Wanted!

Just when things are going in a new direction there's always a new twist.

The Eagle Parrot rocked gently in the early morning tide, docked along the weathered planks of an unfamiliar port. Mist clung to the cobblestones, and gulls cried overhead as if warning of things yet to come.

Darius stood on the deck, arms crossed, still pale from the exhaustion of his magical feat. He watched the port with narrowed eyes, scanning every figure, every movement.

Elara emerged from below deck, a fresh shirt tugged over one shoulder, hair damp from washing. She squinted against the rising sun and found Darius watching her.

“What?” she said.

He didn’t answer.

She walked past him, her boots thudding across the deck, but his eyes followed.

“What?” she repeated, sharper this time.

He blinked, then looked away. “Nothing.”

“Then stop looking at me.”

Darius sighed and leaned against the railing. “Sorry. Just...I’m trying to make sense of everything. I can’t shake the feeling something else is coming.”

Elara relaxed slightly, the edge in her voice softening. “Yeah. I feel it too.”

They stood in silence for a beat before Kale appeared, holding a crumpled paper in his hand. “Found this posted at the town’s center.” He handed it to Elara.

She unfolded it slowly, her brows furrowing as she read aloud, “Wanted for questioning: In accordance with a missing sigil; Darius Vale.”

Darius stiffened.

Kale grimaced. “I guess your shenanigans didn’t go unnoticed.”

Elara folded the paper again and tucked it into her belt. “Well, looks like it'll be nothing, but hoods and cloaks for you.”

Darius gave a half hearted smirk. “Is that your way of saying ‘we’re screwed’?”

Behind them, Rockford barked once and dropped a rat at Kale’s feet.

“Charming,” Kale muttered.

And the Eagle Parrot prepared to sail again, secrets and storm clouds waiting just beyond the mist.