The dim glow of a desk lamp cast long shadows across the walls of Alexander Bluestone's office. The scent of old paper and fresh ink lingered in the air, mingling with the distant hum of the city outside. Rain pattered softly against the window, a slow, rhythmic reminder of Liverpool's restless night.
Alexander sat in his worn leather chair, a thick book resting in his hands. His eyes skimmed the pages with practiced ease, though his mind remained distant—half-distracted, half-waiting. The quiet hum of the overhead light was the only sound in the room, save for the occasional rustle of paper as he turned a page.
Then, something caught his eye.
A folded newspaper lay near the edge of his desk, partially covering an old case file. He hadn't noticed it before, but now, the bold, black headline seemed to demand his attention.
"THE GRIM REAPER STRIKES AGAIN – ANOTHER BODY FOUND."
His fingers tightened around the book's spine, his gaze locked onto the words. The Grim Reaper—a name that had haunted Liverpool for months, a faceless specter leaving a trail of bodies in his wake.
Alexander closed his book with a soft thud, setting it aside. He reached for the newspaper, unfolding it with deliberate care. A grainy photograph accompanied the article—a dark alleyway, the blurred outline of a figure in the background. A single message scrawled on the brick wall behind the crime scene in deep crimson paint:
"DEATH IS INEVITABLE."
Alexander exhaled slowly. The room suddenly felt colder.
This wasn't just another case. This was a challenge.
And he would answer it.