The vanishing hour

chapter two

Chapter Two: Something Is Wrong

Milo didn’t move.

Daniel stood in the doorway, bathed in the pale glow of the streetlight filtering through the blinds. His expression was empty, unreadable. The strange markings on his arms seemed darker now, curling like ink bleeding into his skin.

"It’s coming."

Milo’s stomach twisted. “What’s coming?”

Daniel blinked, his head tilting slightly, as if considering the question. The pause stretched too long. Then, suddenly, his face broke into a familiar grin. “Damn, you should’ve seen your face, man. "You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Milo stared.

Daniel’s voice was the same—almost. But there was something off about it, like an actor playing a role. Too smooth. Too controlled.

Milo forced a laugh, uneasy. “What the hell, dude? Where were you? I came over because you weren’t answering, and your door was unlocked.”

Daniel rubbed his neck, frowning. “Yeah… I must’ve fallen asleep or something.” He looked around the apartment as if seeing it for the first time. “Feels like I’ve been gone for a while.”

Something cold settled in Milo’s chest. “Daniel,” he said carefully, “you were missing.”

Daniel gave a short, confused laugh. “Missing?”

Milo nodded, watching his reaction. “For over fifteen minutes. I came here, and you were gone. I checked everywhere. Your phone’s been there the whole time.”

Daniel frowned deeper, like he was trying to process the words. He reached into his pocket only to realize it was empty. Slowly, he looked toward the counter, where his cracked phone sat untouched.

Milo waited for some kind of explanation.

Daniel gave none.

Instead, he stared down at his arms. His fingers traced the blackened markings as if noticing them for the first time. His breathing hitched.

“What… what the hell is this?”

Milo stepped closer. “That’s what I’m trying to figure out. Where did you go?”

“I don’t know,” Daniel whispered. He sounded afraid now—genuinely afraid. “I don’t… I don’t remember anything.”

Milo’s pulse quickened.

Daniel grabbed his head suddenly, squeezing his temples. “God… my head—” He stumbled back, colliding with the bedroom doorframe. His breath came fast, uneven.

Milo reached for him. “Hey, sit down—”

Daniel let out a sharp gasp.

And then—his eyes changed.

For a split second, Milo saw it—his pupils dilated unnaturally wide, his irises flickering with an inky darkness, like something moving beneath the surface.

Then it was gone.

Daniel’s entire body relaxed. He blinked, his breathing evening out. When he looked at Milo again, he was… fine. Like nothing had happened.

Milo hesitated. “D… Dan?”

Daniel sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah, sorry, just—weird headache.” He exhaled sharply. “I’m fine.”

Milo wasn’t convinced.

“You sure?”

Daniel clapped him on the shoulder, forcing a grin. “I’m good, man. Just tired.”

Milo wanted to press further. Wanted to demand answers. But something in Daniel’s eyes—a silent warning—made him hesitate.

Daniel turned toward the bedroom. “I need some sleep. Let’s talk tomorrow, yeah?”

Milo swallowed hard. “Yeah… okay.”

But as he left the apartment, the unease didn’t fade.

Because something was wrong with Daniel.

Something was watching through his eyes.

And Milo had a sinking feeling that this was only the beginning.