Belle could not imagine what had happened, or what was happening inside that castle. She could not imagine what curse had fallen upon the beast, and why. She could not imagine why he wanted her in there. There was<span style="font-style: italic">so much</span>she did not know, and the only person willing to actually talk to her would not explain it. The girl considered the man laid by her side, holding her in his arms, was the one who had the key to this odd situation.<br/><br/>After a restless night, Belle was still tired, but her sleep was so superficial she was startled when the beast released her. It took her a while to open her eyes, still fighting against some sleepiness. The first groan of pain made her open them and look at the beast, though. Her eyes went wide as she watched, horrified, the man who had slipped into her bed and told her to relax becoming... the monster.<br/><br/>Belle was extremely confused at that sight. Part of her wanted to scream her lungs out and try to run away. This same part advised her that even though he seemed to be weak and in pain, he was still bigger, stronger and faster than herself. But there was also some compassion mixed with her confusion and fear. Belle had a kind heart, and seeing any creature, no matter how odd, suffer, hurt her deeply. Still scared, the girl slipped from the bed and took a few tentative steps toward the beast. "Sir...?". Her voice was barely a whisper. "Are you... do you need... anything?", she finally managed, in an almost normal voice.