chapter six
391 Words
Chapter Six: The Others
Milo barely registered the walk home.
Daniel’s words rang in his head, looping over and over.
"It’s still open."
"More people are going to vanish."
This wasn’t over. It was spreading.
By the time they reached Milo’s apartment, the sky was starting to lighten. The early morning hush settled over the city, but Milo couldn’t shake the feeling that something was watching.
Daniel was pale, his breathing shallow. His fingers twitched, curling and uncurling as if something unseen was pulling at him.
Milo opened the door. “Come inside. You need rest.”
Daniel hesitated. His eyes flickered toward the street—toward something Milo couldn’t see. Then he exhaled and stepped in.
The second the door closed behind them, Daniel collapsed onto the couch, his hands gripping his head.
Milo crouched beside him. “Hey. Talk to me.”
Daniel’s breathing was uneven. “They’re louder now.”
Milo tensed. “Who?”
Daniel’s head jerked up. His pupils were too large, swallowing almost all of the color.
“The ones who didn’t come back.”
Milo’s stomach twisted. “You can… hear them?”
Daniel nodded shakily. “It’s not just whispers anymore. They’re closer.” His hand twitched. “And they want me to listen.”
Milo ran a hand through his hair, panic rising. “What do they want?”
Daniel swallowed. “To warn us.”
Milo’s pulse quickened. “Warn us about what?”
Daniel hesitated. His breathing turned shallow, and then—
His body seized.
His back arched violently, his hands clawing at his arms as if trying to rip the markings away.
Milo grabbed him. “Daniel—!”
Daniel let out a sharp, choked gasp. His eyes rolled back, and for a horrifying second, he went completely still.
Then, in a voice that wasn’t entirely his own, he whispered—
“It’s coming.”
Milo’s blood ran cold.
Then Daniel exhaled sharply and slumped forward.
The room was silent.
Milo stared, heart pounding. “Dan?”
Daniel didn’t respond. His body trembled, his breath coming in shaky gasps.
Then, slowly, he lifted his head.
His eyes met Milo’s.
And in that instant, Milo knew.
Daniel wasn’t entirely himself anymore.
Something else was looking through his eyes.
Watching.
Waiting.
And whatever it was—it was getting stronger.
- Writer
