Chapter 43 – Choices And Consequences (Part 3)
Chapter 43 – Choices And Consequences (Part 3)
The hours rolled by quietly, the hum of the train providing a rhythmic backdrop to the otherwise uneventful journey. Zane sat in his seat, flicking through the interface of his system now and then, and occasionally glancing out the reinforced window. The landscape had changed gradually—verdant fields gave way to arid stretches of land, cracked and dry like a forgotten wound. Then, a shimmering lake spread wide, its glassy surface reflecting the sun like molten silver.
It was a peaceful atmosphere—almost too peaceful.
’Strange...’ Zane thought, narrowing his eyes as he gazed at the horizon. ’Most people report spotting at least a handful of abominations when leaving the city, if not more. But I haven’t seen a single one.’
His instincts tugged at him, sharp and persistent. Something was wrong. He couldn’t explain what it was, but the silence outside the train didn’t feel natural. It was the kind of quiet that came just before a storm—false calm wrapping itself around tension.
He leaned back and stretched his arms, letting his gaze fall on Elizabeth. She sat across from him, her head resting against the seat, a book half-open on her chest and a few cookie crumbs dusting her lap. Her chest rose and fell with a calm, steady rhythm—completely at peace.
Zane exhaled slowly and stood. ’Might as well use the bathroom while I’ve got the chance.’
He slipped past her quietly, making his way down the aisle of the train car. The automatic door connecting the two cars opened with a faint hiss. On the left wall just beyond it was the bathroom—door wide open.
He stepped inside and reached for the handle to close it when—
"Now, now... Hold on there."
Zane froze. That voice was unmistakable.