The compartment seemed empty.
Seats lined both sides. Overhead lamps flickered faintly. A newspaper lay open as if someone had just been reading it.
Rayan sat down slowly.
The seat beside him felt warm.
He froze.
In the window's reflection, he saw a figure sitting next to him.
But when he turned, the seat was empty.
A chill ran through him.
He walked down the aisle. Each step echoed unnaturally loud. At the far end stood a conductor—tall and unmoving, face hidden beneath a shadowed cap.
"You're early," the conductor said calmly.
"Early for what?" Rayan asked.
"For the choice."
Suddenly, the train plunged into darkness as it entered a tunnel.
And in that darkness, whispers filled the air.