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“Don’t speak like that.” My breath hitches. “You can’t die, Ren. I love you. You cannot leave me like this.”

His gaze holds mine as he brushes his thumb over my cheek. “My beautiful amira. You are my heart.”

His eyes close and his head tips back, his hand falling away as he goes still in my arms.

CHAPTER 55

REN

My eyes slowly flutter open, and I blink, feeling disoriented. I’m lying in a bed in an unfamiliar room. Turning my head, I see Rowan, quietly sitting in a chair beside me.

“You’re awake.” He smiles. “Thank the gods. How do you feel?”

“I’m fine.”

Finik scrambles up onto the bed, whiskers twitching as his dark eyes meet mine. “I’m glad to see you, my little friend.” I stroke his fur. “You were very brave.”

He makes a small purring sound as he nuzzles my hand.

I glance around, but don’t see my beloved anywhere nearby. “Where’s Rapunzel?” I try to sit up, but sharp pain ripples through my side, and I fall back onto the bed with an agonized groan. “Is she all right?”

“She’s fine,” Rowan reassures me. “She stepped out to change into a fresh set of clothes. You’ve been asleep for two days.”

“Can you help me sit up?”

Rowan nods, and a sharp hiss of pain escapes me as he helps me prop myself up on the pillows. I glance down at the thick bandage on the left side of my abdomen.

“It’s almost fully healed,” Rowan says. He gives me a hesitant look. “But the healer says it may leave a slight scar.”

Painful memories resurface of my betrothed recoiling from me in disgust when she saw the scar on my face. The familiar ache settles deep in my chest.

“Ren?” Rapunzel’s soft voice breaks through my dark thoughts. “Thank the gods you’re awake.” She throws her arms around my neck, as she rains soft, urgent kisses all over my face, including over my old scar. “I was so worried about you.”

My heart clenches as her touch banishes the dark shadows of my past. Her love is steady and unwavering. She sees every scar, every flaw… and still, she chooses me.

Someone clears their throat, interrupting us. I glance over her shoulder and see her brother, Tristan, standing in the doorway. He smiles warmly. “Glad to see you’re awake.”

Before I can answer, Theron strides confidently into the room, the regal Stag prince looking every bit the noble warrior. He pauses near the foot of the bed and flashes a warm smile at Rapunzel.

A spike of jealousy immediately shoots through me, and my inner Fox bristles at the knowledge that she was once betrothed to him. But when I glance at my mark on her neck, it appeases the primal possessiveness deep within. She chose me. Not him.

Sighing heavily, I resolve to accept him. He is her best friend, and he searched for Rapunzel all these years. That type of loyalty and devotion deserves respect. And I can now more readily give it since she is mine, just as much as I am hers.

His gaze flicks back to me, respectful but wary as he eyes my bandaged wounds—injuries he gave me when he was under Drusilla’s spell. “I wanted to apologize for—”

“There is no need,” I tell him. “You were not yourself.”

He dips his chin. “You look… better than the last time I saw you. I’m glad.”

“Thank you, Theron.” My lips twitch. I can’t resist teasing him. “It turns out almost dying is less enjoyable than it appears. I don’t recommend it.”

He chuckles quietly, clearly surprised by my humor. “Noted.” He extends his hand to me, and I grasp his forearm as he grips mine in return. “I’m indebted to you, Fox. Thank you for saving my best friend.” He offers a faint smile. “And congratulations on your mating.”

I dip my chin. “You are welcome to visit us in Cambryn whenever you wish,” I tell him.

He darts a glance at Rapunzel and nods. “I would like that.”

She gives me a smile as bright as the sun, and I have never seen anything so beautiful before.