The clock strikes 12,

but this isn't like every other fairly tale,

The carriage does not turn back to a pumpkin.

the girl (turned princess) does not return back to her normal self,

And there is no fairy godmother to save the show.

The prince does not chase after the princess,

he doesn't even find the slipper.

This is not that fairy tale.

When the clock strikes 12,

the lights flicker,

the night life is upon on us.

The clock strikes 12,

Listen, the tall man says

Hear that?

The castle grounds will be lively tonight,

but you shouldn't go out tonight.

The man says.

Why not?

I ask, as I sit on the chair looking out the window.

The man turns to me from the window.

He's my guardian,

my protector.

There are creatures that only appear at night

that lurk around the castle grounds.

He answers me.

Can I see them?

Can I meet them?

I ask.

No you can't go out

He answers sternly.

Why not? I think I can fend for myself,

I think I can protect myself

if they are dangerous

I answer confidently.

He sits next to me

and looks me at me

with his cold blue eyes,

It's not them that are dangerous,

it's you.

He says.

I'm protecting them

from you.