The Cursed Beast Caught My Leash - Chapter 104

Stella lacked the strength to wield a heavy sword with one hand, nor did she possess the eloquence to sway and move people with remarkable speech. Though Alexio may not have meant it that way, there truly seemed to be nothing she could do to assist in the confrontation with their uncle.

But she had the ability to discern a person’s true intentions and see through lies. Even if imperfect, it was a power with infinite potential. Would it truly be right to hide away, cowering like a frightened creature, without even attempting to use it?

More than anything…

“Did Grand Duke Peruno ever tell you what he plans to do once he finds that damned jewel? You are nothing but a sacrifice for his goal!”

The words Hendrick Regan had shouted at the inn kept replaying in her mind. It had been an absurd claim, yet for some reason, she couldn’t shake the unease it left behind.

Prince Hendrick Regan had arrived with over a dozen knights, clearly prepared for a violent confrontation if necessary to take her away. Why? Had he simply been unwilling to accept his failure at the villa?

How had Hendrick even learned about the northern plan to break Peruno’s curse using the jewel and her sacrifice? Wasn’t that ancient gem supposed to be irrelevant to the process anymore?

“What are you so deep in thought about, Stella?”

Her tangled thoughts were abruptly severed. Stella lifted her gaze from the floor to meet Alexio’s eyes. The concern in his deep green eyes made her chest tighten.

Her long-lost brother had finally returned, ready to reclaim their family’s honor, yet even at this moment, Stella could not let go of her thoughts about Islay.

But neither could she choose to abandon either of them.

“El.”

Alexio took a step closer, calling her by her childhood nickname. He raised a hand as if to cradle her face, but he hesitated, unable to touch his now-grown sister. Instead, it was Stella who slowly grasped his hand.

“I may not be of use in battle, but…”

She willed her voice to remain firm so that it wouldn’t sound like a baseless plea.

“I want to return to the palace with you. I can’t just hide away, even during the funeral.”

She couldn’t shake the instinct that she needed to be at the court ceremony.

Perhaps there was a way to help everyone. She could see what Alexio could not, uncover the truth behind Hendrick’s cryptic outburst, and at the very least, pay respects to their mother.

But Alexio immediately shook his head as if he hadn’t even considered the possibility.

“That’s not an option, Stella.”

“Please, let me go with you.”

Alexio closed his eyes briefly before running a hand down his face.

“I didn’t bring you here just to throw you into danger. If anything happened to you, I’d live the rest of my life consumed by regret.”

“But—”

“Call me a hypocrite for only now acting like your brother, if you must. But no brother would stand by and let his sister knowingly walk into peril.”

His resolute voice left no room for argument. Stella, who had been prepared to protest, faltered, realizing that her reasoning was not yet strong enough to convince him.

She considered mentioning the Mind’s Eye again, but Alexio neither believed in it nor had she ever proven its worth to him.

Falling silent, Stella lowered her gaze, deep in thought.

What had Alexio said? That they would maintain an ambush formation, expecting combat.

Yet, the funeral was ongoing. With the nation’s deep-rooted belief that no blood should be spilled during a royal mourning period, and the many watching eyes in attendance, any side that drew their swords first would suffer the consequences.

Largo was their homeland. What was the most effective way to reclaim the rightful heir’s throne and bring the criminal to justice?

Stella raised her head. “What kind of impact would it have if the two of us revealed ourselves before everyone?”

“…What are you saying?”

“Since it is the mourning period, mourners from across the kingdom must have gathered. The nobles, I mean. If we both appear before them alive, it will prove that the king deceived the people when he declared us dead.”

Stella grasped Alexio’s hand tightly, looking into his eyes. He hesitated, his words cut short.

“The very sight of us alive will shock them. And right there, we will proclaim our uncle’s crimes and sentence him.”

Her proposal to reclaim their rightful power with confidence was persuasive. However, was it truly wise to bring his sister into such a dangerous situation? Alexio frowned slightly.

“Please, Alex. Let me go with you.”

He could feel the weak pressure of her grip. For a moment, he was unable to move, bound by the weight of the moment. Silence stretched between them.

When Stella’s bright eyes shimmered with resolve, there was only one answer Alexio could give.

***

The carriage, which had begun its journey from the north-central region of the continent, sped along the steep roads. The incline was sharp, yet the path was lined with vibrant flowers. This road led directly through Largo’s capital toward the royal court.

Stella drew back the curtains covering the carriage window and looked outside. A palace of dazzling, bright-colored stone stood in the distance.

She swallowed dryly, her slender throat trembling. Cold sweat formed at her fingertips, and her hands shook slightly.

It had been half a year since her last return.

Even when she crossed the border into Largo, she had not felt this anxious. But now, seeing the palace where she had spent her life, it felt as though a hand had tightened around her throat, making it difficult to breathe. Perhaps because she knew she would soon face an unforgiving reality.

‘It will be fine. Everything will be fine…’

Stella whispered the words like a mantra, casting her trembling gaze toward the approaching palace.

She had insisted on attending the funeral, but facing the uncle who had tormented their family for years would require more courage than she had anticipated.

“We’re almost there, Stella.”

“…Yes.”

“Do not be afraid. I will not let anything happen to you.”

The carriage wheels rolled to a stop before the palace gates. The sentries stationed at the entrance stepped forward for identification. Stella clutched Alexio’s hand tightly.

14. Ignition

Deep within the inner sanctum of the Ice Castle lay a special prison.

Inside, there was but a single iron cage—large enough to hold at least ten grown men with room to spare. Stains of old blood and scratch marks marred the surfaces, exuding an eerie presence. 

Islay sat motionless before the massive cage. His breathing was deep and heavy, yet he did not stir in the slightest.

There were no windows to the outside, making the underground prison even darker. Without even the light of torches, the silence was broken only by his steady breath. If someone had seen him, they might have mistaken him for a beast lurking in the shadows.

“Captain.”

Mikel entered the dark prison carrying a torch.

“You are here again.”

Islay, who had been lost in time, finally lifted his head. His crimson eyes, glowing in the darkness, gradually regained their lucidity.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Mikel shifted his gaze toward the iron bars radiating an ominous aura.

This was not a cage meant for criminals captured from the city. It was a prison prepared for Peruno, who was fated to transform into a monster.

Generations of Peruno had voluntarily entered the cage before losing themselves to the beast within, choosing to end their lives with the crossbow bolts of their subordinates.

Mikel exhaled silently. What else was there to do in the place where his ancestors had perished? Islay, having lost his will to live, kept returning to this prison, drawn to the place where he was meant to die.

Yet, he could not die. Not yet. He had to endure, battling the beast within, until the end of winter finally claimed him.

“What is it?”

Islay’s voice was hoarse, as if he had not spoken for a long time. Mikel held up a rolled parchment.

“A letter has just arrived. You should read it.”