Amara ran through the city streets, heart hammering. The cab was gone—or maybe it had never been there. Every streetlight flickered as if breathing.
Her phone buzzed weakly. A new message appeared:
"You can't hide. I'm still here."
Turning a corner, she froze. The faceless passenger stood motionless, its shadow stretching unnaturally across the asphalt.
Instinct propelled her into an alley. The darkness was alive—twisting, whispering, reaching for her.
A voice called softly from the shadows:
"Follow me, if you want to survive."
Amara whirled. A tall figure, human but hollow-eyed, stepped forward.
"Who are you?" she gasped.
"Someone like you," the figure said. "Trapped… but I know the way."
Cliffhanger: Amara has a guide—but can she trust them, or is this another trap