Page 39

RAPUNZEL

W e traveled all through the night and finally crossed the border of Cambryn about an hour ago, shortly after sunrise. Ren insisted we stop for a break to eat, but he’s barely touched any of his food.

He’s seated across from me. Finik is perched on his leg, snacking on a tiny platter of cheese and fruit. Absently Ren strokes Finik’s fur.

He’s much quieter than usual. And last night he was acting so strange. And now, I know he’s worried we’re being followed, but this feels like it’s more than that.

Something is different.

“We should leave soon.” His shoulders are tense as his amber eyes scan the forest. “These woods eventually turn into farmland up ahead and we’ll be forced to travel on the main road. Keep your hood up, and your head down if we pass anyone.”

I nod as Finik hops from Ren’s leg and waddles over to me, his tiny cheeks stuffed full of crackers as he climbs back into my pocket.

In the blink of an eye, Ren shifts. The transformation is seamless as he turns from a man to a sleek, powerful fox with glistening copper fur. He shakes once, his tail flicking, then nudges me with his nose, urging me to climb onto his back.

I climb up, my fingers threading through the thick fur at his scruff. The moment I’m secure, he moves, muscles rippling beneath me as he bounds forward.

Despite the lingering unease in my chest, I lean into the warmth of him.

Whatever awaits us, we will face it together.

After a few hours, the forest gives way to rolling hills and lush farmland, forcing us back to the main road. It winds through fields and orchards with quaint farmhouses interspersed between them.

Up ahead is another forest. The trees are ablaze with a riot of fiery hues: rich golds and vivid crimsons, deep ochres and rusted oranges. A cool wind whispers through the trees, rustling the fallen leaves that carpet our path.

“This is beautiful,” I murmur, in awe of our surroundings.

“These woods are preserved around the city for our people,” Ren speaks in my mind. “We cherish running wild in our Fox forms. It’s in our blood, to feel the earth beneath our paws and the wind in our fur.”

I breathe in the rich scents of damp earth, sweet moss, and the fresh, crisp smell of the woods. Fallen leaves swirl around us and light filters through the canopy, gilding each leaf until they seem to glow from within.

The trees part, revealing a stone bridge crossing a wide river, connecting the woods to the city.

“Welcome to Emberwylde,” Ren says in my mind. “The capital of Cambryn.”

It’s nothing short of breathtaking. Sunlight dances over rooftops of silver and deep mahogany, and buildings adorned with ivy and cascading blossoms spill from balconies.

Ren shifts into his two-legged form. He offers me his arm and I loop mine through his as we approach the city gates. Two of the guards straighten as soon as they notice him. “Welcome home, Prince Renard,” one of them says in a deep voice, bowing his head.

“Thank you, Travys,” Ren replies. “It is good to be back.”

“Shall I send someone ahead to alert your family of your arrival?”

Ren smiles. “Thank you, but I think I’d prefer to surprise them.”

The guards all bow again and open the gates for us to pass through.

As we make our way through the city, several people bow in greeting, recognizing their prince. This place is just as lovely as Ren described. The curving streets are lined with carved stone archways and market stalls draped in fabric of every color imaginable.

A great river, shimmering like molten sapphire, cuts through the heart of the city, spanned by bridges of white stone. High above it all, perched on a cliff overlooking the valley, is the castle—Ren’s home.

It’s a masterpiece of architecture. Turrets of pale stone rise into the sky, their pointed spires capped in polished silver. Great glass windows catch the light, throwing fractured rainbows onto the cascading waterfalls that spill down the cliffside, feeding into the river below.

As we approach the castle gates another set of guards bows low as they greet Ren. “Welcome home, my prince,” one of them says.

“Thank you, Danyr,” he replies with a smile. “Do you happen to know where my parents are?”

The guard opens his mouth to answer, but someone calls out. “Ren!”

A young woman with auburn curls and golden eyes barrels toward us from the castle courtyard. She throws herself into Ren’s arms, and he laughs in delight, spinning her around before setting her down with a fond ruffle of her hair.

“I missed you too,” he says, his voice thick with affection. He turns to me. “This is my sister, Rielle,” he introduces her. “Rielle, this is my fated one, Rapunzel.”

Two of the guards snap their heads in our direction, their eyes wide as they stare at me in awe.

“Fated one?” She flashes a brilliant smile. “Oh, Ren! I’m so happy for you!” She pulls me into a warm embrace. “It’s so lovely to meet you, Rapunzel.”

Ren told me his family would like me, but I never expected such a wonderful welcome, and I cannot stop smiling as well.

“Oh, we have so much to talk about.” Rielle’s joy is infectious as she loops her arm through mine. “Come, Rapunzel. I’ll introduce you to everyone. Mother and Father will be thrilled!”

I glance back at Ren, as his sister practically drags me into the castle, and he smirks, his eyes dancing with amusement as he follows us inside.

Rielle leads me to a sitting room. It’s grand but inviting. Sunlight streams through tall windows draped in gossamer curtains. A fire crackles in the hearth, casting a golden glow over the richly woven rugs and dark wood furniture.

I recognize Ren’s parents immediately. He has his father’s bearing and his mother’s eyes.

His parents sit side by side, their keen eyes studying me with surprise that quickly melts into delight as Rielle introduces me.

Ren stands beside me, his hand resting on my lower back as he confirms to his family that I am his fated one.

Another young man stands nearby—Ren’s older brother, Rowan, I realize. His features are sharper, more serious, yet softened by the same amber gold eyes they all seem to share. An elderly couple sit beside him. Rielle introduces them as their grandparents.

Ren’s mother steps forward and pulls me into a hug. “Welcome to the family, my dear.”

They all take turns embracing me warmly, making me feel so welcome and wanted.

I’m so happy, I could burst.

When they ask how we met, I tell them about Drusilla and my time in the tower. Of my missing memories and my search for my family and the truth.

As his grandmother starts asking more questions about our journey, Ren’s arm tightens around my waist. “We’ve been traveling all day,” he says. “Perhaps we might rest for a bit and then meet you all for dinner later?”

“Of course.” His mother nods. “We’ll have plenty of time to talk then.”

Ren takes my hand, leading me through winding hallways until we reach his chambers.

His room is large but has a cozy feel to it. A massive bed sits against one wall, draped in dark green and gold, its frame carved with curling foxes. A fireplace crackles in the corner, the scent of cedarwood filling the air.

Floor to ceiling windows along the far wall reveal a breathtaking view of the vast forest beyond, its dense canopy stretching into the horizon. The space feels lived in, warm, and undeniably Ren.

I turn to him. “Is it all right for me to stay here with you in the same chamber?”

His gaze softens. “I can have another room prepared for you if you’d prefer.”

“No.” Warmth flushes my cheeks. “I’d rather stay with you.”

Something akin to relief flickers in his amber eyes. “Good.” He presses a lingering kiss to my forehead before pulling back. “I need to speak with Rowan while you get settled,” he murmurs. “But I’ll return soon. Then we can go to dinner with the family.”

I nod, watching as he disappears through the door.

Happiness blooms in my chest. I may not remember my past, but here… it truly feels like I’ve finally found a home.