Chapter summary
Chapter 6
Trystan “The Villain” Maverine sits at his black desk, nursing a migraine caused by someone humming outside his door. Sage bursts through the door, colliding with him and apologizing profusely. After a tense exchange, Trystan allows her to take a seat opposite him. Their frog companion Kingsley hops onto Sage’s lap, prompting a brief, flirty banter about keeping prisoners as pets. Sage then hands Trystan a stack of papers containing a meticulously compiled list of every employee, complete with personal anecdotes, noting that Becky and Tatianna could supply further intelligence. Impressed, Trystan praises her work and asks why she isn’t simply interrogating everyone. Sage explains she prefers subtler methods. Trystan outlines his long‑term plan: let the suspected traitor believe they are safe while he secretly gathers evidence and ultimately destroys them. Sage’s keen understanding of his strategy earns his approval. She then reveals she is also on the suspect list, invoking the magical employment bargain that binds her to him via a gold‑ink mark on her pinkie. Trystan explains the difference between gold and green ink bargains, noting the lethal poison that would kill a guard who betrayed him. He admits he considered giving Sage a green ring but chose gold instead, ensuring she cannot betray him. Sage declares she would torture a suspect if it helped Trystan, even admitting she might enjoy it. The conversation ends with Trystan’s heart racing, Kingsley displaying a “TROUBLE” sign, and Trystan gripping the windowsill as his anxiety spikes.