It was a dark and stormy night on the last day of October. Daylight had finally gone and darkness was creeping in. The only light available was the thunder and lighting that filled the sky. All mortals in the town were dressed as ghosts, ghouls and other creatures of the night. As they were out trick-or-treating, a serial killer was lurking around every dark corner; unknown to all.

While the beggars of the night were out looking for the house with the best candy, the killer was out looking for the best victim, one who he felt had the mark, the mark for murder. Tonight was his 13th year in his Halloween tradition and it was now time to choose his successor.

He calls himself "Master of Doom." He has the ability to take life without remorse and, if by chance you are able to survive, you might be cursed by the mark, and thoughts will race through your mind uncontrollably.

So if you happen to be out on All Hallows Eve, certainly choose the right costume. You never know what the Master of Doom will be looking for..... Maybe it will be YOU that has the mark.

© 2007 Karin Sebring. Original for CCF  (Sebring grants CCF  first electronic rights for one month; CCF may archive the material indefinitely and include it in an eBook anthology).