Assistant to the Villain, #2
Apprentice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 76
Overview
Becky rejects Renna's manipulation after learning Renna lied to Evie about Nura and summoned the Valiant Guard in an attempt to force Evie to stay. Evie receives a mysterious dark crystal slab from Nura, but the party leaves the fortress without the starlight or prophecy they needed.
The escape marks a turning point for Becky, who chooses her found family while finally freeing herself from the Fortis family's expectations. The chapter ends with the group returning to the manor and discovering something that changes the stakes again.
Summary
Becky confronts Renna and her father after learning they lied about Nura and let Evie believe her mother might still be alive. Becky's father says Becky's brothers only just learned the truth, but Becky directs her anger at both parents for giving Evie false hope.
Renna explains that Renna wanted to keep the family together and hoped Evie would stay if Evie believed Nura might return. Renna then gives Evie a dark crystal slab, saying it had belonged to someone else, then Renna, then Nura, and that Nura wanted Evie to have it. Evie, holding both Nura's dust and the slab, realizes Renna had been Nura's friend.
The Villain shields Evie when Renna reaches for her, and Raphael reveals a greater danger: Renna has summoned the Valiant Guard, and a battalion is on its way to arrest The Villain. Renna admits she thought Evie might remain at the fortress if The Villain were taken away.
The Villain carries Evie out with Kingsley while Clare and Tatianna follow. Becky says a tearful goodbye to her brothers and promises they can visit. Renna begs Becky to understand that she was trying to protect the fortress and Nura, but Becky chooses Evie and the others as family too.
Becky leaves with Evie, Blade, and the rest of the group. Though the mission has failed and Nura is gone, Becky feels freed from her family's expectations and claims her own identity as Becky in HR, even while believing she may one day return as heir. The group mounts Fluffy and escapes just as the Valiant Guard approaches.
During the flight back, the consequences settle over them: without Nura there is no starlight, no prophecy, no magic, and eventually no Rennedawn. They return to the manor, where an unspecified discovery changes everything.
Who Appears
- BeckyConfronts her family, rejects Renna’s manipulation, and chooses Evie’s group as family.
- EvieGrieves Nura’s death and receives Nura’s dust and mysterious dark crystal slab.
- RennaLied about Nura, summoned the Valiant Guard, and tries to keep Becky and Evie.
- The VillainProtects Evie from Renna and carries Evie away before the Guard arrives.
- RaphaelReveals Renna sent for the Valiant Guard to arrest The Villain.
- BladeRetrieves Fluffy, supports Becky, and urges the group to flee quickly.
- FluffyDragon who carries the group away from the fortress.
- ClareLeaves the fortress with Evie, The Villain, and the others.
- TatiannaEscapes the fortress with the group before the Valiant Guard arrives.
- RolandOne of Becky’s brothers, sharing an emotional goodbye before Becky leaves.
- ReidOne of Becky’s brothers, present for Becky’s tearful farewell.
- Becky’s fatherAccepts blame with Renna for hiding the truth from Becky and Evie.