Assistant to the Villain, #3
Accomplice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 51
Overview
Clare returns to Fowler’s library and uses her creation magic with yellow ink to probe Lyssa’s suspicious letters, glimpsing hidden marks. Kingsley’s episode overturns black ink, destroying the clue. A hidden passage opens, and Tatianna impulsively kisses Clare before they enter the tunnel with Kingsley, which seals behind them, raising danger and intimacy.
Summary
After the party, Clare Maverine retreats to Fowler’s library, seeking solace and answers in Lyssa’s letters. Using her magic-infused yellow ink, she tries to reveal hidden information, noting the letters themselves are mundane but that the yellow ink clings to strange marks at the parchment’s corners.
Tatianna arrives with Kingsley (in frog form), who is restrained by a small weighted shackle for safety. As the yellow ink begins to clarify the concealed marks, Kingsley suffers another episode, panics at the restraint, and knocks over candles, books, and a pot of black ink that obliterates the letter and its emerging clue. Clare is devastated by the lost evidence; Tatianna comforts Kingsley and asks about the marks, but the page is ruined.
Resolving to search remaining letters back at the manor, Clare accidentally triggers a hidden floor panel. Shelving swings open to reveal a dark, torch-lined corridor. Tatianna, delighted by the discovery, urges exploration despite Clare’s protests.
Tatianna abruptly kisses Clare, igniting mutual but momentary passion, then leads the way with a candle. Clare, flustered yet determined, follows with Kingsley in hand. As they step into the passage, the door slams shut behind them, trapping the trio and escalating both peril and the burgeoning tension between Clare and Tatianna.
Who Appears
- Clare MaverineInvestigates Lyssa’s letters with yellow ink magic; nearly reveals hidden marks; triggers a secret tunnel; follows Tatianna inside.
- TatiannaComforts Kingsley, discovers the tunnel, impulsively kisses Clare, and leads the exploration into the passage.
- Kingsley (Alexander)Frog prince restrained for safety; suffers an episode, spills black ink that destroys the clue; accompanies them into the tunnel.
- LyssaPresent via suspicious letters to her; the target of Clare’s investigation into hidden marks.