The Dark Ones

Dark Belle

Once upon a time, in the dark, enchanted corners of the world, Rumplestiltskin, the Dark One, had never imagined he'd be standing face to face with his beloved Belle — not just as Belle, but as another Dark One.

It all started when Belle, in a noble attempt to save Rumple from a curse far worse than darkness, had taken up the dagger, bonding her soul to the dark magic that had once consumed him. Now, her once innocent eyes sparkled with the same dangerous glow, and her soft smile had a hint of power that sent shivers down his spine.

Rumplestiltskin stood frozen, his golden skin glittering under the moonlight as he watched her. She moved with confidence, cloaked in a new aura of darkness, her every step commanding the shadows to bend to her will. She was breathtaking, but at the same time, his heart ached.

"Belle..." His voice cracked with a rare vulnerability, the weight of guilt settling on his shoulders. "What have you done?"

She smirked, her lips curling in a way that was both familiar and unsettling. "I saved you, Rumple. And in doing so, I discovered something... something I never expected."

Rumple’s brow furrowed. "And what is that, dearie?"

Belle’s eyes gleamed as she twirled her hand, making the room’s lights flicker with dark energy. "I like it, Rumple. The power. The control. All those years, I was so focused on doing the right thing, being good, following the rules... but this? This feels freeing."

His heart raced. He knew that pull — that seductive call of darkness that promised everything and more. It had taken centuries for him to control it, to find a balance between who he was and what he had become. And now Belle… his sweet, kind Belle… was slipping into the very abyss he had once feared.

"I didn’t want this for you," he said, his voice soft, filled with regret. "The darkness... it takes more than it gives."

Belle stepped closer, her fingers lightly grazing the cool metal of his dagger, sending a spark of energy between them. "But what if I don’t want to give it up, Rumple? What if… I enjoy this?"

Rumplestiltskin’s breath hitched. She was radiant — her newfound confidence intoxicating, her beauty now edged with danger. He hated how much it stirred something in him. She was more powerful than ever, and yet, his mind screamed warnings, memories of his own struggle to contain the darkness flooding him.

"I wanted to protect you," he whispered, his golden eyes searching hers for a trace of the Belle he knew.

"And I wanted to save you." She smiled, a dark and lovely smile that twisted his heart. "Now, we’re both Dark Ones. Together."

He reached out, his hand trembling as he brushed her cheek. The softness of her skin, now tinged with cold magic, sent a jolt through him. "I’m afraid… that this darkness will consume you."

Belle tilted her head, placing her hand over his, her touch both loving and fierce. "Maybe it will," she murmured, leaning in closer until their lips were nearly touching. "But you know what, Rumple? Maybe I don’t care anymore."

He swallowed hard, torn between his deep love for her and the guilt that gnawed at him. He felt responsible, knowing that his own descent into darkness had played a role in Belle’s transformation. She had become what she was now, in part, because of him.

"I’ve always feared losing you to the darkness," he said, his voice raw, "but I never thought… I’d lose you with me."

Belle’s eyes softened for a moment, the fierceness in them giving way to the love that still flickered beneath the surface. "You haven’t lost me, Rumple. You’ve gained someone who understands you — someone who loves both the man and the monster."

A shiver ran down his spine. Her words, her touch, even the way she stood there, cloaked in shadows, was enough to make him feel things he had never expected. She was breathtakingly powerful, dangerously seductive… and yes, a part of him couldn’t deny how incredibly alluring she was like this.

"But at what cost?" he whispered, his eyes darkening with concern. "Your soul, Belle…"

Belle placed a finger to his lips, silencing him. "I’m still me," she said softly. "Still Belle. But now, I have the strength to walk beside you. The darkness doesn’t scare me, Rumple. And neither does the price."

He wanted to argue, to pull her away from this path, but the truth was, he understood too well the draw of power, the allure of being free from fear and weakness. And as much as it terrified him… he couldn’t help but think she was more magnificent than ever.

"Belle," he whispered, voice low, "you’re…"

"Hot?" she teased, her lips curving into a playful, wicked smile.

He let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "In ways I never thought possible," he admitted, though his worry remained.

Belle stepped into his arms, pulling him close, her breath warm against his neck. "Then let’s embrace it together, Rumple. You and me. No more hiding from who we are."

He held her tightly, torn between the man who wanted to protect her soul and the Dark One who couldn’t deny how thrilling it was to see her like this, standing beside him as an equal in power. Deep down, he knew the darkness was dangerous, but part of him, a part he rarely acknowledged, loved the idea of them ruling the shadows together.

Maybe, just maybe, they could both find a way to balance love and darkness. Together.

For now, all he could do was hold her close, his heart heavy with both fear and desire, as they stood, two Dark Ones united under the same moonlit sky.