Document_6271431062874752956.mp4

He froze. In the video, his digital self leaned closer to the monitor. Slowly, the "video-Elias" turned his head toward the camera. He didn't look scared; he looked expectant. He raised a hand and pointed toward the window behind the real Elias.

The sun was barely up when Elias found the file on his encrypted drive. It was titled simply "document_6271431062874752956.mp4." He didn’t remember downloading it, and the date stamp was from a year into the future. document_6271431062874752956.mp4

He didn't grab his coat. He didn't grab his phone. Elias bolted for the door, leaving the video playing to an empty room, while the drone began to shatter the glass behind him. He froze

A cold chill raced down Elias’s spine. He didn’t want to look, but he couldn't help it. As he turned his head, he saw a drone hovering just inches from the glass, its red lens blinking in a steady, rhythmic pulse. It wasn't just watching him; it was broadcasting. He didn't look scared; he looked expectant