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Thalric’s stoic expression cracks as he snorts out a laugh. But his amusement fades as he studies me. He’s quiet for along moment, gaze flicking back to the window where Rapunzel sleeps. “Be careful, Ren,” he warns. “The Fae sisters are not easily shaken, but it is plain to see their worry when they discovered the truth of Rapunzel’s magic. That type of power is coveted. The witch wants it back for herself, but if others found out about it, they would come for her as well.”

A cold thread of determination runs through me. “I’ll end anyone who dares try to harm her,” I vow.

Thalric gives me a single nod. I’m sure he would do the same for Aurora.

“If you want my assessment,” he says. “I suspect Rapunzel returns your feelings.”

I grin, bolstered by his confidence. “I’ll be sure to invite you to our bonding ceremony, my friend.”

He purses his lips, but I notice the hint of amusement in his eyes as he watches me climb back down to the ground.

“And I’ll expect an invitation to yours as well,” I add.

Quietly, I slip back into the cottage. Pulling a quilt and a pillow from the sofa, I create a makeshift bed on the floor outside Rapunzel’s door. I’m tempted to shift into my Fox form, but my wounds are not completely healed.

I trust the Fae sisters, but I still worry after what they said about the Goblin witch and I’d rather be ready for anything.

It’s also comforting to know Thalric is still in the tree, watching over Aurora the same way I will always watch over my Rapunzel.

CHAPTER 33

RAPUNZEL

Aurora shifts beside me, the tiny bed creaking beneath our combined weight. The room is quiet except for the faint crackle of the fire on the hearth, the flames casting dancing shadows along the stone walls.

Outside, the wind whispers through the trees, carrying the crisp scent of damp earth and pine. I breathe it in, trying to calm the storm inside me, but my thoughts churn restlessly as I think of Ren.

Closing my eyes, I think of our kiss in the garden. The way his lips brushed mine—soft and hesitant at first, before it became something more… something deeper.

How can I push him away when he’s already stolen my heart?

Guilt and shame begin to creep in as I think of Prince Theron. I squeeze my eyes shut. I hate all this uncertainty, and I wish so much that I could remember my past. If I did, it would make all of this so much easier. A small whimper escapes me as I fight back tears.

Aurora’s whisper cuts through the silence. “Rapunzel?” When I don’t answer right away, she shifts so we’re facing each other. “Are you all right?”

“I—” I shake my head. “I’m not sure.”

“What’s wrong?” She takes my hand in her own, studying me in concern. “Are you worried about the witch? Because if so, I doubt she will find you here. And even if she does, Lyra, and Maribelle will help keep you safe. They have powerful magic. And Thalric is very strong and—”

“It’s not that. I just… wish I could remember my past,” I admit. “I hate not knowing who I was or how my life was before.”

“Lyra said they may return on their own,” Aurora offers. “They’re not gone. They are still buried deep in your mind.”

Sadness fills me. “I have a family somewhere out there, but I cannot remember their names or where I’m from.”

“It is the same for me,” she says. “Flora, Lyra, and Maribelle said they found me on their doorstep, in a basket, when I was a baby.” She reaches for the side table and pulls out a folded parchment from the drawer. “This note was tucked beneath my blanket,” she says, eyes glossy with tears. “It’s from my parents, promising they would come back for me… when it is safe.”

“Safe? From what?”

“I don’t know,” she whispers. “And neither do the Fae sisters. But I have faith that I will meet them some day.” Aurora lifts her brown eyes to mine. “Do not give up hope, Rapunzel. I believe you’ll find your family.” She squeezes my hand. “And who knows? You may even regain your memories before you reach Ren’s kingdom.”

She continues. “If not, you can still go to Sylvalis and seek out Prince Theron… see if he can provide any answers about your past.”

“That’s the problem.” I swallow hard. “I’m scared.”

Aurora tilts her head. “What are you afraid of?”

I turn my gaze to the ceiling, tracing the uneven lines of the wooden beams overhead as tears threaten to fall. “What if I was betrothed to Prince Theron? What if we were in love? Or what if… when my memories return, my personality is not the same? What if I am a different person than who I am now?”