To be the Villainess

O51.

Chapter 51

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A FAINT rustling broke through the silence, and I squinted, trying to trace the source of the disturbance. The sound of creaking wood echoed sharply in the still air. Who in the world is rummaging around here?

I forced my eyes open, only to be greeted by a jaw-dropping sight: the carriage was in ruins, splintered and broken, while the food supplies lay scattered and half-eaten. Standing amidst the chaos was a massive cat, its form imposing and undeniably wild.

“Meoww.” The creature let out a deceptively innocent sound, stretching languidly. The remnants of crushed fruit clung to its fur, and bits of it clung around its mouth as it munched. The juxtaposition of its hulking form with the playful nibbling was almost comical.

But my attention was drawn to its distinct coat. A mix of snowy white fur with large patches of earthy browns and blacks adorned its muscular frame, almost like a patterned tapestry. The markings on its legs were darker, blending into its powerful limbs, while its green eyes gleamed with a predatory light.

A sudden flash of recognition jolted through me. No, it couldn’t be…

“Chewy?” The name tumbled out of my mouth, unbidden. At the sound of it, the creature’s demeanor shifted instantly. Its ears flattened, and it let out a guttural hiss, baring its sharp, glistening fangs. The playful, harmless facade evaporated, replaced by a wild, untamed fury.

I took a cautious step forward. The massive feline mirrored my movement by retreating a step, its muscles tense and ready to pounce. It hissed again, louder this time, a warning I couldn’t afford to ignore.

Raising my hands slowly, I softened my tone, trying to steady my own heartbeat. “It’s okay... I’m not here to hurt you.” A tentative smile crept onto my face, though every fiber of my being was on high alert.

The cat’s eyes flicked between my outstretched hands and my face, its growls simmering into low, rumbling warnings.

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The ability [Beast Tamer] has been activated.

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The moment hung precariously in the air, the fate of our fragile connection balanced on a knife’s edge.

The massive cat continued to growl, its sharp claws scraping against the dirt as it lowered itself into a pouncing stance. Its piercing green eyes locked onto me, analyzing my every move.

I took another cautious step forward, my hands still raised. The tension in the air was suffocating, each second stretched thin like the calm before a storm. But I couldn’t back down now. Not when I had a chance to reclaim something precious from my past.

“I want to tame it,” I whispered to myself, my voice steady despite the fear creeping in. “And I will tame it.” My gaze softened as memories flooded back. Chewy also died when I died, right? So what if... this is also him? My chest tightened. This is the cat who stayed by my side, even when he had nothing—no proper meals, no comfort. He chose me, even in those dire moments.

The beast growled again, louder this time, but I didn’t flinch. Instead, I took a deep breath, grounding myself. “Chewy,” I called out again, my voice a mix of desperation and hope. “It’s me. I’m here.”

The beast hesitated for a moment, its growl faltering. But just as quickly, it lunged forward. I barely had time to react as its massive form knocked me to the ground. My back hit the earth with a thud, and the wind was knocked out of me. Its claws pinned me in place, its snarling face inches from mine.