The Chosen Performer

The talent show was packed, but silent, as the last contestant stepped forward.

Her voice shook. “I… I didn’t sign up for this. The host smiled too wide.

“They did.” The audience lights went out. Screams followed—wet, sudden,

then cut short. When the spotlight snapped back on, the contestant stood alone… except for

the rows of shadows now sitting where people once were. One shadow leaned forward,

its jaws splitting ear-to-ear. “Perform.” She tried to run, but the stage floor

softened, gripping her ankles—alive. The shadows clapped, the sound like cracking bones.

The host whispered behind her, breath cold. “Here, the talent is chosen.