Page 12

RAPUNZEL

W hen we reach the magic barrier, I fold my braid a few times to shorten the length, tying it with several thick ribbons until it only hangs down to my ankles.

It’s still a heavy weight on my head, but at least it’s not dragging on the ground.

The last thing I want is for my hair to catch on something.

Noticing me fidgeting with one of my ribbons, Ren helps me tie it securely.

The green gemstone on his necklace pulses with light and the air hums with magic as we stand before the invisible veil that separates the place from the outside world. As I study the shimmering magic of the barrier, worry takes root in my chest. “What if we can’t make it through together?”

“We will,” he assures me. “This charm works for at least two people.”

“What about Finik?” I glance at my furry companion, his dark eyes watching us intently. “What if he cannot come through with us?”

My heart squeezes as Ren strokes Finik’s head. “Then, I’ll come back for him. Simple as that.”

Finik purrs, nuzzling Ren’s palm.

Despite his reassurance, I cannot shake my concerns. “What if I cannot pass through for some reason? What if the witch’s magic prevents it?”

Ren takes both my hands, his foxfire eyes staring deep into mine. “You have my most solemn vow that I will not leave you behind, Rapunzel.”

“But what if—”

“If you cannot leave, then I will remain here with you, if you wish. You don’t have to be alone anymore.”

I swallow against the lump forming in my throat. We’ve only known each other for less than two days and he already understands my deepest fears. I’ve been isolated and by myself in this place for so long… I don’t want to live that way. Ever again.

“Although, I should warn you.” Ren gives me a sly grin. “I come with quirks. Questionable singing ability, excessive charm, and an unfortunate tendency to be distractingly handsome. Think carefully before proceeding.”

I laugh, warmth flooding my chest. “I suppose I can handle it. As long as you promise not to sing.”

His jaw drops comically before he presses a hand to his chest, over his heart. “Now you’re just hurting my artistic pride. Admit it—you secretly enjoy my singing.”

I shrug lightly, fighting back a grin. “It’s all right in small doses, I suppose.”

He barks out a laugh. “Alright then.” He gestures to the veil. “Shall we?”

I nod, and he bursts into song as he takes my hand and pulls me toward the barrier.

“Oh, a clever fox, dashing and bold,

His charm and wit worth more than gold—”

His words are cut off as we step through. The air shifts and a faint hum of magic moves over my skin before vanishing entirely. I blink and we’re standing in a forest.

Finik is thankfully still in my pocket and I pet him reassuringly.

It doesn’t look all that different from where we were before, but when I turn around my breath catches. I can no longer see the tower that has been my home—my prison—for the past three years.

Ren steps beside me, his presence steady and warm even in the cool night air. “It’s strange,” I whisper, scanning the woods around us. “The outside world doesn’t look all that different.”

Ren lifts my chin with one claw-tipped finger, and flashes a devastatingly handsome grin. “That’s because our adventure is only beginning, my amira.”

A shiver of excitement ripples through me as his amber eyes meet mine. I cannot deny that I’m attracted to Ren, but I’m also a bit nervous. All of this is new to me. At least… as far as I can remember.

Part of me wonders if I had someone out here. Someone who looked at me the way Ren looks at me now. Someone who loved me… someone waiting for me to return. Swallowing hard, I avert my gaze.

Ren takes a small step back and clears his throat. “If we are to travel quickly, I should change.”

Before I can ask what he means, he adds, “Don’t be afraid. I would sooner take my own life than ever harm you.”

I frown. “Why would I be afraid?”

His lips twitch like I’ve amused him, but he only shakes his head. “Most people would be the first time they see someone shift.”

A blur of red, white and gold swirls before me, like autumn leaves caught in a violent wind. The air crackles with magic, raising the hairs along my arms. I blink and then gasp when I see a massive fox where Ren once stood.

His frame is sleek and powerful, standing taller than a warhorse. His thick fur is a cascade of fiery red and winter white. His long furry tail flicks behind him, curling at the end. His amber eyes, with vertically slit pupils, expand as they lock onto mine.

He was wrong, for I am quite the opposite of afraid. I’m curious and fascinated as I step forward, drawn to him in a way I cannot explain.

Tentatively, I lift my hand and brush my fingers over the thick fur along his neck. It’s soft as silk and warm beneath my palm.

Ren leans into my touch and a low rumbling sound—like a purr—starts in his chest.

“You’re beautiful,” I whisper.

He snorts a puff of air, clearly affronted. His purr goes silent as his ears flick back.

“Beautiful?” His voice echoes in my mind as he puffs out his chest like an indignant peacock. “I’m not beautiful, I’m strong and handsome.”

I jerk back, eyes wide. “I just heard you in my mind.”

Ren stills. “You can hear me?”

“Yes.”

His lips pull back in what I assume is a fox grin. “I knew you were the one.”

“The one?” I frown. “What are you talking about?”

His head jerks toward the forest, his ears flicking forward and his entire body suddenly tense. “We have to go.”

Worry tightens my chest. “What’s wrong?”

“No time to explain.” Ren lowers himself onto his haunches, dipping his massive frame toward the ground. “Get on,” he commands, voice urgent. “Quickly.”

Gathering my skirts, I climb onto his back, settling just below his shoulders. Our supply satchel is slung across my back and Finik is still nestled safely in my dress pocket.

“Hold on tight.” It’s the only warning I get before he surges forward, breaking into a run.

The wind whips through my hair and the forest blurs around us as we race through the woods, his muscles bunching and shifting beneath me with effortless grace.

The crisp night air cools my skin as Ren weaves expertly through the trees as the scent of pine and damp earth fills my lungs.

I lean forward and call out. “What are we running from?”

“Pixies,” he says over his shoulder.

It takes me a moment to realize he’s said this aloud instead of in my mind, and I mean to ask him about it, but when I look over my shoulder, I see dozens of flickering golden lights following close.

“Are they dangerous?”

“They may be tiny, but they have razor-sharp fangs, and very foul tempers.”

Worry fills me as they gain on us, and the angry buzzing of dozens of tiny wings fills the air. “Why are they after you?”

“I may have insulted them a few days ago. Before I stumbled through the barrier around the tower.”

That doesn’t sound quite so bad. “Perhaps you can try talking to them?” I offer. “Maybe apologize or something?”

It’s an odd sensation, but somehow I’m able to sense… to feel his hesitation before he finally replies. “I already tried, but it didn’t work.”

“What did you do?”

Ren yelps, and I glance back, eyes wide as a couple of pixies nip at his haunches, their lips peeled back, revealing tiny, dagger-sharp fangs.

He flicks them off with his tail and they slam against a nearby tree in a puff of pixie dust, letting loose a series of high-pitched squeaks that I’m sure are some rather choice words.

“You know, I tried to apologize!” He calls over his shoulder. “But I take it back. You’re vermin! The lot of you! Nothing more than a bunch of pesky gnats with delusions of grandeur!”

The angry buzzing grows louder.

Without warning, the ground falls out from beneath us. A scream tears from my throat as we tumble forward, the world spinning in a blur of trees, darkness, and moonlight.

Ren shifts back to his two-legged form in a swift ripple of magic. His strong arms wrap around my waist as he tucks me against him, curling protectively around me, absorbing every jarring blow and sharp scrape as we careen down the steep incline.

When we finally come to an abrupt halt at the bottom, Ren is panting, his breath is hot against my neck and I’m fully enveloped by his large, muscular frame.

I lift my head and the world spins a moment before settling. The furious buzzing of the pixies grows louder as they swarm down the hill, toward us.

Raw panic claws at my chest. My hands begin to tingle with a familiar warmth. Raising my arms, green wisps of magic swirl around my fingers and gather in palms.

With a flick of my wrist I send my power to the ground. The earth trembles and thick vines burst from the soil in a rush of vibrant green. Twisting and weaving together like living ropes, they form a tight, protective barrier around us just as the pixies descend.

I wince as their tiny bodies slam into the barrier. They emit a series of high-pitched squeaks of indignation at being denied their prize.

Ren’s eyes are wide as he studies the foliage dome around us. “Gods above,” he murmurs, voice full of wonder as he turns his gaze to me. “That was incredible.”

I glance down at my hands in shock. I’ve used my magic before, but it’s never responded so quickly. Usually, I have to focus hard before I can call it forth.

Anxiety spikes through me as I suddenly realize my dress pocket is empty. “Oh my gods, where’s Finik?”