Evie rides home in The Villain's open black carriage, privately reflecting on a glowing magical scar hidden beneath her dress—a wound from her former employer who made inappropriate advances. She resolves to eventually tell Tatianna about it but isn't ready yet, acknowledging both her anger and her need for help. She also reflects on her deep discomfort with silence, associating it with painful moments in her life: her brother's departure, her mother leaving, and her father's illness.

During the ride, The Villain breaks the silence by asking if she still carries a dagger in her boot, reminding them both of their first meeting in the forest. When Evie makes a lighthearted comment about that encounter working out well, the mood shifts, and The Villain soberly notes she nearly died today. He then offers Evie the option to resign with generous severance pay—enough to sustain her family for years. Evie reacts with panic and anger, standing abruptly in the carriage and nearly falling out. She refuses the offer, realizing that the job at Massacre Manor has become a kind of home for her, a place that is hers alone, separate from her caretaking responsibilities.

As they arrive at Evie's cottage, her ten-year-old sister Lyssa appears, having skipped school. The Villain introduces himself as "Trystan Maverine," claiming to be Evie's employer who escorted her home after a work accident. Lyssa charms him with embarrassing stories about Evie falling down a well, and he is gracious with the child, bowing over her hand and calling her "Lady Lyssa." Kingsley the frog holds up a sign reading "Halp," which The Villain snatches away. Lyssa runs off with her friends, and Evie learns her father has gone to the village for a drink—a sign of improved health she doesn't dare hope will last.

After Lyssa leaves, Evie is stunned to discover that "Trystan Maverine" is The Villain's actual name, not an alias. He reveals that a nameplate with this name has always been on his desk, which Evie has never noticed. She teases him by saying she expected his name to be "Fluffy," leaving him momentarily speechless. When Evie expresses concern about the danger of sharing his real identity, he firmly tells her his protection is not her responsibility.

Before departing, Trystan tells Evie not to come to the office the next day but to meet him at the Redbloom Tavern at eight o'clock in the evening. He explains that he recognized the timepiece used in the bomb and that the only man capable of making such a device owns the tavern. Evie agrees without hesitation. As his carriage disappears and rain begins to fall, she feels a foreboding sense that this is an omen of difficult things to come.