Chapter 0: The Beginning
Mumbai, the city of dreams. A place where people come with hopes in their hearts and dreams in their eyes. People come here to build their future, to prove that anything is possible. I am one of them. I am Aditi Rathore, an author. I mainly write mystery novels, it gives me peace. And today is a big day. Do you know why? I am heading to a book signing event where I will be meeting my readers, signing copies of my previous novels, and most importantly I am announcing my brand new novel, which would be a big surprise for my readers!
Standing in front of the full-length mirror, I adjusted my blazer. The faint ticking of the clock filled the silence in my room.
Tick… tick… tick…
I stared at my reflection, I felt a little bit unsure. Behind me, my latest novel rested on the bed. A flicker of doubt crossed my mind as I glanced at it, its cover gleamed in the soft light which came through the window. I walked over and picked it up, my fingers brushed across the title.
The ticking of the clock grew louder, more insistent, drowning out everything else.
Tick… tick… tick…
"I wrote this novel for a reason," I whispered to myself, staring at the cover. "The Cardmaster—a villain designed to be the perfect blend of psychopathy and manipulation. He enjoys watching others suffer. He's a master of mind games, always several steps ahead. He hides in the shadows, controlling everything and by the time you realize it, it's already too late."
I stood silent for a moment.
Cutting through the silence, I said, "But now, as I am about to share this novel with the world, something doesn't feel right. Have I unknowingly created something dangerous?" I paused for a second.
As I glance at the novel, a faint smile unknowingly curled up on my face. In a playful tone I said,"Hmm... in that case, I need to find a solution, too." I chuckled softly.
As I drifted in my thoughts, a gentle knock echoed through the door.
Knock knock…
I didn't know why, but the moment I heard the knock at the door, a shiver ran down my spine. I froze , rooted to the spot. Hesitation gripped me for a moment. "Who could be knocking at this hour?" I thought to myself. Something felt off—an unsettling tension hung in the air, as if I'd stepped into something I was never meant to...
The knock echoed again, louder this time. My feet moved of their own accord as I turned away from the mirror and stepped toward the door. I paused, briefly, wondering if I should check the peephole first. But something made me unwilling to do so.
I took a slow breath and made my way through the bedroom to the living room. My footsteps were light, but my anklet made a soft jingle, audible enough to be heard outside the door. The soft glow of the sunlight through the balcony illuminated the space, as I moved toward the door, the air began to get heavier. As I passed the partition between the kitchen and the living room, the figure of the city outside seemed distant, indifferent to the growing unease that tugged at my chest.
Each step toward the door felt heavier, the air thickening with every inch I moved. I reached the door and hesitated, my hand hovered over the door lock. The silence was so absolute that it almost felt unnatural, as if time itself had stilled.
I stepped toward the door, hesitating for a moment before answering its silent call. A soft click echoed through the hallway as I opened the door. But when I peered out, the hallway was empty. Then, I reached for the safety door, my hand pausing for a moment before I opened it. I stepped forward and glanced into the quiet corridor, unsure of what I might find.
As I scanned the quiet corridor, my eyes fell on something unusual—an unmarked envelope lying on the floor.
I bent down and picked it up, my fingers brushing the edge of the envelope, its weight strange in my hands.
I checked the envelope for any note, and on the back, I found one. The words read:
"From a fan who hopes to get noticed."
After reading the note, I realized it was from a fan. There was no need to worry, and I allowed myself to relax.
I stepped back inside, closing both of the door behind me. The soft rustle of paper broke the silence as I carefully tore open the envelope. Inside, there was nothing but a single playing card—theAce of Diamonds. Just the card.
Rustle...
A nervous chuckle escaped my lips.
"Huh, is this fan playing a prank on me?" I said, but the playful tone quickly faded as I flipped the card and saw the other side.
On its back, in elegant looking font, were the words:
"The game has already begun…
—Cardmaster"
"Cardmaster?" I thought to myself, the name echoing in my mind. Without realising, I opened both of the doors in a rush. "I don't know anyone by this name." I thought to myself.
I looked around, half-expecting someone to step out and explain this, but the corridor was empty—still, silent.
Clutching the card tighter, I turned it over again, hoping for some clue I had missed.
But there was nothing. Just that same ornate front—one that looked eerily similar to the font and the design on card similar to my novel's cover .
Cutting through the silence, I whispered to myself, "Is this a joke? Some kind of prank?"
But no one was laughing.
"But how? How could someone even know about this novel? It was meant to be a total surprise for my readers. I hadn't even released it yet," I continued in a whisper.
A chill ran down my spine. I stood frozen, staring at the card, my heart pounding in my chest.
Thump… thump… thump…
"The quiet before the madness... Here, the game begins…"