Assistant to the Villain, #2
Apprentice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 68
Overview
Trystan’s return to the sparring garden turns a training session into an emotional confrontation when his fear of destiny drives him to deny any possibility of love with Evie. Evie responds by openly admitting that loving him was not difficult, forcing the truth between them even as Trystan tries to retreat behind his villainous persona.
The chapter shifts their relationship from unspoken tension to painful honesty, while Evie reclaims control by demanding training rather than comfort. Her choice to become stronger under Trystan’s instruction keeps them bound together despite his attempt to push her away.
Summary
Trystan enters the sparring garden still feverish and half-delirious, furious at the sight of Raphael and Roland Fortis standing near Evie Sage while she is scraped and armed. His mist coils around Evie’s wounded elbow and confirms the blood is fresh, but Evie explains that the Fortis brothers were teaching her to fight.
Raphael criticizes Evie’s lack of coordination and calls her Trystan’s assistant, prompting Trystan to coldly correct him: Evie is his apprentice. Beneath Trystan’s anger, he recognizes that the training is useful, but the thought of Evie’s mother’s impending arrival and the destiny monster’s warning convinces him there can be no future with Evie.
When Roland innocently observes that there is clear love between Trystan and Evie, Trystan panics and tries to destroy the possibility aloud. He insists that The Villain has neither time nor patience for love and would never pursue it with someone who works for him, deliberately looking away from Evie as rain begins to fall.
Raphael reinforces the idea that The Villain would be impossible to love, but Evie quietly says she did not find it difficult. Her admission shocks Trystan, and Evie, angry and hurt, summons her dagger back into her hand and orders everyone else to leave. Becky passes Evie with approval, telling her the brave person present is not The Villain.
Once alone, Trystan fears he has already hurt Evie the way destiny warned he would. Evie rejects the idea that she is ashamed of unrequited feelings and, defining herself only as his apprentice for the moment, throws Trystan a sword. She demands that he begin her real education by teaching her to fight like The Villain.
Who Appears
- Trystanfeverish Villain who denies love to protect Evie from destiny’s warning.
- Evie Sageapprentice who admits loving Trystan and demands serious combat training.
- Raphael Fortiscombat instructor whose blunt remarks intensify Trystan and Evie’s confrontation.
- Roland Fortisobservant brother who names the love between Trystan and Evie.
- Becky Erringsupportive onlooker who praises Evie’s bravery while leaving the garden.