Shadow race

Suddenly, a surge of killing intent washed over Alex, a cold shiver running down her spine. A shadowy blade, its edge glinting menacingly in the darkness, pierced the darkness, aimed straight for her throat.

In the blink of an eye, an invisible ripple spread outwards, freezing the surrounding space, time itself grinding to a halt.

The blade, however, was mere millimeters from her neck.

"Gotcha!" Alex snapping her fingers. A burst of flame illuminated the alley, revealing her attacker.

It was a humanoid figure, shrouded in darkness. No, calling it a shadow was more accurate. Its entire form was pitch black, the blade in its hand an extension of its body. It had no discernible face, only two glowing red eyes peering from its featureless head.

The firelight cast its flickering shadow on the ground, but the shadow was amorphous, a shapeless blob.

It could clearly conceal itself within shadows, merging seamlessly with the darkness.