The train rattled deeper into the tunnel, the hum of the tracks vibrating through the floor. Aisha's fingers were still wrapped in Daniel's, her pulse thundering in her ears.
"Daniel… what's happening?" she whispered.
His eyes stayed fixed on the hooded figure at the far end of the carriage.
"I'll explain—but not here."
The hooded man didn't move. Didn't blink. Just stared, like he was studying them… memorizing them.
The lights flickered again. This time longer.
Aisha felt the air shift. People on the train continued scrolling their phones, unaware—or pretending not to see. Fear hung in her chest like a stone.
When the lights steadied, the man had moved.
Closer.
Now only a few steps away.
Daniel stepped forward, shielding her with his body. "Don't come near us," he warned, voice low, controlled.
The man tilted his head just slightly, as if amused.
Aisha swallowed hard. Something about the way he stood—too still, too confident—made her skin crawl.
Then the train screeched as it reached the next station.
The doors slid open.
A rush of cold, stale tunnel air swept in… but no one entered. No one left.
Except him.
The hooded man stepped out, never taking his eyes off them.
Just before the doors closed, he lifted his hand and tapped the window twice.
Tap. Tap.
A message. A threat. A promise.
Aisha felt the blood drain from her face.
Daniel grabbed her shoulders gently but firmly. "Aisha… listen to me. He's not just following you. He's following us."
"Why?" Her voice trembled.
Daniel hesitated—too long.
Chapter Summary
Aisha and Daniel come face-to-face with the hooded stalker on the train. His silent approach and deliberate warning shake Aisha to the core. As the train moves deeper underground, Daniel hints that the danger is far bigger—and more personal—than she ever knew.
"Because of something I should've told you a long time ago."
The doors sealed with a sharp hiss.
The train lurched forward.
And Aisha realized she had no idea who she was standing beside—or what danger had just stepped back into the shadows.
Cliffhanger Line
As the tunnel swallowed the train in darkness, Daniel's unfinished confession echoed louder than the man's warning taps.
#Suspense
#Mystery
#Thriller
#UrbanDrama
#ShadowWatcher
#ProtectiveLead
#SlowBurnRomance
#DangerNear
#ChillingEncounter
#CitySecrets
#ChapterUpdate