way to break it and free you of this pain."

As Belle clung to Adam's hands, her worry deepened, and her heart ached at the thought of the sacrifices he might be willing to make to break the curse.

She couldn't bear the idea of losing him, and the fear weighed heavily on her.

"Adam," she whispered, her voice trembling with fear and love, "please promise me... promise me you won't consider giving yourself up to Lenore in exchange for breaking the curse. I can't bear the thought of losing you. We'll find another way, together."

Adam met Belle's gaze, his eyes filled with love and determination. He brought her closer, cradling her in his arms.

"I promise, Belle," he vowed, his voice steady and resolute. "I'll do everything in my power to break this curse without putting myself in harm's way. We're in this together, and we'll find a solution that doesn't involve losing each other."

Belle nodded, feeling a rush of relief and gratitude for Adam's unwavering commitment. With their love and unity, they faced a formidable challenge, but they were determined to overcome it without sacrificing their future together.

Maurice, alongside Lumiere and Mrs. Potts, watched the couple, his heart heavy with concern for his daughter but also filled with pride at the strength and love they shared.

He knew that together, they would face the challenges ahead and work tirelessly to unravel the mysteries of the curse before time ran out. In the face of uncertainty, Belle, Adam, and Maurice, and the servants stood united, ready to confront whatever obstacles lay ahead in their quest to break the curse and secure a future free from pain and suffering.

As they held each other close, Belle's mind raced with thoughts of how to uncover the truth about the Enchantress being taken to Monsieur D'Arque's asylum instead of prison as Adam had originally ordered the guards who had found her attempting to flee the village. She knew they needed more information to break her curse, and that meant facing the grim reality of D'Arque's asylum.

"Adam, my love," Belle began, her voice determined yet cautious, "I think we need to visit Monsieur D'Arque's asylum and speak to the man himself. We need to find out what truly happened to the Enchantress and why she was imprisoned there. It's the only way we can unravel the secrets behind Lenore's curse."

Adam quietly considered her suggestion, his brows furrowing in thought. He understood the importance of learning the full story but also recognized the potential dangers they might face in confronting D'Arque. But at the same time, he couldn't bear the thought of his beloved wife being exposed to the monstrous horrors that such a horrid place might hold within.

"Belle," he began, his voice gentle but firm, "I can't allow you to go to that asylum. I should go alone. It's no place for a young woman, especially not my wife and princess of the realm. The dangers and darkness within those walls are beyond even my imagining."

Belle sighed, understanding the depth of his concern but still feeling frustrated by his refusal to discuss the matter further. She knew Adam was only acting out of love and his own best interests for her, but she was equally determined if not more so to uncover the truth.

"Adam," she began, her voice gentle but persistent, "we're a team, and we need to face this challenge together. Please, let's at least consider all our options. Let me come with."

But her heart sank as Adam's expression remained firm, and her husband simply shook his head, the edges of his mouth pinching and turning down in a scowl.

"No, Belle, my love. This is not up for discussion. You will remain here at the castle with the servants and your father where I know you'll be safe. I will not put my wife in danger, no matter the circumstances. I'll go alone."

With their disagreement unresolved, Belle and Adam now faced the difficult task of finding a way to break Belle's curse while still keeping their love and unity intact. Belle's frustration simmered as Adam's staunch refusal to let her accompany him echoed in her mind. She turned on her heels and left the room in a huff, her footsteps heavy with a sense of determination mixed with disappointment.

As she departed, Mrs. Potts watched Belle's exit with a concerned expression, her lips pursed in disapproval, then turned to the Prince.

"Master, please, perhaps we should consider her perspective," she suggested, the matronly woman's tone gentle and diplomatic, ever the voice of reason. "Your wife only wishes to help you, sire, and her determination may prove valuable."

Adam sighed, running a hand through his hair in exasperation. "I know, Mrs. Potts, but I can't bear the thought of her being in harm's way. I won't lose Belle, and I won't allow this."

Mrs. Potts nodded understandingly. "Very well, Your Highness," she replied. "I'll head downstairs to the kitchens to prepare an assorted lunch for you to take with you, sire."

As Mrs. Potts made her way out of the West Wing to head towards the kitchens, Belle, who had been lingering nearby, overheard her asking Adam, "When do you plan to leave, Your Grace?"

Belle's curiosity was piqued by the question, and she couldn't help but wonder about Adam's intentions in speaking with Monsieur D'Arque alone and the course of action he intended to take in their quest to break this new witch's curse that had been cast upon her.

Belle's ears perked up at Mrs. Potts' inquiry, and she discreetly eavesdropped on her husband's conversation with their trusted friend and servant.

She couldn't shake the feeling that Adam might be planning something without her, despite his earlier refusal to involve her in the dangerous journey to D'Arque's asylum.

Adam hesitated for a moment before responding to Mrs. Potts.

"I'm not sure yet, Mrs. Potts," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I need some time to think and plan, but I won't be going anywhere with my men until I have a solid strategy in place."

Belle's concern deepened. She knew that Adam's intentions were driven by his love and his desire to protect her, but she couldn't help but feel left out of the decision-making process.

She decided to give him the space he needed to think but resolved to have a conversation with him later, one in which they would discuss their future and their shared destiny.

With determination in her heart, Belle turned and headed down the corridor, determined to find a way to be an active part of the solution, even if it meant confronting Adam about her role in breaking the curse.

Belle wandered through the castle corridors, her thoughts consumed by the challenges ahead and the unresolved tension between her and Adam. She knew that they needed to work together to break the curse, and she couldn't bear the thought of being left in the dark about his plans.

As she walked, Belle's mind raced with questions and possible solutions. She considered the information Lenore had shared and the importance of understanding what truly happened to the Enchantress in D'Arque's asylum. Her determination to uncover the truth and help Adam grew stronger with each passing moment. Finding a quiet spot in the castle gardens, Belle sat down and took a deep breath.

She knew it was time to have an open and honest conversation with Adam about their shared journey and the importance of working together to break the curse.

With resolve in her heart, she made a mental plan of what she would say, determined to bridge the gap that had formed between them and strengthen their bond as they faced the challenges that lay ahead.