Chapter 39

Evie awakens groggy, lying atop an unconscious Trystan in a swaying hot-air balloon basket, instantly realizing they have been taken. She confronts a well-dressed stranger who introduces himself as Lord Edmund Fowler, claiming to be an ally of The Villain. Fowler admits his men sedated and transported them, assuming they were coming to him anyway in search of his rare wand.

As Fowler adjusts the burner and the balloon climbs, Evie notes their dangerous altitude and her lack of weapons. Realizing she cannot overpower Fowler, Evie adopts disarming politeness to stall, while maneuvering him away from Trystan. Fowler casually observes their dynamic and mentions witnessing Trystan’s unconscious possessiveness, which unsettles and irritates Evie.

Evie continues to distract Fowler with banter as she edges him into a vulnerable position. Her goal is to buy time for Trystan to recover and to reduce the threat posed by Fowler’s size and control of the balloon. Fowler seems entertained and unbothered, confident in his arrangement and in their destination.

Trystan abruptly awakens and restrains Fowler from behind, icily correcting Fowler to address Evie as “apprentice.” The exchange publicly affirms Evie’s new status and shows Trystan’s protectiveness and anger at Fowler’s methods. Fowler offers polite congratulations and jokes about hiring Evie, further provoking Trystan.

Without further warning, Trystan ends the standoff by throwing Fowler over the side of the basket. The act instantly severs any pretense of alliance, leaves the balloon’s control uncertain, and escalates immediate danger for Evie and Trystan while aloft.