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Ren takes both my hands, his foxfire eyes staring deep into mine. “You have my most solemn vow that I will not leave you behind, Rapunzel.”

“But what if—”

“If you cannot leave, then I will remain here with you, if you wish. You don’t have to be alone anymore.”

I swallow against the lump forming in my throat. We’ve only known each other for less than two days and he already understands my deepest fears. I’ve been isolated and by myself in this place for so long… I don’t want to live that way. Ever again.

“Although, I should warn you.” Ren gives me a sly grin. “I come with quirks. Questionable singing ability, excessive charm, and an unfortunate tendency to be distractingly handsome. Think carefully before proceeding.”

I laugh, warmth flooding my chest. “I suppose I can handle it. As long as you promise not to sing.”

His jaw drops comically before he presses a hand to his chest, over his heart. “Now you’re just hurting my artistic pride. Admit it—you secretly enjoy my singing.”

I shrug lightly, fighting back a grin. “It’s all right in small doses, I suppose.”

He barks out a laugh. “Alright then.” He gestures to the veil. “Shall we?”

I nod, and he bursts into song as he takes my hand and pulls me toward the barrier.

“Oh, a clever fox, dashing and bold,

His charm and wit worth more than gold—”

His words are cut off as we step through. The air shifts and a faint hum of magic moves over my skin before vanishing entirely. I blink and we’re standing in a forest.

Finik is thankfully still in my pocket and I pet him reassuringly.

It doesn’t look all that different from where we were before, but when I turn around my breath catches. I can no longer see the tower that has been my home—my prison—for the past three years.

Ren steps beside me, his presence steady and warm even in the cool night air. “It’s strange,” I whisper, scanning the woods around us. “The outside world doesn’t look all that different.”

Ren lifts my chin with one claw-tipped finger, and flashes a devastatingly handsome grin. “That’s because our adventure is only beginning, my amira.”

A shiver of excitement ripples through me as his amber eyes meet mine. I cannot deny that I’m attracted to Ren, but I’m also a bit nervous. All of this is new to me. At least… as far as I can remember.

Part of me wonders if I had someone out here. Someone who looked at me the way Ren looks at me now. Someone who loved me… someone waiting for me to return. Swallowing hard, I avert my gaze.

Ren takes a small step back and clears his throat. “If we are to travel quickly, I should change.”

Before I can ask what he means, he adds, “Don’t be afraid. I would sooner take my own life than ever harm you.”

I frown. “Why would I be afraid?”

His lips twitch like I’ve amused him, but he only shakes his head. “Most people would be the first time they see someone shift.”

A blur of red, white and gold swirls before me, like autumn leaves caught in a violent wind. The air crackles with magic, raising the hairs along my arms. I blink and then gasp when I see a massive fox where Ren once stood.

His frame is sleek and powerful, standing taller than a warhorse. His thick fur is a cascade of fiery red and winter white. His long furry tail flicks behind him, curling at the end. His amber eyes, with vertically slit pupils, expand as they lock onto mine.

He was wrong, for I am quite the opposite of afraid. I’m curious and fascinated as I step forward, drawn to him in a way I cannot explain.

Tentatively, I lift my hand and brush my fingers over the thick fur along his neck. It’s soft as silk and warm beneath my palm.

Ren leans into my touch and a low rumbling sound—like a purr—starts in his chest.

“You’re beautiful,” I whisper.

He snorts a puff of air, clearly affronted. His purr goes silent as his ears flick back.