Page 25

REN

D esperately, I search for any place to shelter as Rapunzel shivers again. Through my thick fur, her body is like ice against mine as her wet dress clings to her form. I can even hear Finik’s little teeth chattering as he trembles with cold.

And if all this wasn’t already bad enough, dark clouds gather overhead and torrential rain begins to pour down in thick heavy sheets as the wind howls through the trees.

The only positive thing about this weather is that at least it may serve to hide our scent if the Wolf Shifter—Servryn—or anyone else is tracking us.

My entire body is still sore and it won’t fully heal until I can rest, but I don’t tell Rapunzel this. The last thing I want is for her to worry about me. Pushing my discomfort aside, I quicken my pace.

The last of the sun’s rays spear through the forest, lengthening the shadows of the trees. Although we have already crossed the river, I’d prefer not to be wandering around at night. I don’t think Ogres frequent this part of the woods, but I could be wrong.

I’m also concerned about the Wolf. If Sevryn survived, he’ll come after us. He has no choice. The witch has called in his bargain.

Lightning fingers through the clouds, illuminating the path ahead and revealing a burned-out farmhouse. The skeletal remains of its structure stand in sharp contrast beside a small stable with its roof and walls still intact.

Relief crashes through me as I lope toward the entrance.

The heavy wooden doors hang askew, but the inside is dry, the scent of old hay thick in the air.

My nostrils flare. This place smells as if it has been abandoned for a while.

Whatever happened here that caused the farmhouse to burn, and its inhabitants to leave, it must have been long ago.

Scanning the stable, I notice a few old barrels, rusted tools, and remnants of tack and blankets. In the center of the space, is a fire pit, ringed with old stones, likely used to keep livestock warm in the winter. And beside it is a bundle of wood and a couple of firestones.

Thank the gods.

Carefully, I lower myself and Rapunzel slides off my back. The moment her feet touch the ground, she starts to sway. Instantly, I shift into my two-legged form, catching her around her waist to steady her as she cradles Finik’s tiny, shivering body in her arms.

The ache in my ribs sharpens as I move, but I grit my teeth and ignore it. The instinctive need to care for my mate overriding my pain.

I dig through our travel pack and pull out one of the wool blankets. Cupping her chin, I tip her face up to mine. “You need to change out of these wet clothes before you freeze.”

She’s trembling and her eyes are heavy with exhaustion as she nods. My heart clenches when I realize there’s no worry or hesitation. Only trust as she looks up at me.

Carefully, I peel away the heavy, sodden layers, my fingers grazing over her icy skin as the heavy fabric stubbornly clings to her.

When I finally slip the last of the damp material from her body, leaving her in only the barest undergarments, I avert my eyes, covering her and Finik with a wool blanket.

Satisfied that she’s no longer soaked, I turn my attention back to the fire pit, arranging the wood and using the firestones to light it. Within moments, flames roar to life.

I’m thankful for the fire, but it will take a while before it heats the entire stable. My body feels like one large bruise, and it’s painful to shift, but I need to warm Rapunzel and Finik as quickly as possible.

I take a small step back and then a rush of pain and heat floods my veins as my bones shift—elongating and reshaping into my Fox form. Agony ripples through me as fur spills over my skin in a golden-red wave and my claws and fangs extend.

Careful of my injuries, I settle beside Rapunzel, curling my body around hers, draping my tail over her smaller form like a blanket.

“Gods, you’re warm,” she says, pressing against me. Her delicate hands fist in my fur as she lets out a soft sigh of contentment. “Thank you, Ren.”

Finik chitters as he nestles against me as well.

I shift and a sharp hiss of pain escapes without thinking. Her head whips toward mine, but before she can say anything, I reassure her. “I promise you I will heal. I should be recovered fully by morning.”

Concern and sadness shadow her features. “You could have died today, Ren.”

“But I didn’t.” I don’t want her to dwell on what might have happened. I nuzzle her side. “We will rest here tonight and continue on in the morning.”

“Do you think we’re safe here, Ren?” she asks, worry shadowing her features.

I doubt the Wolf Shifter is the only one sent by the witch.

I suspect there are still others out there, hunting us even now.

But I cannot know for sure, and I don’t want to burden her with my fears.

“Yes. The heavy rain will mask our scent and our tracks for now, making it difficult for anyone to find us.”

For now, we are warm and safe. And no matter what happens, I will do whatever I must to protect her.

She turns her gaze to the fire, her eyes blinking open and closed as she struggles to stay awake. The stable is warmer now, but I love that she still nestles into my side.

As she drifts off to sleep, I study her. I realize how dangerous this is as we walk the fine line between friends and… something more. I think of Prince Theron and the story of his betrothed. Rapunzel may be his, but there is also the chance she is not.

There’s also the risk that she’ll regain her memories and become someone completely different from who she is now. Or she may remember Theron and decide she’s not interested in me at all.

I had resolved to simply be her friend. To abstain from trying to charm her—to woo her and convince her to be mine. But I almost lost her today. And the mere thought makes me want to hold her close and never let her go.

So, even if this can never be more than it is now. I want to enjoy it for as long as it lasts. Even if it only ends with my heart broken and shattered. If this is all I can have of her… then, I will take whatever scraps of affection that I can.