Everyone knows the tale of Rapunzel in her tower, but have you heard the story of the witch who locked her there? Haelewise has always lived in the shadow of her mother Hedda, a woman who would do anything to protect her daughter. Because of her strange black eyes and even stranger blackouts, the townspeople shun Haelewise, and the only solace she finds is her mother's stories of child-stealing witches, princes in wolf's clothing, and an ancient tower hidden in the dark, where women find refuge if they are brave enough to seek it. Then Hedda dies and Haelewise is left destitute. There is nothing left for her in the town, so she sets out in search of the legendary tower her mother told her about, a place called Gothel, where Haelewise meets a wise woman willing to take care of her. But Haelewise isn't the only woman seeking refuge in Gothel. It is a haven for a girl named Rika, who holds a secret that the Church fights to keep hidden. A secret that reveals a dark world of ancient spells and noble assassins behind the world Haelewise has always known.