Chapter 2: The Forgotten City

The train stopped at dawn.

Ethan stepped onto the platform carefully.

The city before him looked beautiful and terrifying at the same time.

Golden towers rose into the sky.

Floating lanterns drifted through the air.

Narrow streets twisted endlessly between giant buildings made of black stone.

Yet the city felt strangely empty.

No laughter.

No music.

Only silence.

Above the entrance gate were written three words:

"Velmora Never Forgets"

"Welcome to Velmora," said the conductor.

"What is this place?" Ethan asked.

The conductor looked toward the distant towers.

"A city between worlds."

Ethan noticed something strange.

Every clock in the city had stopped at exactly 3:17.

"Why are all the clocks broken?"

The conductor's expression darkened.

"Because that was the moment the city disappeared."

Before Ethan could ask more questions, a loud bell echoed across the streets.

The conductor suddenly became serious.

"You must hide. Now."

The air grew colder.

People appeared from nowhere, running into nearby buildings.

Windows slammed shut.

Lanterns turned off.

The entire city went dark.

Then Ethan heard heavy footsteps.

Something enormous was moving through the fog.

Closer.

Closer.

A shadow taller than the buildings slowly crossed the street.

It had no face.

Only glowing white eyes.

Ethan stopped breathing.

The creature turned toward him.

And smiled.