Assistant to the Villain, #2
Apprentice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 61
Overview
Becky’s return to Fortis exposes the refuge as dangerous for Trystan and emotionally fraught for Becky, whose family history with magic and King Benedict still haunts her. Renna confirms that Evie’s mother, Nura, is alive and recovering away from the fortress, giving Evie hope but delaying their reunion. The chapter ends with Reid reporting that Trystan may be dying in the Trench, turning the fortress’s test into an immediate crisis.
Summary
Becky blames herself after Fortis, the refuge she trusted, becomes a prison for Trystan. While Trystan is trapped in the Trench for the fortress’s judgment, Becky tries to keep control and reassure Evie that Trystan will survive, though Becky is not truly certain.
Renna Fortis enters and welcomes Becky home, but Becky keeps distance from her mother. Julius Fortis follows with overwhelming affection, while the rest of the group watches the family tension. Renna recognizes Evie as Nura Sage’s daughter and confirms that Nura had been staying at Fortis.
Ramona Fortis is brought in, visibly ill but spirited, and she also recognizes Evie’s resemblance to Nura. Becky interrupts the emotional attention on Evie and demands to know where Nura is. Renna explains that Nura was badly damaged by magic when she arrived, so Fortis sent her with a healer to their second home by the Lilac Sea, where she is improving; Renna promises to have Nura brought back within two days.
Blade defends Becky when Renna scolds her, drawing sharp interest from Renna and Ramona. Blade formally introduces himself as Bladen Gushiken of the Gleaming City Gushikens, then admits he is disowned and now only a beast trainer. Renna and Ramona tease Becky about Blade, while Becky insists he is only a colleague.
In private, Renna asks Becky to stay after the others leave, but Becky refuses to overlook the past. Becky recalls that Renna once invited King Benedict to Fortis while desperate to cure Ramona’s Mystic Illness, then agreed to let Benedict use Becky’s magic without asking Becky. Becky accuses Renna not only of letting Benedict leave after Becky refused, but of trying to steal Becky’s magic anyway, with the memory plant nearby underscoring that betrayal.
Clare notices the memory plant, and Becky explains that such plants hold and sometimes mimic memories, and have been used to siphon magic. Before the conversation can continue, Reid storms in with news from the Trench. When Evie asks what has happened to Trystan, Reid says he thinks The Villain is dying.
Who Appears
- BeckyFortis heir; blames herself, confronts family wounds, and fears for Trystan.
- Renna FortisBecky’s mother; welcomes Evie, reveals Nura’s location, and faces Becky’s accusations.
- EvieNura’s daughter; worries for Trystan and learns her mother is alive and recovering.
- BladeBecky’s colleague; defends Becky and is teased as a potential partner.
- TrystanThe Villain; trapped offstage in the Trench and reported to be dying.
- Ramona FortisBecky’s ill grandmother; spirited matriarch who recognizes Evie’s resemblance to Nura.
- Julius FortisBecky’s affectionate father; greets her exuberantly and worries about her work for The Villain.
- ReidBecky’s brother; arrives with the alarming report about Trystan’s condition.
- ClareCoworker who notices the memory plant, prompting discussion of its dangerous uses.
- RolandBecky’s brother; confirms Nura arrived at Fortis in terrible condition.
- TatiannaCoworker who stays near the bookshelf and asks about the memory plant.
- Nura SageEvie’s absent mother; revealed to be recovering with a healer by the Lilac Sea.