Chapter 2 – Shadows in the Market
231 Words
Chapter 2 – Shadows in the Market
Kael tried to ignore the man in black, but his heart pounded with every step he took. The brush, wrapped carefully in cloth, felt heavy on his back. He slipped into the crowded market, hoping the busy streets would hide him.
The air was thick with the smell of roasted bread and spiced meat. Merchants waved colorful fabrics in the air, calling for customers. Children ran through the stalls laughing, but Kael could not enjoy it—because the man in black was still there, following silently, never too close, never too far.
At one stall, an old woman grabbed Kael’s arm. “Painter boy! I saw what you did with the flower. You have a gift, don’t you?” Her eyes glimmered, but she whispered so no one else could hear. “Be careful. There are those who would kill for power like that.”
Before Kael could ask what she meant, a shadow passed over them. The man in black stood at the edge of the crowd now, his hood lowering just enough to reveal cold, gray eyes. He raised a single finger and pointed at Kael—as if marking him.
The crowd moved, but Kael felt frozen. He realized this was no ordinary stranger. Whoever he was, he knew the truth about the brush.
And he was coming for it.
- Writer
