Assistant to the Villain, #3
Accomplice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 28
Overview
Evie, Trystan, and their companions reach the cove only to be surrounded by threatening deer. A tattooed stranger, Lionel, emerges from behind the waterfall with a giant bat, flirts with Evie, and spars verbally with Trystan.
Revealed as the Curse Consultant they came to find, Lionel forces them to work with him despite Evie’s misgivings, raising tensions and setting the path for the curse solution.
Summary
Evie, Trystan, Clare, and Tatianna arrive at the cove and find every potential exit blocked by unusually aggressive deer. As Evie searches for a way out, she nearly stumbles into the pool beneath the waterfall until Trystan steadies her.
The waterfall parts to reveal a handsome, tattooed stranger with blue-streaked golden hair and a giant bat. He introduces himself with flirtatious charm, seizing Evie’s hand until Trystan intervenes, warning him about consent. The stranger, Lionel, keeps a spear subtly trained on Trystan, hinting at prior familiarity and tension.
Banter escalates: Lionel compliments Evie; Trystan insults Lionel and his bat; Clare rebukes Trystan for impoliteness toward the animal. The bat moves protectively to Lionel’s side, and the deer continue to menace the group, underscoring Lionel’s control of the setting.
When Evie states they seek the Curse Consultant, Lionel is delighted. Despite Evie’s refusal to “do business” with him and the group’s unease, Trystan admits they need Lionel. Tatianna correctly identifies him as the Curse Consultant, which Lionel confirms with a bow—mirrored by the bat—establishing that the group must cooperate with him to proceed.
Who Appears
- EvieNarrator; uneasy yet diplomatic as hostile deer surround the group; seeks the Curse Consultant.
- TrystanProtective boss; blocks Lionel from touching Evie; trades barbs; admits they need Lionel.
- LionelTattooed stranger with a giant bat; controls the deer; flirts with Evie; revealed as the Curse Consultant.
- ClareCompanion who keeps wary of the bat; calls out unkindness; observes Lionel’s spear aimed at Trystan.
- TatiannaHealer; stays close to Evie and identifies Lionel as the Curse Consultant.
- Giant batLionel’s companion; protective presence that mirrors Lionel’s bow and unsettles the group.