"You look expensive."
Alistair looked offended immediately. "That's your explanation?"
"It's an accurate explanation."
The footsteps behind them grew louder...Not rushed... Controlled.
Which somehow felt worse.
Lucian kept walking without turning around, every instinct screaming at him that stopping here would be catastrophically stupid.
Beside him, Alistair glanced casually over his shoulder.
Three men... Dark uniforms... Silver crest.
Same symbol from outside the tavern.
Well. That felt deeply unfortunate.
Alistair's expression sharpened immediately.
"They're following us."
"Yes," Lucian replied through clenched teeth. "Congratulations on discovering the plot."
Alistair slowed slightly. "We should confront them."
Lucian looked at him in horror.
"Are you out of your senses," he said carefully, "can't we try surviving first?"
"That seems slow."
"There are armed strangers following us through the capital."
"That's fair."
