The Cursed Beast Caught My Leash - Chapter 75

Now it was Islay’s turn to remain silent. His heart? He had no intention of proudly offering something so worthless to a woman.

But as though his face had been cast in the most precious molten gold, his reflection appeared in her brilliant eyes. Under her radiant gaze, Islay couldn’t lie. Slowly, his lips moved.

“Yes.”

He meant it. If all he could offer was his heart, he would gladly give it to her. Not just that—he wanted to leave everything he held in his hands to her. He wished to strip away the weight of duty and responsibility and polish it all into a life so serene that she would never know unrest.

Among the many tasks he intended to complete, one was to prepare a foundation for her at the Ice Castle.

What good would it do to send her back to a homeland where she had no allies? He wished instead for her to live comfortably here, free from fear.

If his death broke the curse and all the monsters disappeared, then the Ice Castle wouldn’t be such a bad place to live. Of course, her wishes came first.

“Everything I have is yours.”

Lying on her side, Stella planted a tender kiss on Islay’s cheek. Her soft breath brushed against his skin, and her small hand stroked the vein pulsing on his neck.

“So take my heart, too, Islay.”

Her whispered words, as gentle as a caress, pulled him into a current from which there was no escape. His breath caught, and his heart pounded wildly as though struggling to break free.

The sweet scent surrounding him, the sensation of her fingers brushing against his nape, and the soft curves that melted into his embrace—it was all too stimulating.

If only he could revel in this moment without hesitation. If only he could greedily claim the woman who offered him everything, name the emotions he had finally recognized, and voice them aloud.

For a while, Islay savored the sensations Stella gave him. Then he sat up, leaning over her delicate body. Their lips met, and he devoured her, taking in every ounce of her breath and warmth.

Even that alone made him feel as though he owned the world. Yet he had to suppress the endless desire that surged within him.

***

Stella, who had fallen into a light sleep, awoke to the feeling of something pressing against her forehead.

Islay, who had just kissed her, lifted his head. His sharp features, once intimidating, now softened as though he were gazing at something precious and dear.

As the bright light of dawn streamed through the canopy surrounding the bed, Stella blinked sleepily and smiled. Waking to a man’s affectionate kiss and gaze—could anything be more romantic?

“Did you sleep well?”

His lips playfully pecked at the bridge of her nose. Beneath the blanket, his large hand cupped her bare breast. The marks he had left on her body the night before made her shiver at his touch.

“I slept dreamlessly. Your arms are warm and cozy, Islay.”

“Thank goodness.”

His deep voice whispered into her ear before he nibbled at her earlobe. Islay, who loved savoring every part of her, likely hadn’t stopped caressing her even after she had fallen asleep.

After exchanging a few kisses as their morning greeting, Islay rose from the bed. He retrieved a cigarette-like object from a nearby table, lit it, and sat at the edge of the bed.

A faint, acrid scent of burning leaves filled the air. It was the source of the distinctive scent she had noticed lingering on him for some time.

Had she ever seen him smoke before?

“When a Peruno reaches the age of twenty-eight, they must take medicinal herbs. It’s to maintain rationality and suppress violent instincts. Some drink it mixed with beverages, while others inhale it like this.”

Yes, Olena had mentioned it—a remedy to control the monstrous transformation. For someone like Islay, who sought to live a rational life more than anyone else, it was an unavoidable necessity.

Watching him intently, Stella noticed the subtle tension in his broad, muscular back. Though he didn’t show it, he was fighting the signs of a looming struggle within.

His fate would arrive in winter, but it was only early spring. Stella had thought she could selfishly enjoy more time with him, believing they could remain like this until winter came.

But she turned away from such desires. Her resolve to meet with the priest and discuss the prophecy in detail grew stronger. For her, love meant helping the one she loved escape suffering as soon as possible.

Reflecting on the weight of the word “love” made her heart race. Stella crawled on her knees and wrapped her arms around Islay’s waist, pressing her cheek and chest firmly against his broad back.

“What’s your schedule for today?”

“I plan to search the castle grounds thoroughly. I need to ensure there aren’t any lingering monsters.”

Blowing out a long stream of smoke, Islay glanced back at her.

“I’ll return by late afternoon, so don’t worry. You can do whatever you like, but don’t leave the inner castle for now.”

“Alright, I won’t.”

Nodding obediently, Stella continued, “I’m thinking of visiting the treatment room later. I want to check on Dora and see how Mikel is doing.”

“Mikel is fine.”

“He’s conscious now, but I still want to see for myself.”

“…You want to see him? And you’re saying that to me?”

The man who had told her to do as she pleased now looked displeased. It wasn’t as though she planned to leave the castle, so why…

Suddenly, Stella couldn’t suppress her laughter.

“Are you jealous?”

“I don’t like seeing you worry about another man.”

Islay ran a hand through his hair, admitting it openly. It didn’t sit well with him to feel possessive over a woman so much younger than him, especially toward a trusted subordinate.

Giggling, Stella rubbed her nose against his shoulder.

“Even if I do this?”

“That doesn’t change anything. Don’t worry about a man who survived a poisoned blade.”

Despite his words, no one had been more relieved than Islay to hear of Mikel’s survival. Stella couldn’t stop giggling.

“Come on, Islay. We’re lying here together, basking in the morning sunlight, completely naked.”

“……”

“It means we’re sharing an affection that we couldn’t possibly share with anyone else. So, there’s no need to feel jealous of others.”

“My greed is too great to ever feel like I completely have you.”

The weight of his words made Stella tilt her head.

Last night, Islay had embraced and kissed her countless times but still refrained from crossing a certain line. His words weren’t simply about physical satisfaction.

…Ah. Did he feel like the affection wasn’t enough? Perhaps if he knew what she intended to do for him, he would feel differently.

Unable to voice her thoughts, Stella hugged him tightly. Islay placed his free hand on her arm, stroking it gently. Relishing the touch, she pressed herself closer to him.

His gaze naturally drifted to the locket dangling from her neck. His red eyes gleamed with curiosity.

“I’ve been meaning to ask.”

“What about?”

“That necklace. You said it holds a family portrait?”

“Yes.”

“Whose?”

Lowering her chin, Stella opened the well-worn locket to reveal a faded portrait.

“Alexio. My older brother.”

“…You have a sibling?”

“Yes.”

She showed him the portrait of a boy with golden hair like hers. Though blurred, his features were gentle.

“This necklace comes as a pair. The late king gave one to each of us siblings. My brother always wore the pendant with my portrait in it from the moment he received it.”

“You must have been close.”

“I only remember our childhood, but we shared many good memories. Though only a year older, he was much more mature than I was.”

Islay didn’t ask about her brother’s whereabouts. Knowing Stella wasn’t eager to return to Largo, he could guess what had happened.

“I’ve been thinking of placing your portrait on the other side,” Stella said, pointing to the empty half of the locket. The pendant she often clutched in moments of fear would now hold Islay’s image.

Islay chuckled softly. “I’d sit for hours if it meant going into that locket.”

“I’m serious.”

“So am I.”

“Really? Thank you. Having your portrait there will double my courage in frightening situations.”

Smiling at her, Islay’s expression turned somber. He exhaled smoke with a hint of self-deprecation.

“I’d rather you never face such situations in the first place.”

He seemed to recall her bravery in the face of monsters and her determination to expose the elders’ schemes. Even in a foggy state, she had sought him out to warn him.

Closing the locket, Stella kissed his cheek.

“But everyone faces moments when they must be brave for those they love.”