Page 122 of Accomplice to the Villain

Alexander’s thoughts were cut off—by a cannonball.

Aliteralcannonball.

The clang of the shot caused a ringing in his tiny ears as the weapon crashed through the surface of the ship, cracking wood in half as it fell to the rooms in the middle of the vessel.

“Sage!” Trystan yelled from a distance, scrambling forward, dropping to his knees right where the hole was.

Clare and Tatianna followed amid frantic yells from the men around them, Jones calling quick orders.

Before Clare and Tatianna reached Trystan, his shoulders sagged and he blew out a breath. “Thank the gods,” Trystan muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Evie, are you all right?” Tatianna called as they all looked down into the large cannonball-made hole, where Evie stood, arms folded and tapping her foot as she stared at it, then looked up at Trystan in stern rebuke.

Gesturing to the large black cannonball next to her, Evie called up with irritation, “This is a terrible birthday present.”

Trystan ignored the comment, yelling down frantically, “Are you hurt?”

“A little. You could’ve at least put a bow on it,” Evie deadpanned.

Alexander let out a ribbit.

Trystan sat back on his heels, rubbing at his eyes, muttering under his breath. “In a twisted turn of fate, herlackof fear is scaring me.”

Kingsley held up a sign.

Funny.

“It’s not!” Trystan growled.

But all humor faded when the seaman in the crow’s nest screamed to the rest of the crew. “PIRATES!”

Trystan looked irritated, like a fly had landed on his shoulder, while Tatianna flinched, Clare’s face paled, and Evie Sage…

Evie Sage’s response was, “Do you think they have a bow?”

Alexander ribbited.

Just as another cannonball flew.

Chapter 64

Becky

Meanwhile, back at the manor…

Blade was alive.

But he was hurt. And unconscious.

He lay in the healer’s quarters. Nura Sage had offered to keep watch over him while Becky mustered the courage to do what needed to be done. The starlight magic hadn’t killed him, but no matter what they attempted, he would not awaken. Tatianna was gone, as was Clare, and the only other person Becky was certain could help her in treating him was someone she was not eager to see.

But Becky was not a coward, and she would do anything for those she cared for.

Even this.

It was why she found herself in the dungeons, staring down her brother, who was looking at her with hurt and confusion. “Bex!” Roland scrambled to his feet, running for the bars. “Thank gods. I need to explain the memory plant. Please.”

“Blade is hurt. By the plantyoubrought.” Becky sneered. “I would explain quickly.”