Prologue

A man sits in the secluded corners of the busy room. His dark brown eyes roam the crowd, searching for his target. Images of them are imprinted into his mind but he finds that no-one is worthy of his ticking of the clock is barely heard over the laughter and voices that ring out from all occupants of the building.

Looking at his watch, he sees the time. 8:30pm. His hunger grows every second, fueling his body and mind with need. Sighing, he settles back into the shadows with his eyes trained on the crowd.

A girl approaches the bar. Her wavy blonde hair swaying as her head turned from side to side, eyes scanning critically, searching for someone. Lights dance across her face. Blue, red, yellow, all different, highlighting the womans features. Music pounds in the club, the deep bass shaking the walls. Strangers gliding around in their own unique dance, separating as she pushes through. A smile blooms as she finds who she is looking for. Twisting through the crowd she walks towards the person. The girl in the seat with brunette hair and chocolate-brown eyes which brighten as they come upon the woman. Waving, she stands up and greets the blonde haired girl.

A movement catches his eye. There, by the bar, is his feast for the night. On high alert, he watches from beyond the crowd, cataloguing her every move into his memory. Next to her is a brunette woman, pretty but not his type. Her petite figure indicates she is easy, too easy. He doubts that she will take part in his game. The skinny ones never did. However, as the dark eyes roamed her body, he knew that she would be harder. By looking at her dress, he got an idea of who she is. Small muscles rippled underneath the silky fabric. The long legs were toned, muscles dancing as she swayed to the beat. Her height appeared to be 5ft 9in, a height appropriate for long strides as she runs but not long enough that she can escape his 6ft 2in build. Everything about her radiated superiority and control but just wait; wait until she plays the game; wait until she realises she cannot win. Just wait.

Feeling eyes on her, the woman turns. However, blue eyes meet nothing but the dense movement of dancing bodies as they grind and follow the beat, their feet tapping on the vinyl and linoleum, which make up the floor they dance upon. Her companion taps her shoulder, forcing her attention back on her. She turns back, confused at the sense of dread she felt rising through her. Shaking her head, the woman refocuses on the words being spoken from the others mouth.

The man sits there, wondering if she saw him. If she did then the game will be harder but it appears she hasn't as she turned back around. The man once again begins to wait.

An hour later, the woman begins to put on her coat. The shadow in the far back stands up and leaves. He has prepared for this. He is ready. Grabbing her purse and kissing the other woman on the cheek, she weaves her way back through the crowd towards the exit of the club.

Leaning against the cold, brick wall, he sees his participant step out of the large, metal doors into the moonlit night. A smirk appears on his face as he watches her. Time to play, he thinks as he chuckles darkly. Shoving his gloved hands in his pockets, he waits for 5 seconds before following the blue-eyed girl.

Hearing footsteps behind her, she looks over her shoulder only to find no-one there. Adrenaline pumps through her veins as she quickens her steps. The click, click, click of her heels tapping the ground as she walks. Under the streetlights, shadows dance. A low, waning gibbous moon hovered tenuously in the twilight firmament, bestowing a very dim light upon quickening figure. Briefly, a dark, wispy cloud eclipsed the crescent moon preventing the man from seeing his prey. stepping from the walkway the girl in the black coat takes a right, leading her to the park.

It was a cool, windy night; the swaying of trees and rustling of leaves in the park, could be heard but not seen, as the encompassing darkness had blotted out all but the faintest light. A cruel laugh stops her. The harsh sound echoing as it ricocheted from tree to tree before the world becomes silent again. Quickly, she picks up her pace, her rapid heartbeat pounding against her chest.

The owner of the laugh, steps out from his hiding spot. The moonlight illuminating his body, painting him in its grey light. His face is twisted into a wicked grin as he watches his prey stumble faster, tripping slightly on the uneven trail. The crunching of the leaves covers any noise he makes as he moves stealthily through the undergrowth.

"You can't escape." His voice low as he speaks. Teasing fills his tone, making his following laugh force shivers to rack the petite body as she breaks into a sprint. Glancing behind her, her eyes find nothing like in the club. Goosebumps decorate her skin. Hair stands up on end as dread combined with the cool wind forms in the pit of her stomach.

The shade from the trees block any source of light from leading her way. Tripping blindly, her hands reach out for a second before coming in contact with something soft. The unknown substance is kneaded by her small hands before being yanked from her grasp.

"Ah, ah, ah, no touching. Not yet." The voice speaks again, his hot breath brushing lightly across her cheek before disappearing.

"Who the hell are you?" She screams into the darkness that surrounds her.

"Me? I'm the host, of course and you are the contestant." A silent duh is heard.

"Why me?" The woman cries out. Desperation laces her tone. Terrified, she spins round trying to find the source of the voice.

"Because... is there need for a because?" He questions.

"Yes!" Once again, she finds nothing but the black hole that is night.

"Fine, you are here because you are the perfect woman for this part." The darkness answers before he lowers his tone adding "Time to play, young one." Before laughing maliciously as he pounces on his prey.

The chiming of the bells striking Ten cover the screams of terror which ring out into the night air. Tomorrow morning, a body will be found.