The townspeople let out a gasp when they heard Belle's voice. The beast opened his eyes. "Belle, go back inside" he murmured, his voice sounding tired and cut off from the ropes. Gaston looked the most surprised. He nearly dropped the knife. Instead he gripped it tighter and spoke lowly so only she could hear him. "Belle, step back. You don't have to put on a show for this thing, just let me kill it." The beast let out a growl, "You were going to wed her? It's no wonder she preferred to stay with me." He knew what he was doing, tormenting the man with his feelings. It would be enough, hopefully, to distract him and get away with Belle.