The air grew colder.
Each breath felt heavier.
The shadow slowly stretched along the wall… rising higher, becoming taller.
It didn't have a face.
But Aryan could feel its gaze.
Locked onto him.
"You're running out of time," the voice outside said.
"What happens if it touches me?" Aryan asked.
Silence.
"Answer me!"
A long pause.
Then—
"You become me."
Aryan's blood froze.
"What does that even mean?!"
But deep down…
He already understood.
The shadow suddenly jerked forward.
Aryan gasped and pressed himself against the door.
"Stay still!" the voice yelled.
The shadow stopped again.
Just a few feet away now.
Close enough to see—
It had no legs.
Just darkness.
Spreading.
Crawling.
Alive.