Chapter summary
Chapter 13
The chapter opens in a crowded tavern where Trystan Maverine—known as The Villain—faces his estranged brother Malcolm, a clockmaker with a notoriously violent past. Malcolm greets Trystan with disdain, recalling the last encounter where Trystan tried to stab him with a spear. The tension escalates as Trystan towers over Malcolm, reminding him that their meeting was expected.
Malcolm jokes about the lack of a spear this time, and Trystan replies that he does not need weapons to cause harm. Their dialogue hints at lingering anger from a recent sabotage in Trystan’s office that nearly destroyed his work. Sage, Trystan’s assistant, watches closely, attempting to keep up with the heated exchange.
Trystan asks Malcolm why they have gathered, but the word “We” escapes him, prompting Malcolm to focus on Evie, a nervous young woman introduced as “his brother’s assistant.” Malcolm kisses Evie’s hand in a mocking gesture, causing her to laugh nervously. Evie formally introduces herself to Trystan, and Trystan’s internal monologue notes his desire to sever her hand as punishment.
The conversation drifts to Malcolm’s self‑praise about his clock‑making, ale, women, and cards. Trystan offers a thin compliment, noting the craftsmanship of Malcolm’s clocks. Malcolm’s expression flickers between guilt and shame, hinting at deeper familial resentment.
Inside Trystan, dark magical energy spikes; gray mist circles Malcolm, highlighting vulnerable points: a blue light on an old knee injury from childhood and a black glow around his jugular—the “kill spot.” Trystan realizes he could kill Malcolm instantly, but hesitates because Sage is present. Sage interjects, warning him not to murder in front of witnesses and suggesting they find a private place.
Trystan asks Malcolm where they can talk privately. Malcolm offers the kitchen behind the bar as a route. As Trystan turns to Sage to give instructions, she abruptly declares she will go with him, accusing him of lying about the meeting’s purpose. She erupts in anger over his omission, calling his silence a lie, while Trystan defends it as “withholding the truth.” Sage then mocks Trystan, asking if he harbors “fairy‑king fantasies,” leading to a rare, low‑brow laugh from Trystan.
Malcolm calls out, urging them to move. Sage affirms, “We are,” and walks past Malcolm toward the kitchen doors. Trystan, clutching a cloak, follows, still irritated. Malcolm gestures for Sage to pass, then steps back, appearing oddly sympathetic. He comments on Trystan’s laugh, to which Trystan retorts, “You’re fucked.” He shoves Malcolm into the doorway, strides through, and shouts, “Shut up,” as they exit the tavern toward the kitchen, leaving the confrontation unresolved but the brothers’ rivalry clearly reignited.