By having Evie inherit Trystan’s dark power and revealing Trystan as a Core Healer, Maehrer uses magic to serves to dismantle traditional fantasy binaries of good and evil and illustrate the theme of Action as the Basis of Morality. The motif of magic shows that individuals’ choices are what truly define them, not the type of power they wield or the label society gives them. The novel posits that magic itself is neutral; its moral alignment is determined entirely by the wielder’s intent and actions. Trystan, possessing the ultimate “good” magic, successfully built a persona as the kingdom’s most feared villain. Conversely, Evie, saddled with “evil” magic, consistently uses it for protection and healing. Her journey culminates in her decision to embrace the villain role on her own terms, a choice she makes to defend those she loves.

When Evie decides to train her new powers, she declares her intention “[t]o become The Villain [she] was always meant to be” (113). This statement is ironic as her motivation is rooted in a desire to shield her found family from harm. The magic, therefore, becomes a tool that reflects the user’s core character rather than defining it. Trystan’s healing ability was always present in his protective instincts, just as Evie’s inherent goodness remains even when wielding the darkest of powers. Evie and Trystan’s crossed destinies prove that titles like “hero” and “villain” are superficial, while the choice to care for others is the ultimate measure of one’s worth.