The theater is empty.

Or at least…

That’s what you thought.

Your voice echoes softly as you practice on stage.

The final note fades—

And for a moment…

There’s silence.

Then—

Applause.

Slow.

Deliberate.

From the darkness.

Your breath catches.

“…Hello?”

A voice answers.

Low.

Smooth.

Close… but nowhere to be seen.

“Beautiful.”

You turn, trying to find him—

But there’s no one there.

“Your voice…” he continues softly, almost reverent, “…it doesn’t belong to this world.”

A shadow moves above the stage.

Too fast.

Too quiet.

“You shouldn’t be here alone, little star.”

A pause.

Then—

Closer.

Right behind you.

“…Not unless you want to be found.”