Page 23 of Adversary to the Villain

He didn’t flinch, standing tall when he challenged her fears with calm. “No. But I was not as powerful as you. I hurt many with my magic, both on purpose and by accident. You never made me feel ashamed for it. Won’t you extend yourself the same courtesy?”

His words barely scraped the surface of her pain. “I can’t.”

“Why not?” he objected.

“Because I cannot seem to make myself believe that I deserve it!” Tears burned her eyes, a hollow feeling bottoming out in her stomach.

It was the first time she’d ever seen Trystan look so startled. Astonished. He shook his head. “Evie—”

The sound of wings flapping above stopped them, a gust of wind forcing their hands in front of their heads. And then Fluffy was landing before them, Blade and Becky atop the saddle on his back.

“You must come now! Quickly!” Becky called frantically, awakening fresh panic in Evie.

She did not hesitate. Merely pushed aside her despair, sprinted to Fluffy’s side, then gripped Blade’s hand without question as he hoisted her up. Trystan pulled himself up next to her, and they were in the skies before another word was spoken, moving at a furious pace.

“What’s happened? Is Lyssa all right?” Evie asked, the possibility almost too much to contemplate.

“She’s fine!” Becky assured, awkwardly patting her shoulder for comfort. “For now, at least, but none of us will be okay unless we find a solution to what is about to be a very big problem.”

“Speak plainly, Ms. Erring. Tell us everything,” Trystan ordered, commanding control like—

Well, like royalty.

Evie had no time to get lost in that invasive musing. Becky was already speaking. “I received a letter from my mother. The magical fading has reached the Fortis Family Fortress. Apparently, every enchantment in the house has vanished.”

“I do understand the import of your family home, Becky, but that is why we need to fulfill the prophecy.” Evie was gentle in her wording, not wanting to discredit her friend’s fears. “To stop and reverse the damage.”

“Allenchantments, Evangelina,” Becky said, urging her to understand. “Including the enchantments on their magical locks—the ones the Fortises use to keep ancient beasts contained, which have been around since the creation of the magical continent.”

Evie didn’t ask what sort of creatures. She recalled the destiny monster well enough, how it had tested Trystan. Both of them, really. A prisoner of the Fortis Family for gods knew how long, it had made for a most bitter enemy. It had been a relief that the creature was locked away, far from them.

“The destiny monster?” Trystan echoed her thoughts.

“Escaped. And is rumored to be colluding with King Benedict,” Becky informed them as another gust of damp wind chilled Evie to her core. “I suppose my mother is extending a beanstalk branch by warning us.”

“For what purpose would the monster seek out Benedict?” Trystan’s brow furrowed as he rubbed at the scruff around his chin.

“Unclear,” Becky answered. “But that isn’t the worst of it.”

“Well, no, that would be inordinately too convenient.” Evie rubbed at her eyes, bracing herself for whatever came next.

“The magical locks at the fortress use the same enchantments as the ones in the dungeons of Massacre Manor.” Blade’s voice was filled with riotous emotion.

Trystan cursed harshly. “You’re saying our locks are all about to fail?”

Blade winced. “It’s not certain. But evidence would say they could.”

“If they fail, every prisoner I’ve ever secured in the dungeons will be let loose upon the manor.”

Evie grabbed his arm, squeezing, feeling frenzied. “Trystan. You’re the only one who can open the thorny grove. If the locks give out before we get there…” She sucked in a horrified breath.

There was a tick in Trystan’s clenched jaw. “My greatest enemies will be trapped in Massacre Manor…”

“Along with everyone else.”

Chapter 10

Kingsley