The Beast That Never Was

What if Beauty was the Beast? Lise's father is dead, and the life of plenty and freedom that she has known as the daughter of the King's Huntsman is gone. She must now live a life of duty to her mother and sisters, helping them to cope in their altered circumstances. But where her mother would have her wed a childhood friend to secure their future, Lise knows that is not what she longs for. When she meets a mysterious woman in the forest, Lise feels the stirrings of emotions she cannot give voice to, but with this woman, she doesn't have to say anything-Senna knows. Cursed, hunted, and feared, Senna has been forced to wander from place to place for more years than she cares to remember. She gave up hope long ago that there could ever be an end to her isolation. Odd sightings in the forest-monsters of legend come to life, old enemies back from the past, fearsome beasts on the prowl-begin to frighten the people of Lise's village. Somehow, all of these things are connected to Senna. As the villagers' fear grows, so does their hatred. Senna prepares to flee, accepting what has become her fate, but Lise isn't ready to give up her one chance for happiness. Soon, only Lise stands between the villagers and the woman she has grown to love.