I ran through the dark forest, fleeing from the shadows chasing me. The cold wind cut my face, and the branches scratched my hands. I carried with me a backpack with what little remained: a book of poems by Miguel Hernández, a photo of my family, and a silver dagger.

I didn't know where I was going, only that I had to escape. I had lost everything I loved in that world devastated by wild magic. My village had been ravaged by a horde of deformed creatures, my husband had died in my arms, and my son had disappeared without a trace.

I only had hope left to find a safe place, a refuge to start anew. I had heard of a legendary train that traveled the world, braving dangers and taking survivors to an unknown destination. It was called "The Wanderer," and it was a marvel of steampunk engineering.

They say the train appeared when you least expected it, in the middle of the night or at dawn. They say you could only board it if you had something to offer or something to seek. They say the train was a dream come true for those who still dreamed.

I dreamed of finding my son, of embracing him and telling him I loved him. I dreamed of seeing his smile and hearing his laughter. I dreamed of being happy again.

But my dreams faded every time the shadows drew closer. I could hear their growls and heavy footsteps. I could feel their foul breath and malevolent gaze. I knew they would soon catch up with me and end my life.

Then I saw it. In the midst of the forest, among the trees, there was a metal track that shimmered in the moonlight. And on it, a huge and majestic train, shaped like a dragon with smoking chimneys. It was the Wanderer, the train of dreams.

I didn't think twice. I ran towards it with all my strength, leaving the shadows behind. I arrived just as the train began to move, slowly at first and then faster. I jumped onto the last carriage and held onto the door. I had managed to board the Wanderer.

I breathed a sigh of relief and looked around. The carriage was empty, except for some suitcases piled up in a corner. I approached them and saw that they had tags with names and destinations. I wondered who their owners were and where they were going.

Suddenly, I heard a noise behind me. I turned around and saw a young and beautiful woman with blond hair and blue eyes. She wore a red dress and held a pistol in her hand. She aimed it at me and said:

• Who are you, and what are you doing here?

I stood frozen, unsure of how to respond. The woman looked at me suspiciously and added:

• Don't move, or I'll shoot.

At that moment, the train came to a sudden halt, and the suitcases fell to the ground. The woman lost her balance and dropped the pistol. I took the opportunity to pick it up and aim it at her.

• Now it's my turn to ask - I said. - Who are you, and what are you doing here?

The woman got up from the ground and dusted off her dress. She looked at me defiantly and said:

• My name is Elisa, and I'm a passenger on the Wanderer.

• A passenger? - I repeated. - And how did you board the train?

• I escaped from the ruined city - she replied. - There were horrible creatures there that wanted to kill me. Luckily, I saw the train and managed to board it in time.

• And what do you seek on the train? - I asked.

• A safe place - she said. - A place to live in peace.

• Me too - I said. - My name is Catalina, and I come from the dark forest. I lost my family and my village there. All I have left is hope to find my son.

• I'm sorry - Elisa said, lowering her voice. - I also lost my family. I know how it feels.

We looked into each other's eyes and felt a connection. We lowered our weapons and approached each other. We hugged and consoled each other.

• What do we do now? - Elisa asked.

• I don't know - I said. - I suppose we'll have to explore the train and see if there are more people.

• And what if there are dangers? - Elisa asked.

• Then we'll have to face them together - I said. - We are strong and brave. We can handle anything.

We nodded and smiled. We held hands and left the carriage. We headed to the next one, not knowing what awaited us. But we were certain of one thing: we had found a friend on the Wanderer.

But our joy didn't last long. When we opened the door to the next carriage, we were met with a scene of horror. There was blood everywhere, mutilated bodies, and remnants of broken suitcases. And in the midst of it all, a woman with black hair and green eyes, who looked at us with a malicious smile.

• Hello, darlings - she said. - Welcome to the Wanderer. I am Alejandra, the train's killer.

We stood petrified, unable to believe what we were seeing. The woman approached us, holding a knife in her hand. She said:

• Don't worry, I won't harm you. I just want to play with you. Fancy a game?

We looked at each other in terror and knew we were in danger. We had boarded the Wanderer, the train of dreams, but we had entered a nightmare.