Belle

Down in the village lived a man named Maurice, and his daughter, Belle.

Maurice was a merchant, a man of trades. His work often required travel.

On this day in particular, Maurice was travelling to the next town over, about a day's journey.

And you'll be back for dinner?

Of course, my dear.

But Maurice couldn't be more wrong.

When the second week rolled around, and her father had yet to return, she made a decision to find him, regardless of the cost.

Belle's whole life, she had heard the whispers of the strange man who lived in the woods. He had abilities, magical abilities.

So she set out for this man, even when the townspeople warned her not to.

Hello? Creepy magic dude?

What do you seek, mortal?

My father. He-he's lost. Please, I'll give anything.

Anything you say? Like a lifetime of servitude for your father's safe passage home?

Her life, all her plans, they'd be gone if she agreed to this. But it wasn't a life if her father wasn't safe.

Done. Just bring my father home.

So off they went, headed to a dark castle that had sunken into itself. It didn't look like a home.

I'll show you to your quarters. The west wing is off limit. You may not ever, EVER, go in.

She felt like crying as she entered the castle, but didn't. She didn't cry, didn't say anything, didn't allow this evil man to see her as upset.

Belle sat in her quarters, miserable. Her father was safe, and yet she would always be trapped in this castle.

She began to work, cleaning the castle all day. The castle was in a state of decay, with smashed windows and broken floorboards.

She cleaned for the man all day, and yet he was never around. Her suspicion began to grow, as the days dragged on without her catching sight of him.

What's in the west wing?

She peered down the steps to the west wing. It looked like a normal floor, but what lay beyond the stairs?