Tangled!

The path wound deeper into the forest, twisting through thick undergrowth and uneven ground. The eerie glow from the archway had long since faded, replaced by the dim silver light of the moon peeking through the trees.

Rapunzel held tight to Eugene's hand as they navigated the unfamiliar terrain. Every sound, every rustle of leaves, every crack of a branch, sent her heart racing. Pascal huddled against her shoulder, his tiny body shivering.

Eugene exhaled sharply. "Alright, Blondie, I'm gonna say it, this is officially the worst shortcut I've ever taken."

Rapunzel bit her lip, scanning the darkness ahead. "It has to lead somewhere. Paths don't just exist for no reason."

Eugene arched an eyebrow. "Ever heard of animal trails?"

She ignored him and kept moving. The air was damp, carrying the rich scent of earth and pine. Up ahead, the trees thinned, revealing a clearing bathed in soft moonlight. And at its center…

A building.

Rapunzel's breath caught in her throat. It was a large, crooked-looking tavern, its wooden beams darkened with age, the windows flickering with the warm glow of candlelight. A faded wooden sign dangled above the entrance, swaying gently in the breeze.

The Snuggly Duckling.

Eugene groaned. "Oh no."

Rapunzel turned to him. "You know this place?"

He ran a hand down his face. "Unfortunately."

She tilted her head. "What is it?"

Eugene sighed. "A fine establishment filled with some of the kindest, most wholesome individuals you'll ever meet."

She blinked.

Then he muttered, "Also known as a den of criminals, thieves, and ruffians who'd sell their own mother for a bag of coins."

Rapunzel swallowed. "Oh."

Eugene gave her a lopsided grin. "But hey, maybe they'll like you. You do have a certain… charm."

She glanced toward the door, nerves twisting in her stomach. The loud, boisterous sound of laughter and crashing mugs spilled out from inside.

"Do we really have to go in?" she asked hesitantly.

Eugene glanced over his shoulder at the dark woods behind them. "Unless you'd rather take your chances with the Stabbington Brothers?"

She considered it for half a second before shaking her head.

Eugene smirked. "That's what I thought."

Taking a deep breath, Rapunzel squared her shoulders and followed Eugene to the door. The second they stepped inside, the smell of ale, smoke, and roasting meat filled the air.

The tavern was packed with rough-looking men, scarred, scruffy, and draped in mismatched armor. Some had swords strapped to their backs, others sported eye patches and broken noses.

A heavy silence fell over the room the moment Eugene and Rapunzel entered.

Every head turned.

Rapunzel instinctively stepped closer to Eugene. Pascal let out a tiny squeak, burying himself in her hair.

A towering man with a beard like a grizzly bear leaned forward from his stool. "Well, well… Look who it is."

Eugene let out an awkward chuckle. "Hey there, big guy. Miss me?"

The man cracked his knuckles.

Eugene coughed. "I'll take that as a yes."

Rapunzel's grip on her frying pan tightened.

Eugene gave her a sidelong glance. "Okay, Blondie, new plan: Smile. Be friendly. And, for the love of all things shiny, let me do the talking."

She gave a small nod.

Taking a deep breath, Eugene plastered on his best charming smile. "Alright, gentlemen! Long time no see. Let's keep things civil, shall we?"

Silence.

Then, a voice from the back rumbled, "Get 'im."

Chaos erupted.

Eugene barely had time to duck as a chair flew past his head. Rapunzel yelped, gripping her frying pan as the entire tavern exploded into movement, mugs crashing, men shouting, tables flipping.

Eugene grabbed her hand. "Time to go!"

They barely made it three steps before a burly man blocked their path, cracking his knuckles with a wicked grin.

Rapunzel gulped.

Then, acting on pure instinct, she swung her frying pan.

CLANG!

The man staggered, blinking in shock before collapsing like a felled tree.

Silence fell again.

Every eye in the tavern turned to Rapunzel.

She lowered the pan slowly, her own expression one of stunned disbelief.

Eugene blinked. Then, with a grin, he said, "I think I'm in love."

Before Rapunzel could respond, another man lunged.

And the fight resumed.