Rapunzel | [Prince Stefan X Reader]

nine

last chapter :[

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In the dark, dampness of the night, Hugo's massive form strained against the magical chains, his powerful muscles bulging with effort. The links, laden with dark magic, seemed to absorb his struggles, growing stronger with each futile tug. Hugo's grunts echoed off the stone walls as he heaved, his nostrils flaring with exertion. Smoke curled from his nose, rising like a spectral mist to mingle with the stars and clouds above.

Penelope watched, her tiny heart heavy with worry, as Hugo's struggles grew more laboured. She fluttered to Hobie's shoulder, her wings beating anxiously. "He won't listen to me," she groaned, her voice barely audible over Hugo's snarls.

Hobie's face set in determination, his eyes flashing with encouragement. "You're gonna let a little thing like that stop you!" He stomped his foot, the sound echoing through the night. Penelope's ears folded downward, her head drooping in despair.

But Hobie's words stirred something within her. She lifted her gaze, her eyes somber. "I wish (Y/N) were here," she whispered, longing etched on her face. Hobie's expression softened, his voice gentle. "Well, if she were here, what would she tell you?" He coaxed Penelope to look up, his eyes sparkling with reassurance.

Penelope's thoughts drifted, a faint smile spreading across her face. "That she loves me," she said, her voice filled with conviction. Hobie's smile mirrored hers, his hand extending in invitation. "So..." he began, trailing off, leaving the thought hanging like a promise. Together, they turned to face Hugo, determination reigniting in Penelope's eyes.

Penelope fluttered bravely to her father's side, her tiny hands gently prodding at his rigid feathers. "Father, please, I have to tell you something," she urged, her voice trembling with emotion. Hugo's anger still simmered, his eyes flashing warning signs, but Penelope stood her ground.

"No!," Hugo growled, his deep voice low and menacing. "Nothing more from you!" But Penelope refused to back down. She took a resolute breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm going to tell you anyway."

Hugo's massive form tensed, his wings spreading wide, casting ominous shadows on the ground. But Penelope pressed on, her words spilling out in a desperate rush. "(Y/N) saved your life, and you didn't even know it!" she declared, her voice growing stronger. "She was free, and she came back here because I asked her to!"

Hugo froze, his entire being arrested by Penelope's words. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as he processed the revelation. "What?" he rumbled, his voice like thunder, shaking off the lingering anger.

Penelope's eyes shone with tears, her voice cracking with emotion. "She came back so Gothel wouldn't destroy you! It's true, we have to help her escape from the tower! Please, father! Please!" Hugo's gaze locked onto Penelope's, his expression transforming from fury to shock, and finally, to a glimmer of understanding. The weight of his daughter's words settled upon him, and for the first time, he saw the truth – (Y/N)'s selfless love, and his own blind rage.

Hugo's massive form trembled with newfound determination, his eyes burning with regret. "I... I didn't know." he thundered, straining against the chains that bound him. The metal links rattled, sparks flying as he tried to tear them asunder. "I wish we could help her, but it's impossible." His voice cracked, the weight of his years of servitude to Gothel crushing him.

Penelope's wings fluttered defiantly, her tiny chin raised in resolve. "I won't give up!" she declared, her voice a beacon of hope in the darkness. Hugo's gaze settled on his daughter, a hint of pride softening his rugged features. "A mighty thought," he murmured.