Assistant to the Villain, #2
Apprentice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 56
Overview
On the flight to the Fortis fortress, Rebecka chooses to confront the family and home she has spent years avoiding because reaching the fortress may lead to Evie’s mother and a way to defeat Benedict. The chapter deepens Trystan’s fear that his growing bond with Evie will endanger her, even as Evie continues embracing the villainous identity that ties her to him.
The discovery of Evie’s updated wanted flyer marks a public shift in her role: the kingdom now names her Apprentice to the Villain. Instead of recoiling, Evie is delighted, confirming that she no longer sees herself as merely Trystan’s assistant but as an active participant in his rebellion.
Summary
As the group rides Fluffy the dragon toward the Fortis fortress, Trystan insists he is not nervous, though he is physically unsettled. He watches Evie Sage closely, noticing her distress when Fluffy burns parts of Hickory Forest, and thinks about their unresolved agreement to revisit their relationship after Evie’s mother is found. Trystan fears that becoming more to Evie would only damage her already dangerous life.
Trystan also observes Rebecka Erring’s dread as the fortress draws nearer. Remembering how Rebecka once came to him seeking escape from her family, Trystan understands the cost of returning to a place tied to pain. Blade tries to distract Rebecka by offering her the reins, but Rebecka remains distant.
Evie and Tatianna reassure Rebecka that she does not have to face her family if the cost is too high. Rebecka admits she cannot run forever and decides to continue because finding Evie’s mother may help them defeat Benedict. She warns the others not to be dazzled by the fortress or fooled by her family, while Clare adds that the group understands complicated families.
The mood briefly lightens when Evie gives Trystan bread, explaining to Clare that Trystan becomes crabby when hungry. Rebecka then reminds them that entering the fortress may be difficult because Trystan’s and Evie’s faces are now widely known, and she produces their wanted flyers. Trystan grumbles about the sketch of his head, while Evie awkwardly comments on his proportions before Tatianna advises her to stop talking.
Trystan examines Evie’s flyer and sees that her list of charges has grown to include treason, kidnapping, threats to the Crown, conspiring with the enemy, and the title Apprentice to the Villain. Trystan worries that her public criminal identity may ruin any chance of a normal future, but Evie reacts with joy because she sees the title as a promotion. Blade validates that she has earned it, Clare notes the flattering artwork, and Trystan teases that Evie is still only an apprentice, privately acknowledging that she deserves the title.
Who Appears
- TrystanPoint-of-view character; worries over Evie, Rebecka, and the dangers of their growing connection.
- Evie SageSupports Rebecka, cares for Trystan, and proudly embraces being named Apprentice to the Villain.
- Rebecka ErringDreads returning to her family’s fortress but chooses to continue for Evie’s mother and Benedict’s defeat.
- Blade GushikenDragon trainer riding Fluffy; tries to distract Rebecka and praises Evie’s new title.
- TatiannaReassures Rebecka that facing her family is a choice and gently interrupts Evie’s awkward rambling.
- ClareTravels with the group, jokes about family complications, and comments on Evie’s flattering wanted poster.
- FluffyDragon carrying the group toward the fortress while alarming Evie by burning parts of the forest.