could. This challenge was becoming increasingly real and, with every passing minute, more urgent. And yet he needed time for it. He could only hope that, in his absence, Draco had found something to do that had completely taken his mind off his first day at the new school. Perhaps Matheo had found more time for further attempts? He thought, and a shy smile tugged slightly at his lips. Or were he and James up to something again? He almost snorted, remembering how the boys were always fiddling about with something.
Suddenly, Darius stopped and looked around. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end and a cold sweat broke out. He had no idea why he’d reacted like that, but he quickly scanned the well-lit area. They were already close to the exit from the slums, so it was a bit better here, but you could still sense that repulsive and depressing aura hanging in the air. He didn’t spot anything alarming, nor did the Guards following him. He took a few deep breaths, putting it down to exhaustion and the unsettling sights of the last few days. He turned back in the direction he’d been heading and was just about to carry on when he noticed something.
To his left, literally a few metres away, someone was standing at the mouth of a dark alley. However, the light from the magical lanterns seemed not to reach the figure, leaving them shrouded in darkness. Despite this, Darius was certain that whoever it was was looking directly at him. He could feel a piercing, penetrating gaze upon him. It sent a chill down his spine. By the time he was able to move again, the figure had vanished. Bleist took a few deep breaths and looked around once more. Empty. Dark. Silent. The slums still immersed in their nocturnal lethargy. Without giving it much thought, he set off towards the citadel. I’ve had enough of this place, he thought, trying to shake off the feeling that someone was still watching him.
