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I nod and look away to hide the warm flush of my cheeks. It’s embarrassing how easily I blush in Ren’s presence.

Since the bed is already taken with our new guest, Finik is asleep atop the bookshelf across the room. Exhaling, I move to the sofa and curl up on the cushions. I glance at Ren, determined to remain awake for at least another hour to ensure he doesn’t try to escape.

It’s foolish really. There’s no way he could slip out of the vines. But I cannot ignore Glinda’s warnings that whisper in the back of my mind about strangers. And while Ren may not seem dangerous, I’m not quite ready to free him.

With his eyes closed, I allow myself a moment to study him. He is masculine perfection made flesh—strong jaw, relaxed mouth, his features softened by sleep. There’s something about him that draws me in. It’s not just that I’ve dreamed of him, it’s more than this. I feel connected to him in a way… as if he were someone I could trust. Somebody who is safe.

Sighing, I lift my gaze to the ceiling. Although I know I should release Ren and send him on his way, part of me dreads him leaving. Perhaps it is simply that I’m lonely. I’ve lived here for three years with only Glinda and Finik for company.

I picture his eyes once again. It cannot be mere coincidence that I’ve dreamed of him before. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of fate—of destiny bringing two souls together. It’s rather romantic, I think. And I can’t help but wonder if our paths were somehow destined to cross.

CHAPTER 5

REN

When I wake up, my gaze travels over the room. The faint light of dawn filters in through the window, covering Rapunzel in a golden glow as she lies sleeping on the sofa, across the way.

Her hair drapes over the side of the couch, and I wonder again at its surprising length. Although it’s braided, there is so much of it I can only imagine how much longer it would be if she left it unbound.

With my arms and legs still restrained, she believes I cannot escape. I could easily free myself by either using my claws or shifting to my fox form, but the last thing I want is for her to be afraid.

No. I will remain this way for as long as it takes for her to feel safe with me.

Trust is a fragile thing. After our conversation last night, I get the impression that if I push too hard, or say the wrong thing about Glinda, it will only cause her to pull away from me.

And I cannot afford that. Especially if I hope to have any chance of convincing her to leave with me and eventually become my mate.

When she explained why she’s here and about Glinda, a sense of dread settled deep in my gut. I don’t trust her Glinda or the explanation she’s given my fated one about why she’s in this tower. Rapunzel’s story has too many cracks. It doesn’t make sense.

I grit my fangs, staring into the fire as it crackles low in the hearth.

Why would the witch steal her memories? Why would Drusilla not simply kill her to regain her power? And why would Glinda insist upon keeping Rapunzel here in the tower? What would be the point of keeping my fated one locked away unless—

Unless the real danger is Glinda instead of the Goblin witch—Drusilla.

Rapunzel yawns and stretches, ripping me back from my dark thoughts. She glances around the room. As soon as her gaze lands upon me, she stills, probably having temporarily forgotten the events of last evening as she shakes off the fog of sleep.

I offer my best smile. “Good morning.”

“Good… morning,” she replies a bit hesitantly. She rises from the sofa and heads toward the kitchen area.

“Did you sleep well?”

“I—yes.” She darts a glance at me and then looks away.

“If you let me go, I can help you make breakfast.” I flash what I hope is a winning grin. “It’s the least I can do to thank you for allowing me to stay here last night.”

Her head snaps to me, and she frowns as if considering. “All right,” she finally says. “But if you try anything, I’ll use my magic to bind you again.”

She raises her hands to presumably use her magic, but I extend my claws and slice the bindings on my wrists before freeing my ankles. When I look up, I find her gaping at me.

CHAPTER 6

REN

“How did—” She blinks several times. “If you were able to do that, why did you remain bound all night?”

“Because I didn’t want to scare you.” I meet her eyes evenly. “I would sooner end my own life than ever hurt you, Rapunzel. But I also understand that actions matter more than words, especially among two people who are relative strangers to each other. So, I chose to stay bound to show you that I mean you no harm. Now or ever.”