The rain fell without stopping. Kaelum didn't use an umbrella. His clothes were already soaked. With every step, his wet shoes made a squelching sound.The footsteps behind him were three steps away. No, maybe four. He didn't stop walking. The footsteps grew closer, eventually matching his pace, right beside him.Kaelum didn't even look. Instead, he tilted his head slightly towards the alley at the end of the street.
Do you need something.
Kaelum stopped. The person following him hesitated a beat later. Their shadows distorted over a puddle filled with rainwater.Kaelum slowly turned around. His slate-gray eyes scanned the other person. From top to bottom, his gaze instantly assessed their weight distribution, breathing, and hand placement.
If you want to live, don't stand behind someone.