A Beast Again

Everything in Adam’s life was perfect- the enchantment was over and he had married the woman who had helped him to see more than the Beast that he was, the woman named Belle.

He gazed at her from where he lay, as she put their daughter to bed. His daughter, little Irena. He couldn’t help the smile that broke upon his face, as he thought about how lucky he was to have a wife that loved him and a child that he had helped to create and love with Belle. At that point, Belle looked over and smiled as at last their daughter fell asleep.

As Belle came over to the bed they shared in the West Wing which had become light and accommodating since the enchantment had been lifted, Adam began to speak.

“I love you Belle.” He said as he gazed lovingly into her eyes.

Belle smiled and replied “I love you too, Adam.”

However not all was to remain perfect for very long.

It happened one night as Adam tried to put Irena to sleep by taking her onto the balcony to observe the stars. He was so happy; he wondered how someone like him deserved and could feel such happiness.

All of a sudden, there was a flash of green and his worst nightmare had come true. The enchantress had once again become a presence in his life, despite his efforts to forget what she had done to him. Adam was frightened of what would happen to himself and his daughter as in his experience, the enchantress only came to punish people and never to reward them. As Adam cowered on the balcony, the enchantress began to speak to him in a voice that sounded as quiet as the wind and as soft as silk.

“Please calm yourself, my prince.” She said, as she could tell that the prince was afraid of her.

Adam tried to quell his anger as he replied “what do you want?”

“I merely came to see if you were happy with your life.” She replied in a calm voice.

Adam, rendered speechless, was only able to nod.

At this, the enchantress smiled and her eyes glinted with something that Adam could only define as evil. “Unfortunately, I can take all of your happiness away.”

“Why would you? I found someone who loved me and whom I love in return. The enchantment was lifted.” Adam inquired.

“In order to ensure that your daughter does not end up like you did. I shall take away your happiness to ensure this is achieved.”

Adam’s eyes widened, but he remained still and silent.

“Your daughter must learn to appreciate you for who you are.”

“She is a baby, she is dependent on me.” Adam said, desperately trying to avoid the fate that he knew would befall him.

Paying no heed to his words, the enchantress said “I hereby reverse the enchantment that your wife broke. You have until her 18th year or you will remain a beast forever.”

As he began to transform, Adam cried out “No! Belle!”

During this exchange, Belle had been going through her nightly routine in the ensuite that was attached to the West Wing. As Belle came out of the ensuite, she noticed Adam on the balcony calling her name, thus she felt compelled to hasten her approach. With his heightened senses, Adam could hear her coming closer, but secretly he was afraid of how she would react to his monstrous form.

As she approached, Belle noticed that Adam seemed to be taller than she remembered, however she shrugged this off as her eyes playing tricks on her. She eventually stood beside her husband, and was able to recognise his Beast form. She was curious as to why he was once more a Beast but was unsure as to how to ask this delicate question. She instead decided to take a different approach to the situation.

“Adam?”

“Belle, don’t look at me. I am a monster.” Adam stated, sadness seeping into his voice as the full weight of the transformation hit him.

“Adam, pass me Irena, she should be in bed now.” Belle said soothingly.

In the time since his transformation, Adam had not noticed that he was still holding his daughter, but delicately passed her back to Belle, as he was afraid of hurting her with his paws and claws.

As Belle placed their daughter into the crib, Adam followed her into the room. He spoke in a low growl in an attempt to make sure that their daughter didn’t wake up.

“Belle, please do not be kind to me, there is nothing you can do to reverse the enchantment this time.”

“What? What is going on? Adam, I love you no matter what.” Belle said, as she was frightened that she couldn’t help her husband this time.

Unwilling to go into more details, Adam replied “The enchantress.”

“Oh dear, this is not good. What did she say?” Belle said with concern in her voice.

“She…she said that only Irena could break the enchantment by seeing beneath my appearance and accept me for who I am- like you did.” Adam said, feeling absolutely helpless.

“That will take a long time, considering that she is only a baby.” Belle said, somewhat ruefully.

Adam nearly glared at her as he replied “do not remind me. I am doomed to remain this way forever as no one could look at me like this. I do not even know how you stand it.”

“Adam, it is still you. Do not fall into despair just at the moment, there is still time before your fate is sealed.” Belle soothed, attempting to comfort her husband in the only way that she could think of.