In the castle, Belle was preparing for a nice day. It seemed that they wouldn't have a very cold morning, and Erik had allowed her to tidy up his room, which would keep he busy. Also, he seemed to be recovering quickly from his wounds. Yes, it would be a nice day.<br/><br/>Belle had just resumed her work when Jaques entered the room. Her eyes went to him, and his words made her open her mouth to ask questions. Holding them in, she looked outside as well. Unlike Jaques, she wasn't willing to obey and hide. As the servant got out of the room, Belle took a deep breath and let it out with a long sigh. Her hands laid on the sides of the beast's head when he kissed her forehead. "But... Erik..."<br/><br/>She didn't have time to say anything as he went outside to meet the trespassers. Hesitating a little, Belle tried to stay inside and out of trouble, but she simply couldn't. As she reached the upper railing, once again hoping to watch without being seen, the second loop was being wrapped around Erik's throat. The girl touched her own neck, her lips open. They couldn't... they wouldn't do it, would day? When she saw Gaston with his knife in hand, she knew he would.<br/><br/>Feeling her heart on her throat, Belle decided it would be stupid and impossible to stay there. "No! Don't!" She didn't even know how she could find her voice as she ran down the stairs as fast as she could. Having eyes for nobody else but Erik, Belle fell on her knees and covered the beast's neck with her body. "Stay away! He is not a demon, or a monster! And you're hurting him!" As she spoke, Belle started trying to pull the rope on Erik's neck, her hands moving desperately in her attempt to loosen the loop.