I sat on the ledge, staring at the mountains in the distance. The sun had begun to set, and the trees were dimly lit with an orange glow. Somewhere in the horizon a gull called to its flock, signaling their retreat for the night. A slight, warm breeze shook leaves to the ground, mixing the reds and the yellows and the deep hues together. It tickled my cheeks and caressed my lips. I closed my eyes and let the wind carry my tears to the ground below.

Three months. I had been trapped in this tower for three months, tonight marking the end.

I began to hum a sad tune. At first, the solitude had been frightening. I had spent days on end alone, sitting on the edge of my bed and staring into the daylight. There wasn't much to do besides gaze out into the distance, wishing for freedom. But then the men came – the ones that Father ordered – attempting to purge me of my sins. Exorcise the Devil from my body, they said. And my fear had turned into terror. For weeks, they would arrive at daybreak, carrying crosses, holy water, and an abundance of ropes. Attempt after attempt, trying various methods to summon the evil spirits from my mind. They would only leave once I could no longer move, paralyzed in pain. Many days I would catch a glance of myself in the mirror, no longer recognizing the bloody, torn girl looking back at me.

I still had the cuts all over my body. The bruises faded, but the scars remained.

Once they had given up, Father had done all but thrown away the key. The men no longer came, except for the odd day when a merchant would deposit goods at the bottom of the winding staircase. I made sure to ration my food, for sometimes, it would be days before another meal was brought to me.

But compared to now, starvation seemed like a luxury. I hadn't seen a human soul for a month or two, and I no longer remembered what a genuine smile looked like. Did it light up the eyes, or did it cause them to twinkle? I didn't know. The sunshine had faded into a darkness that loomed at the edge of my vision, scratching the inside of my mind like a trapped animal. I would look at the nature, meters below, and despite the colors, saw only grey. A deathly, churning grey. The sludge crept inside my thoughts, and soon I found myself unable to move.

Some days I would spend the entire afternoon in a corner of the tower, forehead pressed against the cool brick. Other days, on the floor. My eyes would close and I would fall into a deep sleep, wishing never to wake. My heart was broken, my body was scarred, and I no longer cared. I didn't care about ever seeing day again. I didn't care about myself. I didn't care about life. I didn't care about-

No.

I dug my nails into the concrete as a memory flashed behind my eyelids. I wouldn't allow myself to think of him.

Instead, I focused on a meadow of flowers a few hills to my right. They were so small, so innocent – blossoming into beautiful bouquets that I would never be able to gather. The grass around it – wet, soft, full of dew – swirling in inviting patterns. Crickets buzzed into the night, and as I looked closer, I could see the dance of fireflies amongst the mulberry bushes.

A tear rolled down my cheek and onto the palm of my hand. It was cold. I shuddered and bit my lip, keeping the sob from escaping my throat. The emptiness that I felt inside was nothing compared to the shards of glass inside my chest. The ones that hadn't stopped destroying me since I left the castle months ago.

Pressing a hand to the wall, I curled my fingers around the sill and stood. My legs shook. I didn't know if it was from fear or from anticipation. Or perhaps both. Hesitantly, I peered over the side of the ledge, and took a deep breath. The ground swirled below like a great body of water. Black, icy, endless. Terrifying. Darkness had devoured the sky, and the clouds covered the moon. I was alone in the night, hovering above my death like a ragdoll on a string. One step and I could drop. I could fall. And I could die.

I could have peace.

I was no longer afraid.

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and let go of the wall. A gust of wind hit me from the side, and I was carried along with it, body collapsing as I dropped from the side of the tower. As I plummeted towards my death, nothing flashed before my eyes – no memories, no thoughts, no faces – only a screaming that sounded in my ears. Perhaps it was me who was screaming, who knew.

It didn't matter.

I fell.

And fell.

And fell.

But never hit the ground.

"No!" I shouted, running towards the tower as fast as I could. I saw her weakened frame waver, lit by the candle of her windowsill. Her arm dropped to her side, releasing her grip on the ledge.

No, this couldn't be happening. She would never…

And then she fell.

"No!" Another shout escaped from my throat, this one desperate and broken. I had no time to think. I was only seconds away, now below the enormous structure. Time felt frozen. With all my strength, I threw myself towards the girl that twisted through the air… and caught her in my arms.

We both slammed into the ground with a sickening thud.

"Belle!" I gasped, standing as quickly as I could, her body limp in my hold. The air felt knocked from my lungs, but I managed to stay steady. "Belle, answer me!"

The girl's eyelids fluttered, but she remained unconscious.

"Oh, Belle…" Tentatively, I passed the back of my hand across her cheek. It was soft and smooth. Even with her face covered with dirt, blood, and tears, she was the most beautiful woman I had ever laid my eyes upon.

A golden tear slipped down my cheek, and I quickly wiped it away with my free hand. I had sworn never to think of her again, yet here she was, in my arms. Here, her heartbeat inches from mine. The warmth of her skin much too close to mine, despite the clothing that separated us.

I sighed, calming myself. Belle was safe. Belle was alive. That was all that mattered. Nothing had changed. Nothing about what happened months ago had changed. She was still gone, and I was still the heartless monster I had been for years. Nothing was different. Nothing could be different, even if I wanted it to be.

"Now you've made your choice, and you're going to regret it. Forever." Her words echoed in my head, as clear as day, and the blade in my heart twisted deeper.

Looking at the peaceful expression on her face, I couldn't help feel a twinge of guilt. Maybe this is what she had wanted all along, to be set free of her pain. The last thing she would want would be to wake up and see the face of a monster. Maybe I should have let her…

No.

My jaw locked and my eyes narrowed. As long as I was alive, I would make sure she was safe. And that was final.

I brushed my hair back and hoisted her over my shoulder, being careful to support her head. I had made my decision. Whether she wanted to or not, I would bring her back to my castle until she was able to regain her strength. She needed a place to stay, and I would be able to assure her safety. I wouldn't let anything happen to her.

Not again.

Not ever.