Assistant to the Villain, #2
Apprentice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 48
Overview
Evie returns to the manor and must finally face her father because the search for answers cannot continue without him. Though still unsettled by Trystan's silence after their kiss, Evie is steadied by Tatianna, Blade, Trystan, and unexpectedly Becky.
The chapter shifts Evie from avoidance to action, showing that her chosen family gives her enough courage to confront old pain without surrendering her softness. Becky’s sincere support and Blade’s defense of her also hint at changing relationships within the manor.
Summary
Evie stands before the cellar door at Massacre Manor, unable to make herself enter and question her imprisoned father. Tatianna holds Evie's hand and encourages her, while Trystan stands nearby, offering support and even quietly asking whether Evie wants Trystan to do it instead.
Evie reflects on the uneasy ride back from her old cottage with Trystan after their kiss. Malcolm stayed behind, and Trystan and Evie returned to the manor in silence; by morning, Trystan had avoided discussing the kiss, leaving Evie confused and still distracted by her feelings for him.
Blade arrives with news that the pregnant female guvre is progressing well and that the male guvre appears to be nesting. Trystan makes a dry joke that unexpectedly makes Evie laugh, and the presence of Tatianna, Blade, and Trystan briefly lightens Evie's fear.
Two interns pass and snicker at Evie, but Rebecka Erring intercepts them and assigns them to clean Fluffy's enclosure. When the interns object, Blade firmly backs Becky, and Evie and Tatianna notice a warm exchange between Blade and Becky that suggests a budding connection.
Becky then approaches Evie and reminds her that on Evie's first day, Becky said Evie would fail, but Evie did not. Seeing through Evie's fear, Becky assures Evie that Evie will not fail at this either. Strengthened by her friends' confidence, Evie opens the cellar door and goes in alone.
Who Appears
- EvieFaces fear of questioning her father and draws courage from her friends.
- TrystanSupports Evie at the cellar door while awkwardly avoiding their recent kiss.
- TatiannaComforts Evie with touch, confidence, and steady encouragement.
- Rebecka ErringDefends Evie indirectly and gives her unexpectedly sincere reassurance.
- BladeReports on the guvres, backs Becky’s authority, and helps lighten the moment.
- MalcolmMentioned as remaining at Evie’s cottage instead of returning to the manor.