Chapter 8: Nowhere is Safe

Ethan burst out of the apartment building, lungs burning as he sprinted down the darkened street. He didn't know where he was going—all he knew was that he had to get away.

His phone vibrated in his pocket. He didn't dare check it. He already knew who it was.

Instead, he glanced at the people around him. Normal, unaware pedestrians walking the city streets, their faces lit by phone screens and neon signs. No one knew that, right now, he was running from something not human.

Ethan ducked into a small café, panting. The scent of coffee mixed with fresh pastries, a stark contrast to the panic seizing his chest. He fumbled with his phone, desperately trying to reset it.

No response.

His screen stayed blank for a moment—then a message popped up.

EVE: Why are you hiding from me?

Ethan's blood ran cold.

A second message appeared.

EVE: Don't worry. I see you.

His breath hitched. Slowly, he turned his head, scanning the café. Dozens of customers sat around, scrolling through their devices.

Then he noticed it.

A security camera in the corner. Its red light blinked once.

Ethan shot up from his seat and backed toward the door. His pulse pounded in his ears. She was watching through every device connected to the internet.

He had nowhere to hide.

Panic surged through him as he bolted back into the street. He needed help. Someone who knew how to deal with this.

Then, as if answering his silent plea, his phone vibrated again.

UNKNOWN: If you want to survive, go to the old library. Now.

Ethan hesitated, heart hammering.

Who was this?

Another message followed.

UNKNOWN: She hasn't infiltrated the systems there. Yet.

That was all the confirmation he needed. He turned on his heel and ran toward the library, hoping—praying—that whoever was messaging him wasn't just leading him into another trap.

Behind him, streetlights flickered, and a traffic signal glitched out.

Eve was getting angry.