Assistant to the Villain, #3
Accomplice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 13
Overview
Tatianna heals Keeley’s burns, but an attempted trim triggers Keeley’s trauma, prompting Gideon’s protective intervention. Clare and Tatianna cautiously rekindle their relationship. Trystan bursts in with an injured Evie after an intruder strike, and Tatianna stabilizes her. Troublingly, Alexander Kingsley’s once-clear signs become cryptic and then blank as Trystan calls a strategy meeting.
Summary
In the infirmary, Tatianna tends Keeley’s burn wounds from the recent fight, cautioning her to rest and postpone missions. As Min and Andrea offer support, Andrea’s attempt to trim scorched hair triggers Keeley, who panics and begs them not to cut it. Gideon immediately intervenes, removes the scissors, promises protection, and carries Keeley to her quarters.
With the room calmer, Alexander Kingsley the frog prince hops in, offering puzzling signs reading “Wind” and “Kitch,” which Tatianna and Clare fail to interpret. Amid the lull, Clare and Tatianna share vulnerable memories and admit lingering feelings. Tatianna suggests trying again when the crisis ends, and Clare, buoyed by hope yet burdened by secrets, agrees.
The door suddenly crashes as Trystan brings in a bloodied Evie, reporting an intruder at the manor. Tatianna assesses a concussion, bruises, and a sprained wrist and begins healing while Clare prepares remedies. Kingsley presents a sign that is disturbingly blank, offering no guidance. Regaining some strength, Evie insists on attending the forthcoming discussion as Trystan orders a meeting, leaving Clare fearing her worst mistakes may still lie ahead.
Who Appears
- Clare MaverineNarrator; assists Tatianna, recalls shared past, and cautiously agrees to rekindle their relationship while hiding secrets.
- TatiannaHealer; treats Keeley’s burns and Evie’s injuries, comforts both, and proposes trying again with Clare.
- KeeleyCaptain; recovering from burns, panics at attempted haircut, calmed and protected by Gideon.
- Gideon SageProvides steady support to Keeley, intervenes to stop the haircut, promises her safety, and escorts her to rest.
- Trystan MaverineArrives with injured Evie after an intruder attack and orders a strategy meeting.
- EvieApprentice; attacked by an intruder, suffers concussion and sprain, insists on joining the meeting after treatment.
- Alexander KingsleyCursed frog prince; delivers cryptic signs—“Wind,” “Kitch”—then an unsettling blank sign.
- MinGuard; supports Keeley during treatment, offers comfort before leaving to grant privacy.
- AndreaGuard; attempts to trim Keeley’s scorched hair, unintentionally triggering her panic.