Liora didn't realize her hands were shaking until her phone nearly slipped from her grip.
You're next.
The words burned into her screen, cold and deliberate. She refreshed the message. Checked the sender. Nothing. No name. No number. Just a threat that felt far too personal.
Around her, the city square stood eerily intact—shops open, lights on, fountains running. But the people were gone. Entirely. As if someone had swept them away and forgotten to clean up the silence they left behind.
"Think, Liora," she whispered to herself.
She forced her feet to move, stepping away from the fountain. Every instinct screamed at her to run, but run where? The city she had known her whole life suddenly felt unfamiliar—hostile.
A shadow shifted beside her.
"You shouldn't stay here."
She spun around.
The man from before stood just a few feet away, no longer half-hidden by distance. Up close, his presence was overwhelming—sharp eyes, calm posture, and an intensity that made the air feel heavier.
"You disappeared," she said, her voice shaking despite herself.
"No," he replied evenly. "I stepped out."
Her heart thudded. "Everyone else vanished."
"Yes."
"And I didn't."
His gaze flicked to her, something like approval flashing briefly in his eyes. "Exactly."
Anger replaced fear. "Then start explaining."
The man exhaled slowly, as if weighing his words. "The city takes people every so often. Has for years. Most don't notice. Those who do… don't usually last long."
Her breath caught. "So you're telling me this is normal?"
"For the city," he said. "Yes."
A low vibration hummed beneath her feet—subtle, but real. The streetlights flickered. Somewhere far away, something groaned, deep and mechanical.
Liora swallowed. "And me?"
His lips tightened. "You stayed. That means it's noticed you."
The street behind them twisted—just slightly. Buildings blurred at the edges, like reality was thinning.
Fear surged back, sharp and undeniable. "What do I do?"
For the first time, he hesitated.
"Follow me," he said finally. "If you want answers."
"Why should I trust you?"
His gaze softened—not by much, but enough.
"Because if the city wanted you gone," he said quietly, "you wouldn't be standing here asking questions."
Another vibration rippled through the square. The shadows stretched again—closer this time.
Liora took a steadying breath and nodded.
"Okay," she said. "But if you disappear again—"
"I won't," he replied.
And somehow, she believed him.
They took one step forward—
And the street behind them folded in on itself.