A horrid sight lay before Jerome's eyes.  Something he had convinced himself that would never happen...happened....

Aphmau, Jess, the super role-player, was dead.  Brownish-red spots were all over the cabinets and floor.  Blood dribbled down her neck.  A knife was stuck upright from her throat.  Her eyes showed horror and pain.  A cake sat on the counter just above Jess's body.  There was no blood on it.  Her hands were lying palms up next to her throat, like she was trying to stop someone from doing...this....

The mastermind laughed.  "1 down, 15 left.  Let the trials begin...."