Chapter Thirty-Six 

Why was Melinda overcome at the sight of his ring? Before his eyes, she started to fade. Panic rose up in James at the thought of losing her. He could see the castle through her form. The storm raged, and James saw the crimson blood, stark against her pale flesh, as she clasped his ring in her hand, blood dripping onto the ground to be washed away by the pounding rain.

She was disappearing before his eyes. He could not lose her. James reached out with both hands, bellowing to the heavens. "I beseech you, do not take my heart. I will gladly remain a beast forever, if only you let her stay."