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“That just so happens to be the next line,” he jokes.

I laugh even more.

“You can let go now,” he murmurs. “We’re on the ground.”

“Truly?” I ask, unable to force myself to peel away from him.

He gives me a reassuring squeeze as his other hand cups my chin, tipping my face up to his. Warm amber eyes meet mine. “You’re safe.”

Slowly, I unwind myself from his body, his strong hands gripping my waist as he sets my feet on the ground. I study him a moment. “Did you sing that song to distract me so I wouldn’t be so afraid?”

He lifts one brow. “Did it work?”

My heart flutters as he flashes a handsome grin. “Yes. Thank you.”

“Of course.”

Ren gives a firm tug to my hair and the braid slips from the hook at the top, dropping to the ground beside us.

He takes a small step closer to me, his eyes searching mine. “First of all, I want you to know I adore everything about you.” My face warms as he takes my hand and presses a tender kiss to my knuckles before he continues. “But I think we might want to consider trimming your hair for our journey,” he says a bit hesitantly. “What do you think?”

Oh, how I wish it were possible, but it’s not. “We can’t.”

He frowns. “Why not?”

“It’s part of my curse. It’s somehow tied to the witch’s magic and cannot be cut. I’ve tried it many times.”

“All right.” He nods. “We’ll just have to take great care to keep it from catching on anything.”

Finik climbs up my dress and onto my shoulder. He twitches his little nose, and Ren reaches out and strokes his fur with one finger. “Glad to have you go with us.” He smiles. “I think you’ll make an excellent addition to our party, my little friend.”

I love that he includes Finik like this. He’s been my constant companion these past three years and means the world to me.

Ren smiles and offers me his hand. “Shall we go on an adventure, my amira?”

Despite all that has happened, I can hardly contain my excitement. I’m finally leaving. I’m going to see and experience the world outside. And, if the gods are with me, I’ll find a way to regain my memories, reclaim my life, and find my family.

Softly biting my lower lip, I slip my palm into his. “Yes.”

CHAPTER 12

RAPUNZEL

When we reach the magic barrier, I fold my braid a few times to shorten the length, tying it with several thick ribbons until it only hangs down to my ankles. It’s still a heavy weight on my head, but at least it’s not dragging on the ground. The last thing I want is for my hair to catch on something.

Noticing me fidgeting with one of my ribbons, Ren helps me tie it securely.

The green gemstone on his necklace pulses with light and the air hums with magic as we stand before the invisible veil that separates the place from the outside world. As I study the shimmering magic of the barrier, worry takes root in my chest. “What if we can’t make it through together?”

“We will,” he assures me. “This charm works for at least two people.”

“What about Finik?” I glance at my furry companion, his dark eyes watching us intently. “What if he cannot come through with us?”

My heart squeezes as Ren strokes Finik’s head. “Then, I’ll come back for him. Simple as that.”

Finik purrs, nuzzling Ren’s palm.

Despite his reassurance, I cannot shake my concerns. “What if I cannot pass through for some reason? What if the witch’s magic prevents it?”