The Beast in the Garden

they whispered tales of fangs and fur of monstrous claws that waited there but none would speak the whispered truth-- the beast was not the one they feared her eyes were dark, her smile sweet a girl who walked with silent feet but roses died where she would tread their petals black, their fragrance dead the castle doors were locked in vain she strolled inside, she spoke his name her fingers traced along his jaw and in his throat, she felt the claw "you poor lost thing," she softly sighed and pulled him close, her lips a lie his heart was hers, a trembling spark she kissed it deep—then tore apart the beast was gone, the curse was too but Beauty stayed, her hunger grew she took his throne, she wore his skin and lured more fools to wander in