The (metaphorical) death of a first draft

At first there is nothing but darkness. Then a match flares and is applied to a single candle, which is in turn used to light more candles. The light reveals a man dressed in black – a leather jacket, cargo pants and a cloak with a deep hood. The man's face is concealed behind a steel mask and he exudes an aura of menace that is only emphasised by the heavy leather-bound book tucked under one arm.