To the One Who Dares to Enter…
Before you open these pages, understand this: Beneath the Blackout is not a story meant for comfort. It is a descent into darkness—an exploration of fear, the mind, and the fragile boundary between reality and nightmare. Shadows are alive here. Whispers are not just sounds. Thoughts are not your own.
At the heart of this darkness is Kayden, seventeen, burdened with a gift that is both a blessing and a curse: he can hear the thoughts of others. In ordinary life, this secret was manageable. But in a city swallowed by an eternal blackout, it becomes a lens into every hidden terror, every unspoken doubt, every secret whispered only in the mind. His telepathy is not just a power—it is a mirror, reflecting the fears, lies, and desires of those around him. And the more he listens, the more he realizes: some thoughts are darker than any shadow.
This story explores fear in all its forms—the palpable, the psychological, and the supernatural. It challenges the mind and the senses, and it will push the boundaries of what you believe is safe, possible, or real.
Reader Advisory
Beneath the Blackout contains content intended for mature, courageous readers:
Psychological Horror: Expect tension, paranoia, and creeping dread that infiltrates both mind and environment.
Supernatural Threats: Creatures and phenomena that defy logic, reason, and perception itself.
Mature Themes: Moral dilemmas, fear, survival instincts, and the darkness of human nature are explored.
Mind as a Battlefield: Telepathy exposes thoughts, secrets, and hidden intentions, blurring the line between ally and threat.
Intense Imagery: Some scenes contain disturbing visuals, mental anguish, or existential terror.
This story is designed to engage the imagination fully. The blackout is not only literal—it is symbolic. It is the space where hidden fears surface, where trust is fragile, and where courage and madness are intertwined.
Guidelines for the Reader
Environment: Read where you feel safe; the story works best when your mind can immerse itself in darkness.
Mindfulness: Take breaks if suspense or tension feels overwhelming—fear is meant to be savored, not endured in haste.
Perspective: Keep in mind that reality is fluid in this world. Shadows may not just be shapes, and thoughts may not belong entirely to those who hold them.
Embrace the Unknown: Curiosity is as important as caution. The thrill of uncovering what lies in darkness and minds is the heart of this story.
From the Author
I wrote Beneath the Blackout to probe the edges of fear—both external and internal. Shadows in these pages are patient, intelligent, and malevolent. They test, observe, and feed. The creatures you encounter are not only physical—they are manifestations of doubt, terror, and the primal instincts of survival.
Kayden's telepathy is central to this journey. It allows him to navigate the external threats of the blackout, yes—but more dangerously, it exposes him to the hidden darkness in every mind around him. His gift is both a compass and a curse, a way to anticipate danger, and a way for fear to infiltrate him from within.
This story is a journey into the fragile human mind, exploring what happens when the lights go out, and the shadows within and without awaken. It will question your perception, challenge your courage, and confront you with the unsettling realization that the most dangerous monsters may not be outside—they may reside in the depths of thought, memory, and fear itself.
By turning these pages, you accept the risk of encountering fear, suspense, and the unknown. You will walk in darkness, witness horrors, and feel the weight of minds laid bare. You may question reality, and you may question yourself. That is the point.
May you endure the blackout. May you survive the shadows. And may your mind remain your own… for as long as possible.
— Danielね