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“I already told you,” she whispers. “It wouldn’t matter.”

I search her face, my throat tight. “You’re sure?”

She nods. “I do still want to go to Sylvalis and meet with the Stag prince. I may not be the woman he’s searching for, but perhaps he knows something about me… about my past.” She frowns. “There must be a reason why his face haunts my dreams.”

“What if when you see him, it triggers your memories? What if you remember that you love him?” I ask, unable to let this go. “What if—”

She presses a finger to my lips, silencing me. “I’ve made my decision.” She brushes her fingers over my jaw. “I love you, and I choose you, Ren.”

For one wild, selfish moment, the idea of marrying her—making certain she stays by my side forever—flashes through my mind. But as quickly as it appears, guilt and honor swiftly extinguish it. She deserves honesty, freedom, and a choice.

After dinner, she falls asleep in my arms. Although it’s been a long day, I stare up at the ceiling, my mind refusing to rest as I think of the secret I keep and the possibility of more mercenaries sent by the Witch to steal my beloved.

A few hours before dawn, I awaken her and Finik. I throw our satchel over my shoulder as she scoops a sleeping Finik from his bed. He yawns but dutifully climbs into her pocket and curls himself into a little ball of fluff before he nods off again.

The streets are quiet as we make our way through town. The temple is near the edge of the city. Once we make it there, it should be relatively easy to slip through the gates behind it and out into the countryside again.

It’s not far from the tavern and yet it feels like it takes forever to reach it. But perhaps it’s my shame that makes the trip seem so long.

When we reach the temple, the waning moonlight reflects off the marble stone and a statue of the goddess of family stares down at us with a serene expression. My guilt grows heavier as she keeps her hand clasped in mine. She gazes at me. Her lips curve up in a lovely smile, her eyes so full of trust it nearly breaks me.

Movement catches the corner of my eye and I turn to see a Wolf Shifter walking toward us.

Ice freezes my veins. It’s Sevryn—the Wolf that was sent by the Goblin witch.

Lightning fast, I pull Rapunzel behind me, baring my fangs in a feral snarl. “Get back or I’ll end you right here and now.”

“I’m not here to harm you.” He raises his hands in surrender. “My bargain with Drusilla was fulfilled when I fought you in the river and lost.” He narrows his eyes. “I nearly died going over those falls and you didn’t even bother to check if I lived.”

“In truth, I’d hoped you hadn’t survived,” I reply bluntly. “If you’re not here on behalf of the witch, then why are you following us?”

“Wolves and Foxes,” he mutters, his gaze darting briefly to Rapunzel. “We are not all that different from each other. I understand what it is to want to protect your mate. So I came to warn you.” He glances over his shoulder to the forest beyond the city walls. “If I could find you here, so could others. I’m not the only one Drusilla sent to hunt you.”

A chill runs down my spine.

“Change cloaks with me,” he tells Rapunzel. “I will lead the others in the opposite direction of your travels.”

Despite his offer to help, I’m not sure I believe him. “Why should we trust you?”

“Because you don’t have a choice,” he says grimly. “I’m offering you a chance. But if you do not wish to take it, then there’s nothing more I can do for you.”

Before I can reply, Rapunzel steps out from behind me. “Here.” She offers him her cloak and he hands her his in return. “Thank you,” she murmurs. Her eyes cut to mine, in a look that I understand means I shouldn’t argue about this, before she looks at the Wolf again. “We appreciate your help.”

He dips his chin in a subtle bow. “Travel safely.” With that, he turns and runs toward the southern entrance of the town.

I look at Rapunzel. There is still so much I need to tell her—to confess. But right now, I need to get her to Cambryn as soon as possible. Until I do, she won’t be safe.

“Stand back,” I murmur as I step away from her. In a whirl of wind and dust, I shift into my fox form and then lower myself so she can climb onto my back. “If we leave now, we can make it to my family’s castle before midday.”

As soon as she’s settled between my shoulders, I slip quietly through the streets, keeping to the shadows as much as possible. It doesn’t take long to reach the northern gates of the city and out to the forest beyond.

Indecision weighs heavily upon me. I feel like a coward for not telling her what I’ve discovered. Every moment I delay, I risk losing her trust forever. But how can I bear it if telling her means losing her completely?

Clenching my jaw, I resolve to give her the truth when we reach my family’s castle. There will be time enough then to confess my sins. But for now, all that matters is getting my amira to Cambryn.

Sending a silent prayer to the gods, I pray this decision doesn’t end up costing me everything. But deep in my heart, I fear I might lose her after all.

CHAPTER 39