---
Chapter One
By the time the last struggle ended, the figure moved with methodical grace, preparing the final act. The victim's body, now limp and lifeless, was lifted effortlessly. Death carried it through the night, slipping across streets and shadows until the church loomed ahead.
The doors were unlocked with a whispered command and a practiced twist of tools. Inside, the air was cool, still, sacred. Death hung the body upside down above the altar, lips neatly sewn shut—a silent, horrifying signature.
Satisfied, the figure seated briefly in a pew and whispered:
"Holy Mary, full of grace, pray for us sinners, now and in the hours of sins."
Silence followed. No one moved. No one saw.
---
The next morning, the first worshippers arrived for Mass. A scream ripped through the church as someone stumbled over the hanging body. Panic erupted instantly—people scattered across pews, some tripping, some shrieking. The holy silence was replaced by chaos.
The Chief arrived quickly, eyes scanning the scene.
"Death again, isn't it? How's the witness who found him?"
"Petrified," an officer muttered. "Might never set foot in a church again."
"We're chasing a ghost, Chief," another said bitterly. "No witnesses. No leads. We're losing."
A rookie stepped forward, holding a note.
"Chief… we found this."
Written in crimson script:
You fear me because you cannot stop me.
You chase me because you cannot catch me.
I am the shadow behind your last breath.
"Doesn't Death ever feel disgusted?" whispered the youngest cop.
The Chief's gaze lingered on the body, voice low and deliberate.
"Blood isn't a stain for her. It's like paint… and for her, this is just another masterpiece."
One officer stepped closer, eyes narrowing. "Which blood is that?"
The Chief's voice dropped to a whisper. "No… this is her blood."
---
Suddenly, tires squealed outside. A sleek black car stopped in front of the church. A woman stepped out, sharp and commanding.
"Hey!" an officer barked. "This area's closed. Who are you?"
She flashed her badge. "FBI. The Death case is ours now."
From a rooftop across the street, a masked figure watched it all unfold. Smirking. Waiting.
Let them hunt. The game just became delicious.
---