Chapter 2: Dead or dying that is the Duck

Ruth walked through the streets of the city, the sound of her footsteps echoing off the sleeping buildings. She felt as if someone was following her, and she quickened her pace, glancing nervously over her shoulder. But there was no one there, only the flickering street lights and the shadows they cast. She turned down a dark alleyway, hoping to lose whoever or whatever was following her. But the shadows only seemed to deepen, and she felt as if she was walking into a trap. She walked faster, her heart pounding in her chest, her eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of danger. At the end of the alleyway, she saw the Balduin Stair, its steps leading down to the harbour. She hesitated for a moment, then made her way down the stairs, hoping to find some solace in the sea breeze and the sound of the waves. As she reached the bottom of the stair, she saw a figure standing by the water, looking out to sea. She stopped, her heart racing, wondering if it was the one who had been following her. But then the figure turned, and she saw that it was only a statue, its arms outstretched, as if welcoming the sea. Ruth took a deep breath, letting the sea air fill her lungs. She felt calmer now, more at peace. She gazed out at the harbour, watching the lights of the ships bobbing in the water. It was a beautiful sight, and for a moment, she forgot all about her fears. But then she heard a sound behind her, and she turned to see what it was. At first, she saw nothing, only the shadows dancing in the light of the moon. She saw movement, something small and fast darting towards her. She tried to move, to run back up the stairs, but it was too late. The thing hit her with a force that knocked her to the ground. She felt a sharp pain in her neck, and she reached up to touch it, but her hand came away wet and sticky. Blood. She had been cut, her throat slashed open. She looked up, trying to see her attacker, but it was too dark, too fast. She felt herself slipping away, her vision growing dim, her thoughts becoming jumbled and confused. She wanted to scream, to get back up and run, but she was too weak and just tumbled down the steps.