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Her jaw drops slightly before she promptly snaps it shut. Silence stretches between us, and while it is worrisome that she’s taking a bit to consider my proposal, it’s also reassuring that she hasn’t outright refused my offer.

“I—I don’t…” Color rises in her face, and she averts her eyes. “I mean… I don’t even know you.”

“There’s an easy remedy for that.” I grin. “You could release me, and we could get to know each other over tea, perhaps?”

“Nice try.” Her eyes snap up to mine, narrowing. “But I’m not freeing you until I’m sure you’re not a bandit.”

I sigh dramatically, testing the vines once more. I could free myself easily with one swift flex of my claws, slicing effortlessly through the delicate greenery. But if I did, I’d frighten her, and that’s the last thing I want.

“I understand your caution,” I tell her. “At least we can still talk and get to know each other better. Besides”—I flash a smile—“I cannot think of anywhere I’d rather be than here as your captive, myamira.”

“What does that mean—amira?” she asks.

My gaze travels over her silver-white hair and her beautiful features. “It meansstarlight.”

She lifts a skeptical brow. “Flattery won’t make me untie you any faster.”

I stare deep into her luminous eyes. “It’s not flattery if it’s truth.”

Her face turns crimson, and she looks away again, though I catch the shy smile tugging at her mouth.

This is good. Perhaps we can begin to build trust this way.

“Why are you here in this tower?”

“Because it’s not safe outside,” she answers without hesitation.

“What is it you are afraid of?”

“Bandits and fiends,” she says with a pointed look. “And I’m sure you’re going to insist again that you are neither of those things. Am I right?” she asks, a hint of sarcasm in her tone.

“You are correct, my amira.” I flash her my best grin. “But I understand your wish to keep me bound until you feel safe. I’ll wait as long as it takes for you to trust me.”

And as long as it takes for me to convince her to leave with me and become my mate.

CHAPTER 4

RAPUNZEL

“How long have you been in this tower?” Ren asks.

Heat rises in my cheeks as his luminous amber eyes study me intensely. “Three years.”

He looks around the room, nostrils flaring as if scenting the air. “Does anyone else live here?”

I hesitate, unsure if mentioning Glinda is wise. She usually visits every few days, but she's been away longer this time. I glance toward Ren, still bound securely to the bed, and my heart whispers reassurance. Surely, he can’t harm me—not like this. “Glinda visits me every few days to bring supplies,” I admit cautiously, “though she doesn’t actually live here.”

“Glinda?” he asks, curiosity lighting his gaze.

“She’s the one who brought me here—to keep me protected.”

His brow furrows. “Safe from what?”

My fingers twist nervously in my lap, a tiny knot of anxiety forming in my chest. “From people who might try to hurt me.”

“You mean bandits and fiends?” Ren asks, his lips quirking as he repeats my earlier words back to me. “Of which, I assure you, I am neither.”

I bite back a smile at his teasing. “Yes, but it's more than that.”