Assistant to the Villain, #2
Apprentice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 55
Overview
As Evie prepares to depart for Becky's family home and the search for her mother, she reaches a fragile reconciliation with Gideon. Their embrace softens the hurt between them, but Evie's final question about wanting the king to suffer reveals a darker, more personal turn in her motivations.
Tatianna and Clare's tense, comic entrance hints at a new complication in their relationship, while Gideon is left behind to spend time with Lyssa under guard. The chapter shifts Evie from crisis management toward active vengeance, with Gideon's fear underscoring how far she may be changing.
Summary
As Evie prepares to leave with the group, she entrusts Gideon to Keeley's close watch. Gideon accepts the mistrust without protest, and Evie struggles with the contradiction of being hurt by her brother while still wanting to comfort him because he was manipulated.
Gideon helps Evie with her overpacked suitcase and asks if he may spend time with Lyssa while Evie is away. Evie tells Gideon that Lyssa is baking with Edwin, giving Gideon a chance to reconnect with their sister under Keeley's supervision.
Tatianna storms in, furious that Clare has stolen her diary. Evie and Gideon both find the situation funny, and Tatianna's agitation, along with Clare's disheveled appearance, hints that something has shifted between Tatianna and Clare after their time together in the cupboard. Tatianna and Clare leave for the journey while remaining physically close but emotionally tense.
The shared laughter eases Evie's anxiety and opens the way for a sincere reconciliation with Gideon. Gideon apologizes again for everything he did and promises to make amends. Evie embraces him, tells him she loves him, and vows that no one will ever hurt their family again.
Before going outside to the saddled dragon, Evie asks Gideon whether wanting to hurt the king out of personal pain makes her a villain. Gideon reassures her that the feeling is understandable, but Evie notices fear behind his response. The chapter ends with Evie leaving to find their mother while recognizing that her desire for revenge may frighten even her heroic brother.
Who Appears
- EviePrepares to leave, forgives Gideon, and confronts her own desire for revenge.
- GideonApologizes to Evie, seeks time with Lyssa, and fears Evie's darker feelings.
- TatiannaFurious over Clare stealing her diary; her composure is unusually shaken.
- Clare MaverineSteals Tatianna's diary and insists on joining the journey, visibly disheveled.
- KeeleyGuards Gideon closely and remains awkwardly present during the siblings' reconciliation.
- LyssaOffstage baking with Edwin; Gideon plans to spend time with her.
- EdwinOffstage baking with Lyssa while Evie prepares to depart.