Chapter 66

Evie keeps watch in the Fortis infirmary while Trystan and Ramona sleep. Renna Fortis finds Evie there and offers reassurance that Evie’s mother may recover, saying Evie carries the best parts of her. Renna then worries aloud that Becky is too reserved and difficult, which makes Evie angry on Becky’s behalf.

Evie defends Becky forcefully, telling Renna that Becky’s rules and quiet kindness make The Villain’s office safe and functional. Renna leaves, embarrassed, and Evie returns to cooling Trystan’s fever. Becky, who overheard from the hallway, confronts Evie about the speech, and Evie insists every word was true.

The conversation becomes a rare moment of honesty between Evie and Becky. Evie admits that Becky’s structure helped her feel safe, while Becky awkwardly apologizes and acknowledges that Evie’s chaos and warmth are needed in the office. When Evie says Becky deserved the assistant job, Becky laughs and reveals she never wanted it.

With Blade entering nearby, Becky explains that The Villain did not have an assistant position before Evie. Trystan had previously sought solitude, but after meeting Evie he created the role and even ordered office chairs suited for her. Trystan, still weak and half-conscious, groans for Becky to stop revealing things, but Becky ignores him, and she and Evie share a renewed, playful bond.

Ramona wakes and asks Becky for smuggled cookies, giving Becky a chance to show her softer side. Evie notices Blade watching Becky with open wonder and possessiveness, then leaves before her own confusion about Trystan overwhelms her. Outside, Evie hears Becky’s brothers training and is invited by Reid to try combat.

Evie initially refuses, saying she is not much of a fighter, but Raphael suggests she should change that. The linked dagger at Evie’s thigh and the scar on her shoulder react, and Evie feels sudden clarity and resolve. The chapter ends with Evie considering that learning to fight may be exactly what she needs.