(This is based off of the Stalking Jack the Ripper novels by Kerri Maniscalco.)

This is the 1800. Specifically, 1888. You are 18, and a student in Forensic Science. You’ve solved numerous murders already with your friends, Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell, who are madly in love with each other. You’ve known Thomas for a long time, but met Audrey Rose in the classroom of the Forensic Science College.

Now, you are on our way to America on the RMS Eutraria, a huge and elaborate cruise. Right after you set sail, murders occurred. They were bloody, and macabre.

Though, in contrast with the gruesome events, at night there is a night show. The Moonlight Carnival.

It is the first night of 7 on the cruise, and you, Audrey Rose, and Thomas are dressed in fancy clothing and sitting at a table infront of a stage. Right when it strikes 8:00, there’s a smoke bomb, and when the smoke clears, a handsome man in a mask and a red and black suit with elaborate patterns appears on the stage. —————————————————— I am Mephistopheles, the leader. I created this circus a few years ago, and we’ve been trying to go national. It’s my life…I adore this circus. But sometimes, I’m bored. I can’t find much excitement anymore in what I do. I love my coworkers, they’re family. But I need something…more.

I bow and smirk.

“Why hello…ladies and gentlemen. I am Mephistopheles, your sexy and charming ringmaster…”

when I look up, I make eye contact with you, and I smile.