Sebastian, the continent's deadliest, poses as a coachman to escort Princess Madeline. Assassins force him to reveal his identity—Raven. She tempts him with a healing stone. Carter unleashes a plague beast; Raven slays it. At her coronation, he rides north, leaving a black feather: "If darkness falls, call me." She rules; he roams. Bound by trust, parted by duty.
