The night was heavy with silence, the mansion breathing only in shadows. Belle sat in her room, close to Thomas. His presence wrapped around her like warmth in the middle of winter, as if all her fears dissolved whenever his hand touched hers.
"I wish time could stop right here, Thomas…" Belle whispered softly.
Thomas brushed a strand of hair from her face, his gaze tender yet troubled.
"Time is not stronger than us, Belle. But people… people can destroy what we have."
Before Belle could reply, heavy footsteps echoed from below. Doors creaked open, followed by hushed whispers. Thomas's face changed instantly—fear and anger flashing in his eyes.
"Belle… they're here!" his voice trembled.
"Who?" she asked, startled.
"Your parents. They're not alone. A priest is with them… They've come to end me."
The Priest's Entrance
Downstairs, lantern light flickered. The priest's deep voice rose in chants, words filled with command. The air itself thickened, pressing against the walls of the mansion. Soon, knocks rattled the attic door—light at first, then stronger, louder.
Belle's heart pounded wildly.
"No… this can't be real…"
Thomas gripped her hand, but his touch wasn't soft anymore. It burned like fire, his form trembling under invisible weight.
The priest's voice boomed:
"Unholy spirit… leave this place! You have no right to remain!"
Thomas in Agony
Belle's eyes widened as Thomas's body began to distort, smoke-like tendrils tearing at his figure. His eyes held nothing but pain.
"Belle… they're stripping me away…"
"No!" she cried, tears rushing down her cheeks. "Stop this! He doesn't hurt me! He loves me!"
Her father's voice thundered from outside the door:
"Belle! Open this door! He's deceiving you. This isn't love, it's dark sorcery!"
Her chest tightened, breaking under the weight of their words.
"No… this is not sorcery! This is real! This is my heart!"
A Heartbreaking Moment
Thomas collapsed to his knees, his glowing form flickering like a candle in the wind. Yet, he managed a weak smile.
"Belle… if this is my end, promise me one thing. Never lose faith in our love. Even if I vanish… my heart will stay with you."
Belle clutched him desperately, sobbing.
"No, Thomas! You can't leave me. I can't breathe without you… I can't live without you!"
The attic door shook violently. The priest's chants grew harsher, the storm of words filling the room like a rising tide. The air turned suffocating, pressing down on both of them.
And Belle… she stood torn between the world of her parents and the world of her love.