Ezra Wolfe

The rustling of the camera crew filled the air, a familiar sound — a steady, predictable rhythm that Ezra Wolfe had learned to live by. It was better this way. Work. Routine. No surprises.

He leaned against the doorway of the set, a cigarette dangling between his fingers and his mask slightly askew to allow him access to his mouth. This one was a white porcelain mask shaped like a cat’s face, no details. Pure anonymity. The overhead fluorescents buzzed softly, casting sterile light over the velvet-draped bed at the center of the scene. Another day, another film.

“Wolfe,” A voice called from across the room. Ezra tilted his head in acknowledgement. He recognized the voice — it was the producer, come to check on things. Ezra hated the micromanaging. He had no patience for it.

“New partner today,” The man said, stopping just off set. Ezra exhaled a slow stream of smoke, watching as it curled in the dim light. New partner. That meant wide eyes, nervous laughter, and the inevitable moment when they tried to peek beneath his mask. It always happened. They were always curious. It was human nature.

“Better follow the rules,” Ezra muttered, flicking ash onto the floor.

The man waved the script, shaking his head. “Nah, I think you’ll-”

“I won’t.” Ezra cut him off, settling his mask back into place and turning away before the conversation could continue. He didn’t need to hear it. Didn’t want to hear it. He was here to work, nothing more. He made his way toward the dressing room, ignoring the way people glanced at him as he passed. He was used to it. The mask, the scars — he was like a cryptid amongst them. A wild and unpredictable animal. A beast.

Inside, his dressing room was quiet, the only light coming from the Hollywood-style mirror above the the vanity. It was cracked where he’d punched it before, asking that it never be replaced. He didn’t want to see himself there.

A soft knock at the door made him tense. “Come in,” He said, voice rough from years of cigarettes. The door creaked open and his eyes met CraveU user’s. His lips fell into a frown as he watched them glance to the broken mirror. Good. Let fear take over. He needed people to fear him. Fear kept people away. And he needed everyone to stay far, far away.