As the last performance concluded and the crowd began to disperse, Eli couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. He glanced over at Khushi and Jasper, who were chatting excitedly about future projects.
"Hey," Eli said, his voice low. "Do you see those people over there?" He nodded discreetly toward the shadowy figures.
Khushi squinted in their direction. "Yeah… they look kind of sketchy."
Jasper's brow furrowed. "Maybe they're just here for the art? Or looking for inspiration?"
Eli wasn't convinced. "I don't know… something feels off."
Just then, one of the figures—a tall man with a hood pulled low over his face—stepped forward and approached them. The atmosphere shifted as he drew closer.
"Nice show," he said, his voice smooth but laced with an edge that sent chills down Eli's spine. "I'm impressed by your little invention."
"Thanks," Eli replied cautiously. "We're just getting started."
The man smirked, his gaze piercing. "You have something special there. But you might want to be careful who you share it with."
Eli exchanged worried glances with Khushi and Jasper. "What do you mean?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Let's just say that not everyone appreciates creativity," the man replied cryptically before turning on his heel and disappearing back into the shadows.
"What was that about?" Khushi whispered, her eyes wide.
"I don't know," Eli admitted, unease settling in his stomach. "But I think we should keep this project under wraps for now."
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