ildapindi

In a hidden tower, Rapunzel’s life has been defined by the walls that confine her and the love of a mother who isn't what she seems. For eighteen years, Rapunzel has lived under the watchful eye of Mother Gothel, isolated from the world, yet filled with a yearning to experience the life beyond the tower’s walls. The dream of seeing the floating lanterns that light up the sky on her birthday has fueled her every thought, but freedom has always seemed out of reach.

Then one day, fate intervenes in the form of a thief named Flynn Rider. On the run from palace guards, Flynn stumbles upon Rapunzel’s hidden sanctuary, and an unlikely alliance forms. Together, they embark on a journey that will challenge their views of the world—and their place within it. As they navigate dangers, forge new friendships, and confront their pasts, Rapunzel discovers more about herself than she ever imagined. Along the way, she learns the true power of love, forgiveness, and the importance of embracing who she is meant to be.

But not all is as it seems. With Gothel’s manipulation and the looming threat of danger, Rapunzel must decide what she truly wants: a life in the tower, or the freedom she has always dreamed of. And when the truth about her past is revealed, she will have to summon the strength to fight for her future—one that’s free from the chains of her past.

In Tangled: A Novel, the magic, adventure, and heart of the original story come alive in a new, deeper way, revealing the emotional journeys of both Rapunzel and Flynn as they find their way to each other and their destinies.

Tangled!

The forest seemed endless, but exhaustion and the chill of damp clothes were beginning to weigh heavily on Rapunzel and Eugene. The further they pushed through the dense woods, the more the sounds of their pursuers faded. The royal guards had fanned out, their search slowing as the night stretched on. It seemed, for now, they had a reprieve.

But the wilderness was unforgiving. The uneven terrain, littered with exposed roots and jagged stones, made the escape treacherous. Eugene stumbled more than once, though he brushed it off with a smirk each time. Rapunzel could see the fatigue in his eyes.

As they pressed forward, a new sound filled the air, the unmistakable rush of water. The river they had narrowly escaped was feeding into something larger. With renewed determination, they followed the sound until they reached an opening in the rock face ahead. Water cascaded down into a pool, its surface shimmering under the faint moonlight. A cavernous entrance yawned beyond it, partially hidden by moss-covered boulders and thick vines.

Eugene exhaled. "A cave. We can rest here."

Rapunzel hesitated only for a moment before nodding. They waded through the shallow edges of the water, shivering as they entered the cavern. The air inside was damp but still, a welcome change from the wind-battered forest outside. The space was wide and deep, with a small ledge of dry ground near the back where they could sit.

Eugene sat down heavily, stretching out his arms. "That was an adventure."

Rapunzel settled beside him, squeezing water from her hair. "We should dry off. Staying wet too long can make us sick."

He grinned. "You're full of good ideas."

As he went to unbuckle his belt, a sharp hiss escaped his lips. Rapunzel turned to him immediately, her eyes narrowing with concern. "What's wrong?"

Eugene held up his hands. In the dim light, she could see angry cuts running along his palms and fingers. The escape, the trees, the sharp rocks, his hands had taken the brunt of it all. Blood was trickling slowly from the deeper gashes.

Rapunzel's stomach twisted. "Eugene, why didn't you say something?"

He shrugged, wincing. "Didn't want to worry you."

She frowned but said nothing, shifting closer. Carefully, she took his hands in her own, her touch gentle. "I can help."

His brow furrowed. "Rapunzel, it's fine—"

She didn't let him finish. Instead, she took a deep breath and began to hum. Soft golden light began to glow from her hair, illuminating the cavern with a warm, gentle radiance. Eugene watched in stunned silence as the magic worked, the cuts knitting together, the blood vanishing, leaving his hands smooth and unblemished.

When the glow faded, she looked up at him expectantly. "Better?"

Eugene flexed his fingers, turning his hands over. "That… was incredible."

Rapunzel smiled, relief washing over her. "Good. Now let's rest while we can."

Meanwhile, far from the cave, Mother Gothel moved through the underbrush with a grim expression. She had lost Rapunzel for now, but she was far from defeated. The girl would need to be retrieved before she strayed too far. But she couldn't do it alone.

The Stabbington Brothers sat at the edge of a campfire, sharpening their blades. Their expressions were hard, unreadable, as Gothel approached.

She lifted her hood slightly, her eyes glinting in the firelight. "Gentlemen, I believe we have a common enemy. And I have a proposition."

One of the brothers grunted, eyeing her with distrust. "We're listening."

Gothel smirked. "How would you like to get revenge on Flynn Rider?"

The air between them grew heavier, the deal unspoken but understood. In the shadows, an alliance was formed, and Rapunzel's safety became even more precarious.

The Water Cave