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“I’m not going to hurt her,” Flora snaps. “But you both need to come inside so we can talk. Now.”

My pulse stutters. “Why?”

“Because it’s dangerous for a human to have such powerful magic… you have no idea the people who wouldwantyou for it.”

Ren loops a protective arm around my waist as an involuntary shiver moves down my spine. All the warmth and tenderness I felt only a moment ago fades away as panic and fear swirl deep within.

CHAPTER 31

REN

Rapunzel’s entire body is tense as we take a seat at the kitchen table, worry written on her features. I hate that she is so afraid. Taking her hand in mine, I squeeze it gently. No matter what happens, I will do all I can to protect her. No matter the cost to myself.

Thalric and Aurora are already seated as well, next to two other Fae females that I assume must be Flora’s sisters.

Although I trust them not to hurt Rapunzel, the protective part of me scans the cottage interior, my inner Fox insisting we should be familiar with every exit.

The interior of the cottage is rather cozy with a main living area with a sofa and chairs with plush, green cushions that sit before a fireplace with a roaring flame. Across the room is a small kitchen with shelves full of wood and porcelain plates and cups. Dried herbs and lavender hanging from the ceiling.

A blur of brown fluff rushes toward me. It’s Finik. He climbs up my leg to my shoulder, chittering excitedly as I stroke his fur. “You did well, my little friend,” I murmur, remembering howbravely he attacked one of the bandits. “You most certainly have the heart of a warrior.”

He makes a little chirruping purr and then leaps from me to Rapunzel, settling in the pocket of her dress. He peeks his head out, whiskers twitching and ears flicked forward in attention as Flora begins to speak.

“This is my sister, Lyra,” she says, gesturing to a Fae woman with translucent green wings, long brown hair, and lavender eyes. “And this is Maribelle.” She motions to a Fae with blue wings, black hair and gray eyes.

Worry prickles my skin as Flora and her sisters exchange a look, as if they know something they don’t want to say.

Something about Rapunzel.

Rapunzel tightens her grip on my hand while her free one crushes the fabric of her skirt in a nervous gesture.

I lean in and whisper in her ear. “Whatever may come, we will face it together.”

Her blue eyes meet mine as her lips curve up in a faint smile and she mouths back, “Thank you.”

“Your magic is”—Flora frowns as if searching for the right words before finally saying— “unusual… powerful. How did you come by it?”

Rapunzel explains that when Drusilla saved her mother from dying in childbirth, some of Goblin’s magic inadvertently passed to her as a result.

“Ah,” Flora says. “Now, it makes sense why the witch had you trapped in the tower.”

“What do you mean?” she asks.

The Fae sisters share another look. Thatsamelook that sets me on edge.

“Why do you keep looking at each other like that?” I narrow my eyes. “Tell us what you know.”

Lyra’s gaze flicks to me before shifting to Rapunzel. She extends her hands, palms up. “If you will allow me to assess you, I can determine more about your magic and your… connection to the Goblin witch.”

Rapunzel hesitates only briefly before nodding. She shifts forward, resting her hands in Lyra’s.

The air changes as a soft hum vibrates through the cottage as green wisps of magic wrap around Rapunzel’s fingers, spreading up her hands to her wrists and arms in a shimmering wave.

Lyra’s head is bowed in concentration as the glow intensifies for a moment before flickering and fading, leaving behind only the crackling of the fire and the frantic beat of my heart as we wait to hear what she has discovered.

“Your magic is unique, Rapunzel. It's not just growth or healing magic—it's deeper than that. It’s life itself. Vitality, youth. Renewal.”

My brows furrow in confusion. “What does that mean exactly?”