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“Of course,” I say casually, testing her interest. “And I even have a distant cousin who’s a pirate.”

Her eyes widen with fascination. “Do you truly?”

I can’t help but grin, realizing I have her attention. “Allow me to regale you with a tale of my travels with him aboard his ship, the Siren’s Fool.”

She blinks at me. “Why that name?”

“Well,” I say with mock seriousness, leaning closer, “because that’s what he is, of course. Had his heart broken by a beautiful human female from a land far away. He’s been sailing the seas ever since, trying to forget her.”

Her lips part in surprise before she laughs, the sound soft and melodic. “Oh, you’re teasing me.”

“Maybe I am.” I flash a grin. “Or maybe he’s out there right now, pining for her as we speak.”

She laughs again, the sound filling the room and making something warm stir in my chest. Her laughter is like sunlight breaking through clouds.

If she chooses me, I will make it my mission to ensure she smiles and laughs every day.

“My home is not very far from the sea. If you’d like, you’re welcome to come with me one day and see it for yourself.”

“Maybe,” she says, softly biting her lower lip. “But how would I get through the magic barrier?”

“With this.” I hold up my green gemstone pendant—the gift from my grandfather. “It is charmed to allow me to pass through almost any magical ward.”

“That must be how you managed to step through the barrier last night, during the storm,” she murmurs. “Do you think it will work for both of us?”

“Yes.”

Her eyes dim as she looks down at her hands. “I’m not sure if Glinda will approve of me leaving the tower.”

“You don’t have to decide anything right now,” I add, before she spirals into hesitation and doubt. “But if you’d like, you can come with me when I leave.”

She chews on her lower lip, considering. “Could Finik come with us? For I cannot possibly bear to leave him behind. I love him too much.”

“Finik?” Fierce possessiveness flares brightly within as my entire body goes tense. Clenching my jaw, I force a smile to my face. “Who is this Finik?” I ask, trying to keep my voice even. I don’t even know this male, but I already want to claw out his eyes. “Does he visit you often?”

If she has a beau, I should not stand in her way. As much as it may kill me, it is the honorable thing to do.

“He sleeps with me almost every night,” she replies casually. “He’s my—”

“Hewhat?” My thoughts come to a screeching halt.

Honor be damned, this male is going to die.

CHAPTER 7

REN

My eyes snap to the bed, and I tip up my chin, scenting the air. I don’t detect the smell of another male and yet… My hands curl into fists at my sides as jealousy rages within. I’ll track him down and—

“There he is!” she exclaims happily.

I jerk my head toward the window, expecting to see my rival, ready to challenge him for her affections. Instead, a blur of brown fur and floofy tail bounds toward us. A heavy sigh of relief escapes me as I recognize the small squirrel.

He leaps into her lap, leaning into her palm as she strokes his soft fur. “This is Finik.” She smiles.

Finik turns to me, his tiny whiskers twitching with curiosity.

Squirrels, by nature, are wary of foxes, but as I reach out and pet him, he rubs his head against my hand.