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“Sleeping inside,” I inform her. “It’s lovely to meet you as well.”

Before she can speak again, Flora calls from the house. “Aurora!”

“I’ll be back in a bit.” She sighs and then calls out. “I’m coming, Flora.”

Thalric’s gaze tracks her as she walks back to the house, his attention only returning to me after she disappears inside. “Where were you headed when you were attacked?”

“Cambryn.”

His expression darkens. “There have been many reports of bandits between here and there. Orcs, ogres, and trolls as well.”

“And where exactly ishere?” I ask.

“Oakvale. In the kingdom of—”

“Lumaria,” I finish his sentence. We share our northern border with them. “I’ve heard of this place. It’s known for the elderberry wine festival, is it not?”

He nods. “We sent word to your family.” My Fox ears prick up. “Rapunzel told us who you are, Prince Rennard of Cambryn.”

My jaw tightens as I realize his earlier question about our destination was a test, to see if I’d divulge the truth. I’m not sure I like that they know the truth of who I am, especially since we are still being hunted. In a small village like this, word can travel fast.

As if sensing my worry, Thalric adds, “Rapunzel told us of the Goblin witch—Drusilla—and how you saved her. Don’t worry. We’ve told no one who you are, and we will keep it that way.”

“Thank you.”

“Perhaps it would be wise to remain here for a few days to ensure you are fully healed.”

“I worry that any delay will give the witch and her mercenaries more time to locate us.” I run a hand roughly through my hair. “We were fortunate the men who attacked us were simply bandits and not minions sent by the Goblin.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that,” Thalric says ominously. “I found this on them.”

He holds out a satchel and I take it. A purple gemstone is nestled inside. “What is this?”

“My father says hunters use it to mask their smell when they are hunting prey,” he replies. “Flora sensed dark magic imbued in the stone. I discovered one of these on each of the men who attacked you. And when I removed it, I detected a faint hint of licorice on their clothing.” He growls low in his throat. “Only Goblins carry this scent.”

Ice freezes in my veins.

“I don’t believe they were ordinary bandits,” he adds, further fueling my concern.

I swallow hard. “I agree.”

“You are safe here,” he says. “The Fae sisters are powerful and my family lives nearby, in the woods.” He gestures to the forest beyond the garden fence. “We can protect you. I suggest you wait at least a full day before you leave to give yourself time to heal.” He curls his hands into fists at his sides. “If you wish to keep your mate safe, you must be at your full strength.”

Although she is not officially my mate, I do not correct him of this assumption. Instead, I nod in agreement.

Auri’s voice calls from inside the house. “Thalric!”

“Excuse me.” He glances toward her, longing easily read in his features. “I’ll return shortly.” He strides toward the house without another word.

I remain in the garden, staring down at the grass, as I run my fingers absently along my scar, the shame of my failings filling me anew.

Rapunzel’s soft voice drifts through the quiet. “Ren?”

I freeze as she walks up behind me, unable to make myself turn around. My heart pounds as I clench my jaw. She’s seen my scar in all its terrible glory. She knows what it means. After what happened with the bandits, she will realize that the rejection I’ve faced in the past, from my own people, is warranted. And I cannot bear the look I imagine must be on her face… Disgust. Pity. Rejection.

Agony spears through me as I pull at the threads of my shifter magic, desperate to weave the illusion back over my skin, to hide my ugliness and my great shame from her, but it’s no use.

Sharp pain rips through my body, sending me to my knees with a choked growl even as I bring my hand to my face, trying to shield it from her view.