Tangled!

The forest was darker now, the moon hidden behind thick clouds. The damp earth squelched beneath their boots as Rapunzel and Eugene hurried along the riverbank, their breath coming in quiet but urgent gasps.

Somewhere in the distance, another howl pierced the night.

Eugene clenched his jaw. "That's getting closer."

Rapunzel's fingers tightened around her frying pan. "How much farther do you think the town is?"

He exhaled sharply. "Hard to say. We got turned around back there with the river. If we're lucky, maybe another few miles."

Rapunzel's heart sank. A few miles in the dark with wolves hunting nearby? That wasn't exactly comforting.

Pascal, curled up in the crook of her neck, let out a nervous chirp.

Eugene glanced at her, his expression serious. "Alright, Blondie. We need a plan."

She hesitated. "What kind of plan?"

"One that doesn't involve us getting eaten."

Another snap of branches echoed behind them.

They both froze.

Eugene slowly turned his head, his fingers twitching toward his dagger. The undergrowth shifted, a faint rustling sound moving closer.

Rapunzel's pulse pounded in her ears.

Then, movement!

Something large darted between the trees.

Eugene's hand was on his dagger in an instant. "Run."

Rapunzel didn't need to be told twice. She bolted, her bare feet barely making a sound on the damp ground. Eugene was right behind her, his grip tight on her wrist as they weaved through the trees.

The sound of heavy footsteps followed, lumbering, fast, closing in.

Not wolves.

Something bigger.

Eugene risked a glance over his shoulder, and cursed under his breath.

The Stabbington Brothers.

"They found us," he hissed.

Rapunzel's stomach twisted. Not now. Not when they were so close to escaping.

She ran faster, her breath coming in sharp gasps. The forest blurred past them, dark trees towering overhead like silent sentinels.

Eugene yanked her into a sharp turn, leading them off the river path and into denser woods.

Rapunzel's lungs burned, her legs aching with every step. But she didn't stop. She couldn't.

The sound of pursuit was relentless.

A fallen log loomed ahead, half-buried in moss. Eugene leapt over it effortlessly, landing with practiced ease.

Rapunzel wasn't so lucky.

Her foot caught on the slick bark, and suddenly, she was falling.

"Rapunzel!"

She hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the breath from her lungs. Her frying pan skidded from her grasp. Pascal tumbled from her shoulder, landing with a frightened squeak.

Pain jolted up her arm as she tried to push herself up.

Eugene was there in an instant, grabbing her hand. "Come on, we have to—"

Too late.

A heavy boot slammed down on his sword, pinning it to the ground.

The Stabbington Brothers loomed over them, their expressions carved from stone.

"Well," the taller one sneered. "That was fun."

Rapunzel gulped.

Eugene scowled. "Yeah, real fun. We should do this again never."

The shorter brother cracked his knuckles. "Hand it over, Rider."

Eugene huffed. "You know, I get the feeling you're not here for my charming company."

The taller one growled, stepping closer. "Where's the crown?"

Eugene hesitated. "Funny story about that…"

Rapunzel's heart pounded. The crown. Mother Gothel had it. But the Stabbingtons didn't know that.

If they found out, they'd realize Rapunzel was more valuable than any treasure.

Eugene opened his mouth to speak, but Rapunzel beat him to it.

She lunged for her frying pan and swung.

CLANG!

The taller Stabbington staggered back, clutching his head. The other turned in surprise, just in time for Eugene's fist to connect with his jaw.

"Run!" Eugene shouted.

Rapunzel grabbed Pascal and sprinted.

Eugene was right beside her, his hand wrapped around hers as they tore through the trees once more.

Behind them, the Stabbingtons cursed, scrambling to recover.

Eugene shot Rapunzel a wild grin. "I think I'm rubbing off on you."

She laughed breathlessly. "Less talking, more running!"

And together, they disappeared into the night.