Page 184 of The Beautiful Dead

Reporter:“Thank you, Robin. I’m standing here on the steps of the Elysian Chamber, the recently opened gallery owned by renowned artist Casius Moreau. This morning, Marlow Heights was shaken to its core by a crime scene so gruesome it has left both law enforcement and forensic teams visibly disturbed.

As the city struggles to recover from the destruction left in the wake of the violent war between the DeMarcos and the Gallos, today marks yet another dark chapter—one that will undoubtedly leave lasting scars.

Follow me as we step inside and reveal the horrific discovery.

The gallery’s once-grand entrance has been completely defaced. Behind me, painted in what experts believe to be human blood, are the chilling words:Welcome to The Beautiful Dead.Authorities suspect the blood may belong to none other than Casius Moreau himself.

Inside, we find what can only be described as a macabre spectacle. Moreau’s body has been mutilated and posed in a grotesque display, his skin flayed, bones carved into jagged extensions resembling wings—transforming him into a twisted imitation of a fallen angel.

Even seasoned law enforcement officers and forensic specialists have struggled to process the sheer brutality of this crime. Some have been seen exiting the building, visibly shaken by what they’ve encountered.

Perhaps most disturbingly, the gallery has been transformed into something beyond a crime scene—an exhibition of horror. The walls are lined with disturbing, avant-garde pieces, each one appearing to explore the theme of death in its rawest, most violent form. Authorities now fear some of these works may contain remains belonging to individuals reported missing in recent months. While this has yet to be confirmed, the implications are chilling.

But now, Robin, we’re hearing something happening upstairs. Officers appear to have discovered something else.

—Background commotion, an officer’s voice cutting through?—

‘Chief! Upstairs, now!’

Robin, we’re moving quickly to follow the officers. We’re heading up the stairs now to get firsthand information on this latest development.

Chief Rutter—Chief, can you tell us what’s been discovered?”

Chief Rutter:(Visibly frustrated, addressing the camera crew)

“What the hell are you doing here, Anderson?”

Reporter:“Just doing my job, Chief. The public deserves to know what’s happening here. Can you confirm what your team has just uncovered?”

Chief Rutter:(Sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose before speaking)

“Fine. At approximately 08:00 this morning, our department received a call from a cleaner reporting a disturbance at the gallery. Upon arrival, we found the victim, identified as Casius Moreau, deceased. Cause of death appears to be a combination of strangulation and a fatal knife wound—driven through his jaw into his skull.”

Reporter:“And what about this new discovery?”

Chief Rutter:(Exhales sharply, visibly tense)

“We have just located two additional bodies inside Moreau’s private apartment. Both victims are female minors.”

Reporter:(Pausing, visibly unsettled)

“That is beyond horrific. Can you confirm their cause of death?”

Chief Rutter:“From a preliminary assessment, it appears they died from a combination of starvation and strangulation. But we’ll know more after the autopsy.”

Reporter:“This is truly a harrowing discovery. A crime that will shake this city to its very core. But, Chief, before we go—one last question.”

Chief Rutter:(Scowling, clearly irritated)

“Make it quick, Cotes.”

Reporter:“With this investigation underway, do you believe the Elysian Chamber will reopen? WillThe Beautiful Deadbe revealed to the public?”

Chief Rutter:(Jaw tightening, voice filled with disbelief)

“Are you serious right now?”

Reporter:“As serious as this investigation, Chief.”

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