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“Yes.”

As he gathers up our supplies, he begins singing his silly song, making me laugh even more.

“Oh, a clever fox, dashing and bold,

His charm and wit worth more than gold…

His features so handsome that nary a maiden—”

And that’s what terrifies me most. How easily he breaks through all my defenses. Despite my attempts to guard my heart, I’m falling for him.

Guilt fills me as I think of Prince Theron. I send a silent prayer to the gods that I’m not the one he has been searching for all these years. Because if I am, I fear I will lose my heart to Ren by the time we find each other again.

CHAPTER 28

REN

As we make our way through the forest, all I can think about is Rapunzel.

She wants me as much as I desire her.

I know it... I felt it in the way she trembled, in the way she brushed her lips to mine before she stopped herself.

My thoughts turn to Prince Theron and a low growl rumbles in my throat. The mere idea of him touching her… owning a piece of her heart makes me want to rip him to shreds.

I told her I wouldn’t touch her unless she asks, but that doesn’t mean I cannot fight for her. I’ll be damned if I let some worthless Stag Shifter from her past woo her away from me without a challenge.

All is fair in love and war. And this is both.

I’ll carve my place so deep in her heart that it won’t matter if she regains her memories and remembers him. I’ll prove myself worthy of her, and earn her heart. And when she chooses me, I’ll burn through every memory of him, replace every whisperedword, every stolen touch, until the only name that exists on her lips is mine.

If she truly was his, he obviously didn’t love her enough. Because if he did, she wouldn’t have been locked in that tower, alone. If he truly cared for her, he would have found her… fought for her.

I did.

I’ll prove myself to her... show her that I am the better male. I’ll—

A sharp whistle cuts the air, whizzing past my head, followed by a loud thunk. Bark splinters from the tree next to us as an arrow buries deep into its trunk.

My pulse pounds in my ears.We’re under attack.

“Hold on!”Fierce protectiveness surges through me as I veer to the side, quickening my pace as we race through the woods.

“Ren!”

Hoofbeats thunder behind us, and another arrow whistles through the air. White-hot pain flares as it nicks my ear.

The strong stench of sweat, steel, and horses fills the air. Glancing over my shoulder I notice three men on horseback, but I’m uncertain if they’re bandits or mercenaries sent by the witch.

Panic claws at my throat as I push myself harder. I cannot allow them to catch us.

My stride falters and searing agony tears through my shoulder as an arrow embeds itself deep in my flesh, followed quickly by another that sinks deep into my side.

My legs buckle beneath me, and I slam to the ground.

“Ren!” Rapunzel cries out.

The world spins as I lift my head, the taste of iron and dirt on my tongue.