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

by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

“Arnold,” Blade whispered. Becky turned to look at him, pausing her tumultuous thoughts. “The Core Healer’s name is Arthur.” Blade frowned. “Are you sure?”

She was afraid, but she knew now: fear usually meant you were standing on the edge of something new, something self-altering, something potentially good.

It seemed the darkest tales held the harshest truths.

This was one of the most marvelous mysteries about Sage—that she so readily handed out praise but it was always so specific. Like she found her favorite part of every person she came across and then presented it to them.

It was odd how discomfort could be ignored when a greater problem presented itself.

There was a stab of defiance in her gut at being told what she could or couldn’t do. Even if it was reasonable, even if he was right.

“impossible” was merely a word people used to describe limitations they wished for you to adhere to, so you wouldn’t upset the balance.

Suddenly, she was through with the conversation, through with him, and uncomfortable with how strongly she wanted to hurt him the way he’d hurt her. But it would get her nowhere. There was nothing he could give her now but sorrow.

“You’re merely an apprentice,” he went on. “You have a ways to go before you’re a villain.”

you seemed fearsome and in control of yourself. Your family, no matter what, cannot rob you of that. You are in control. And more importantly, you are not alone.”

“I’ve suffered more at the hands of those who claim to be good than those who are deemed to be evil.”

She smiled and made the declaration. Beware the wrath of a kind heart.