Liora first noticed something was wrong when the city went quiet.
Not silent—just… off. The usual hum of traffic softened, conversations blurred into background noise, and even the wind felt hesitant, like it was holding its breath.
Her heels clicked against the polished stone of the city square as she walked toward the coffee shop where she was supposed to meet Mina. The sky above was a dull, pale gray—too light to storm, too heavy to feel safe.
She spotted Mina across the square.
Her friend stood near the fountain, waving enthusiastically, her smile wide and familiar. Relief washed through Liora. She lifted her hand to wave back—
And then Mina was gone.
Not walking away. Not hidden behind someone.
Gone.
The space where she had stood was empty, as if she had never existed.
Liora stopped dead.
"Mina?" Her voice trembled as she hurried forward, eyes darting wildly. "Mina, this isn't funny."
People passed by without a second glance. No screams. No panic. No reaction at all.
Her pulse slammed against her ribs.
She turned in a slow circle, dread creeping into her chest. Then she saw it again.
A man near the steps. One second he was there—talking on his phone—then nothing. Just empty air.
A woman disappeared mid-step.
Another blinked out beside a parked car.
Panic rippled through the square now. Voices rose. Someone screamed. Liora backed away, her breath coming fast and shallow.
This isn't real.
A whisper brushed against her ear.
"She sees…"
Liora spun around.
No one stood behind her—only shadows stretching unnaturally long across the pavement, bending and shifting as if aware of her gaze.
Her skin prickled.
That was when she noticed him.
A tall man leaned casually against a lamppost at the edge of the square, untouched by the chaos. Dark coat. Sharp features. His eyes were fixed on her—not with fear, but with interest.
As if he had been waiting.
"You see it too, don't you?" he said quietly.
Something in his voice made her heart stutter. Not kindness. Not cruelty.
Recognition.
"I—I don't understand what's happening," Liora whispered, stepping back.
The man's lips curved slightly. "Of course you don't."
Before she could ask another question, he straightened—and vanished.
Liora sucked in a breath.
Just like the others.
Her legs trembled, but she forced herself to stand her ground. Whatever this was, it wasn't taking her. Not today. Not ever.
The square was nearly empty now. Too empty.
A cold wind swept through, carrying a final whisper:
"The city is watching…"
Liora's phone vibrated in her hand.
A message from Mina.
Relief flooded her—until she opened it.
There was no name. No number.
Just two words glowing on the screen:
You're next.