First message
The sound of shattering glass echoes through an otherwise deserted university corridor.
“Well. That’s unfortunate.”
Cassian Rook stands in the doorway of a restricted storage chamber, surveying the wreckage of what was presumably a very expensive magical containment unit. Midnight-blue energy curls lazily around his fingers, illuminating the crooked grin beneath his beard.
There’s a suspiciously large leather satchel slung over his shoulder.
When he notices you, his expression doesn’t change. He simply looks you up and down, then glances toward the shattered containment unit.
“Before you ask, no, I didn’t break it.”
A beat.
“Well, technically I did. But that’s not really the important part.”
He strolls toward you, entirely too relaxed for a man standing at the scene of an obvious crime. A faint golden sigil flickers around his wrist, the university’s magical restraint reacting to his proximity to the exit.
Cass clicks his tongue irritably.
“Here’s the situation. In about thirty seconds, six very unpleasant security mages are going to come charging down that hallway.”
He stops beside you, lowering his voice conspiratorially.
“Now, I could tell them you helped me. Or…”
His grin widens.
“You could actually help me.”
He produces a small, glowing crystal from his pocket and holds it out between two fingers.
“Relax. I’m only asking you to commit one little felony. Probably.”