The Beast (Harry Styles)

Chapter Ten Part Two: Critical

Little warning: some violence and some cursing!!! (Not much or in great detail, but figured I'd forewarn you guys!!)

~.~

Adeline ran from the castle in fear,

She had to get away, for her head must be cleared.

But night was approaching, along with a storm;

And at night, into something evil, the forest is transformed. . .

~.~

I ran.

I didn't think, I just ran.

I ran out the door, through the hallway, down the stairs, and out the front door.

I ran through the front yard, seemingly impervious to the approaching storm and blanket of snow.

I ran as I pushed open the gate with the beautiful iron roses on it.

I didn't stop running until I was deep in the forest.

I slowed down, then just gave up.

I ruined it; I completely ruined it.

Why did I have to be so stupid? I should join the Band of Baby Brain myself because my actions were reckless, ill-thought out, and hurt someone.

I hurt someone.

It was the last thing I ever wanted to do in this world; because once you hurt someone, they'll remember that more than the happiness you brought them.

I sat down in the cold, but it didn't bother me to sit in the snow.

How am I supposed to help Harry when I am the reason he exuberates such anger? Am I a hypocrite?

I must be; I must be a hypocrite because what else can describe the remorse I feel right now?

I don't know how long I sat in the snow, but it didn't matter.

I needed to think, I needed to clear my mind. I needed to figure out how to apologize to Harry because it was the very least I could do to make up for what I did.

Not only did I betray his trust that I wouldn't enter the West Wing, but I destroyed his painting, something that takes time to make, time and passion,

I destroyed that.

It sounds ridiculous and melodramatic, but I held it to the standard of watching someone rip to shreds a book. It doesn't matter if I have thousands of book; it still wouldn't give anyone the right to ruin even one.

The wind howled as night crept on the already dark forest. I hadn't thought to stop and grab a coat; I hadn't thought at all. To say the very least, I was starting to regret my one moment of weakness in which I didn't think.

The only good part of this situation was that I could think with no disturbances.

I just didn't know; I couldn't blame Harry for his outburst, it was my fault. I provoked him, and I had to pay whatever the price was.

Yes!

That's what needed to be done; whether Harry threw me in the dungeon, left me out in this storm, killed me even, I'd take it with stride.

It wasn't a satisfying as I thought it might be, but it was what had to be done. I understood that, and would accept it.

But I stiffened at the sound of laughter and footsteps.

I stayed in my exact position, not moving at the sight of the approaching light.

I really hadn't thought this out; it could be thieves, captors, murders. . .anything. Resisting the urge to close my eyes and hope for the best, I followed the light as it came into full view