Accomplice to the Villain (Assistant and the Villain Book 3)

Evienoveldrama

Evie heard a ringing in her ears, her body jolting from the shock of the truth, from the warmth swallowing the lower half of her body, unable to move her feet from the spot she was trapped in. She turned to Trystan, who was still doubled over but standing next to her. “How— Why? Why is your magic doing this?”

Benedict set the plant down, and the power came out faster, in sharper waves. “Your father was my friend, Ms. Sage. I never wanted his offspring to be my enemy, but we can’t trick Fate. The prophecy can see through lies. Unfortunately.

“Nearly thirty years ago, I met Amara. She was ambitious and beautiful, but I never had the desire to marry or sire children. My plans to rule extend beyond that of a mortal life, and Amara knew this when she fell pregnant. I bade her to get rid of the child, but instead we came to an agreement.” Benedict smirked, and Evie noticed something for the first time on Benedict’s face. Something she had missed.

A subtle dimple. In just one cheek.

“She could keep the child if I had free use of him as needed. When Evie was born six years later, Griffin came pleading about what the magical specialist had found, and I promised to undo it for him.” Benedict gave her a sympathetic tilt of his head. “All he ever wanted was to save you from villainy.”

“I don’t want to be saved,” Evie spat. “And I certainly have no need to be.”

Benedict wasn’t fazed. “That much is clear. Which is why I’m happy to bestow upon you the destiny your parents tried to save you from—I mean rob you of.”

A low moan came from Trystan, and he slowly dropped to his knees.

Evie moved past her mother, fury coursing through her at the sight of Trystan so depleted on the ground. She dropped to her knees beside him, guarding his body with hers. “What. Destiny?”

Benedict smiled, and when he spoke next, her entire world shifted beneath her feet.

“The heart of the true prince is Trystan and always has been. The Villain’s role was something I’d hoped was interchangeable, but despite our advancements, magic is still a part of nature, and nature is not to be trifled with.”

The darkness climbed; the mist felt like it was seeping into her skin. Trystan didn’t let go of her hand.

“Your parents hoped I could siphon your magic at birth and give it to Trystan, and I was all too happy to finally have use for a son.”

Evie felt the mist settle into her, and her scar screamed out in pain as the magic flowed through every vein, every pore. Every part of her that had been missing it—sang.

“You’re saying…” Her voice didn’t sound like hers. It was deeper, husky.

Trystan gripped her hand tighter, and the darkness attempted to push him back, away—but he would not be moved. Evie released a choked sob, fighting back the darkness, too, not allowing it to separate them as they looked up at Benedict while he destroyed all they knew.

“Yes, Trystan was always supposed to be the true prince of the prophecy. And you, my dear—”

The darkness swallowed her whole as she heard his final decree.

“Were always supposed to be The Villain.”