Their faces were etched in sketchy, wanted illustrations—lines brutal and unforgiving. Next to each name were the words:
"WANTED – DEAD OR ALIVE. Known fugitives. Accomplices included. High reward for their capture. Report anyone offering them sanctuary."
She clutched the parchment in trembling hands, her breath shallow.
"Thalia?" Sebastian asked lightly, noticing the silence.
She looked up at him slowly, face pale, lips parting in dread. "Who… who are you?"
Sebastian's smile didn't falter. "Sebastian Cole. I told you."
"No," she whispered. "No, I mean… what are you?"
He blinked, then sighed and stood, brushing his hands on his trousers. The flames behind him made his shadow stretch long, taller than life.
"I'm a wizard," he said simply. "What's wrong, damsel?"
Thalia's voice cracked. "Are you… are you a bounty hunter?"
His gaze sharpened—but only slightly. "I didn't say that."
She held the paper up with shaking fingers. "Then why do you have this?"
