章 4: Beast

In a hidden valley nestled within the forest near the town of Corona.

Rapunzel sat by the window, her long blonde hair glowing softly in the afternoon light. She looked out at the forest beyond, her curiosity about the world outside growing each day.

"Mother, can you tell me a story of the outside?" she asked, her voice filled with longing.

Her mother, Gothel, a striking woman with a youthful face and pale-ivory skin, stood at her mirror, admiring her reflection. Her large gray eyes flickered with thought as she looked over at Rapunzel. Slowly, she moved to the bed, patting the spot beside her.

"Sit here, Rapunzel," Gothel said warmly.

Rapunzel quickly came to her mother's side, settling happily as Gothel gently brushed her long hair. She began her tale, her voice low and captivating, as if casting a spell with each word.

"Once upon a time, a young prince lived in a grand castle," Gothel began. "He had all the wealth and beauty one could desire, but he was vain and unkind. One winter's night, an old beggar woman came to his door, offering a single rose in exchange for shelter from the cold."

"Repulsed by her haggard appearance, the prince sneered at the gift and turned the old woman away. But she warned him not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within. And when he dismissed her again, the old woman's ugliness melted away to reveal a beautiful enchantress. The prince tried to apologize, but it was too late, for she had seen that there was no love in his heart. And as punishment, she transformed him into a hideous beast and placed a powerful spell on the castle, and all who lived there, to forget about him and the kingdom."

"She left him with an enchanted rose," Gothel said, her voice softening. "If he could learn to love and be loved in return before the last petal fell, the curse would be broken. If not, he would remain a beast forever."

Rapunzel shivered, clutching her mother's hand. Gothel's gaze softened as she looked at her 'daughter.'

"And that is why, Rapunzel," Gothel concluded, "the outside world is dangerous. It is full of people who will judge, who will take advantage. That's why you must never go out there."

She gave Rapunzel's hair one last gentle brush, smiling down at her. And though Rapunzel nodded, a spark of curiosity remained in her eyes, one that no story could ever fully dim.

________

It was a crisp winter morning, and the clear weather let warm sunlight pour from the snowy sky, streaming through the window to illuminate the luxurious room. The room was both elegant and pristine, with every detail exuding a quiet richness.

In the large, soft bed, a figure was curled up, sleeping soundly. He stirred, and with a yawn, sat up, rubbing his eyes as he gradually adjusted to his surroundings. Ivan blinked, confused, taking in the grandeur around him. He was in an unfamiliar room—spacious, immaculate, and filled with tasteful decorations.

The walls were painted in a warm beige that hinted at age, yet had been well-maintained. A cream-colored carpet softened the marble floor, and intricate carvings adorned the dark wooden headboard behind him. Above the bed, sunlight spilled through a large window, flooding the room with a gentle glow. Ivan took in more of his surroundings: a wooden wardrobe, a small writing desk paired with a mirror, a comfortable armchair by the window, and a framed landscape painting that radiated serenity. Every piece was in perfect order, and the entire space was spotless.

'Where am I?' Ivan wondered, struggling to piece together his memories. He recalled a hazy fight in the afterlife, the cold rush of a river, and then... waking up here.

The bed he had woken on was of the highest quality, with silky white sheets and plush pillows. Ivan's heart raced as he absorbed the luxury around him, a sight far grander than anything he'd known.

"Where the hell am I?"

He recalled the Grim Reaper's words about his "qualification" for reincarnation. Was this it? Like in the novels he used to read? Had he been reincarnated?

~Sigh

Determined to understand his new situation, Ivan began to get up—only to realize that everything around him seemed much smaller than before. He lifted a hand, only to stop in shock.

"What the fuck!!"

Instead of his hands he saw a massive, white-furred paw, tipped with deadly claws. Panic overtook him as he quickly touched his face, his body. He was... bigger, furrier, and surprisingly, quite fluffy.

"T-This.. "

Moving cautiously, he approached the mirror. What he saw staring back was a beast—a chimeric creature with the strength and features of several animals: the head, tusks, and legs of a wolf; the muscular arms and claws of a bear; the powerful jaws and white flowing mane of a lion. And yet, his blue eyes remained, the one remaining trace of his humanity shining through.

"Fuck!" he muttered, stunned at his reflection, the reality of his transformation settling in.