The Cursed Beast Caught My Leash - Chapter 14

Islay, standing by the window, took a few more sips of the liquor in his glass. Even though he had mixed a herb to suppress his instincts, his agitation wouldn’t subside easily. His calm movements contrasted with the turmoil in his mind, where emotions once as solid as an ice wall now showed cracks.

He knew well what was causing his unprecedented restlessness. It was because of the woman who dazzled him wherever his gaze landed. From the moment he first encountered her, she had captured his attention.

But it wasn’t just her appearance.

Only the star that shines alone in the fading darkness will stop the disaster.

From the moment he locked eyes with Estella at Prince Hendrick’s villa, he didn’t know why that line from the prophecy had come to mind.

The prophecy, which was a revelation regarding the curse entangling the bloodline of Peruno, was vague and open to various interpretations. However, the woman who appeared as if by fate fit the prophecy eerily well.

Prince Hendrick’s voice, which followed, only reinforced Islay’s premonition.

“The Star of Largo, have you heard of her? You might not know since Largo is practically a ruined country, but she is the most beautiful woman there.”

Islay didn’t particularly know much about Largo. But if ‘the fading darkness’ referred to a ‘ruined country’ and the ‘star that shines alone’ referred to her, another significant line from the prophecy crossed his mind.

The star is the one and only gem hidden by wisdom and greed, and the eye that can see through the essence.

The princess might possess what was known as the mind’s eye—a rare ability that could perceive not just the true intentions hidden in people’s hearts but also the essence of objects. If she indeed had this gift, she could distinguish genuine artifacts from imitations among countless fake gemstones, and single out the one they sought.

This was why it was impossible for Islay to ignore her. Even a fleeting chance encounter had to be seized tightly by someone in his position. Yet, Estella was just one of the cards in his hand. Clinging to her blindly would be foolish, especially given his limited time.

Islay tapped his fingers against the glass, lost in thought. He glanced up at the night sky. A full moon shone brightly, and near it, a smaller but even brighter star captured his attention. Subconsciously, he whispered her name.

“Estella.”

The sound of her name felt strange in his mouth. It seemed ridiculous that uttering a name could have such an effect, making his lips tingle as if the potion had evaporated instantly.

But how had he felt when her soft voice called out to him in the dark?

He had never experienced such an intense surge of desire, as if something within him was boiling over. The mere thought of her ignited a powerful lust he had never known. This strange reaction was a clear sign that the monster within him was rapidly awakening.

The transformation into a monster was closely tied to sexual desire, rooted in the curse placed upon a man who had once violated a priest’s daughter. His blood was designed to live like a beast forever, making him extremely susceptible to lust.

This was why he had set a time limit with the princess. Even if she might be the star referred to in the prophecy, keeping her too long would be detrimental to him.

“It’s like seeking an antidote while drinking poison,” Islay muttered to himself, finishing the drink in one gulp. Pulling his gaze away from the unreachable sky, he left the window behind.

3. Mind’s Eye

What can I possibly do?

From the moment she stepped out of the room filled with gold and silver treasures until the next morning, that was the only thought that kept swirling in Stella’s mind.

She didn’t possess any ability to sense holy power, after all. Her best hope was to endure for the three months and pray that Islay would keep his promise to let her go. Alternatively, she could cling to the slim chance of finding a way to escape from the heavily guarded castle.

Stella rubbed her red, swollen eyes and looked up at the ceiling.

…Then what would happen to him?

She shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought of the terrifying visage of the black beast.

Who am I to worry about anyone in my own predicament?

As she got up from the bed, trying to shake off the myriad of thoughts branching out in her mind, someone knocked on the door.

“…Come in.”

“It’s me, Your Highness!” Dora bustled in, pushing a trolley.

“Dora…?” Stella exclaimed, surprise evident in her voice.

“Did you sleep well last night, Your Highness? Aren’t you hungry?” Dora asked, her tone filled with concern as she deftly lifted the dome-shaped covers off the dishes on the trolley, revealing a breakfast spread of freshly baked bread and soup.

But despite the delicious-looking food before her, Stella felt no joy.

“Dora, what are you doing? Did they make you work?” Stella questioned, her voice tinged with worry.

“No!” Dora quickly whispered, leaning in, “You told me to look for an escape route, so I thought about it and decided to volunteer as a maid.”

Stella was taken aback and fell silent. That was never her intention—to put Dora in such a dangerous position.

“Did the Northerners accept your request?” Stella asked, her concern deepening.

“Yes! I told them I’ve been serving you and that I used to do this in the palace, so I asked if I could help with the chores, and they agreed without much fuss,” Dora replied, a determined look on her face.

Could it be that they didn’t realize Dora’s true intentions? While her enthusiasm was admirable, Stella was deeply worried about Dora being in the heart of enemy territory from day one.

“Don’t make that face, Your Highness. It’s important to understand the layout of this vast castle. A maid is perfect for investigating discreetly. Leave it to me,” Dora said confidently, trying to reassure her.

“But be careful. Never go to dangerous places alone,” Stella urged, her voice filled with concern.

“I’ll be fine. I’ve already made friends with someone. Her name is Paige; she was one of the Northerners who brought your clothes yesterday. She’s going to show me around the castle this afternoon, though I had to pester her quite a bit,” Dora explained, a smile lighting up her face.

Dora, with her quick smile and confidence, was also proving to be quite persuasive. She urged Stella to eat, saying, “You need your strength, Your Highness. Please, have some breakfast.”

In the end, Stella agreed and took a bite of the white bread, responding through action rather than words.

No matter what happened, she would need strength to endure.

***

As soon as Stella finished her meal, Mikel appeared at her bedroom door as if by magic. Dora, ever vigilant, hurried to Stella’s side.

Mikel, standing outside the door, spoke with his usual stern expression. “Please change your clothes and come down to the first floor. I will escort you to the basement.”

“W-Where are you taking the Princess?” Dora asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.

“To the basement, as I just mentioned,” Mikel replied curtly.

“Hmm… So it’s that place from yesterday,” Dora murmured to herself, narrowing her eyes at Mikel.

Stella gently patted Dora’s shoulder, trying to calm her protective maid. “I’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

“…Please return safely,” Dora implored, her eyes brimming with tears.

“I will. You stay safe too,” Stella replied with a reassuring smile.

Dora, despite her earlier bravado, was clearly afraid to let Stella go alone. Mikel silently watched the two women embrace before turning to lead the way.

After draping her cloak around her shoulders, Stella stepped out of the bedroom. She descended the long staircase leading to the main hall, where Mikel awaited her in the center.

Following him obediently, Stella made her way to the basement. When they reached the windowless corridor again, Mikel stopped before the heavy door.

“Go on in,” he instructed.

“Do I go in alone?” Stella asked.

“Yes. You just need to do what you must,” Mikel replied.

What am I supposed to do? Stella wondered, swallowing her unspoken question as she stepped forward.

True to Islay’s word about leaving the lights on, the once-dark corridor was now illuminated by enough lanterns to distinguish front from back.