Assistant to the Villain, #2
Apprentice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 59
Overview
Becky’s return to Fortis land begins with warmth, awkward family tension, and signs that Becky’s home is both welcoming and dangerous. Roland and Rudy’s welcome confirms that Becky still matters deeply to her family, but the family’s enchanted defenses immediately turn against Trystan once Roland identifies him as The Villain.
The chapter sharply shifts the group’s mission from seeking Fortis aid to rescuing Trystan, who is seized by the living plants and dragged into the Trench. This reveals that Fortis magic enforces its own judgment against dark magic, putting Becky’s loyalties and the group’s safety in immediate conflict with her homeland.
Summary
Evie enters Fortis land and marvels at a living room filled with responsive plants and flowers. The enchanted greenery reacts to visitors like sentient animals, even tapping and teasing Evie as she studies Becky’s family home.
Becky’s young brother Rudy rushes in and embraces Becky, overjoyed that Becky has come home rather than making the family visit her elsewhere. Roland, another brother, greets Becky warmly but protectively studies the group, especially Blade. Becky reveals she stole back the key their mother had confiscated, and Roland says their mother, father, and grandmother will be glad to see her.
Roland explains that Becky’s grandmother is still suffering from the Mystic Illness, while Becky’s older brothers Reid and Raphael remain in the Trench. Evie impulsively flirts with Roland, prompting irritation from both Becky and Trystan. When Roland realizes Trystan is The Villain, Roland tries to warn them, but the plants react first.
The Fortis plants surge across the room and wrap around Trystan, squeezing and silencing him. Evie, Kingsley, Tatianna, Blade, and Clare all move to help, but Roland stops Evie from cutting the vines, insisting they cannot harm the plants. The vines drag Trystan and Kingsley through a hidden passage behind a bookcase.
Becky punches Roland and demands to know why Roland let the plants take her boss. Roland explains that villainous intruders with dark magic are sent to the place Becky had just mentioned: the Trench.
Who Appears
- Evie SageMarvels at Fortis magic, flirts with Roland, and tries to save Trystan from the vines.
- BeckyReturns home uneasily, reunites with brothers, and attacks Roland after Trystan is taken.
- TrystanIdentified as The Villain and seized by Fortis plants as a dark-magic intruder.
- RolandBecky’s protective brother; welcomes her but stops Evie from harming the enchanted plants.
- RudyBecky’s younger brother, delighted by her return and openly affectionate.
- KingsleyFollows Evie into the rescue attempt and is trapped with Trystan by the vines.
- ClareTries to open the hidden bookcase passage after the plants take Trystan.
- TatiannaPrepares magical aid when the plants attack Trystan.
- BladeShows concern over Becky’s nickname and draws a blade to help free Trystan.