CRIMSON ETERNITY

The hospital always felt different after midnight. The halls grew too quiet, the fluorescent lights too harsh, and every sound echoed like a warning. Elara adjusted her scrubs and tried to shake off the unease. She’d worked plenty of night shifts before, but tonight, something felt wrong. Halfway through her rounds, she noticed him. A man leaning casually against the far wall, dressed in black, too polished to belong in a hospital. He wasn’t a patient, and he wasn’t staff. His presence was out of place, yet commanding. Elara froze when their eyes met. His gaze was sharp, unsettling—like he could see every secret she’d ever kept. “Long night?” His voice was low, smooth, carrying an accent she couldn’t place. She swallowed, clutching her clipboard. “You’re not supposed to be here.” He smiled faintly, stepping closer. “Neither are you, if you value your safety.” Before she could respond, the overhead lights flickered. The hum of the machines wavered, as though the entire building held its breath. When the lights steadied again, the hallway was empty. He had vanished. Elara’s heart pounded. Who was he? And why did it feel like he hadn’t left at all? ---