Apprentice to the Villain (Assistant to the Villain, #2)

Evie and Trystan race through Hickory Woods, with Trystan pointing out that they are heading in the wrong direction—away from Massacre Manor, his home and office. As they run, Evie struggles with the long hem of her dress, which keeps tripping her. She asks Trystan to tear it off, and though he’s reluctant, he complies.

The guards close in, forcing them to make a break for the ravine. When Trystan asks if they are going over the edge, Evie confidently affirms; when they reach the right spot, she grabs his hand and jumps. Together, they plummet into the ravine, landing safely on the back of Fluffy, Trystan’s dragon. The Villain’s crew is waiting for them on the dragon, including healer Tatiana, Trystan’s sister Clare, Arthur, Becky, and Blade.

As they escape, Trystan’s thoughts drift to the guvres in their possession. He worries about the repercussions of keeping the mated pair in captivity. Aware of the potential danger, he suggests they separate the pair, concerned that they might produce a hatchling if they stay together, which could have even graver consequences.

Unfortunately, the female guvre is already pregnant. Trystan feels torn, deeply concerned about the potential dangers of keeping a baby guvre in captivity, yet he knows releasing the creatures would risk them falling into King Benedict’s hands.