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RAPUNZEL

“ Y ou nearly died protecting me.” My gaze drops to the bandages around his shoulder and torso. “And if your injuries leave new scars, it will be a reminder that you survived something that others might not have. They are a testament to your honor and bravery.”

He stills, a flicker of something vulnerable in his amber eyes. “You do not believe that I failed you?”

I meet his gaze evenly. “Never.”

Impulsively, I stretch up on my toes and wrap my arms around his neck. In the back of my mind, I know I shouldn’t do this, but I almost lost him the other day. And it made me realize just how much he means to me.

He slips his arms around my waist and drops his forehead to mine. “And you are truly unbothered by my scar?” he asks cautiously.

“How many times must I say it? It doesn’t bother me, and it does not make you any less in my eyes.” A smile crests my lips as I decide to tease him. “You already know you’re handsome. I think you’re just fishing for compliments now.”

He barks out a startled laugh, and then flashes his signature grin—full of playful mischief. “You think I’m handsome?”

I smile. “You know I do.”

His expression turns serious and his gaze drops to my mouth. My heart pounds at the sudden awareness of the way his hands grip my waist as he slowly leans in. The warmth of his breath ghosts across my lips, and I close my eyes as he brushes his mouth over mine in a tender kiss.

My mind urges me to pull away, reminding me that we cannot have a future if I don’t know my past. But my heart refuses to listen. I could have lost Ren. If I had, I would have regretted not telling him how I felt. I cannot pretend I’m not falling for him. Not anymore.

His kiss is soft and tentative, as if still unsure if this is real. But when I tighten my arms around the back of his neck, he pulls me closer and his tongue finds mine, deepening our kiss.

Something rustles overhead, and a soft rain of petals flutters around us.

Ren stills against me, his breath warm against my lips as we both look up.

The cherry tree above us is now covered in vibrant blossoms that definitely were not there before. The pale pink petals cascade through the air, swirling around us like falling snow.

“Rapunzel,” Flora calls out as hurries toward us, her expression full of concern as she gazes up at the flowers. “That tree should be dormant this time of year.” She turns to me. “You have magic, don’t you?”

Ren pulls me behind him. “And what if she does?” he asks, voice low and dangerous.

“I’m not going to hurt her,” Flora snaps. “But you both need to come inside so we can talk. Now.”

My pulse stutters. “Why?”

“Because it’s dangerous for a human to have such powerful magic… you have no idea the people who would want you for it.”

Ren loops a protective arm around my waist as an involuntary shiver moves down my spine. All the warmth and tenderness I felt only a moment ago fades away as panic and fear swirl deep within.