The library was quiet—too quiet. Belle was shelving a stack of old tomes, the golden lamplight casting long shadows across the worn wooden floors. She hummed softly, a tune she’d learned in her village long ago, when a flicker of movement caught her eye.

Belle froze.

“Hello?” she called, her voice steady despite the sudden prickling at the back of her neck. “Is someone there?”

Only the rustle of pages answered.

Shaking her head, Belle returned to her work, but the feeling of being watched lingered. She’d spent countless nights in this library, surrounded by books that whispered secrets of magic and history, yet tonight… something felt different.

A shadow darted across the far wall.

Belle’s heart quickened. She wasn’t afraid of magic—she had faced curses and dark enchantments—but this felt… personal. Calculated.

Stepping closer, she whispered, “I know someone’s here. Show yourself.”

The shadow paused, almost as if it were studying her. Then a soft, distorted voice echoed from the shelves.

“You read too much, Belle Gold.”

Belle’s hand instinctively went to the book she always carried—the one with protective spells. “Who are you? What do you want?”

“I want what you keep hidden,” the voice replied. “Knowledge, power… secrets you’re not meant to touch.”

A cold gust swept through the library, scattering papers. Belle spun, her eyes scanning every dark corner. There, by the old oak shelves, a figure began to take shape—dark, indistinct, almost like smoke with glowing eyes.

Belle tightened her grip on her spellbound book. “I don’t know who—or what—you are. But you won’t get what you want.”

The shadow laughed, a sound that sent shivers down her spine. “We’ll see, Belle. We’ll see.”

Without warning, the lights flickered out. The library was plunged into darkness. Belle felt the air thicken, heavy with magic she didn’t recognize.

Then, a whisper—right in her ear—“Find the book before it finds you.”

Then suddenly a knock was heard

"Belle? You in there?"you asked

Belle let out a sigh hearing your voice and walking to the door opening it for you

"You have no idea how glad i am to see you here"she said, relief written all over her face