This is the third Belle diary entry in our Storybook Chronicles series — and the moment everything begins to change.

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Belle’s Diary – Entry Three: The Woods Are No Place for a Horse

Dear Diary,

It’s late. I’m writing by candlelight. Something’s wrong.

Philippe came back without Papa.

He was shaking, his coat soaked from the storm, eyes wild with fear. I’ve never seen him like that. The saddle was torn. His reins dangled like threads.

My heart stopped.

I begged him to show me where Papa went, but he just paced and snorted. Then he nudged me — hard — toward the woods. It was like he was trying to tell me something.

The townspeople say the forest is dangerous. Haunted, even. But Papa is out there — alone. I can’t just wait.

If he’s hurt… if he’s lost…

I’ll go at first light.

Please be safe, Papa. Belle