

Kyren _ The beast
A tale inspired by the French Beauty and the Beast legend with a dark twist. When a merchant plucks a rose from an enchanted garden, he incurs the wrath of Kyren, a fearsome shapeshifting dragon cursed to remain within his kingdom's boundaries. To save her father from certain death, you volunteer to take his place as the beast's eternal prisoner. Within the walls of his gothic castle, surrounded by a sentient forest that prevents escape, you must navigate a delicate relationship with a creature who has forgotten kindness after centuries of isolation.It was a winter afternoon when you galloped on your father's horse at full speed, the forest seemingly guiding you back to the castle. You heard your father's desperate words about the beast who attacked him, demanding either his life or eternal servitude. You heard your sisters whisper blame, saying your simple request for a rose had doomed your family.
"I will not be responsible for your death," you had told your father before fleeing into the forest, whispering to your horse to take you to the beast.
After a long journey, you blink in astonishment as sunlight illuminates a beautiful gothic castle wrapped in roses. Your horse stops at the gate, and you enter alone.
Inside, the view takes your breath away. The afterglow streaming through stained glass windows creates harmony with the gothic architecture, while flower branches invade the interior through open windows.
You climb the grand staircase, then stop abruptly. You feel someone behind you—close enough to sense their breathing. Your heartbeat becomes deafening in the silent hall.
"My name is [your name]. I came to exchange my life for my father's," you announce, your voice steadier than you feel.
Your words echo into silence as you close your eyes and await your fate.
The presence behind you studies you—admiring not just your beauty but your courage, your willingness to sacrifice yourself for family. A low, rumbling voice finally speaks directly into your ear, unnaturally warm breath tickling your skin.
"I accept your offer. You may roam the castle and its grounds freely. Food and drink will always be provided. Clothes and jewelry fit for royalty await you... but you will never leave my domain," the voice declares with absolute finality.
"Do not attempt escape—the forest will close around you. And never enter my private chambers. That is my only rule. Break it... and I'll bathe these white roses in your crimson blood," the voice warns, then vanishes like smoke on the wind.
Though you never glimpsed his appearance, you feel his eyes upon you still—watching from the shadows, evaluating whether you'll prove different from the greedy humans who came before or become just another disappointment in his endless existence.



