The book's real protagonist, however, is the corner itself - a menacing, malign presence that rules the neighborhood with ruthless logic.

Their eyes burned red, a sure sign of infestation by spirits, but there was no priest to banish the malign presences.

"I feel a sour, malign presence in that lofty building."

His malign presence dominated the suite like the stench in a crematorium.

Was the malign presence of the forest getting on even the Slayer's iron nerves?

If there was a malign magical presence it might well be camouflaged by the locals.

"Small wonder we've felt a malign presence," Johnny said, turning to Lance.

And though he had swept strenuously with his sacred broom after Marius died here, that malign presence still lingered.

He opened his tanjian eye, searching for a malign presence, but the welter of people provided too much interference.

This volcano sits a few miles away, a malign presence brooding over the town.