As the days passed, Isabella and the Dark Prince grew closer and closer. They met in secret, sharing their deepest hopes and fears, and promising to find a way to be together.
But their happiness was short-lived. One day, as Isabella was walking through the marketplace, she heard a commotion ahead. She pushed her way through the crowd, trying to see what was happening.
To her horror, she saw the Dark Prince being attacked by a group of men. They were taunting him and throwing stones at him, and he was struggling to defend himself.
Isabella knew that she had to do something. She ran forward, pushing her way through the crowd, and stood in front of the Dark Prince.
"Stop it!" she shouted. "Leave him alone!"
The men turned to face her, their eyes filled with hatred. They were about to attack her when the Dark Prince stepped forward, his eyes blazing with anger.
"Get away from her!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the marketplace.
The men hesitated for a moment, then turned and ran away, cursing under their breath. Isabella turned to the Dark Prince, her eyes filled with tears.
"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice trembling.
The Dark Prince nodded, his eyes fixed on her. "Thank you," he said, his voice low. "You saved my life."
Isabella smiled at him, then turned to leave. As she walked away, she felt a sudden pain in her chest. She stumbled, then fell to the ground, gasping for breath.
The Dark Prince rushed to her side, his eyes filled with fear. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice trembling.
Isabella could feel the darkness closing in around her. She knew that something was very wrong.
"The curse," she whispered. "It's...it's affecting me."
The Dark Prince's eyes widened in horror. He knew that the curse was a powerful force, and that it could destroy anyone who came too close to him.
"I have to get you help," he said, his voice urgent. "We have to find a way to break the curse."
Isabella nodded, her eyes filled with pain. She knew that their love was forbidden, but she couldn't help the way she felt about the Dark Prince. And she knew that she would do anything to be with him, even if it meant risking her own life.