Page 6

REN

“ H ow did—” She blinks several times. “If you were able to do that, why did you remain bound all night?”

“Because I didn’t want to scare you.” I meet her eyes evenly.

“I would sooner end my own life than ever hurt you, Rapunzel. But I also understand that actions matter more than words, especially among two people who are relative strangers to each other. So, I chose to stay bound to show you that I mean you no harm. Now or ever.”

She hesitates a beat before replying, “I’m not entirely sure you’re a stranger.”

“Oh.” My ears perk up. Perhaps I was wrong. Maybe she does sense the bond between us.

“Your eyes,” she continues, her voice barely more than a whisper. “They—”

On the edge of my seat, I wait for her to continue. When she does not, I gently press. “What about my eyes?”

“They are familiar to me,” she admits. “I’ve dreamed of them almost every night for the past three months.”

Cautious hope fills me. Perhaps this is how the bond manifests in humans—through visions of one’s fated mate. “I’ve dreamed of this place.” I gesture to the room. “Of this tower.” She inhales sharply as I continue. “I’ve been searching for it for a little over a year now.”

“What do you think it means?”

I could tell her of the fated bond, but I’m not sure how it would be received.

She doesn’t remember anything of her past beyond fragmented memories, and she believes the outside world is dangerous.

Worried that I will only add to her fear by speaking of fate and destiny, I instead reply, “I’m not sure. ”

Now that she is no longer afraid that I’m some sort of villainous bandit, I must find a way to convince her to leave this place and come with me. “Tell me, Rapunzel: have you ever thought about what’s beyond this tower?”

“Many times,” she says wistfully. “I want so much to see the world.”

This is what I need .

“You asked me where I’m from,” I remind her. “Would you like me to tell you about my home?”

“I’d love to hear about it.”

“I’m from Cambryn. The capital, Valmere, is tucked deep in the Golden Mountains. This time of year, the trees are beautiful in their autumn colors, with leaves of gold, crimson, and amber.”

I watch her as I speak, imagining her walking those same paths. “The wind smells of spice and pine—it’s the kind of scent that stays with you long after you leave.

“The castle is carved right into the mountainside, streaked with veins of gold that catch the light, making it appear as if it’s glowing.”

She leans in, listening, and I let my voice soften further. “There’s a market at the heart of the city, where merchants come from every corner of the world. At night, their lanterns glow like starlight come down to earth.”

My gaze lingers on her face, imagining us there. Together.

Rapunzel exhales softly, longing in her gaze. “It sounds… beautiful. I wish I could see it for myself.”

I tilt my head, studying her. “You can, you know.”

My pulse quickens as her eyes widen with excitement at my suggestion. Gods, her smile hits me like a physical blow. I want to be the one who gives her the world, who makes her eyes light up with wonder and joy.

But what if this excitement fades once we leave this place? She's lived a sheltered life these past three years, and once we leave the tower, there will be many males who have none of my scars—strong, powerful males who aren’t damaged and insecure beneath a confident mask.

My heart clenches painfully at the thought. I want to trust this bond, and believe that she’ll see past my flaws, but fear whispers relentlessly in the back of my mind. My scar throbs like a fresh wound, and dread coils in my gut. What if she rejects me because of it, the way Fox females would?

I swallow hard, pushing away the tight knot in my throat, forcing a casual smile onto my face. I’ll just have to prove myself. Somehow, I’ll make her see that I’m worthy. That I’ll be everything she needs, if only she’ll let me.

She frowns. “But Glinda says the outside world is dangerous.”

“Yes, there can be danger in some places,” I reply honestly, “but there is also beauty and kindness as well.”

Hope fills her expression. “Do you think I could find someone out there that might be able to help me regain my lost memories?”

“It’s possible,” I offer. There are Elven and Fae Healers who specialize in reversing the harmful effects of dark spells. “If magic took your memories, we may be able to find someone who can restore them.”

She smiles brightly. This is good. Perhaps, it will not be so hard to convince her to leave here with me after all.

“Have you ever seen the ocean?” she asks, curious.

“Of course,” I say casually, testing her interest. “And I even have a distant cousin who’s a pirate.”

Her eyes widen with fascination. “Do you truly?”

I can’t help but grin, realizing I have her attention. “Allow me to regale you with a tale of my travels with him aboard his ship, the Siren’s Fool.”

She blinks at me. “Why that name?”

“Well,” I say with mock seriousness, leaning closer, “because that’s what he is, of course. Had his heart broken by a beautiful human female from a land far away. He’s been sailing the seas ever since, trying to forget her.”

Her lips part in surprise before she laughs, the sound soft and melodic. “Oh, you’re teasing me.”

“Maybe I am.” I flash a grin. “Or maybe he’s out there right now, pining for her as we speak.”

She laughs again, the sound filling the room and making something warm stir in my chest. Her laughter is like sunlight breaking through clouds.

If she chooses me, I will make it my mission to ensure she smiles and laughs every day.

“My home is not very far from the sea. If you’d like, you’re welcome to come with me one day and see it for yourself.”

“Maybe,” she says, softly biting her lower lip. “But how would I get through the magic barrier?”

“With this.” I hold up my green gemstone pendant—the gift from my grandfather. “It is charmed to allow me to pass through almost any magical ward.”

“That must be how you managed to step through the barrier last night, during the storm,” she murmurs. “Do you think it will work for both of us?”

“Yes.”

Her eyes dim as she looks down at her hands. “I’m not sure if Glinda will approve of me leaving the tower.”

“You don’t have to decide anything right now,” I add, before she spirals into hesitation and doubt. “But if you’d like, you can come with me when I leave.”

She chews on her lower lip, considering. “Could Finik come with us? For I cannot possibly bear to leave him behind. I love him too much.”

“Finik?” Fierce possessiveness flares brightly within as my entire body goes tense. Clenching my jaw, I force a smile to my face. “Who is this Finik?” I ask, trying to keep my voice even. I don’t even know this male, but I already want to claw out his eyes. “Does he visit you often?”

If she has a beau, I should not stand in her way. As much as it may kill me, it is the honorable thing to do.

“He sleeps with me almost every night,” she replies casually. “He’s my—”

“He what ?” My thoughts come to a screeching halt.

Honor be damned, this male is going to die.