Chapter 23: Into the Depths
Noel slipped around the corner near the Class A dorms, footsteps quiet, breath steady. The night had gone cold, but he barely felt it.
He'd said goodbye to Elena less than a minute ago. She'd turned toward the dormitories.
He had turned toward him.
The red-haired student.
The same one he'd followed before. The same one he'd marked weeks ago.
Tonight, the guy was alone.
Moving fast.
'He's not just wandering. He knows where he's going.'
Noel kept to the side paths, sliding between pockets of shadow cast by the tall lanterns overhead. The streets this late were nearly empty—just the occasional flicker of movement from a patrolling staff mage or late-returning student.
The redhead didn't notice him.
Didn't even look back.