Page 158 of Adversary to the Villain

She was adept at saying and doing the wrong thing. Amara Maverine had no qualms about reminding her of this.

“Winnifred. You haven’t packed up Arthur’s things.” She pointed this out literally, her finger waving around at the piles of his clothing, his books, her anger evident in the sharp onyx chips of her eyes.

“No, mistress. I wasn’t certain if you wanted to sort through them first. It felt too personal to do it myself. But if you have no objections, I can certainly get started now.”

She offered this as timidly as a rabbit. She disliked that about herself, but when one spent their whole life making themselves smaller, taking up space was unnatural. It didn’t help that Amara appeared furious.

Why did I return to this?

Because it’s all I know.

Winnie’s mother had always explained to her the value of loyalty, how important it was to be kind to every person and creature in the land. Amara had taught her different lessons. Do not speak unless spoken to, do not raise your voice, do not talk more than necessary, and make yourself scarce when you aren’t being of use.

Both had stuck. But there had been many restless nights Winnie lay awake in bed, wondering if those lessons had shaped her into a coward. And how on earth she could find any bit of bravery.

“I tire of your mistakes, Winnifred.”

Winnie bit her tongue. It wouldn’t do to remind Mistress Maverine she hadn’tneededto return, that she’d done so only out of obligation. Out of habit. And perhaps it was a horrid truth, she could admit now, that Winnie had grown comfortable in her cage.

Here, at least, it was safe. Not with all those new people who threatened so many emotions she was unaccustomed to. The feeling of being in a place filled with people who loved one another.

It didn’t sound as bad anymore.

“Have you lost your tongue, Winnifred?” Mistress Maverine asked with a disdain that coated Winnie’s skin, making her feel as if she needed a bath.

“No, Mistress,” Winnie answered dutifully. “I am merely at a loss as to how to appease you.”

There was nothing bold in the statement, but Winnie may as well have thrown wine in her boss’s face for the way she stood from her chair, eyes blazing. “You ungrateful girl.”

She didn’t see the blow coming, just felt the smarting of her cheek when Amara’s open palm made contact with her face.

Winnie’s head whipped to the side, and she held her cheek, hating the prick of tears at her eyes. Hating that despite the anger that brewed in her at each slight, she never found it in herself to object, to stand up for herself, to leave.

A coward’s fate.

It wasn’t the first time Mistress Maverine had struck her, but it was the first time she’d followed it with a blatant threat rather than an excuse disguised as an apology.

“I took you in. I gave you food and a safe place to exist. Do you know how many people would pay out the ear for an enchantress? Despite your terrible conduct with your magic, I could’ve made a fortune several times over. But I kept you. To save you. As a favor to your mother.”

The memory of her mother’s ragged fear struck Winnie silent until she felt like she couldn’t breathe. But the anger was fueling her, driving her to madness. Stone. They’d turned her mother to stone for a crime she did not commit. A crime Mistress Maverine was guilty of. The truth struck Winnie harder than Amara’s palm.

What the fuck am I doing here?Winnifred reached into her pocket, holding tight to a gift that made her brave, one she wouldn’t reveal.

“Mistress Maverine, I quit.” The words were resolute but quiet. She couldn’t muster the sound she needed to give the statement the strength it deserved.

But she’d said it. It was done.

Amara stood, turning slowly, menacingly, toward her. “You…what?”

“I shouldn’t have returned,” Winnie reasoned. “You clearly do not want me here, and so I am ready to grant your wish.”

Her ear was in a painful grip before she realized what was happening, and she froze. Amara’s eyes were furious, her cheeks red, a monster hiding beneath the pretty surface of her face. “Until I dismiss you, you’re not permitted to leave this place. You owe me far more in room and board than I’ve paid you, and if you leave now, I’ll have the debt collectors drag you back. You’re not leaving here.Ever.”

Shaking. She was shaking. Unable to object as Amara shoved her to the ground, her ear stinging from the rough handling of her boss.

“I don’t— I can’t,” she wheezed.

The door slammed open.