Assistant to the Villain, #3
Accomplice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 30
Overview
Lionel declares Trystan’s magic is cursed, sending Evie reeling. Benedict and Valiant Guards close in, forcing the group to flee. Afterward, Trystan confronts Evie’s forced composure and confesses he cannot lose her. He reveals Lionel’s assessment: his magic was cursed over a decade ago, likely by Benedict.
Summary
At the cove, Lionel calmly announces that Trystan is cursed, describing the magic as not enchantress-born but fundamentally unbalanced. Evie, devastated and confused—given past kisses that should have broken a curse if mutual true love applied—withdraws to compose herself.
While alone, Evie spots Benedict approaching with Valiant Guards. She sprints back to warn the others. Accused by Lionel of leading the king to them, Trystan denies it. As Benedict nears and Lionel orders them away, the group mounts and flees at speed.
After nearly an hour’s hard ride, they slow. Tatianna checks on Evie, and Trystan sends Tatianna, Clare, and Kingsley ahead to rejoin the Malevolent Guards. Trystan confronts Evie’s practiced smile, insisting she stop faking. The confrontation boils over; Evie accuses him of pushing her away to keep distance, and Trystan admits it was to manage his unstable magic and protect her.
In an intense moment, Trystan confesses he cannot lose Evie. Pressed for answers, he explains Lionel’s theory: someone tampered with his magic before it ever awoke, so when it triggered years ago in the cell, it functioned improperly. Trystan concludes his magic has been cursed for more than a decade and suspects Benedict cast it.
Who Appears
- EvieReels from Lionel’s revelation, warns of Benedict’s approach, flees with the group, confronts Trystan about emotional distance.
- Trystan (The Villain)Declared cursed; protects the group during escape; admits he cannot lose Evie; reveals his magic was likely cursed years ago by Benedict.
- BenedictArrives with Valiant Guards, forcing the group to flee; suspected of cursing Trystan’s magic.
- Lionel (Curse Consultant)Diagnoses Trystan’s magic as uniquely unbalanced and likely long-cursed; orders the group to leave as Benedict nears.
- TatiannaOffers support to Evie; retreats with the others during the escape.
- ClareRides ahead with Tatianna and carries Kingsley as they regroup with the Malevolent Guards.
- KingsleyQuietly accompanies the group in frog form during flight and regrouping.