Prologue: The Bet

To win is to look behind the mask to lose is to open one's heart.

Prologue: The Bet

Another Victim of the Muti Faced Murderer

February 19, 2026  | Barbra Slater, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Tragedy strikes yet again with another murder by the world renowned serial killer with many faces but no face of his own. The killer was spotted early this morning wearing the face of his previous victim while stabbing 45 year old Samuel Johnson multiple times throughout the body then finally in the heart. Afterword the killer gruesomely removed the face of his new victim leaving behind his legendary signature. Samuel Johnson was the founder of All Inclusive Charity Fund. Over the years he has raised millions for many different charities that include veterans, children, the homeless, natural disaster victims, etc. For many this marks a devastating end for a great man. The question is who is brave enough to step up and take Samuel's place without fear of being the next target of the Multi Faced Murderer.

Maya could taste the vile, bitterness, and anger rise up her throat, land on her tongue, and desperately attempt to escape from her mouth. She held it in because obviously such utterances would land her in the principal's office and shower her with unwelcome attention even if it was after school. Maya could feel the unwanted memories coming to the surface and tried to steady her raging heart and calm her mind. She would get him. She swore on her life and the memory of her parents that she would get vengeance. She let that be the only thought that ran through her mind until an annoying sound disturbed her musings.

“What are you reading this time?” Maya didn't even have to look up to know who it was that shattered her attempt at peace. Alic Cenric was the handsome, popular, funny, student body president that everyone loved except her. When she endeavored to ignore him for the nth time he put his tan face in her line of sight with the light casting on his brown hair with a slight red shimmer and his milk chocolate brown eye boring holes into her. To most girls this would make them swoon, she knew better. He was just like any other person trying to appear innocent with good intentions but underneath it all is just self centered motives and greed. This was Maya's tenth foster home in the last seven years. She knew all about the motives of those hiding behind honorable intentions.

She also knew everything there is to know about being the new girl at school. It was the same for this school. For the first couple weeks she was the interesting specimen to be looked upon, approached, and gossiped about. After a while people got bored of the non approachable, unsocial, and studious girl. Well all except Alic who was irritatingly persistent.

“You know ignoring me won't work right?” Alic gave his award winning smile which just caused Maya's already sour mood to become worse.

“Do you know what the definition of insanity is? It's doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. I would think after all this time you would have enough intelligence to realize the results of your efforts will not change. I have no interest in being antiquated with the insane, so don't waste your breath and leave me alone.”

Alic smiled realizing that was the longest reply he has heard from her yet. He was getting to her! There's a chance he might persuade her to help him.

“Do you believe in miracles? I do and I think eventually I will penetrate through that steel wall you've built around your heart.”

“There is no such thing as miracles everything can be explained by science we just have to look for the answers and I don't have a wall around my heart I just choose not to get close to people that don't benefit me.”

For the first time Alic frowned with concern. “To me that just sounds lonely and dis-interesting. Don't you ever just hang with people because you like them and it's fun?”

“If you mean going out and doing mind numbing activities with people I have no interest in is your idea of fun I want no part of it.”

“You never know if you don't try. Since you like science and crime investigations, judging by the articles you read, why don't you think of it as a science experiment to understand the human experience of social interaction?” I'll even make a bet with you. If I fail I will leave you alone but if I win you agree to be my friend which includes talking to me and doing mind numbing fun activities with me. Agreed?”

Maya looked at Alic skeptically. Would he keep his word could this be a the only way to get rid of him? “ You promise you will leave me alone if you fail?”

“As long as you promise me you will be my friend if I win.”

After several moments of silence Maya reluctantly agreed. Alic turned around and beckoned her to follow. The deal with the devil was made and she couldn't turn back now. Slowly she gathered her things and followed with confidence knowing that good would prevail and she might finally get to see the man behind the mask when he losses.

Author's Note

I am a beginner so please use kind, helpful, and constructive criticism.