Assistant to the Villain, #2
Apprentice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 63
Overview
Evie reaches the Trench as the creature of destiny tortures Trystan in its judgment, and Raphael warns that the magic is ancient, lethal, and nearly impossible to oppose. Rather than accept Trystan’s destruction, Evie defies the warning and enters the arena herself. Her decision to offer her own goodness to save Trystan raises the stakes from rescue to sacrifice.
Summary
Evie rushes down the arena stairs with Trystan’s employees and friends after hearing Trystan scream from the Trench. From an elevated viewing platform, Evie sees a blinding, inhuman creature of white light tormenting Trystan below, and the sight makes Evie physically ill.
Becky confronts Raphael, who has been standing guard, and demands that Raphael stop the judgment. Raphael coldly refuses and lashes back at Becky over their family history. Evie threatens Raphael in anger, but Becky restrains Evie and warns that Raphael, as a Fortis warrior, would easily kill Evie.
Raphael explains that no one has ever interfered with the creature of destiny and survived. The creature is older than time and is forcing Trystan through every destiny-touched moment of his life, testing his resolve and soul. Raphael warns that interference will kill Evie, but Evie decides that spite is enough reason to try anyway.
Evie throws herself over the platform edge into the arena and approaches the ancient light. Raphael tells Evie that the creature is searching Trystan for goodness worth saving and that, judging by Trystan’s screams, the creature will consume Trystan and his soul. Evie reaches Trystan, closes her hand around the overwhelming light of destiny, and declares that if Trystan lacks goodness to offer, Evie will give the creature her own.
Who Appears
- EvieRushes to the Trench and risks death by offering her goodness to save Trystan.
- TrystanSuffers under the creature of destiny’s judgment as it tests and consumes him.
- RaphaelFortis warrior guarding the judgment; warns Evie that interference with destiny is fatal.
- BeckyConfronts Raphael and restrains Evie from attacking him directly.
- ReidLeads the group to the Trench before Evie witnesses Trystan’s torment.