[There's no indication he heard her, given that it's just a magical recording, but there's still a lengthy pause before he speaks again, as if he's trying to gather what he needs to say.]

I don't know if you ever want to see me again. In a way... I imagine that's what's kept me gone for so long. I don't know what's hidden in my past, and you told me once that it was dangerous to dig into it.

And now I fear if I ever want to return to the castle, I need to face it. The truth.

I know you're capable of finding me if you put your heart to it, and though I've taken precautions to prevent that... Part of me hopes that you haven't. That perhaps you've moved on. Because if I am a monster, then you deserve so much more than someone who can only give you darkness.

I imagine the same goes for Faye, as well, but I can't contact her like this. She's a young girl- fragile in ways she doesn't wish to talk about, and I don't dare break her heart. But you, Belle... You've always been strong, which is why I'm trusting you with this message.