Assistant to the Villain, #2
Apprentice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 57
Overview
Becky leads the group to what appears to be an empty foggy clearing near Hickory Forest, forcing everyone to trust that the Fortis fortress is hidden rather than absent. As fear over facing her family nearly overwhelms Becky, Evie helps her reclaim her confidence and reminds her she is not alone.
Becky’s use of the golden key cracks open the concealed entrance, moving the group from pursuit and preparation into direct confrontation with the secrets of the Fortis family.
Summary
The group arrives outside Hickory Forest after Becky announces they have reached her family’s fortress. Instead of an estate, the others see only an empty, fog-filled clearing, which makes Trystan visibly skeptical and leaves Evie wondering whether Becky is deceiving them or whether something is hidden.
Blade tries to cut the tension with a joke, then defends Becky when the others question what is happening. Tatianna prepares her magic in case of danger, but Blade points out that Becky is frightened and needs support rather than judgment.
Evie notices Becky’s trembling and steps forward to steady her. Evie reminds Becky that, from their first meeting, Evie saw Becky as fearsome and in control, and tells Becky that her family cannot take that from her because Becky is not alone.
Encouraged, Becky squares her shoulders and lifts the golden key into the empty air. Rather than turning the key as before, Becky thrusts it upward, and the hidden world around the group cracks open, revealing that the fortress is concealed by magic or enchantment.
Who Appears
- EvieSupports Becky emotionally and reminds her she remains powerful, controlled, and not alone.
- BeckyLeads the group to her family’s hidden fortress and opens it despite fear.
- BladeLightens the tension with humor and defends Becky from the group’s skepticism.
- TatiannaQuestions the invisible fortress and prepares her magic in case of danger.
- TrystanShows skepticism when the supposed Fortis fortress appears to be only an empty clearing.