Assistant to the Villain, #3
Accomplice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 45
Overview
Back at the manor, Blade checks on the volatile male guvre, then joins Rebecka and Roland as they fortify the thorn grove with Forina dye and shifting paths to expose intruders. Blade and Rebecka share a tender moment and agree to dinner. The guards uncover a memory plant in Roland’s room, leading to his arrest and shattering Rebecka’s trust.
Summary
Blade returns to the manor and attempts to soothe the enraged male guvre with meat, words, and even dancing, recognizing the creature’s grief over its missing mate and unborn young. Exhausted, Blade heads to the thorn grove, where Rebecka and Roland are strengthening defenses.
Rebecka and Roland spread Forina-derived powder over the thorns while Roland’s magic shifts safe paths daily. Rebecka demonstrates that the powder stains skin red, ensuring intruders are literally caught red-handed, including at the hidden opening suspected for traitors’ meetings.
Blade and Rebecka share tentative banter that turns intimate when Blade takes her stained hand and she allows it. He openly asks her to dinner—properly, after she prompts him—and she agrees, sealing the moment with a kiss on his cheek. Roland discreetly gives them space.
A piercing scream interrupts them as Malevolent Guards arrive with a screaming memory plant, identified as the one that captured Nura Sage’s final cries and was once intended to strip Rebecka’s magic. Found in Roland’s chamber, it triggers immediate suspicion.
Marv orders Roland restrained. Rebecka, hurt and tearful, confronts Roland about trust and the implication he meant to take her magic. Roland pleads for a chance to explain, but Rebecka instructs the guards to ensure his cell is clean, and he is taken away. Blade catches Rebecka as she breaks down, devastated by what appears to be her brother’s betrayal.
Who Appears
- Blade GushikenDragon trainer; fails to calm the male guvre, assists with thorn defenses, confesses feelings, and asks Rebecka to dinner.
- Rebecka Erring (Fortis)Leads fortifying the thorn grove with Forina dye; shares an intimate moment with Blade; orders Roland jailed after the plant’s discovery.
- Roland ErringAssists with magical defenses; a memory plant is found in his room; he’s arrested while pleading innocence.
- MarvGuard who helps present the screaming memory plant and oversees Roland’s detainment.
- Malevolent GuardsSearch Roland’s room, produce the memory plant, and restrain and escort Roland to a cell.
- Male guvreGrieving, volatile creature Blade tries and fails to calm at the manor.