Introducing: The Road of Shadows

Summary

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Trap Street: Introducing "The Road of Shadows"

Podcast: Trap Street
Hosts: Tony Martinez & Michael P. Greco
Episode Air Date: December 9, 2025
Feature: The Road of Shadows – Season 1, Episode 1: "Misty Pines"
Created by: Mark R. Healy (Beyond the Dark Productions)

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Overview of the Episode

This episode serves as both a glowing recommendation and an introduction to the acclaimed audio drama "The Road of Shadows." Set against an atmospheric backdrop inspired by 1980s nostalgia, the hosts of Trap Street present the gripping first episode of the series. The narrative follows Daniel Knox, a lone biker drifting through small towns, chased by sinister creatures known as "shadows" and burdened by the rule of constant vigilance and detachment for survival. The show promises high stakes, deep mysteries, and a tense, paranoid mood—drawing listeners into a dark, rural world populated by secrets and supernatural threats.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Beats

1. Setting the Scene: Retro Reverence

[00:04]

• Host warmly invites listeners back to 1984: "Prince was dominating the music charts, and the first and best Ghostbusters was number one at the summer box office."
• Quick teaser of the premise: Daniel Knox's struggle with the shadows, which "are disguised as everyday people. They prey on humans in secret."
• Emphasis on the show’s blend of retro Americana and horror: "Just like a DeLorean traveling at 88 mph," the mystery takes off.

Notable Quote

"For all of us here at Trap Street, The Road of Shadows has become a must listen. Trust me, there's a reason this show is constantly at the top of the science fiction charts."
— Narrator/Host [01:27]

2. Meet Daniel Knox: The Reluctant Drifter

[02:33+]

• Daniel’s introduction is quiet and understated, echoing his desire to stay unnoticed.
• Casual interaction starts with Helen, a new-in-town gas station attendant. The conversation reveals their mutual outsider status and initial chemistry.
• Quote [03:25]:
  • "No, I mean the whole mysterious loner in a small town thing. That's you down to a T." — Helen
  • "Can’t dance like him, if that's what you're wondering." — Daniel Knox

Themes:

• Knox’s emotional detachment as survival mechanism.
• Subtle longing for connection countered by fear and trauma.

3. The Shadow Strikes

[07:04]+

• Daniel narrates his strict rules for survival—no attachments, always ready to run.
• Immediate tension as Helen leaves alone, oblivious to Daniel’s warnings.
• Atmospheric writing: "The scent is stronger, overpowering. As I watch the overhead lamps flicker and wink out one by one." [07:53]
• Attack sequence: A shadow attacks Helen, Knox is paralyzed by helplessness, forced to flee.

Notable Quotes

"These monsters are disguised as everyday people. They prey on humans in secret, and the only one who knows anything about them is Daniel Knox."
— Narrator [00:41]

"He stares at me with eyes like midnight, eyes that are devoid of remorse, devoid of humanity. He's one of them."
— Daniel Knox [08:46]

4. Life on the Run

[09:52]

• Daniel reflects on his only freedom being the literal road. But, as he states:

"That freedom is only as deep as a tank of gas. After that, all bets are off." [10:07]

• Arrival in a new town, immediate methodical habit of mapping escape routes and potential threats.

5. Small Town Suspicion

[13:23]+

• Daniel checks in at the Misty Pines Motor Inn, careful to select a room with optimal vantage and an escape route.
• Engages in cagey small talk with innkeeper John Hobbs—both men sounding guarded, running circles around each other.
• Daniel explores the town, noting its limits and danger points, showing his constant threat assessment mindset.

Notable Quote

"If the disinfectant drowns out the scent of a shadow in bloodlust, I might as well just slit my wrists right now and be done with it... I'll be blind to its advance, and that means I'm as good as dead."
— Daniel Knox [18:24]

6. Encounters at the Motel and Bar

[19:46]+

• Daniel’s isolation and longing are highlighted by a one-sided conversation with his (presumed absent or deceased) father, signified by his father's bandana.

• A tense, threatening altercation at the bar with a local named Dillinger leads to a late-night confrontation.

• Introduction of a young woman searching for her missing sister—mirroring Helen's and Daniel’s outsider roles and hinting at a pattern of disappearances which may be linked to the shadows.

Notable Quotes

"Unexplained disappearances are a telltale sign of shadows. It's like a calling card. There's one of them here in Colton. I could almost guarantee it."
— Daniel Knox [24:27]

7. Night Watch and Paranoia

[25:07]+

• Daniel debates whether to leave, noting both the lure and danger of staying. His lack of gas forces him to tough it out.
• Stakes are underlined—one night could mean life or death.
• He prepares for a sleepless night by the window, determined to survive until morning.

"I keep my eyes on the window and pull the blanket higher up across my shoulder. Then, within the gloom of the Misty Pines Motor Inn, I sit and wait."
— Daniel Knox [26:30]

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Memorable Moments with Timestamps

• [03:01] Helen:
  • "You're a bit like him, you know. Kevin Bacon?... The whole mysterious loner in a small town thing. That's you down to a T."
• [04:46] Daniel Knox:
  • "Yeah, I'm not very good with people. Not good at talking, I mean. Sorry."
• [07:04] Daniel’s Internal Monologue:
  • "No attachments. Be ready to leave at a moment's notice. That's the only way to stay alive."
• [08:46] Daniel's Confrontation with the Shadow:
  • "He stares at me with eyes like midnight, eyes that are devoid of remorse, devoid of humanity. He's one of them."
• [10:07] Daniel Knox:
  • "That freedom is only as deep as a tank of gas. After that, all bets are off."
• [18:24] Daniel Knox on Surviving the Shadows:
  • "If the disinfectant drowns out the scent of a shadow in bloodlust, I might as well just slit my wrists right now and be done with it. I'll be blind to its advance, and that means I'm as good as dead."
• [24:27] Daniel Senses the Threat:
  • "Unexplained disappearances are a telltale sign of shadows. It's like a calling card."
• [26:30] Vigil in the Night:
  • "Within the gloom of the Misty Pines Motor Inn, I sit and wait."

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Tone and Style

• The episode blends nostalgia (for the 1980s) with dread, suspense, and noir-like storytelling.
• Daniel Knox is portrayed as haunted and pragmatic, voice flat yet resonant with deep-seated trauma.
• Dialogue is smart, tense, and understated, contributing to the foreboding, small-town atmosphere.

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Conclusion

This introduction to "The Road of Shadows" deftly sets up a world where danger hides in plain sight, rules are written in blood, and survival precludes connection. The eerie atmosphere, tightly constructed dialogue, and relentless tension mark it as essential listening for fans of supernatural thrillers and audio dramas.

To keep up with Daniel Knox and unravel the mystery of the shadows, listeners are encouraged to check out the ongoing series—now with four seasons available wherever podcasts are found.

—
End of Summary

Transcript

[Narrator]

Here at Trap street, we are huge fans of all things retro. So for this recommendation, let's time travel all the way back to 1984, when Ronald Reagan was in the White House. Prince was dominating the music charts, and the first and best Ghostbusters was number one at the summer box office. You know what else was going on during that amazing year? Somewhere in a remote mountain community, a biker named Daniel Knox was in the middle of a life and death game of hide and seek with these bizarre creatures called shadows. And that battle is at the heart of a gripping audio drama called the Road of Shadows. These monsters are disguised as everyday people. They prey on humans in secret, and the only one who knows anything about them is Daniel Knox. When you first meet him, Knox is wandering from town to town, never spending too much time in one place because he's always on the run from the shadows. But then his path intersects with a woman who's searching for her missing sister. The two of them start working together, and that's when the mystery really takes off. Just like a DeLorean traveling at 88 mph. For all of us here at Trap street, the Road of Shadows has become a must. Listen, trust me, there's a reason this show is constantly at the top of the science fiction charts. That's why we're proud to showcase the first episode right here. And on the Trap street feed right now. There are four seasons with more on the way. And you can find those episodes everywhere you listen to podcasts. So tune in and try if you can to keep up with Daniel Knox on the Road of Shadows.

[Daniel Knox]

The road of shadows created by mark r. Healy a beyond the dark production season 1 episode 1 misty pines.

Hey.

Hey, wait up.

[Mark R. Healy]

Me?

[Daniel Knox]

Yeah, you.

[Helen]

What did you think of the movie?

[Daniel Knox]

Okay, I guess.

[Helen]

Oh, you liked it that much, huh?

[Daniel Knox]

Well, how about you?

[Helen]

I loved it, but I knew I would. I mean, Kevin Bacon. Hello. He's a total hunk.

[Daniel Knox]

You like him, huh?

[Helen]

Doesn't everyone? Ah, here, check it out. I already bought the soundtrack on tape. I've got it here in my Walkman. Have a listen to this one. First track on side two.

[Daniel Knox]

No, that's okay. I'm good.

[Helen]

You're a bit like him, you know. Kevin Bacon?

[Daniel Knox]

What? Come on.

[Helen]

No, I mean the whole mysterious loner in a small town thing. That's you down to a T. I.

[Daniel Knox]

Can'T dance like him, if that's what you're wondering.

[Helen]

You want to show me a few moves?

[Daniel Knox]

No. No, I don't.

[Helen]

Didn't think so, but at least There's a smile poking through. Haven't seen one of those on your face before.

[Daniel Knox]

You've only been in town, what, a week?

[Helen]

Week and a half?

[Daniel Knox]

See, I only smile once every two, three weeks, tops.

[Helen]

Yeah, that explains it.

[Daniel Knox]

What do you think of the place?

[Helen]

The town? Not much.

Sorry if that offends you. You probably grew up here, right?

[Mark R. Healy]

Me?

[Daniel Knox]

No. I've only been here a couple of months.

[Helen]

Settling down?

[Daniel Knox]

I don't know yet.

[Helen]

You won't stay? I could see it in your face. You're a traveler, like me.

[Daniel Knox]

Maybe.

[Helen]

Daniel, is it?

[Daniel Knox]

Yeah.

[Helen]

I'm Helen. I'm working at the gas station down the road. Denton's?

[Daniel Knox]

Sure. Behind the counter.

[Helen]

So you have noticed me.

[Daniel Knox]

Well, I.

[Helen]

Every time you pull in on that motorcycle of yours, I think, this time he's gonna come over and talk to me. But it never happens.

[Daniel Knox]

Yeah, I'm not very good with people. Not good at talking, I mean. Sorry.

[Helen]

You know a good way to fix that? Practice.

[Daniel Knox]

Yeah. Right.

[Helen]

I'm coming back here tomorrow night to watch this again. If you like, you could sit with me. We can talk about Kevin Bacon's dance moves and stuff.

[Daniel Knox]

You're not supposed to talk in a movie theater.

[Helen]

We'll whisper.

What's the matter? What are you looking at?

[Daniel Knox]

Do you smell that?

[Helen]

Ah, stale popcorn.

[Daniel Knox]

No, not that.

[Helen]

The only thing I smell in this shithole town is loneliness and despair.

I'm choking on it.

[Daniel Knox]

Yeah.

[Helen]

I'm making my way east. Need to save up some cash so I can move on to somewhere better. Like.

Anywhere.

Daniel, are you even listening to me?

[Daniel Knox]

Yeah. Sorry.

[Helen]

Well, they're closing up for the night.

[Daniel Knox]

Yeah, I should get going.

[Helen]

Yeah.

[Daniel Knox]

Do you need someone to walk you home?

[Helen]

I've got Kevin Bacon in my pocket. Who else would I need?

[Daniel Knox]

I can.

[Helen]

Well, don't worry, Daniel. Nothing's gonna happen to me. Not in this damn town.

[Daniel Knox]

You sure?

[Helen]

I'll see you around.

[Daniel Knox]

Yeah. See you around.

Helen. It's a nice name. A part of me wishes I could have taken her up on her offer. But in the end, this is how it has to be. I've learned the hard way over the years not to get involved. No attachments. Be ready to leave at a moment's notice. That's the only way to stay alive. Maybe in another world, in another life, things could have been different with her. But not in this one.

God damn it.

Helen? Helen, where are you?

In the alley. The scent is stronger, overpowering. As I watch the overhead lamps flicker and wink out one by one.

God damn it. No. The girl appears briefly under the last streetlight, the headphones snug against her ears, the Walkman clasped to her hip. She's oblivious as she walks, lost in her own world. Hey, stop. I need to talk to you. Then she's swallowed up by the darkness again. Helen, Wait a second.

It strikes her in the gloom so fast she barely has time to scream.

She falls into the edge of the lamplight and lies there bleeding, motionless.

Shit. Oh fuck.

The man's skin is scaly, flaking, and there are patches of soot on his cheeks. He stares at me with eyes like midnight, eyes that are devoid of remorse, devoid of humanity. He's one of them.

I turn and run and I don't look back.

[John Hobbs]

Sa.

[Daniel Knox]

Sometimes out here on the road is the only place I feel safe.

With the wind in my hair and the sun sitting at my back, I'm free.

Out here. They can never touch me.

But that freedom is only as deep as a tank of gas. After that, all bets are off.

With just a few bucks in my pocket, I have a decision to make. I have to stop somewhere, and once I do, I'll be vulnerable again.

On the road ahead, the valley opens up before me in the twilight.

Majestic pine covered mountains rise up on either side of the sleepy little town below, where the light from cottage windows shimmers through a haze of smoke.

I ease off the throttle and let the bike coast down the slope. The homely smell of wood fired ovens thick in the.

It's good. It's clean.

I reach into my pack and pull out the notepad. The mud map I drew of the last town is right there on the first page, and a pang of guilt goes through me. I think of Helen, the way she looked at me outside the movie theater last night. The way she screamed in the darkness.

God damn it.

In truth, there's nothing I could have done for her. Not a thing. I can't fight them. Not again. They can't be killed. I know that now. All I can do is keep running, keep going until I find a sanctuary somewhere they'll never find me.

This town. Maybe this is the one.

The highway runs east to west, right through the center of town, with steep mountains on either side. There's no other way in or out. To the north a fire trail leads up into the woods. If worse came to worst, I might be able to use it as an escape route, but I'd probably have to go on foot. The bike won't cut it through there.

The town is small and I'm able to cover most of the streets in just a few minutes. Then I take out the notepad and map it all out. Once that's done, I study it, memorize the layout. But I don't take too long. There's something else that needs my attention right away.

[John Hobbs]

Evening.

[Daniel Knox]

Hey there. How's it going?

[John Hobbs]

Fine. Just fine. You here for a room?

[Daniel Knox]

How much for a single?

[John Hobbs]

Prices are right over there on the counter.

[Daniel Knox]

Oh, right.

[John Hobbs]

Is there a problem?

[Daniel Knox]

No.

[John Hobbs]

Because there's nowhere else to stay in town, if that's what you're wondering.

[Daniel Knox]

Huh.

[John Hobbs]

Saw you driving past on that motorcycle of yours two, maybe three times in the last half hour. Figured you were checking out your options. But if you're staying in Colton, there's not a lot of choice. I'm afraid. It's my way or the highway.

[Daniel Knox]

No, I was just cruising. There's some nice scenery around here.

[John Hobbs]

Getting a little dark for sightseeing, isn't it?

[Daniel Knox]

I guess so. I got a bit carried away. Ended up long ass. That station out on the edge of town, Sandy.

[John Hobbs]

Closes at 5pm you, mister? Opens at 9 again tomorrow.

[Daniel Knox]

Oh, right.

[John Hobbs]

Do you want a room or not, mister?

[Daniel Knox]

Sure. Uh, do you have a layout I can see?

Great. Can I take this room here?

[John Hobbs]

Not unless you want to sleep on a pile of trash. I'm having that one remodeled. Water damage. Here. You can take this one around the corner.

[Daniel Knox]

How about this one?

[John Hobbs]

Any particular reason why?

[Daniel Knox]

I like the view out this way.

[John Hobbs]

The view, huh?

The bed sheets need changing in there. Give me a half an hour. All right. I'll get someone onto it pronto.

[Daniel Knox]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[John Hobbs]

You want to fix that up now?

[Daniel Knox]

Sure. Here you go.

[John Hobbs]

Enjoy your stay.

[Daniel Knox]

Hey, I don't suppose there's anything to eat around here. I'm starving.

[John Hobbs]

See that sign out front? The big neon one that says Misty Pines Motor Inn? Not grocery store.

[Daniel Knox]

Right. But is there anywhere else in town.

[John Hobbs]

At this time of night? The diner maybe. If you're lucky.

[Daniel Knox]

Yeah. Okay.

[John Hobbs]

There's a vending machine around the side next to room three. That's the best I can offer here at Misty Pines.

[Daniel Knox]

Sure. Thanks.

[John Hobbs]

Tiffany, it's John Hobbs. I need you back for a minute. Yes, right now. Hey, don't give me that. I pay you good money.

I called her, but it's gonna be a little while.

[Daniel Knox]

Mr. Hopps, is it?

[John Hobbs]

Yeah, that's me.

[Daniel Knox]

How long have you lived in Colton?

[John Hobbs]

A while, I guess.

[Daniel Knox]

Anything much ever happened here?

[John Hobbs]

Nope. Quiet as a mouse.

[Daniel Knox]

There must be some good hiking trails around the place.

[John Hobbs]

Look, pal, I'm trying to do inventory Here.

[Daniel Knox]

Must bring in a lot of tourists.

[John Hobbs]

Good for business, I guess.

[Daniel Knox]

Is it dangerous up there? Does anyone ever get lost?

[John Hobbs]

You don't look like much of a hiker to me.

[Daniel Knox]

No, I'm not.

[John Hobbs]

Then you don't have to worry about getting lost, do you?

[Daniel Knox]

Just making conversation.

[John Hobbs]

Right.

[Daniel Knox]

Anything else you can tell me about the town?

[John Hobbs]

I'm not exactly a walking encyclopedia, mister. I just run the motor in. If you want to know all about what's going on, the bar is a few blocks that way. Plenty of people who will talk your ears off.

[Daniel Knox]

Is there a library in town?

[John Hobbs]

Closes at 5pm you missed it, of course. Now, if you'll excuse me, you've got inventory to do. That's right.

[Daniel Knox]

Thanks for your time.

The room is small and not particularly well maintained. A lot of the decor looks like it's from the 60s, but that isn't what concerns me most.

It's the smell. The air reeks of disinfectant. Clearly the bed wasn't the only thing that needed tidying up in here. The floors have been freshly mopped and the counters wiped down. And that's created one hell of a stink. This won't do. If the disinfectant drowns out the scent of a shadow and bloodlust, I might as well just slit my wrists right now and be done with it. I'll be blind to its advance, and that means I'm as good as dead.

The thing is, this is the room I need. From this vantage point, I can see the highway. I can see whoever's coming or going. And that's vital.

Let's give it an hour, see how it smells. Then.

I give the place a once over. It's all pretty standard, like countless other cheap motel rooms I've seen over the years. In the bathroom, there's a window that leads out the back. It only opens a crack, but the hinges look pretty weak. I figure I could knock it out if I needed to make a quick escape.

I unpack a few items of clothing and lay them out on the bed. The bandana is still nestled in the pouch on the side. So I take it out and run my fingers across it, then lay it on the pillow.

Today wasn't my best day, dad. Wasn't my finest moment. It was a girl. And.

I did what I had to to survive. I don't expect you to be proud, but I hope at least you understand.

I take the bandana and put it away for safekeeping. Again, not for the first time. I wish there was someone I could talk To a real living person, not a memory. But there's no one else who could possibly understand what I'm going through. No one else can see them. No one else knows they exist.

What the hell are you doing? Are you following me now?

[Dillinger]

Well, you waved your skinny ass at every guy in that bar tonight, so I figured you must be ready for some action.

[Daniel Knox]

Waved my. Get the hell out of my face.

[Dillinger]

Problem is, you're not going to get much action going home alone now, are you?

[Daniel Knox]

I asked a few questions at the bar.

[John Hobbs]

That's it.

[Daniel Knox]

Is that a crime?

[Dillinger]

Like I said, looking for attention. And I'm only too happy to give it to you. Take a seat right here next to me and I'll show you.

[Daniel Knox]

Hey, could you step away from the motorcycle, please?

[Dillinger]

Who the is this? This your man?

[Daniel Knox]

I've never seen this guy before in my life.

I said get off the bike.

[Dillinger]

Why don't you go back where you came from? The lady and I are talking here.

[Daniel Knox]

Doesn't sound like she wants to talk.

Look, mister, sorry for the disturbance. Just go back to your room, okay? I can handle this.

[Dillinger]

You heard her off.

[Daniel Knox]

Same goes for you, Dillinger. Is that your name?

[Dillinger]

Yeah, that's me.

[Daniel Knox]

I'd like you to leave.

[Dillinger]

But what if I've got some answers to those questions of yours?

[Helen]

Do you?

[Dillinger]

Let's sit down with a couple of beers and find out.

[Daniel Knox]

I'm tired, okay? Not in the mood for this.

[Dillinger]

So I'm not good enough for you?

[Daniel Knox]

Good night.

[Dillinger]

Good night, huh? Good night. Yeah, you and your needle dick boyfriend here will have a real good night, I'm sure. If he can even get it up.

[Daniel Knox]

Hey, and for what it's worth, I hope that bitch rots in hell, wherever she is.

Motherfucker.

[Dillinger]

Hey.

[Daniel Knox]

Are you okay?

Fine.

You sure? You seem a bit shaken up.

Yeah, it's. It's nothing. Sorry for all the noise.

That's okay. Sounds like you had a rough night.

No, it's more like a month, actually. And it doesn't look like ending anytime soon.

Well, I should probably get back to bed.

No one in this town knows.

What the hell am I even doing here?

They don't know about what?

Anything, apparently.

Are you a reporter or something?

Why would you say that?

That Dillinger guy said you were asking questions at the bar.

No, I'm not a reporter.

I'm looking for my sister. Don't suppose you've seen her?

Look, I just got into town tonight. I'm probably not going to be much help.

No, I didn't think so. She's been missing a month. A whole goddamn month, and I still don't have a single clue as to what happened.

Wait a second. She went missing here in Colton without a trace.

Do you. Do you know something?

Are you sure it was here?

As far as I can tell. But. But like I said, I'm having a hard time finding out. I. Are you okay?

Yeah. Sorry. I just had a long ride here and I'm beat. I. Well, good luck with your sister.

Hey, wait a second.

I should have known.

[Helen]

Shit.

[Daniel Knox]

Why does this keep happening? I should leave right away. No question. Unexplained disappearances are a telltale sign of shadows. It's like a calling card. There's one of them here in Colton. I could almost guarantee it. I could feel it in my bones. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Slow down. You're not going anywhere.

Fuck the bike. I'm running on empty. Won't have enough gas to make it to the next town. No way. And if I tried, I'd just end up stalling out there in the wilderness. I'd be a sitting duck.

Okay. Think about this. Just think.

The gas station opens at 9. I just have to make it through one night, that's all. One lousy night. Then I can fill up and get the hell out of here.

I stand at the window, feel the gentle caress of the evening breeze.

There's still no scent. If a shadow is out there, it's dormant. Not a threat. For now, at least. Maybe I'm just overreacting to this whole thing. Maybe the disappearance has some other explanation. Sometimes people just go missing. I can do this. One night.

It's quiet outside. Looks like the girl has gone back into her room. Everything's peaceful.

Okay. Okay. It's all good.

I gather up my gear and put it in the backpack. Apart from my shoes, which I don't bother to take off. I drag the blanket off the bed and set up a chair close to the window. With all my belongings within arm's reach. The smell of disinfectant is already starting to diminish. That's good. This spot will do fine.

I keep my eyes on the window and pull the blanket higher up across my shoulder.

Then, within the gloom of the misty pines, motor in. I sit and wait.

[Mark R. Healy]

The road of shadows is created by Mark R. Healy. If you're looking to dig deeper into the show, I have good news for you. Over at Patreon, we're already dissecting the mysteries of Colton through exclusive character dossiers and concept art. Learn more about the characters and the lore and get a head start on the story by hearing episodes a week early ad free. All of that and more is available [e-mail] BeyondTheDark check out more of my podcasts at the road of shadows.com the Road of Shadows Season 1 Hamish Plagemas, Marta Da Silva, Rhiannon Mauschel, Jimmy Yamaguchi, Trent Trachtenberg, Madeline Norton, Andres Echeverri, John Carver, Jay Silver, Ryan Page, Jason Cryer, Gavarock, Isabella Tugman, Jaron Bacat, Ryan Geyser, and Diana Helen Kennedy. The Road of Shadows is a Beyond the Dark production.