Beauty's Beast- The Light

by Sebrena Merly

  Thais slowly stood up, staring in the direction of the shout, confusion written across her face. Then she looked at Bella, eyes wide. "Get inside."

  "Are they attacking?" she asked in disbelief, prepared to run and retrieve Kataros.

  "Now!" Thais shouted, causing Bella to jump, and she took off.

  Bella watched her disappear, then she turned and raced towards the castle, shouting all the while at the Fae that milled about curiously. "Prepare yourselves!" She waved an arm in the direction Thais had gone. "Help them!" When they nodded and took off, she burst through the entrance, hardly breaking pace when she nearly ran into Eriq.

  "What's going on out there?" he asked.

  "I don't know," she told him, starting up the stairs. "Where's-"

  "What happened?" Kataros asked, standing in front of the dining room. He frowned as Bella ran back down the steps and stopped in front of him. "Is something wrong?"

  "It sounds like there's a fight in the gardens," Eriq told him.

  "I think it might be the wolves," Bella stated.

  He looked at the both of them carefully, then nodded, ushering Bella back towards the stairs. "Find some place safe, and stay there." Then he started for the door, Eriq right beside him.

  Bella gaped after him for a moment, then scoffed, insulted. "Like that's gonna happen." She followed after them, keeping pace, managing to keep up just a few feet behind. Surprisingly, she hardly made a noise, and they didn't seem to hear her.

  The garden was eerily empty. Bella had gotten so used to seeing faeries wander about that she had forgotten how it looked without them. Now vacant, it seemed just as deadly as the first time Bella had stepped foot in it. Towards the entrance of the wall, however, was another story.

  A carriage was toppled onto its side, a few horses along with it, which were all struggling to stand upright, though some of the others had taken to just laying down and waiting. Several of the Fae circled around, all carrying some form of weapon, some of them with ropes and chains.

  "What's this?" Kataros's voice boomed, startling everyone. Because of this distraction, there was a shout.

  Something howled.

  "Is there only one?" Bella asked curiously. Kataros stiffened at her voice, then threw her a glare, which she returned.

  "There is," Thais said, appearing by her side. "But you're not going to like it."

  Bella frowned at her before turning to the Fae that stood before her. Some of them ducked their heads nervously, and they all stepped to the side, forming a path for her. Down at the end of it, a wolf was struggling.

  His fur was matted in what looked to be blood, sticking out every which way. His yellow eyes were wide, frantic, and angry. At first Bella was confused as to why he would be so important to her, but as she watched she began to understand.

  Fur strained against skin, his howls turning into whimpers and shrieks, and he growled menacingly at the creatures around him. But his eyes focused on Bella, starting to turn a familiar shade of blue. Then all of his fur disappeared, leaving behind nothing but a naked, tortured man.

  Bella stared at him for a moment, eyes wide and startled as she slowly stumbled her way towards him, trying to get a better look at him. When she was close enough, and he rolled over to face her, she stopped.

  It was her father.

  * * *

  "He's fading!" Thais shouted as they rushed into the castle, Johnathon caught in the clutches of faeries, one of them being his daughter, whose name he kept murmuring.

  "What have you done!?" Bella shouted at the group that carried her father, who were the ones that had gone to retrieve him. Only, four of them were missing.

  "Someone else found him before we could," one of them told her.

  They crashed into the room where Kataros had been healed, taking him to the largest chair and laying him across it. His eyelids fluttered wildly, his lips muttering gibberish, head rolling about. It looked like he was sweating as much as he was bleeding, which was a lot. There were several severe slashes across his back as if he had been whipped, and bruises were around his wrists as if he had been bound by something. The worst of it was the scar across his chest, which had been reopened carelessly, all torn up and gushing blood.

  "How could anyone else know where he was?" Bella asked, gripping her father's hands in hers as she peered into his face, being sure that he was breathing—living.

  "Where did you find him?" Kataros muttered to the group, pulling them aside as Thais and a few other faeries began cleaning the wounds. He shot Bella a glance she was sure he thought she couldn't see as she stared worriedly at her father, one that looked hopeless and secretive, which only encouraged her to listen in some more.

  "Where the Iceling lurks," one of them told him quietly, sparking an ember deep in Bella's memory, and Lylan's voice echoed that same title in the back of her mind. "He was chained in one of the chambers."

  "And what happened to the others?" he asked.

  "The Iceling, Sire," one of the others—a female—told him. She ducked her head respectfully when he looked at her. "He attacked us."

  "And no one else was there?" he pressed.

  She looked at the others, who all nodded encouragingly, and she shook her head. "No. It was just us, the human, and the Iceling. We're the only ones who made it."

  "And the Iceling?" Kataros demanded. "What of it?"

  "We don't know," she admitted to him, ducking her head shamefully. "It disappeared before we had time to react, and we ran as soon as the opportunity came." She nodded towards Johnathon. "We managed to get him into the carriage, but he started turning. We almost lost him a few times."

  "Strong fellow," one of the others murmured. "Very rare for a human to survive the transformation."

  Bella pulled away from her father, standing and spinning in her spot. "You mean to say that he might not survive?" she asked, striding up to them. "Is that what you meant?"

  "Go and get some rest," Kataros told what was left of the group. "You deserve a break, after what you've been through." Then he grabbed Bella's elbow and led her to the side, voice low and gentle. "Bella, there may be a chance that your father will live-"

  "But there's also a chance that he will die," she snapped, glancing over at Johnathon, who was no longer restlessly stirring. "He's going to, isn't he?"

  "No," Kataros said insistently. "Your father will be fine."

  "Are you saying that because you actually believe it?" Bella asked him. "Or are you just saying it to keep me from doing something stupid?"

  "Not all humans die from the process," he argued.

  "Yes, well, it doesn't look like he's taking it very well now, does it?" she shouted, and some of the faeries glanced her way. She sighed impatiently, glaring up at Kataros. "I may still seem like some silly girl to you, but I'm not a fool. My father is clearly denying the transformation. A human's body can only struggle so much."

  "Bella," he said gently.

  "My father needs help," she snapped. "I'm going to give it to him." She waved an arm in his direction. "When he's all wrapped up and the bleeding stops, you should probably lock him up somewhere—just in case." She turned around and left the room, starting for the stairs.

  "Bella!" Kataros called, and for once she heard his gentle, confident footsteps. "Bella!" When she ignored him and was about to start up the stairs, all noise ceased to exist and he suddenly appeared in front of her, stepping up from somewhere behind her, having had managed to follow without being heard.

  "Excuse me," Bella said flatly, brown eyes meeting his white ones evenly.

  "What are you doing?" he asked her. When she didn't answer, he sighed and closed his eyes. "Bella." He opened them. "Please talk to me."

  "I'm going to Videns," she told him.

  He blinked. "That's it?" Then he frowned suspiciously. "What for?"

  "For something I know you won't give me," she told him. "The location of your mother." With that, she stepped around him and walked up the stairs, picking up her pace
when she heard him chasing after her.

  "You shouldn't do that," he told her, blocking her path again. When she tried to step around him again, he grabbed her arms. "You don't know what you're getting yourself into."

  "I don't care," she told him wearily. She blinked slowly and took a deep breath. "Kataros, I just want to help my father. Can't you just let me do at least that?"

  "I can't," he told her. "Not at the possibilities it will lead to."

  "And what would those possibilities be?" she asked. When he hesitated and looked at the floor, she pulled away from him. "You see what I mean? Since you won't tell me anything, I've got to find out for myself. If Videns can show me my own past, and someone else's future, then maybe he can show me the present. Now, please, get out of my way."

  He shook his head. "Bella, there must be some other way."

  "What?" she demanded. "What other way is there? Please, share your thoughts, because so far they're getting me nowhere." She fisted her hands into his shoulders when he avoided her eyes, shaking him lightly. "You see what I mean? You won't tell me a damn thing—therefore, I will go to someone who actually might." She moved to step around him.

  "Bella, wait," the demon said when she was hardly three steps past. He sighed and turned to face her. "There might be something—but I can't promise you anything."

  "And what is this something?" she asked doubtfully, crossing her arms over her chest, a brow arched critically.

  "My blood," he told her. When she narrowed her eyes, he stepped closer. "It may just work—at least long enough for us to figure something out. If what he needs is more strength, then what better than the blood of a Halfling? We are the strongest, after all." He held up a finger before she could reply. "There may be consequences.

  Her heart fluttered, and hope filtered through her mind as she churned the thought over. Then she met the demon's eyes. "Do it."

  * * *

  Johnathon had been placed on a side of the castle Bella hadn't travelled through before. She had always stayed in the Eastern and Western parts, along with the entrance. Little did she know, that "entrance" was actually the back exit of the castle, so her idea of the layout was completely inaccurate.

  In the West Wing, and down the stairs, there were several other doors, one of which led to a passage that led to the other parts of the castle. This passage was built outside, against the wall, which allowed for a view of a garden trapped within the walls of the castle. This garden, unlike the other, looked more full of life; flowers blooming everywhere, lively statues, and fountains flooded with sparkling water. Faeries walked about, talking to one another, some even wrapped in another's embrace.

  It was like a whole other world within the dark one Bella had come to know.

  "Welcome to the North Wing," Kataros told Bella as he opened the door at the end of the hall, stepping to the side to let her through.

  Inside was a hall, well-lit and far more beautiful than the rest of the counterparts. The ground was covered in a deep red carpet of some sort, the walls equally fancy with random patterns that would appear every now and then, and paintings of people and items hung on every wall. Tables sat against the walls, sometimes holding pottery, boxes, or some other items. Candles hung every which way, lighting their way without once flickering.

  "This is the main area," Kataros explained to her. "Connected to this hall are several others. It can be quite easy to get lost, but there's always someone to ask directions from. The front of the castle is the main entrance, and where balls and dinner parties used to be held."

  "It's lovely," Bella told him as they walked, stepping back to keep from leading since she really didn't know where they were going. "Why didn't you tell me about it?"

  His shoulders rolled. "You didn't ask."

  Bella was briefly reminded of Thais and their conversation, and she looked at the demon curiously. "I didn't know you were blind."

  He stopped for a moment, as if shocked she even knew in the first place, then continued. "Only a little. I can still see you...just not the details."

  "So, if I asked you what color my eyes were..."

  "I would ask if you even knew," he said with a faint smile. He peered down at her. "If my eyesight was normal, I would've been able to see you when we first met. Though, something about your scent was different than that of a man's."

  Bella blinked, then stared down at her feet. "Well, that's not disturbing at all."

  He laughed. "Take it as a compliment."

  "I'm flattered," she said mockingly, placing a hand over her chest. "You're actually trying to be decent—for once."

  "I see you're getting used to me," he mused, smiling. "I can't decide whether that's good or bad."

  "When you find out, let me know."

  He nodded and stopped in front of a door, gripping the silver handle and peering down at the girl. "Are you sure you want me to do this?"

  "If it might help my father, then yes," she told him, nodding. "At this rate, I'll try anything."

  The door was pulled from the demon's grasp, and Ganesh stepped into view, hair sticking up in every direction, his eyes wide. When he saw Bella, he scowled. "I see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. The bastard's even more stubborn than you are."

  Bella stared at him a moment, speechless, then pushed past him, not even bothering to apologize, and looked around the room. It looked like any other, with wardrobes and tables and such. No windows, however, and the bed was in the center of the room instead of against a wall. On it: her father.

  He was chained around both ankles, and struggling as Thais and a few other women tried to do the same to his wrists. His eyes kept flickering, switching back and forth between yellow and blue, sometimes remaining a bright green for a few long seconds before changing again. All of his wounds were wrapped up; bloody, but firm.

  "Would you just hold still already?" one of the women complained when she was struck just under her chin.

  "Like hell I will," he snapped. He thrust himself about, teeth bared as he glowered at the faeries. Only when he saw his daughter did he still. "Bella." He sucked in a breath as his eyes gradually took her in. “You look so...”

  She grinned, ignoring whatever it was he had been about to day, blinking tears, and rushed to his side, pushing one of the women away, who gave her an insulted look before dispersing. "Papa."

  "You're alright," he said, looking her over in disbelief. While he was distracted, Thais and one of the other girls managed to get him chained, and when he realized this he shook his arms wildly, giving Bella a panicked look. "What are they doing? Get me out of these."

  Bella looked at the girls, grabbing Thais's arm, asking her without speaking. But Thais shook her head, tucking a key away in the pocket of her trousers, and pulled away. She stopped in front of Karatos, handing him a key that looked very much like her own before she went out into the hall with the others.

  "I can't, Papa," Bella told her father sadly, burying her brown eyes into his blue ones, trying to will him to understand. "You've been infected. You're a were-" She cut off and looked to the demon, who was standing in the corner of the room.

  He stepped forward, but remained out of Johnathon's line of sight. "You've been poisoned with the venom of the Northern wolves, which makes you one of them now. Your kind call them werewolves."

  "I know your voice," he said, twisting his head around, trying to look at Kataros, but he stayed in his place beyond his line of vision. "You're that monster! You're the one that held me, and took my little girl..." He looked at Bella, frowning. "What's going on? Why aren't you running? Why are you so calm?"

  She shook her head, wanting to explain but unable to find the words. When nothing left her lips but a mere stutter, she looked back over at the demon.

  "A lot has happened," Kataros told her father, smiling at her almost helplessly. "I can't go into detail, as there isn't much time, but I'll tell you this; you have been infected by the same wolves that are after Bella. Therefore, you're a danger
to her." When she stared at him, eyes narrowed, he simply stared back.

  "What?" Johnathon shook his head. "I know I've been feeling strange, but..." He trailed off, worry lines creasing his forehead. Then he looked at Bella. "What am I?"

  "Papa," she started.

  "What am I!" he shouted, jerking at the chains, making her jump to her feet nervously. His glare slowly transformed into fear, and he closed his eyes when he saw the same in Bella's eyes. "God, please tell me that this is a dream. Just a bad dream, and nothing more."

  "Afraid not," Ganesh said from the doorway.

  Bella glared over at him. "I thought you left."

  He grinned. "I see you've warmed up to me rather well." He stepped inside, meeting the demon's eyes. "The chains won't be able to hold him when he's shifted. You do know that, don't you?"

  He nodded. "I do."

  "Then what is the point in holding him?" Bella asked, grabbing the chains and shaking them violently. "What is the point in this?"

  "Because," he said, finally walking into Johnathon's line of vision, "he may not react kindly to the blood."

  "By God," Johnathon murmured, staring at the demon with wide eyes. "You're an incubus..." He gave Bella a wide-eyed look. "Bella, he's an incubus. He's a bloody incubus!" Before she could speak, he started thrashing, glowering at Kataros. "If you've touched her, by God, I swear-"

  "Papa!" Bella snapped, blushing ferociously and slapping a hand over one of his. "He isn't like others of his kind." She looked up at the demon, who watched her curiously. "He's different."

  "Bloody right he's different," her father told her, thrashing again. "This one will lose his head!"

  "Papa!" She shook her head and backed away. "You don't understand. He's trying to help!"

  "Oh, Bella," he gasped, eyes wide. "He's got you brainwashed! Fight him, Bella—I know you can! You're strong. You can fight it!"

  She threw her arms into the air and looked at the demon, who was watching her father with an amused expression. "You think this is funny, don't you?"