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Concern and sadness shadow her features. “You could have died today, Ren.”

“But I didn’t.” I don’t want her to dwell on what might have happened. I nuzzle her side. “We will rest here tonight and continue on in the morning.”

“Do you think we’re safe here, Ren?” she asks, worry shadowing her features.

I doubt the Wolf Shifter is the only one sent by the witch. I suspect there are still others out there, hunting us even now. But I cannot know for sure, and I don’t want to burden her with my fears. “Yes. The heavy rain will mask our scent and our tracks for now, making it difficult for anyone to find us.”

For now, we are warm and safe. And no matter what happens, I will do whatever I must to protect her.

She turns her gaze to the fire, her eyes blinking open and closed as she struggles to stay awake. The stable is warmer now, but I love that she still nestles into my side.

As she drifts off to sleep, I study her. I realize how dangerous this is as we walk the fine line between friends and… something more. I think of Prince Theron and the story of his betrothed. Rapunzel may be his, but there is also the chance she is not.

There’s also the risk that she’ll regain her memories and become someone completely different from who she is now. Or she may remember Theron and decide she’s not interested in me at all.

I had resolved to simply be her friend. To abstain from trying to charm her—to woo her and convince her to be mine. But I almost lost her today. And the mere thought makes me want to hold her close and never let her go.

So, even if this can never be more than it is now. I want to enjoy it for as long as it lasts. Even if it only ends with my heart broken and shattered. If this is all I can have of her… then, I will take whatever scraps of affection that I can.

CHAPTER 26

RAPUNZEL

I’m drowning.

Cold water pulls at my skirts, heavy and relentless, dragging me deeper. My heart pounds, terror clawing through me as I fight to reach the surface.

“Rapunzel!” Theron’s voice cuts sharply through the roar of the water. I kick harder, desperate to reach his outstretched hand. His blue eyes are wide with panic, his face stark with terror as he lunges into the churning river after me.

But the current is too strong. It drags me under, deeper and deeper until his face fades into the dark. The water closes around me, swallowing my screams—

“Rapunzel!” Strong hands grip my shoulders, shaking me awake. “Wake up. You’re safe.”

I jolt upright, gasping for air. Ren’s worried amber eyes stare down at me. He’s in his two-legged form again, his arms tight around my trembling form.

“Ren.” I blink back tears. “I dreamed of Theron. I fell into a river, and he tried to save me. But the current was so strong. I felt like I was drowning all over again.”

“Do you think it was a memory or… a nightmare?” he asks softly.

“I don’t know.” I swallow back a sob. “I was so scared.”

“Shhh,” Ren murmurs, pulling me against his chest, his heartbeat steady beneath my cheek. “I’ve got you. You’re safe now.”

Ren holds me close, gently combing his fingers through my hair. The lingering darkness from my nightmare begins to fade, replaced by the comforting strength of his arms around me.

He tucks the blanket around my shoulders and then wraps his arms around me again. “Have I ever told you the epic tale of Lord Frostfang, Destroyer of Worlds?”

“No. I think I’d definitely remember something like that.”

He grins. “Would you like to hear it?”

A faint smile crests my lips, and I nod.

“When Rowan and I were just kits, he stormed into my chambers one evening, covered head to toe in mud, and announced he’d discovered an abandoned snowcat cub. It was so tiny, it fit in the palm of his hand. But it had fur whiter than moonlight and claws sharper than any blade. We were convinced it would grow into a fearsome guardian.

“We took turns hiding him from our parents in our beds at night, sneaking milk and cream, and scraps of roasted meat from the kitchens, convinced we were raising the most fearsome beast Cambryn had ever seen.”

“And did he become fierce?” I ask, already guessing the answer.