A pale yellow beam of light shone straight down into the sandy arena, yet the circus grounds did not become any warmer. On the contrary, the atmosphere grew even more oppressive, thick with the stench of rotting flesh mingled with the sickening sweetness of spoiled cotton candy.
From behind the ragged red velvet curtain backstage, a lanky man stepped out. He wore a dark-purple tailcoat covered in black stains, with a crooked top hat perched on his head. His face was caked in a thick layer of deathly white makeup. His mouth, painted a garish crimson, stretched wide all the way to his ears, revealing rows of sharp, twisted iron teeth.
On the Ringmaster's chest, his silver badge was completely warped, with a glaring red number prominently displayed upon it: -200.
"Welcome! Welcome, esteemed guests, to the Night Circus!"
