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

On the ride home, they discuss the enchantress who created Massacre Manor’s wards. The southern kingdom imprisoned her for killing the crown prince. Trystan, Tatianna, Clare, and Kingsley exchange knowing looks.

Back at the manor, Evie fixates on Trystan’s refusal to kiss her. When they check the map, the stardust has worn off. In the pouch Helena gave Evie are part of an ornate gold frame and a note from Nura asking Evie to find a trusted friend. Recognizing the frame from her childhood home, Evie insists on returning to investigate.

Trystan refuses, saying it is too dangerous. When Evie pleads, he responds that begging is beneath her. When he realizes that this expression unintentionally mocks her earlier request for a kiss, he tries to backtrack. Evie silently vows revenge.

Evie avoids speaking to Trystan for three days. She performs her duties as his assistant but clocks out promptly to drink with the guards. Trystan, concerned about one guard’s questionable behavior, confides his regrets to Kingsley.

Trystan arrives in Evie’s hometown and overhears gossip about her. When her ex-boyfriend makes disparaging remarks, Trystan discreetly uses magic to aggravate the man’s weak knee, leaving him writhing in pain. An elderly woman named Edna offers to paint Trystan’s face, and he agrees, letting her transform him into a wolf.