Rhymes of the Devil
by
(Joe Murkijanian)
(The Rhmes of the Devil)
12/13/2025
Name
Address [email protected]
Phone 323 -253-6402
FADE IN:
EXT. CITY – NIGHT
AERIAL – A glittering MODERN CITY crawls with light and
noise. BILLBOARDS pulse with ads for alcohol, drugs disguised
as “lifestyle,” and a HARD ROCK GOD on a massive screen — JAX
KANE, 30s, hair whipping, guitar mid-swing.
We PUSH PAST the billboards, leaving the noise behind...
...GLIDING across freeway rivers of headlights...
...drifting toward the OLDER EDGE of the city.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Youth Talent Night: A Song of Faith
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH – NIGHT
A small, slightly rundown CHURCH sits on a corner, its
parking lot half-empty. A lone CROSS on the roof glows in
soft, warm neon — tiny against the city blaze behind it.
A HAND-PAINTED BANNER flaps over the door:
“YOUTH TALENT NIGHT – JESUS LOVES YOUR SONG!”
Music leaks out: awkward guitar, giggling kids, feedback.
We MOVE IN through the open doors—
INT. CHURCH – SANCTUARY – NIGHT
Cheap string lights. Folding chairs. A MICROPHONE on a wobbly
stand. Parents with camcorders. A WHEEZY SOUND SYSTEM.
On the low “stage”:
JAXON “JAX” KANE, 14, skinny, nervous, clutches a beat-up
ACOUSTIC GUITAR.
Beside him stands NATE HOLLOWAY, 14, sweet-faced, wired with
nervous energy, holding a second guitar that’s a size too
big.
They wear matching, badly printed T-SHIRTS:
“GRACE YOUTH – PRAISE BAND”
A CHURCH LADY at the mic squints at a crumpled paper.
CHURCH LADY
(tiny voice, into mic)
Next up we have... Jaxon and
Nathan, doing an original song.
Sparse APPLAUSE. Someone coughs.
IN THE FRONT ROW
EVANGELICAL MOM (40s) — Jax’s mom — beams, phone up to
record, eyes already wet.
BACK ROW
A younger EVA (13), braces, watches Jax with obvious crush
energy.
ON STAGE
Jax leans toward Nate, whispers:
JAX (14)
My hands are sweating on the holy
song. That’s gotta be a sin.
NATE
If we choke, we just say it was
“speaking in tongues.”
Jax snorts, almost laughs his fear away.
JAX (14)
Okay. When I nod, you start the
verse. Don’t rush the tempo this
time.
NATE
I rush because I believe in you,
man.
Jax rolls his eyes, but that lands. He takes a breath, steps
up to the mic.
JAX (14)
(into mic)
Hey. Uh... we wrote this one. It’s
about how... sometimes you don’t
feel like God’s listening, but He
is.
A small “aww” from a mom somewhere.
Jax nods to Nate.
Nate hits the OPENING CHORDS — a simple, surprisingly soulful
progression. Jax joins in, and suddenly the awkward church
hall has MUSIC.
Not polished. But real.
JAX (14) (CONT'D)
(singing; rough but
honest)
When the night is loud and I’m all
alone,
And the world outside don’t feel
like home,
If You hear my broken sound,
Take these words and turn me
around…
The congregation quiets. Even the kids stop giggling.
ON EVA – she’s transfixed, seeing the future version of him
already.
ON MOM – proud, whisper-praying through a smile.
ON STAGE – Jax glances at Nate. Nate stares back, grinning,
playing like this is everything.
NATE
(soft, mid-song)
Told you, dude. We’re gonna be huge
one day.
Jax almost misses a chord, caught by the thought.
JAX (14)
(singing)
If I ever sing the wrong song loud,
Pull me back from the wrong crowd—
Nate adds a harmony line, thin but sincere.
They hit the CHORUS together. For a moment, this ugly room
feels... lifted. The closest thing Jax has ever known to
peace.
ANGLE – THE BACK WALL
A FADED POSTER: a cartoon DEVIL with a red X through him.
TEXT: “DON’T LET THE ENEMY STEAL YOUR SONG.”
We PUSH IN on the devil’s smirking face...
SMASH CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
The Pit of Disillusionment
INT. DIVE BAR – NIGHT – YEARS LATER
The same chord progression from the church — now mutilated
into a distorted, rage-soaked RIFF — VIBRATES the grimy
walls.
A neon sign flickers: “THE PIT – LIVE MUSIC.”
On stage:
JAX KANE, now 32, hair tangled, eyeliner smeared, three days
past his last shower. A bottle of whiskey sits on an amp like
a bandmate.
He and his battered band hammer through the final measures of
a song NO ONE IS LISTENING TO.
THE CROWD
A handful of drunks, one girl doom-scrolling on her phone, a
biker couple making out hard against a wall. That’s it.
At a side table, a DEALER quietly makes a hand-off — the kind
Jax pretends not to see anymore.
ONSTAGE
Jax leans into the mic.
JAX
(gravel, sarcastic)
Hey, thanks for being here tonight.
Try not to injure yourselves with
all that enthusiasm.
DREW, drummer, early 30s, a sad loyal dog in human form,
gives him a warning look.
A heckler shouts from the bar:
HECKLER
Play something from the radio!
Jax grins poison.
JAX
Sure. I’ll play something from your
mom’s playlist — but there’s only
so many polka classics I know.
LIGHT LAUGHTER from two people. Someone throws a peanut at
him.
Jax catches it mid-air, pops it into his mouth.
JAX (CONT'D)
Mm. Tastes like minimum wage and
custody battles.
The crowd GROANS. The bartender hits a switch and the stage
lights BLAST OFF — that’s the unofficial “you’re done”
signal.
Jax squints into the sudden darkness.
JAX (CONT'D)
Awesome. Blackout is my favorite
effect.
He unstraps his guitar, snaps the strap off the peg, and
walks offstage.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Confrontation in the Back Hallway
INT. DIVE BAR – BACK HALL – CONTINUOUS
Jax pushes through a sticky curtain into a narrow hallway
plastered with decades of band stickers and regret.
Drew follows.
DREW
Dude… you gotta stop pissing off
the crowd.
JAX
What crowd? That was a support
group for alcoholism with a cover
charge.
Drew tries not to smile.
JAX (CONT'D)
(noticing)
Don’t. Don’t be loyal tonight. I
can’t handle hope.
From the other side of the hall, the CLUB OWNER approaches —
fat cigar, fat attitude.
CLUB OWNER
We’re cutting your pay in half.
Again.
JAX
Because the lights failed?
CLUB OWNER
Because your attitude failed.
JAX
Ah. Well. Can’t argue that.
He snatches the thin envelope.
CLUB OWNER
Also, your sound guy said you
screamed at him.
JAX
He unplugged my pedalboard because
I “interrupted” his nachos.
CLUB OWNER
And?
JAX
They deserved to be interrupted.
They were soggy.
The Owner steps closer, eyes narrow.
CLUB OWNER
This ain’t comedy night, Kane. You
wanna get paid, show some respect.
Jax SALUTES mockingly.
JAX
Yes, sir. Respect restored.
Envelope accepted. Soul shattered.
You have a nice evening now.
The Owner shoves past him.
DREW
(quiet)
You’re making this hard, man.
JAX
This? This is easy. Life is the
hard part.
They step out the back door into—
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Echoes of Loss
EXT. DIVE BAR – ALLEY – CONTINUOUS
Cool air. Trash cans. A stray cat. Welcome to the glamorous
world of rock.
Jax takes a long breath, then—
A LOUD CRACK.
He looks down.
His guitar — the same model he’s played since he was a
teenager — lies on the ground, neck SPLIT where someone
must’ve stepped on it during the load-out.
Jax kneels, touches the cracked wood like a dead friend.
Drew sees the pain flash across his face.
DREW
Man… I’m sorry. Really.
Jax forces a crooked smile.
JAX
Nah. It’s poetic. My guitar’s
quitting before you do.
DREW
Jax—
JAX
Don’t. It’s fine. I don’t feel
anything anymore.
Beat.
A HOMELESS MAN across the alley watches Jax, eyes hollow. He
hums a familiar tune — the SAME SONG Jax and Nate sang in
church, just slower... broken.
Jax freezes.
The man’s voice trembles:
HOMELESS MAN
(singing)
“If I ever sing the wrong song
loud…”
Jax’s throat tightens. Drew notices.
JAX
(low)
Where’d you hear that?
HOMELESS MAN
(faint smile)
From a kid… used to play it outside
the mission. Real nice boy. Name
was... Nate.
Jax’s breath stops.
Drew steps forward.
DREW
Jax… maybe he just means—
JAX
(to the man, shaken)
Nate Holloway?
The man nods slowly.
HOMELESS MAN
Yeah. He… didn’t make it.
The world tilts.
Jax staggers backward.
We HEAR FLASHES — Nate laughing, 14 years old, holding that
oversize guitar, saying:
NATE (V.O.)
“Told you, dude. We’re gonna be
huge one day.”
Jax swallows, eyes burning.
JAX
(whisper)
No… no, no, no—
The homeless man looks away, his voice small.
HOMELESS MAN
Drugs. Bad batch. They said he was
calling someone’s name before he
went… sounded like “Jax.”
Jax chokes.
Drew puts a hand on his shoulder.
DREW
Let’s… let’s get out of here, man.
Jax wipes his face, furious at himself for crying.
JAX
No. I need air.
He starts walking. Fast.
Drew watches him go, worried.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Desperate Plea on the Hilltop
EXT. CITY HILLTOP – LATER THAT NIGHT
Jax climbs the hill, breathing hard, emotional storm
building.
The city glows below — indifferent, mocking.
He stares upward.
JAX
(shouting at the sky)
What do you WANT from me?!
The wind kicks up.
JAX (CONT'D)
I’m done. I’m EMPTY.
If you’re up there — ANYBODY — JUST
TELL ME WHAT TO DO!
Silence.
Then, faint… a low RUMBLE. A shift in the atmosphere.
HEADLIGHTS appear behind him where no road exists.
Jax turns—
A BLACK SEDAN idles, sleek and impossible.
Door opens.
LUCIEN BLACK steps out.
LUCIEN
Jaxon Kane.
I’ve heard good things.
Jax’s fate tilts.
CUT TO BLACK.
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
The Price of Fame
EXT. CITY HILLTOP – NIGHT
Wind churns. The city lights below flicker like a dying
electrical vein.
Jax stands frozen as LUCIEN BLACK approaches — elegant,
unhurried, dressed in a suit sharp enough to cut glass.
Lucien’s smile is warm, practiced, a predator’s version of
kindness.
LUCIEN
Rough night?
Jax wipes his face, trying to look tougher than he feels.
JAX
If you’re lost, the freeway’s that
way.
LUCIEN
Oh, I’m not lost.
He looks Jax over, reading him like sheet music.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
You’re Jaxon Kane.
Jax stiffens.
JAX
Not sure that’s something to brag
about.
Lucien chuckles, stepping closer but never invading too much
space.
LUCIEN
On the contrary. I’ve been
following your career for some
time.
Jax snorts.
JAX
Which part? The dive bars or the
part where I ruin everything I
touch?
Lucien’s smile widens — sympathetic, but almost too
sympathetic.
LUCIEN
You’re not a failure, Jax.
You’re a man… in the wrong hands.
Beat. This lands harder than Jax wants to admit.
JAX
Look, I don’t know what this is — a
scam, a cult, an MLM thing where I
have to sell vitamins —
LUCIEN
(smiling)
I’m here because you screamed for
help.
Jax freezes.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
I don’t ignore an invitation.
Jax’s eyes narrow.
JAX
What exactly are you?
Lucien steps closer. Not threatening — intimate, like a
surgeon about to deliver a diagnosis.
LUCIEN
I’m a producer.
The oldest one there is.
He holds out a simple Moleskine notebook.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Inside this are lyrics that can
change your life — if you’re
willing to sing them.
Jax doesn’t take it.
JAX
What’s the catch?
Lucien opens the notebook. Pages filled with dark,
mesmerizing phrases — echoes of the Rhymes of the Devil,
restructured as lyrics.
We HEAR faint ROCK RIFFS under his voice — building,
swirling, like the songs already exist in another realm.
LUCIEN
These are messages the world is
hungry for.
(Anger. Desire. Division.
Power.)
You put them to music… and you will become the biggest name
in rock within a year.
Jax laughs, broken and bitter.
JAX
Yeah. And I’ll ride a unicorn into
the Grammys.
Lucien closes the notebook gently.
LUCIEN
You’re talented, Jax. But talent is
dust without amplification.
Without… direction.
He gestures to the city.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Do you know how many musicians
drown unseen in this place?
Millions.
And do you know why?
Jax’s jaw tightens. He does know. It’s his life.
JAX
Nobody cares.
Lucien leans in.
LUCIEN
Exactly.
But I can make them care.
Jax meets his gaze. Something ancient flickers in Lucien’s
eyes — not glowing, not cheesy, just… too deep, too steady.
JAX
Okay. What’s the real price?
Lucien’s smile returns — polite, almost apologetic.
LUCIEN
Your soul.
Beat.
Jax waits for the punchline.
There isn’t one.
JAX
You’re serious?
LUCIEN
Deadly. But so is obscurity.
At least this way, you get the world before you lose it.
Jax scoffs, but fear creeps into his voice.
JAX
And people really… do this? Sell
their soul?
LUCIEN
More often than you think.
Some for money.
Some for beauty.
Some for followers.
You?
You want to be heard.
Jax looks away, wounded by the truth.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Let me give you the stage your
voice deserves.
Lucien reaches into his jacket and pulls out a LEATHER
CONTRACT FOLDER.
He opens it.
Inside:
A beautifully typeset CONTRACT — corporate, professional,
frighteningly mundane.
Jax skims it. His breath catches at a line:
“Upon execution, ARTIST forfeits all spiritual claim to self-
determination, in exchange for worldly elevation and artistic
immortality.”
He flips to the last page — a signature line waiting for him.
JAX
If I do this… what happens when I
die?
Lucien shrugs with effortless cool.
LUCIEN
You won’t. Not for a very long
time.
JAX
Look, I don't believe a person can
sell his soul, but if you can help
me, I'll sign.
He extends a PEN — metal, heavy, engraved with a symbol that
shifts subtly like it’s alive.
Jax’s hand trembles.
We FLASH IMAGES:
— young Nate at the church, smiling
— Eva watching in the audience, 14, full of hope
— Jax’s mother recording him, eyes glowing with pride
— Nate’s last words: “We’re gonna be huge one day.”
Jax squeezes his eyes shut.
JAX (CONT'D)
(whisper)
Nate didn’t get huge.
LUCIEN
(smiling softly)
No. But you can.
Jax’s shoulders slump.
He signs.
The wind stops instantly — unnatural silence.
Lucien closes the folder.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Welcome to the big leagues, Jax.
He pats Jax’s shoulder, then walks back toward the sedan.
The headlights flicker once…
…and the car is gone.
Jax stands alone on the hill.
The world below blazes brighter, as though already bending
toward him.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Morning After Chaos
INT. JAX'S APARTMENT – MORNING
A cracked window. Blinds half-broken. Pizza boxes. Empty
liquor bottles. A life that never made it past “almost.”
Jax lies face-down on the couch, dead asleep in yesterday’s
clothes.
SUNLIGHT cuts through the room like a judgment.
His phone BUZZES.
He groans, reaches blindly, knocks it off the table, curses,
picks it up.
ON SCREEN: 47 MISSED CALLS. Most from numbers he doesn’t
recognize.
JAX
(half-awake)
Did I join a cult last night…?
BUZZ. Another unknown call.
He ignores it.
BUZZ. Text message:
“Call me. – Drew”
Jax sighs, hits dial.
INTERCUT WITH:
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Awakening to Fame
INT. DREW’S APARTMENT – SAME TIME
Drew is in a whirlwind — pacing with manic excitement, hair
unbrushed, shirt half tucked. In the background, his
girlfriend stares wide-eyed at the TV.
DREW
(answers, breathless)
JAX! Are you awake?!
JAX
Barely.
DREW
Dude. Turn on the radio. Or TV. Or
the internet. Or the sky—just turn
something on!
JAX
You drunk?
DREW
Just do it!
Jax fumbles for the remote, clicks on his battered TV.
STATIC. Then—
A MUSIC NEWS
SEGMENT:
A female HOST stands before a screen displaying... JAX
performing at last night’s dive bar — but not how it really
went.
HOST (ON TV)
…mysterious rock vocalist seen in a
surprise performance last night,
delivering what fans are calling
“the birth of a new sound.”
Jax bolts upright.
JAX
What the…?
CUT TO THE TV
VIDEO:
The footage is polished. Stylized. The lighting perfect.
Jax looks sober. Confident. Electric.
Not at all like the actual chaotic mess.
The HOST continues:
HOST (ON TV)
Clips are already trending. Some
are calling him “the next evolution
of hard rock.”
Jax stares, slack-jawed.
JAX
That… that’s edited. I didn’t—
Drew. I didn’t look like that.
That’s not—
DREW (O.S.)
Jax… the whole city’s looking for
you. Clubs. Labels. Managers. My
cousin said he heard you on a
Spotify playlist already.
JAX
But I haven’t released anything.
Beat.
Drew goes quiet.
DREW
Jax… did you sign something last
night?
Jax freezes.
JAX
(long beat)
Yeah. I think I did.
Drew doesn’t ask. He doesn’t want to know.
DREW
Get dressed. We’re meeting at the
studio in an hour.
JAX
What studio?
DREW
Apparently… yours.
Jax hangs up, stunned.
He looks around his crappy apartment.
Something has changed.
The air feels charged.
He notices the notebook Lucien gave him on the table.
It glows subtly in a sliver of sunlight — not literal
glowing, just… alluring, alive.
Jax opens it.
The lyrics are there. Dark. Hypnotic.
He reads one line.
It hits him like an electric jolt — a RIFF forms in his mind
instantly, thunderous and addictive.
His fingers twitch.
JAX
(whisper)
Where did that come from…?
He grabs his guitar — the backup one, dusty, under his bed —
and strums.
THE RIFF EXPLODES.
Raw. Heavy. Perfect.
Jax’s eyes widen. He plays it again, louder.
His walls rattle.
Neighbors pound the ceiling.
And Jax begins LAUGHING — shocked, exhilarated, terrified.
JAX
Holy—
(beat)
No. Not holy.
He plays harder.
THE MUSIC BUILDS — dark, magnetic, unstoppable.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Into the Unknown
EXT. RECORDING STUDIO – LATER THAT DAY
A sleek, modern building Jax has NEVER been inside.
He and Drew approach like two nobodies sneaking into the
Grammys.
JAX
You sure this is the right place?
DREW
They emailed me a contract, man.
Real one. With your name. And the
deposit they sent me is not a prank
because my bank is too dumb to
prank me.
The STUDIO DOORS SLIDE OPEN automatically.
INSIDE:
A RECEPTIONIST beams like she’s been waiting for them.
RECEPTIONIST
Mr. Kane! Welcome. Studio A is
prepped for you.
Jax’s jaw drops.
JAX
(to Drew)
This is a prank, right? I’m on a
hidden camera show?
Drew just stares back, pale.
They step forward—
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
The Devil's Verse: Rise to Fame
INT. RECORDING STUDIO – STUDIO A – CONTINUOUS
High ceilings. Million-dollar equipment. A room built for
legends.
And sitting casually at the producer’s desk…
LUCIEN BLACK.
Same suit. Same calm smile.
LUCIEN
Gentlemen.
Shall we make history?
Jax takes a small step forward, breath shallow.
JAX
So this is real.
Lucien gestures toward the mic.
LUCIEN
It will be once you sing.
Jax glances at Drew — then at the notebook in his hand.
He steps into the vocal booth.
He puts on the headphones.
The room goes silent.
Lucien speaks into the talkback mic.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Whenever you’re ready, Jax.
Jax looks at the lyrics.
He takes a breath.
And he sings—
I let them walk... round... and... round...
One last turn... down to the ground...
Nothing left here... nothing left there...
Just the comfort... of despair...
YOU FACED YOURSELF WRONG! TURNED INSIDE OUT!
YOU LEARNED TO FEAR! YOU LEARNED TO DOUBT!
And when you had nothing left to find...
You welcomed... my kind.
—THE FIRST “DEVIL’S VERSE” SONG.
The sound is monstrous.
Beautiful.
Corrupt.
Lucien closes his eyes, savoring it like fine wine.
CUT TO:
MONTAGE – THE SONG’S METEORIC RISE
— The track hits local radio within hours.
— Social media explodes: “WHO IS THIS GUY?!”
— Jax’s face spreads across playlists.
— Reaction videos.
— Music bloggers calling him “the future of rock.”
— Nightclubs blasting his song.
— Teens filming themselves screaming the lyrics.
Finally:
A giant billboard downtown…
“JAX KANE – NEW SINGLE OUT NOW”
Jax stands in front of it, stunned, tiny compared to his new
image.
Drew is beside him, equally overwhelmed.
DREW
Dude… you’re famous.
Jax stares up, heart pounding, exhilaration mixing with
dread.
JAX
(quietly)
What did I do?
Behind them, unseen, Lucien watches from a distance.
Smiling.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Tension in the Warehouse
INT. REHEARSAL WAREHOUSE – DAY
A cavernous rehearsal space filled with equipment Jax has
never even touched.
THE BAND is running through the new single — the Devil’s
Verse — and it HITS like a freight train.
DREW on drums watches Jax carefully, sensing something
different in him… something sharp-edged.
Jax strums harder, faster, almost TOO precise — like the song
is playing HIM.
They finish the run-through.
Silence.
DREW
(exhaling)
Jesus, man… where’d you pull that
from?
JAX
(shrug, uncomfortable)
It just… came out.
Drew studies him.
He knows Jax better than anyone — and something feels off,
even in the success.
DREW
You okay?
JAX
(lying)
Yeah. Never better.
Lucien enters from behind, slow-clapping.
LUCIEN
Boys… that was transcendence.
Jax flinches — he didn’t see him enter.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Jax, your voice… your command…
This is who you were meant to be.
Lucien steps closer, too close, placing a hand on Jax’s
shoulder.
Jax stiffens — it feels reassuring and invasive at the same
time.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
And the world is ready.
DREW
(half-joking, half-
serious)
Think they’re ready for THIS?
Lucien turns his gaze to Drew — a subtle pressure in the air.
LUCIEN
The world listens when greatness
compels them.
Drew looks away, uncomfortable.
Lucien smirks.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
The Weight of Success
EXT. MUSIC VENUE – NIGHT
A line stretches around the block.
Fans scream Jax’s lyrics already — and the song has only been
out for 48 hours.
Digital billboards show:
“JAX KANE – SOLD OUT”
Jax watches from the wings, heart pounding.
He’s overwhelmed, scared, exhilarated.
Drew slaps him on the back.
DREW
(grinning big)
Look at this, man! We MADE it!
Jax forces a smile he doesn’t fully feel.
JAX
(soft)
Yeah… we did.
Then a voice, from behind:
LUCIEN
Correction.
You BEGAN.
Jax turns. Lucien hands him an in-ear monitor.
Jax accepts it with shaking hands — Lucien sees the tremor.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Nerves are natural.
What’s unnatural…
is destiny.
Jax swallows hard.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
The Weight of Fame
INT. ARENA – CONTINUOUS
Lights dim.
Crowd ROARS.
Jax steps onto the stage — blinded by lightning strobes,
deafened by adoration.
This is EVERYTHING he dreamed of.
But he looks… terrified.
ON JAX — internal panic flickers:
Am I ready? Am I enough? Am I even me anymore?
Lucien appears in the shadows backstage, perfectly still.
The BAND kicks into the opening riff.
The CROWD LOSES ITS MIND.
Jax grips the mic like a lifeline.
JAX
(voice cracking, but
powerful)
Los Angeles…
LET’S RISE.
And he launches into the song.
THE CROWD
moves like a single organism.
Hands thrashing.
Heads banging.
Eyes rolling back.
Some scream the lyrics with unnatural intensity — as if
possessed.
ON JAX
He FEELS the energy — but also
something pulling at him, draining
him, using him.
His eyes widen.
He steps back from the mic, shaken.
DREW catches his eye — worried.
But the SHOW must go on.
Jax forces himself back in —
JAX
(screaming the line)
SAY MY RHYME — FEEL THE BURN—
THE CROWD
erupts.
Some people shove violently.
One girl collapses into a seizure.
SECURITY pulls her out.
But everyone else keeps going as if it’s normal.
ANGLE ON CROWD
A TEEN GIRL stands perfectly still, eyes dilated, whispering
the lyrics word for word, even lines Jax hasn’t sung yet.
CLOSE ON HER ARM —
She’s carving JAX’S LOGO into her skin with a broken
bracelet.
JAX sees it. His voice falters.
JAX
(whisper)
Oh God… what is happening…?
In his earpiece, Lucien’s calm voice:
LUCIEN (V.O.)
Don’t break.
They’re not here for you.
They’re here for the message.
Jax grips the mic stand like he might collapse.
The music swells — unstoppable.
The song ends in a thunderous crescendo.
The CROWD SCREAMS:
CROWD
JAX! JAX! JAX! JAX!
Jax stands in the spotlight.
He should feel triumph.
Instead…
he looks like a man standing on the edge of a cliff.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Music","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Consequences of Fame
INT. BACKSTAGE HALLWAY – NIGHT
Jax stumbles offstage, breathless, drenched in sweat.
Drew follows him fast.
DREW
Dude — what the hell was that?! Did
you see that girl? The seizure?
People were going… feral!
Jax leans against the wall, shaking.
JAX
The song did that.
DREW
Songs don’t do THAT.
JAX
(fear creeping in)
Mine do.
Lucien steps into the hallway like he’s been waiting behind a
curtain.
LUCIEN
Gentlemen. Enjoying the fruits of
your labor?
Drew glares at him.
DREW
People got hurt out there.
Lucien tilts his head, amused.
LUCIEN
Enthusiasm always has casualties.
Jax steps forward — for the first time, angry.
JAX
I didn’t sign up to hurt people.
Lucien steps inches from him, lowering his voice.
LUCIEN
You signed up to be SEEN.
HEARD.
WORSHIPPED.
And they ARE worshipping you,
Jaxon.
Jax’s breath shakes — he hates how true it feels.
Lucien taps his chest lightly, almost affectionate.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Don’t ruin this with conscience.
Conscience is for the small.
And just like that, Lucien walks away — leaving Jax and Drew
in the long, flickering hallway.
DREW
(low)
I don’t like that guy.
JAX
(whisper)
I don’t think he’s a guy.
Drew looks at him — concerned, scared.
DREW
Jax… what did you sign?
Jax doesn’t answer.
He just stares down at his trembling hands.
CUT TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Echoes of the Past
EXT. NATE’S OLD NEIGHBORHOOD – EVENING
Golden hour. A quiet, low-income neighborhood — cracked
sidewalks, chain-link fences, kids kicking a ball in the
street.
A sleek BLACK SUV pulls up awkwardly among rusted Hondas and
dented minivans.
Jax steps out wearing sunglasses and a hoodie, trying to be
invisible…
but he sticks out like a sore thumb.
He removes the hood, breathes in the air — a mixture of
nostalgia and regret.
This is where he and Nate grew up playing music on porches.
Where things felt simple.
Jax walks slowly down the street, each step heavier than the
last.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Confronting the Past
EXT. HOLLOWAY HOUSE – CONTINUOUS
A small, faded blue house with peeling paint and a dead lawn.
A CHILD’S BICYCLE lies abandoned on its side.
Jax stops at the gate.
He stares — almost willing Nate to walk out the front door,
14 again, guitar too big for him.
Jax’s throat tightens.
He steps forward…
But the front door opens.
MRS. HOLLOWAY, mid-50s, worn by grief but still dignified,
steps onto the porch with a bag of trash.
She sees him.
Freezes.
Her eyes widen — not in awe… in pain.
MRS. HOLLOWAY
Jax… Kane?
Jax lowers his head in shame.
JAX
Mrs. Holloway…
I —
He can’t finish the sentence.
She walks slowly down the steps.
Her face softens just enough to show she’s been waiting for
this moment, though she never wanted it.
MRS. HOLLOWAY
You came.
Jax nods, barely breathing.
MRS. HOLLOWAY (CONT'D)
You boys… you were always making
noise in my garage.
Nate was so proud of you.
Jax swallows hard.
JAX
He was better than me.
MRS. HOLLOWAY
(smiles sadly)
He thought you hung the moon,
Jaxon.
Beat.
JAX
I didn’t come to… interrupt.
I just wanted to say…
I’m sorry.
Mrs. Holloway studies him — deeply.
MRS. HOLLOWAY
The last night he was alive…
He was playing that little song you
two wrote in church.
Over and over.
Jax looks away, tears forming.
MRS. HOLLOWAY (CONT'D)
He said —
“He’s gonna be huge one day, Mom.
I can feel it.”
The words gut Jax.
JAX
(whisper)
But he didn’t get to be.
Mrs. Holloway steps closer, voice trembling.
MRS. HOLLOWAY
Nate didn’t die because of you.
But he died wishing he could have
followed you.
Jax wipes his face, angry at himself, at the world.
JAX
I wasn’t… good enough to save him.
Mrs. Holloway shakes her head gently.
MRS. HOLLOWAY
He didn’t need saving.
He needed his friend.
We all did.
Jax winces — the truth landing like a punch.
Mrs. Holloway softens, touches his arm.
MRS. HOLLOWAY (CONT'D)
But I’m glad you came, Jax.
It means… there’s still something
human in you.
Jax looks at her sharply.
JAX
What does that mean?
Mrs. Holloway raises a hand — her fingers trembling.
She gently touches his cheek.
MRS. HOLLOWAY
Your eyes…
They’re different.
Harder.
Like someone else is looking
through them.
Jax recoils — horrified, shaken.
JAX
I should… I should go.
MRS. HOLLOWAY
Jax?
He turns back.
MRS. HOLLOWAY (CONT'D)
(with quiet certainty)
Whatever deal you made…
Break it.
Before it breaks you.
Jax freezes, breath catching in his throat.
She retreats up the steps, leaving him alone in the dying
light.
Jax turns and walks away — faster, almost running.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Echoes of the Past
EXT. STREET – CONTINUOUS
Jax heads back toward his SUV with shaky hands.
He fumbles for the keys.
He hears something — faint… familiar…
A GUITAR.
He looks up.
Across the street, an OLD MAN on a porch is playing —
quietly, gently — the same song Jax and Nate wrote as kids.
The chord progression haunts the air.
Jax stands rooted, breath broken.
OLD MAN
(seeing him)
You Jaxon Kane?
Jax’s stomach drops.
JAX
Y… yeah.
OLD MAN
(points with his pick)
Then you should know…
Some songs don’t belong to you
anymore.
Not once the world starts singing
them.
Jax’s eyes widen — like the man has pulled the truth out of
his soul.
OLD MAN (CONT'D)
And some songs?
They never should’ve been written.
Beat.
Jax backs away slowly.
He gets into the SUV.
His hands tremble violently as he starts the engine.
Suddenly—
A PHONE BUZZ.
Unknown number.
He stares at it, breathing hard.
It buzzes again.
And again.
And again.
He finally answers.
LUCIEN (V.O.)
(Jax hears the smile)
Enjoy your little nostalgia trip?
Jax’s blood runs cold.
He looks around — Lucien is nowhere, but feels everywhere.
LUCIEN (V.O.)
Lovely neighborhood.
Shame about the poverty.
Jax grips the wheel.
JAX
Stay away from here.
Lucien chuckles softly.
LUCIEN (V.O.)
Jax…
You have a show in two hours.
No time for ghosts.
CLICK.
Jax throws the phone onto the passenger seat, knuckles white
with rage and grief.
He slams the accelerator, tires screeching.
CUT TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
From Spotlight to Shadows
INT. MEGA ARENA – NIGHT
Lights explode. Pyro fires upward.
Thirty thousand fans SCREAM JAX’S NAME like he’s a deity.
Jax strides onto the stage — larger than life — guitar in
hand, hair whipping in slow motion.
CLOSE ON JAX’S
EYES:
They burn with adrenaline, fear, and the faintest flicker of
longing.
JAX
(into mic)
LET’S WAKE THE DEAD!
The crowd erupts.
CUT TO:
INT. MOTEL ROOM – NIGHT (INTERCUT)
A cramped, cheap motel just off a highway.
Dark curtains. Flickering lamp. Cigarette-stained walls.
Jax enters alone. No entourage. No Drew. No band.
He doesn’t even take off his jacket. He stumbles toward the
bed like a ghost.
He tosses his gear aside and empties a bottle of liquor in
two swallows.
He collapses onto the mattress.
His body SHAKES — not cold, not fear — withdrawal from the
supernatural high of the stage.
He opens a pill bottle.
Takes two.
Then two more.
Sits back, void-eyed.
—
BACK TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Euphoria in the Arena
INT. MEGA ARENA – NIGHT (INTERCUT)
Jax RIPS into the opening riff — monstrous, transcendent.
The crowd becomes a single organism, hundreds of arms rising
and falling in unison.
Lucien watches from backstage — smiling like a proud father.
Fans chant the lyrics:
CROWD
BURN! BURN! BURN!
The arena vibrates with ferocity, with madness, with worship.
Jax raises his arms — and thirty thousand bodies mirror him.
ON JAX
This moment is pure oxygen.
A drug stronger than anything he can snort, pop, or inject.
His smile looks real.
Too real.
—
INTERCUT WITH:
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Descent into Silence
INT. MOTEL ROOM – LATE NIGHT
Jax sits in bed illuminated by the glow of a silent TV.
Sweat pours down his face.
His hands tremble uncontrollably.
He crushes a pill and snorts it.
Tries to replicate the “high” of the stage.
It doesn’t work.
JAX
(whispering to himself)
Come on… come on…
He shakes violently, gasping.
Then he screams into the empty room:
JAX (CONT'D)
I’M STILL HERE!
WHY AM I STILL HERE?!
He punches the wall — hard — splitting his knuckles.
He collapses into silence, chest heaving.
—
BACK TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Psychological Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Euphoria and Despair
INT. ARENA – LATER IN THE SHOW
The band drops out.
Jax stands alone in the spotlight.
Fans scream hysterically.
Jax drinks it in — the acceptance, the devotion, the
addiction of being seen.
This is the only place he feels alive.
He whispers into the mic:
JAX
You want more?
The arena EXPLODES with noise.
Lucien whispers through the in-ear monitor:
LUCIEN (V.O.)
Give them everything.
Drain yourself.
Empty yourself.
I’ll fill the rest.
Jax’s expression shifts — pleasure mixed with terror — like
his soul is slipping.
He screams a guttural note.
The crowd matches him — one massive, demonic echo.
Some of them collapse.
Some fight.
Some stare blankly as if entranced.
Jax looks almost euphoric.
—
INTERCUT WITH:
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Reflections of Despair
INT. MOTEL BATHROOM – DAWN
Jax sits on the cold tile floor, shaking, eyes bloodshot.
He splashes water on his face.
Stares into the mirror.
He doesn’t recognize the man looking back.
JAX
(softly)
Who the hell are you?
NO ANSWER.
Only emptiness.
He looks down — his hand is trembling uncontrollably.
He pulls out a small bag of powder from his jacket.
He hesitates…
then pours some out with a shaky breath.
But then —
his phone buzzes.
He ignores it.
It buzzes again.
He finally checks:
TEXT FROM EVA:
“I heard your new song…
I’m praying for you.
Please call when you can.”
Jax freezes.
Something passes through him — a memory of innocence, of
church lights, of Nate’s harmony.
He locks the phone.
Shoves it facedown on the counter.
JAX
(broken whisper)
You’re too late.
He bends down to snort the powder—
BUT THEN—
The mirror behind him SHIMMERS.
For a split-second, his reflection SMILES independently of
him.
NOT HIM.
Not human.
Not sane.
Jax jumps back, horrified.
His reflection returns to normal.
A chill crawls up his spine.
JAX
(panicked breath)
Jesus…
BACK TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Psychological Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
The Price of Adoration
INT. ARENA – FINALE
Jax stands at the edge of the stage, breathing fire, drenched
in sweat.
The crowd chants his name rhythmically:
CROWD
JAX-ON! JAX-ON! JAX-ON!
The arena lights swell like a rising inferno.
Lucien watches him with pure satisfaction.
LUCIEN
(under his breath)
Yes…
Give them everything.
Jax leans forward toward the sea of fans — godlike,
untouchable.
And for the first time…
he looks terrified of the love being thrown at him.
CUT TO:
INT. MOTEL ROOM – MORNING
Jax lies on the bed, barely conscious.
Sunlight creeps across his face.
He looks dead inside —
a man who can command nations at night and can’t stand
himself by morning.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Torn Between Shadows
INT. ARENA – BACKSTAGE HALLWAY – NIGHT
The final echoes of the concert still pulse through the
concrete walls — fans chanting outside, lights flickering
down as the arena prepares to sleep.
Jax staggers down the hallway, exhausted and wired at the
same time — the paradox that’s eating his life alive.
His makeup smeared.
Hands trembling.
Pupils blown wide.
He nearly drops his guitar case.
From behind—
EVA (O.S.)
Jax?
Jax freezes.
He knows that voice even before he turns.
He slowly pivots.
Standing there, under a buzzing fluorescent light, is EVA
RIVERA — early 30s, still soft-featured but stronger now,
grounded, a quiet fire behind her eyes.
She’s dressed simply — jeans, warm coat, hair back —
completely out of place in the chaos of rock stardom.
But she looks at him like he’s the same boy from the church
talent night.
Jax’s breath catches.
JAX
Eva…?
What are you doing here?
EVA
I tried calling. You never
answered.
Jax looks away — shame prickles under his skin.
JAX
Yeah, things have been… insane.
Eva steps forward, studying him — not the rock star, but the
wounds behind the armor.
EVA
You look… sick.
Jax forces a crooked grin.
JAX
That’s just the lighting.
Fluorescents hate me.
Eva’s expression doesn’t change.
EVA
Jax… you’re shaking.
Jax hides his hands in his pockets.
JAX
It’s adrenaline.
Crowds that size — they take it out of you.
EVA
No.
(shakes her head)
This is something else.
Her eyes glisten — grief, recognition.
EVA (CONT'D)
Did you start using again?
Jax goes still.
A dangerous kind of still.
JAX
(quiet, defensive)
What would you say if I did?
EVA
I’d say you’re lying to yourself
again.
He looks away — anger rising like a shield.
JAX
You don’t know what it’s like out
there.
You don’t know what I have to give every night.
EVA
I know the cost of hollow praise,
Jax.
And I know when someone I care
about is drowning.
This hits him harder than the applause ever could.
He laughs — short, bitter.
JAX
Drowning?
Eva, I’m headlining arenas.
People scream my name like I’m—
He stops himself.
Eva finishes it.
EVA
Like you’re their god.
Jax falters.
She sees the horror flicker across his face.
She knows she hit the fracture.
EVA (CONT'D)
Jax… that isn’t love being thrown
at you.
It’s hunger.
And hunger eats everything that
feeds it.
Jax steps back, stung.
JAX
You don’t understand this world.
EVA
I don’t have to.
I understand YOU.
Beat.
EVA (CONT'D)
I watched your show tonight.
Jax stiffens.
EVA (CONT'D)
Something is wrong with your music.
With your fans.
With you.
Jax’s jaw clenches — he’s not ready to face this.
JAX
Maybe you just don’t like my sound
anymore.
Eva steps forward, touching his forearm.
EVA
Jax…
What did you do?
He jerks away instinctively, terrified she’ll see the truth
he can’t hide.
JAX
I didn’t do anything!
I just—
(long beat)
I finally got the break I deserved.
Eva looks at him with heartbreaking gentleness.
EVA
At what price?
Jax goes pale.
She doesn’t know the contract exists — but she feels it in
her soul.
He turns, grabbing his guitar case — trying to escape the
conversation.
EVA (CONT'D)
Jax, look at me.
He doesn’t.
EVA (CONT'D)
(voice cracking)
Nate would’ve been here tonight.
Screaming for you.
He loved you.
Jax freezes mid-step.
EVA (CONT'D)
You know what he’d say if he saw
you now?
Jax whispers — barely:
JAX
Don’t.
EVA
He’d ask you why you didn’t bring
him with you.
Why you left us behind.
Why you left yourself behind.
Jax closes his eyes, pained.
JAX
You don’t get it.
I HAD to do something.
I was NOTHING.
No one cared, no one listened—
EVA
I listened.
Beat.
EVA (CONT'D)
You were never nothing, Jax.
He turns — finally looking into her eyes.
He looks terrified.
JAX
Eva…
I can’t stop.
I can’t slow down.
If I do—
(beat)
Everything will fall apart.
EVA
Sometimes things need to fall apart
so you can see what’s still real.
He tries to hold her gaze.
He can’t.
Jax turns away.
LUCIEN (O.S.)
(interrupting, smooth)
Am I interrupting… something?
Both turn.
Lucien stands at the end of the hallway, immaculate, smiling
like a shark dressed in a saint’s suit.
Eva stiffens instantly.
EVA
(under her breath)
That’s him… isn’t it?
Jax swallows hard.
LUCIEN
Jax, they need you for press
photos.
(looks Eva over)
And you must be… nostalgia.
Eva doesn’t flinch.
EVA
I’m someone who cares about him.
Who are you?
Lucien’s smile widens.
LUCIEN
Oh, I’m his future.
Eva steps in front of Jax, protective.
EVA
No.
You’re what’s killing him.
Jax looks between them — his past and his damnation facing
off.
Lucien leans close to Jax’s ear.
LUCIEN
(soft, poisonous)
She’ll only hold you back.
Let her go.
Eva whispers:
EVA
Jax… please.
Come home for a night.
Just one night.
Let yourself breathe.
Jax’s eyes fill with tears — the longing is real.
But then—
Lucien’s hand tightens on his shoulder.
A subtle, supernatural pressure.
Jax winces.
LUCIEN
Come, Jax.
Your worshipers await.
Eva sees the fear in Jax’s eyes.
EVA
Jax…
This isn’t you.
Jax whispers:
JAX
(voice cracking)
I know.
But I don’t know how to stop it.
Eva reaches for him.
Lucien pulls him away.
LUCIEN
He already made his choice.
Jax watches Eva — heartbreak mirrored.
Then Lucien leads him down the hall.
Eva’s voice echoes behind:
EVA
(shouting after him)
JAXON KANE — THIS ISN’T THE END OF YOUR STORY!
Jax flinches.
Lucien smirks.
LUCIEN
Oh, but it is.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
After the Show: A Night of Chaos
EXT. CONCERT ARENA – NIGHT
Fans spill out into the street after another explosive show.
Police lights flicker. Ambulances.
Something feels… wrong.
Crowd members whisper:
FAN #1
Did you see those kids?
FAN #2
They were tearing each other apart…
FAN #3
(smirking)
That song hits different, man.
The doors BURST open as PARAMEDICS rush inside with gear.
Jax steps out a back entrance with Drew, both sweating,
adrenaline still pumping.
But Jax notices the emergency lights. His stomach drops.
JAX
What’s going on?
DREW
Not our problem. C’mon, we—
A PARAMEDIC brushes past them.
PARAMEDIC
(to another)
Two teenagers, possible overdose—
One was seizing, the other non-
responsive.
Jax stops cold.
JAX
(overdose?)
Wait— where?
PARAMEDIC
Section C, near the rail.
Jax’s breath SHORTENS — Nate. Nate. Nate.
He follows the paramedics before Drew can stop him.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Music"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Echoes of Guilt
INT. ARENA – SECTION C – CONTINUOUS
A section of the floor cordoned off.
Two TEENS lie motionless.
One foaming at the mouth.
Another pale, eyes open and empty.
A crumpled VIP PASS lies beside them — JAX’s logo smeared in
blood.
Jax steps forward, horrified.
PARAMEDIC 2
(to partner)
These kids said they wanted to
“feel the music more.”
God… just kids.
Jax trembles.
One of the teens — a GIRL, maybe 17 — is strapped to a
stretcher, barely conscious.
She looks up at Jax as he approaches.
GIRL
(weak whisper)
Jax…
you’re… amazing…
Jax kneels, devastated.
JAX
What did you take?
GIRL
(smiles)
Your… song.
Her eyes roll back.
She flatlines.
PARAMEDIC
We’re losing her! Move!
They haul her away at lightning speed.
Jax stands alone in the chaos — frozen, broken.
Then —
VOICE (O.S.)
This happens more than you think.
Jax turns.
Detective MARTINEZ, mid-40s, hardened but fair, stands with a
notebook.
MARTINEZ
Overdoses spike at all kinds of
shows.
But yours are…
(chooses her words carefully)
different.
Jax swallows.
JAX
Different how?
MARTINEZ
Your song was the only thing both
victims had in common.
They said it “opened them up.”
(hesitates)
One witness said they were chanting things they didn’t
understand.
Jax’s blood runs cold.
MARTINEZ (CONT'D)
Did you know either of the victims?
Jax shakes his head.
JAX
No. I don’t know any of them.
Martinez studies him — deeply, sharply.
MARTINEZ
You sure?
Because the girl…
she was found holding a photo of you and a friend.
Looked old. Faded.
Two boys playing guitar in a church.
Jax’s heart STOPS.
MARTINEZ (CONT'D)
(softening)
She said his name before she went
unconscious.
“Nate.”
Does that mean something to you?
Jax steps back as if punched.
JAX
(shaken whisper)
Nate…?
MARTINEZ
If you know something that can help
us understand what these kids were
doing—
Jax stumbles backward in panic.
JAX
I… I can’t—
I have to go.
He turns and RUNS.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Shadows of Guilt
EXT. ARENA PARKING LOT – NIGHT
Jax bursts out into the cold air, gasping like he’s drowning.
He leans against a wall, trembling violently.
JAX
(broken whisper)
No… no…
Not again…
A SHADOW moves beside him.
Lucien steps forward, calm, collected, as if he were taking a
quiet stroll in a garden.
LUCIEN
You’re trembling, Jax.
Excitement? Fear?
Responsibility…?
Jax looks up — eyes filled with disbelief and rage.
JAX
Two kids DIED tonight!
Lucien shrugs, almost bored.
LUCIEN
And millions lived.
Millions heard your voice.
Millions worshipped you.
JAX
I didn’t ask for worship!
I didn’t ask for ANY of this!
Lucien’s eyes harden for the first time.
LUCIEN
Oh, but you did.
You screamed for someone to hear
you.
To see you.
To make you matter.
He leans in, voice a venomous whisper.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
I delivered exactly what you begged
for.
Jax’s breath rattles.
JAX
(soft tearful anger)
Nate would hate who I’ve become.
Lucien’s expression shifts — cruel amusement.
LUCIEN
Your friend died because he was
weak.
He was never meant to follow you.
Jax SNAPS — he grabs Lucien by the collar.
JAX
DON’T—
(voice breaks)
Don’t talk about him.
Lucien’s eyes glint — sharp, delighted.
LUCIEN
There it is.
Anger.
Pain.
That’s the part of you I OWN.
Jax releases him, horrified by himself.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Come now.
We have a new single to record.
And tragedy always tests well.
Jax shakes his head, overwhelmed.
JAX
I need time.
I need… I don’t know what I need.
Lucien circles him slowly.
LUCIEN
I know what you need, Jax.
He whispers in Jax’s ear:
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
A distraction.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Psychological Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Fame's Hollow Embrace
INT. VIP AFTERPARTY – NIGHT
A frenzy of lights, alcohol, pills, bodies, cameras,
adoration.
Music booming.
Fame cracking the walls.
A girl kisses Jax.
Another hands him drugs.
Hands touch him.
Paparazzi flash.
Everyone wants a piece.
But Jax looks EMPTY through all of it — a man drowning in
excess, haunted by Nate, by Eva, by the dying fans.
He takes a pill.
Then another.
Then another.
Drew watches from across the room — helpless, heartbroken.
Lucien watches too — proud.
Lucien whispers to the air, a private victory:
LUCIEN
Good boy.
CUT TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Drama","Music","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
The Devil's Contract
INT. LUXURY HOTEL SUITE – NIGHT
A penthouse view. Floor-to-ceiling windows.
City lights glitter like a false heaven.
Jax stands at the glass, staring out at the world he
supposedly owns.
But his reflection looks like a stranger — pale, hollow,
sick.
ON THE DESK
Lucien's black notebook sits open, glowing faintly under a
lamp.
Inside: more “Rhymes of the Devil” waiting to be turned into
songs.
Jax approaches it cautiously.
He flips a page.
The lyrics seem to pulse — whisper — seduce.
He slams it shut.
Jax grabs his old, battered leather notebook — the one he
kept from his teenage years.
Dog-eared. Ink-stained.
A relic of who he USED to be.
He sits.
Takes a breath.
Picks up a pen.
JAX
(whispering to himself)
Just write…
Write something true.
The pen trembles between his fingers.
He writes a single line:
“I don’t want the world if I can’t wake up in my own skin.”
Jax stops.
Something in the room shifts.
The air grows colder.
The lights flicker.
He ignores it. Tries again.
“I lost my brother long before I lost myself.”
A tear falls onto the page.
Suddenly—
THE ROOM VIBRATES.
A low rumbling.
Like a growl.
Jax freezes.
JAX
…Lucien?
No answer.
He keeps writing, hand shaking violently.
“If Nate could see me now—”
BANG —
The hotel lights BLOW OUT.
Darkness swallows the room.
Jax jumps to his feet.
JAX
(shouting)
Lucien! Stop it!
But it's not Lucien standing in the shadows now.
It’s something else.
A HUM builds — distorted, demonic, like an amplifier melting
down.
Jax clutches his guitar for protection — the only thing that
ever truly felt like home.
Suddenly—
A SHADOW slams him backward.
Hard.
Jax hits the floor, gasping.
The SHADOW splits into multiple tendrils — wisps of darkness
snaking across the walls, converging toward his handwritten
page.
Jax crawls toward the notebook — desperate.
JAX (CONT'D)
NO!
That’s MY song!
That’s MINE—
The SHADOW grabs the page and IGNITES IT in mid-air.
It burns into ash instantly.
Jax watches his first real attempt at salvation dissolve into
smoke.
His face breaks — horror, grief, rage.
JAX (CONT'D)
(voice cracking)
Please…
Please let me write something of my
own…
A VOICE rises from all around him — deep, layered, mocking.
VOICE (V.O.)
You don’t write anymore, Jaxon.
Jax’s eyes widen.
VOICE (V.O.)
You deliver.
Lucien steps out of the shadow — but his eyes are darker,
colder, like the thing that destroyed the page lives inside
him.
LUCIEN
You made a contract.
You don’t get to improvise your
soul.
Jax stands, fists clenched.
JAX
I didn’t know what I was signing!
LUCIEN
Of course you didn’t.
No desperate man ever does.
Lucien moves closer — too calm, too composed.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Your songs do not come from you
anymore.
(MORE)
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
They come from a place with
purpose.
A place that makes kings… and
breaks nations.
JAX
(through tears)
You’re killing people.
Lucien steps even closer — face inches from Jax.
LUCIEN
I’m awakening them.
Jax trembles.
JAX
I won’t write your verses anymore.
Lucien smirks — the way a parent smirks at a toddler
threatening to move out.
LUCIEN
Oh Jax…
You don’t write the verses.
He places a hand on Jax’s chest —
Jax convulses, breath ripped from his lungs.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
The verses write you.
Suddenly, Jax SEES—
visions slamming into his mind like a strobe light:
— Crowds rioting to his music
— Governments falling
— Churches burning
— Children chanting his lyrics
— Nate whispering: “You left us.”
Jax SCREAMS.
Lucien releases him.
Jax collapses to the ground, shaking uncontrollably.
Lucien crouches beside him with predator calm.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Write.
Perform.
Deliver the message.
He lifts the Devil’s notebook and drops it in Jax’s lap.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Or the next life I take…
won’t be a stranger’s.
Jax’s breath stops.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
(soft, chilling)
Your friend Nate was just the
beginning.
A beat.
Lucien stands, smooth and flawless, as if nothing happened.
He walks toward the door.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Rehearsal at 7 a.m.
Don’t be late.
The door closes gently behind him.
Jax lies on the ground, holding the Devil’s notebook like a
bomb.
Tears streak down his face.
He whispers:
JAX
(utterly broken)
God…
I need help.
CUT TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Psychological"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Fleeing the Storm
EXT. HIGHWAY – NIGHT
A black sky.
Empty asphalt stretching forever.
Rain pouring hard enough to erase the horizon.
Headlights surge through the darkness —
JAX behind the wheel of a rental car, speeding 95 mph.
His hands shake.
His breath is ragged.
He looks half-alive, half-haunted.
Beside him on the passenger seat:
— His battered teenage notebook
— A pack of cigarettes
— A photo of him and Nate as kids
The Devil’s notebook is NOT with him.
He left it behind.
Jax wipes tears from his eyes.
JAX
(whispering)
I have to get out.
Just… get out.
Just breathe somewhere else.
He drives into the night like the world is chasing him.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Psychological Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Descent into Darkness
INT. RENTAL CAR – MOVING – LATER
The rain gets worse.
Visibility drops.
Jax leans forward, squinting.
The radio, which has been silent, suddenly TURNS ON by
itself.
Static.
Then…
Jax’s hit song begins playing — the Devil’s Verse.
Jax’s face drains of color.
JAX
No. No no no—
(turns it off)
The radio turns ON again.
Louder.
Lucien’s voice whispers over the track:
LUCIEN (V.O.)
Running is adorable, Jaxon.
Jax SLAMS the radio with his fist.
It breaks.
Silence.
Jax pulls over to the shoulder, shaking uncontrollably.
He reaches for his phone.
He dials EVA.
It rings.
One ring… two… three—
VOICE (ON PHONE)
Jax?
He closes his eyes, relieved, emotional.
JAX
Eva…
CAN I COME TO YOU?
PLEASE. I— I CAN’T BREATHE.
I’M LOSING MY MIND.
EVA (O.S.)
Where are you?
JAX
I don’t know… somewhere past the
city line. I just— I need to see
you. I need—
The line GOES DEAD.
JAX (CONT'D)
Eva?
EVA?!
He stares at the phone.
Suddenly, ALL the streetlights behind him shut off.
One by one.
Like something is approaching.
Jax looks in the rearview mirror — nothing but darkness.
He panics, throws the car into drive, and FLOORS it.
Tires SCREAM.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Psychological"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Midnight Confrontation
EXT. GAS STATION – DESERT ROAD – NIGHT
A lonely gas station under buzzing neon.
Two old pumps.
A rusted ice freezer.
A desert stretching infinitely beyond it.
Jax pulls in too fast, skidding.
He jumps out, shaking, drenched in rain and sweat.
He rushes inside.
CUT TO:
INT. GAS STATION – CONTINUOUS
A small, quiet, eerie little convenience store.
An OLD CASHIER, mid-70s, thin as smoke, watches Jax enter
with deadpan eyes.
CASHIER
Rough night?
Jax grabs water bottles, snacks, anything — hands trembling.
JAX
I need—
I need to get out of here.
(MORE)
JAX (CONT'D)
Is there a bus? A train? Anything
out of this county?
The cashier studies him.
CASHIER
Nobody leaves this place after
midnight.
Jax freezes.
JAX
What does that mean?
CASHIER
(leans in, whispers)
He’ll find you anywhere.
Jax’s blood turns to ice.
CASHIER (CONT'D)
You made a deal, boy.
Jax steps back.
JAX
How do you know that?
The cashier looks at him with pity — ancient pity.
CASHIER
I’ve seen his deals.
For sixty years.
You’re not the first.
Jax’s voice cracks.
JAX
How do I break it?
The cashier takes a breath, hesitating — almost afraid to
speak the truth.
CASHIER
You don’t break a deal with him.
You survive it.
Or you die in it.
Jax’s face collapses in despair.
CASHIER (CONT'D)
But…
there is one who can challenge him.
Jax leans forward, desperate.
JAX
Who?
The cashier looks toward the ceiling — toward heaven.
CASHIER
You already know.
A beat.
Jax swallows hard.
JAX
I don’t deserve that.
CASHIER
None of us do.
Suddenly—
THE LIGHTS GO OUT.
Pitch black.
The cashier gasps.
CASHIER
(low whisper, terrified)
He’s here.
A HUM builds.
Low. Menacing.
Like the world vibrating wrong.
A SHADOW seeps under the door.
Jax stumbles backward, knocking items from a shelf.
The front door slowly CREEEEAKS open.
A silhouette stands in the doorway — backlit by impossibly
bright light.
Lucien.
Dripping wet.
Calm.
Immaculate.
LUCIEN
(tutting)
Jax…
this is disappointing.
Jax backs into the shelves like a trapped animal.
JAX
Stay away from me.
LUCIEN
(smiling)
You say that like you have a
choice.
Lucien steps into the store.
With each step, light bulbs SHATTER above him.
One.
Another.
Another.
Glass rains down.
The cashier cowers behind the counter.
Jax grips a broom handle, shaking.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
(soft, mocking)
What’s the plan?
Beat me with a stick?
Write me a heartfelt ballad?
Jax’s rage breaks through his terror.
JAX
I wrote something that wasn’t
yours.
And it felt REAL.
It felt like ME.
Lucien stops walking.
For the first time — real anger flickers across his face.
LUCIEN
(voice deepening)
Your soul belongs to me, Jaxon.
There is no “you” without ME.
Jax lifts the broom handle like a weapon.
JAX
Then you’re gonna have to kill me.
Because I’m not writing another
damn word for you.
Lucien steps closer, voice dropping to a terrifying whisper.
LUCIEN
Kill you?
Oh no.
Death would set you free.
Lucien places one finger on Jax’s forehead.
Jax’s body SEIZES — paralyzed — eyes bulging in pain.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
I choose to keep you alive.
To keep you making MY music.
To keep you crawling back to me
like the addict you are.
Jax collapses to the floor, gasping, shaking violently.
Lucien crouches beside him.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Run again…
and I’ll make someone you love take
your place.
Jax’s breath stops.
He whispers:
JAX
(terrified)
Eva…
Lucien grins darkly.
LUCIEN
Now you’re learning.
He stands.
Turns to leave.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Be at the studio at nine.
We’re writing the next single.
He crosses the threshold—
LIGHTS SNAP BACK ON.
The gas station is normal again.
The shadow is gone.
Lucien is gone.
The cashier peeks out, trembling.
CASHIER
Kid…
get right with God.
He’s the only one that bastard
fears.
Jax wipes tears from his face, trembling so hard he can
barely breathe.
CUT TO BLACK.
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
A Moment of Divine Hope
INT. HOTEL BATHROOM – NIGHT
A pristine, luxury marble bathroom — immaculate, expensive,
soulless.
Jax sits on the cold tile floor with his back against the
bathtub.
His hands trembling so violently he can’t even open the water
bottle beside him.
The remnants of the gas station confrontation are still on
him:
Bruised.
Shaking.
Pale.
Shattered.
His shirt clings to him with sweat.
His eyes are bloodshot and hollow.
The Devil’s notebook sits on the counter, closed but somehow
threatening — like a loaded gun.
Jax stares at his own reflection in the mirror.
He barely recognizes the man staring back:
— The stubble
— The hollow cheeks
— The panic in the eyes
— The spiritual rot creeping in
JAX
(voice barely a whisper)
I’m done…
I can’t…
I can’t take this anymore…
He grips the edge of the bathtub, trying to force himself up
— but collapses.
He begins to sob.
Not performative sobbing.
Deep, silent, ashamed sobbing — the kind a child does when
they’re alone and scared.
He grabs the pill bottle.
Shakes it.
Empty.
He throws it.
It shatters across the tile.
Jax chokes on his own breath.
JAX (CONT'D)
(whispering to the air)
Why…
Why did you let me get this far?
He closes his eyes, tears streaming.
FLASHES OF HIS
LIFE:
— Nate laughing with a guitar
— Eva cheering at the church talent show
— His mother recording him
— The crowd chanting his name
— Fans seizing and bleeding
— Lucien whispering in his ear
— The silhouette at the gas station
— The cashier saying:
“There is one who can challenge him.”
Jax opens his eyes.
For the first time in the entire film —
He looks truly, spiritually afraid.
He bows his head.
He tries to speak.
Nothing comes out.
Jax clenches his fists, trembling.
He tries again.
JAX (CONT'D)
(voice cracking)
I don’t…
I don’t know how to do this.
He forces the words, each one breaking something inside him.
JAX (CONT'D)
I’m sorry.
God, I’m so sorry.
For everything.
For running.
For…
(beat)
For selling myself.
His voice collapses.
JAX (CONT'D)
I know I don’t deserve anything.
Not forgiveness.
(MORE)
JAX (CONT'D)
Not help.
Not… grace.
The last word barely leaves his lips.
He wipes his face with shaking hands.
JAX (CONT'D)
But please…
Please.
I can’t fight him alone.
I tried. I really tried.
He sobs again, curling forward, forehead against the floor.
JAX (CONT'D)
(whisper)
Jesus…
If you’re there…
If you can hear me…
Please.
Please take me back.
Silence.
Long, aching silence.
Jax waits.
Nothing.
He presses his palms to his eyes, despair washing over him.
Then—
A SINGLE DROP OF WATER hits the back of his hand.
He looks up.
The showerhead is leaking — a steady drip.
But the room is silent.
Air still.
Time thick.
The water glows faintly in the light.
Jax stares at it — confused, mesmerized.
He reaches out and touches the drip with a trembling finger.
A FLASH OF WHITE LIGHT
Not bright enough to blind.
Just enough to WARM.
For an instant…
Jax feels something he hasn’t felt since childhood:
Peace.
Stillness.
Love.
Presence.
His breath stops.
He whispers:
JAX
(soft, stunned)
…You heard me.
A tear falls — not from despair this time, but awe.
Then—
The warmth fades.
The room returns to normal.
Jax looks around — heart pounding, breath shaky.
He isn’t “saved” yet.
He isn’t transformed.
He isn’t suddenly strong.
But for the first time…
He has HOPE.
Jax presses a hand to his chest — where the warmth lingered.
JAX (CONT'D)
(whisper)
Alright…
Okay…
I’ll fight.
I’ll try.
He wipes his face, steadies his breath.
And for the first time in a long time…
He stands.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Psychological Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Breaking Free
INT. HOTEL ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Jax walks out of the bathroom like a newborn animal — weak,
shaky, but determined.
He approaches the Devil’s notebook on the table.
He stares at it with new eyes.
No fear.
No addiction.
Just… clarity.
He reaches out…
…then pulls his hand back.
JAX
(whisper)
Not anymore.
He steps away.
And for the first time…
Lucien isn’t instantly there to stop him.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Drama","Psychological Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Confrontation in the Control Room
INT. RECORDING STUDIO – CONTROL ROOM – NEXT MORNING
The studio is dark despite the daylight outside.
Huge glass window overlooking a silent recording booth.
Equipment hums faintly — like something alive.
Drew sits at the mixing desk, sipping coffee, exhausted.
He hasn’t slept.
He scrolls social media—
Another fan collapse video.
Another “Jax is possessed” meme.
Another parent blaming the music.
He sighs, rubs his eyes.
Then —
A flicker.
The studio lights dim.
Drew looks up.
DREW
(soft groan)
Not again…
Behind him, the temperature drops.
His breath fogs.
A shadow moves.
Drew turns—
Lucien stands behind him.
Immaculate suit.
Expression unreadable.
Not quite smiling.
Drew jumps.
DREW (CONT'D)
Jesus!
You scared the hell out of me.
Lucien’s eyes glint.
LUCIEN
That’s ironic.
Drew forces an awkward laugh.
DREW
Uh… Jax isn’t here yet.
He said he’d be late.
Rough night, I think.
Lucien steps closer.
Too close.
LUCIEN
Did he say… anything?
Do anything unusual?
Drew frowns.
DREW
Uh… not really.
He was freaking out last night.
Said he needed air.
Probably just burned out—
Lucien stops walking.
Stillness.
Predatory stillness.
LUCIEN
Burnout is not what happened.
Drew doesn’t like his tone.
DREW
Look… if Jax needs a break, then
maybe—
Lucien turns his head slowly, eyes cutting into Drew like a
blade.
LUCIEN
Jax does not “get breaks.”
He steps toward Drew.
The floor seems to darken under his shoes.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
He delivers art.
That is the arrangement.
Drew forces himself not to back away.
DREW
Well… maybe the arrangement is
killing him.
Lucien smiles.
Cold.
Perfect.
Predatory.
LUCIEN
Killing him is not the problem.
Beat.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
What matters is who he turned to
last night.
Drew goes pale.
He didn’t know Jax turned to anyone.
DREW
(turns fully to Lucien)
What does that mean?
Lucien doesn’t answer.
He moves toward the recording booth.
The moment he steps inside, the glass fogs over.
Lucien closes his eyes.
The entire studio hums… vibrates… pulses.
Like it’s listening.
Lucien reaches out and places his palm on the mic.
A FLASH — like static lightning.
Lucien’s eyes SNAP OPEN.
Black anger ripples across his face.
LUCIEN
(under his breath)
He prayed.
The room seems to SHRINK with tension.
Drew stands, shaken.
DREW
He… what?
Lucien turns slowly.
His voice is calm, but cracks with fury beneath the surface.
LUCIEN
He called out to Him.
Drew doesn’t understand.
DREW
(to himself)
Him…? Who—
(realizes)
…oh God.
Lucien laughs.
Not cheerful.
Hollow.
Dangerous.
LUCIEN
Exactly.
He steps out of the booth.
The floor vibrates with each step — an almost imperceptible
quake.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Prayer is a breach of contract.
A violation.
An insult.
Drew swallows hard.
DREW
Then… then maybe he’s just scared—
He’s going through a lot—
He needs help—
Lucien appears in front of Drew in a blink.
No movement.
Just there.
Too fast.
Too close.
LUCIEN
(soft)
You cannot help him.
Drew tries to hold his ground.
Barely.
DREW
I’ve known him since we were kids.
I’m not walking away.
Lucien steps even closer.
He whispers:
LUCIEN
Then you will drown with him.
Drew’s breath stops.
Lucien straightens his suit, as if bored with the
conversation.
A studio light CRACKS overhead, showering glass.
Lucien doesn’t flinch.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Get him here.
Now.
Drew hesitates.
Drew looks down at his phone.
He doesn’t want to call Jax.
He knows Jax is in danger.
Lucien watches him.
One eyebrow lifts — amused impatience.
Drew finally grabs the phone with trembling hands.
He calls.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Fragile Resolve
INT. HOTEL ROOM – SAME TIME
Jax sits on the bed, exhausted but calmer than before.
Still fragile.
Still broken.
But lighter somehow.
His phone rings.
He checks caller ID.
DREW.
He answers.
JAX
Hey man…
I—
(beat)
I’m not ready to come in today.
INTERCUT WITH:
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Manipulation in the Dark
INT. RECORDING STUDIO – SAME TIME
Drew glances at Lucien.
Lucien gives him a small nod —
LUCIEN
“Lie to him. Bring him in.”
Drew’s face twists.
He hates this.
DREW
(strained)
Jax…
You gotta come.
Emergency meeting.
Studio wants new mixes.
They’re pissed.
Jax sighs.
JAX
Can’t you handle—
Suddenly —
an EXPLOSION of LIGHT flickers in the studio hallway behind
Drew.
Someone SCREAMS.
Jax hears it.
JAX (CONT'D)
(concerned)
What was that?
(Drew?)
Drew panics — he improvises.
DREW
Bad wiring.
Everyone’s fine.
Just get here, okay?
Jax hesitates.
His hand shakes.
He looks toward the bathroom — where he prayed.
Where he felt the warmth.
He wipes his face.
Takes a deep breath.
JAX
Okay.
I’ll come.
Lucien stands behind Drew…
Smiling.
Drew lowers the phone, defeated.
DREW
(to Lucien, broken)
Please don’t hurt him.
Lucien cups Drew’s face gently — like a father consoling a
child.
LUCIEN
Hurt him?
Oh Drew…
He leans in.
Whispers:
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
I don’t want to hurt him.
I want to own him.
Lucien turns and walks away as—
Every light in the studio EXPLODES at once.
Glass rains down around Drew.
He stands trembling, alone in the dark.
CUT TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Psychological"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Voices of Control
INT. RECORDING STUDIO – BOOTH – DAY
Jax stands in the center of the vocal booth.
He looks wrecked — pale, exhausted, haunted.
His hands tremble as he adjusts his headphones.
Lucien stands on the other side of the glass in the control
room, perfectly still, arms folded, eyes like knives.
Drew sits beside him, visibly terrified for Jax.
The Devil’s notebook lies open on the console.
Its dark lyrics seem to pulse.
Lucien presses the talkback button.
LUCIEN
Gentlemen…
we begin.
Drew flinches.
Jax swallows hard.
He tries to sing the first line of the Devil’s new verse.
Nothing comes out.
His throat closes.
Emotion chokes him.
Lucien tilts his head.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Jaxon?
We are waiting.
Jax tries again.
JAX
(strained)
I… I can’t…
Lucien’s whisper travels through the entire studio, unnatural
and omnipresent.
LUCIEN
You prayed.
Drew jerks his head up, staring at Jax.
Jax freezes.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Your voice belongs to me.
Your music belongs to me.
Your breath belongs to me.
Lucien raises two fingers.
Suddenly—
Jax’s chest tightens violently.
He gasps, clutching his ribcage, collapsing to his knees.
Drew STANDS.
DREW
(shouting)
STOP IT! You’re killing him!
Lucien doesn’t look at him.
LUCIEN
Killing him is not in my interest.
Breaking him is.
He flicks his wrist.
The booth door SLAMS shut on its own, locking.
Jax tries to stand, gasping, trembling.
JAX
Lucien—
Please—
(stop)
I won’t sing it.
I WON’T—
Lucien’s smile is cold.
LUCIEN
Then I will extract it.
He places both hands on the console.
The room darkens.
Equipment flickers.
The microphone glows faintly — red.
Jax screams as his throat tightens again, involuntary sound
ripping out of him.
It’s not singing.
It’s torture.
Drew pounds the glass.
DREW
LET HIM OUT!
HE CAN’T DO THIS!
He’s not your puppet!
Lucien turns — glacial, amused.
LUCIEN
He signed away his strings.
Lucien looks back at Jax.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Sing the verse.
Or I will carve it out of your
soul.
Jax forces breath into his lungs.
He tries to resist.
Tries to stay quiet.
Tries to hold onto the tiny flicker of peace he felt the
night before.
But the supernatural pressure increases.
He can’t breathe.
He can’t think.
Jax SLAMS his fist against the booth wall, desperate.
JAX
(screaming)
Somebody HELP ME!!
Lucien’s face falls.
Disappointed.
LUCIEN
Oh, Jax…
not Him.
Not today.
A pulse of invisible force hits Jax in the back.
He is thrown to the floor.
He crumples, gasping.
Drew is crying now — helpless.
DREW
JAX!
Hold on!
Hold—
(pleads to Lucien)
STOP IT, PLEASE!
HE’S GOING TO DIE!
Lucien releases the console.
The glow stops.
Jax lies on the studio floor, trembling violently, barely
conscious.
His breathing is uneven.
His heart stutters.
Lucien enters the booth, steps around Jax’s broken body like
stepping over spilled paint.
He kneels.
LUCIEN
(softly)
You belong to me until the final
note.
Jax’s voice is barely audible.
JAX
(whisper)
…no.
Lucien pauses.
LUCIEN
What was that?
Jax lifts his head — shaking, blood at the corner of his
mouth.
JAX
(whispering, weak)
No…
I belong…
to Him.
Lucien’s eyes ignite — fury buried under ice-cold calm.
He slaps Jax across the face — a violent, supernatural blow
that knocks him out instantly.
Drew screams.
Lucien stands, straightens his jacket.
LUCIEN
Take him home.
Let him remember pain.
It will keep him obedient.
Lucien leaves the booth without a backward glance.
Drew rushes inside and kneels next to Jax.
DREW
(voice trembling)
Jax…
Come on, brother.
Wake up.
Please…
Jax doesn’t wake.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Psychological"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
A Moment of Peace
INT. DREW’S CAR – MOVING – EVENING
Drew drives with one hand, the other gripping Jax’s arm,
trying to keep him conscious.
Jax’s head rests against the window, eyes half-open, barely
breathing.
DREW
(voice breaking)
Why didn’t you tell me, man?
Why didn’t you tell me he was
hurting you?
Jax whispers, barely audible:
JAX
He… knows.
About the prayer…
Drew swallows hard.
DREW
Then pray again.
Jax’s eyes flutter.
JAX
I… don’t know how…
Drew’s voice steadies — small, unsure, but full of love.
DREW
Just talk to Him.
He’s not Lucien.
He listens.
Jax closes his eyes.
For the first time, Drew sees a flicker of peace crossing
Jax’s face.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
A Fragile Reunion
EXT. EVA’S STREET – NIGHT
Drew pulls up to a small, warm, modest house with a porch
light glowing gently.
Jax is semi-conscious.
Drew shakes him gently.
DREW
Jax…
We’re here.
Jax opens his eyes — barely.
JAX
(weak)
Why… here?
Drew looks down at him.
DREW
Because she still sees the real
you.
Jax’s eyes fill with tears.
Drew helps him out of the car, holding most of his weight.
They stagger toward Eva’s porch.
Drew knocks.
LIGHTS turn on inside.
The door opens.
Eva appears.
Her face changes instantly —
from confusion
to recognition
to horror.
EVA
Oh my God.
Jax—
She rushes forward, catching him as he collapses into her
arms.
He clings to her like a drowning man.
JAX
(weak whisper)
Eva…
please…
help me…
Eva holds him tightly, stroking the back of his head, her
voice shaking with compassion.
EVA
I’ve got you.
You’re safe.
You’re safe, Jax.
Drew stands behind them, eyes wet, knowing something holy is
beginning — and something hellish is about to break.
Eva guides Jax into the house.
As the door closes—
A shadow passes in the street.
Watching.
Waiting.
CUT TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Confronting Shadows
INT. EVA’S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
A small, warm, modest space.
Soft yellow lamps.
Bookshelves filled with devotionals, old photos, and family
trinkets.
A cross on the wall — simple, wooden, unassuming.
This room radiates PEACE — the opposite energy of Jax’s
world.
Jax lies on the couch, wrapped in a blanket.
Sweat on his forehead.
Breathing uneven.
Body trembling.
Eva kneels beside him with a damp cloth, wiping his brow
gently.
Her touch is steady, maternal, safe.
Drew stands in the doorway, arms crossed tightly, guilt and
fear eating at him.
Eva speaks softly.
EVA
Jax…
I need you to tell me the truth.
Jax closes his eyes — ashamed.
EVA (CONT'D)
(soft but firm)
What’s happening to you?
Jax swallows hard.
He wipes a tear with the back of his hand.
JAX
(whisper)
You won’t believe me.
EVA
Try me.
He hesitates… then breaks.
JAX
I made a deal.
Eva’s breath catches — she keeps wiping his forehead, but
slower now.
EVA
A deal?
JAX
(voice cracking)
With…
with him.
The word hangs heavy in the room.
Eva closes her eyes — not in shock, but in recognition.
EVA
Lucien.
Jax freezes.
JAX
You knew?
Eva nods.
EVA
Not what he was…
But I felt something wrong the
moment I saw him.
Like standing in a shadow that doesn’t belong to the room.
Jax exhales a sob — finally someone UNDERSTANDS.
JAX
Eva…
I didn’t know.
I swear I didn’t know what I was
signing.
I was broken… desperate…
And he promised the world.
Eva takes his hand.
EVA
You don’t have to justify it.
People don’t fall into darkness
because they’re evil.
They fall because they’re hurting.
Jax’s shoulders collapse.
He sobs — raw, childlike.
JAX
I prayed last night…
And for a moment…
I felt something good.
Something… warm.
Eva’s eyes soften — tears glistening.
EVA
You weren’t alone.
JAX
But he knew.
He felt it.
And he…
He punished me, Eva.
His breath shakes.
JAX (CONT'D)
My body…
my voice…
(MORE)
JAX (CONT'D)
I couldn’t breathe…
I thought I was gonna die.
Eva squeezes his hand — fearless, protective.
EVA
Jax…
He doesn’t fear your talent.
He fears your soul waking up.
Silence.
Deep, spiritual silence.
Jax looks at her — broken and hopeful.
JAX
I don’t know how to fight him.
Eva takes a deep breath, the weight of her faith gathering
strength.
EVA
You don’t fight him with fists.
You fight him with truth.
With light.
With the One he hates.
Jax shakes his head.
JAX
(whispers)
I’m not good enough.
Not anymore.
Not after everything I’ve done.
Eva cups his face gently — grounding him.
EVA
Jax…
Grace isn’t for the good.
It’s for the wounded.
For the lost.
For people just like you.
Jax breaks again — this time in relief.
EVA (CONT'D)
Do you want help?
Real help?
Jax nods — desperate, trembling.
JAX
(Yes…)
(God, yes.)
Eva sits beside him, takes both his hands, and bows her head.
Her voice softens into a prayer — not dramatic, not
theatrical.
Just pure, human, trembling devotion.
EVA
Jesus…
We come to You because we don’t
know where else to go.
Jax sobs quietly.
EVA (CONT'D)
Jax is hurting.
He is lost.
And the enemy has wrapped chains
around his soul.
The room subtly darkens — as if the air itself reacts.
Drew shivers — goosebumps rising.
Eva doesn’t stop.
EVA (CONT'D)
We ask You to break those chains.
To send Your peace into this room.
Into his mind.
Into his heart.
Jax clutches her hands tightly — his whole body trembling.
For a moment —
The lamp flickers.
A wind moves through the room though the windows are shut.
Jax gasps — not in fear, but in awe.
He presses a hand to his chest —
the warmth returns.
Eva opens her eyes — sees it.
She smiles.
EVA (CONT'D)
(whisper)
He’s here, Jax.
Suddenly—
A SHADOW shifts in the corner.
Drew sees it.
His breath stops.
DREW
Eva…
Someone’s in the room.
Eva’s expression hardens — she doesn’t turn.
EVA
I know.
The shadow PULSES — then disperses with a hiss like steam.
Comparatively small.
Wounded.
Rejected by the light.
Eva stands.
She faces the empty corner, voice steady.
EVA (CONT'D)
You don’t have authority here.
Jax watches her with awe — and fear.
The room BRIGHTENS slightly.
The darkness is gone.
Eva sits back beside Jax.
EVA (CONT'D)
You’re not fighting alone anymore.
Jax wipes tears from his eyes.
JAX
(whisper)
Eva…
I don’t deserve you.
She shakes her head, squeezing his hand.
EVA
You don’t have me.
You have Him.
Her eyes soften with deep, aching compassion.
EVA (CONT'D)
I’m just here to remind you who you
really are.
Jax breaks — in the best way.
He collapses into her arms.
She holds him tightly.
Drew watches, emotional, relieved, terrified — because he
knows Lucien will retaliate.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
The Calm Before the Storm
EXT. EVA’S HOUSE – SAME TIME
A sleek black car sits idling silently across the street.
Inside:
Lucien watches through the windshield, eyes burning with
suppressed rage.
His jaw clenches.
He whispers:
LUCIEN
(to himself)
So the war begins.
The streetlight above him FLICKERS violently.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
EXT. EVA’S HOUSE – NIGHT
The neighborhood is quiet.
Streetlights buzz softly.
A warm glow spills from Eva’s living room window.
The black car that watched earlier is gone.
For now.
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Night of Shadows
INT. EVA’S LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Eva sits on a worn sofa chair, a Bible open on her lap.
Her fingertips rest on the pages, but she isn’t reading.
She’s watching Jax sleep on the couch — his breathing
steadier, his face softer.
Drew sits on the floor with his back against the wall, half-
asleep, drained.
Eva brushes a strand of hair from Jax’s forehead with tender
care.
EVA
(quietly, to herself)
You’re going to be alright.
She closes the Bible gently.
The room is peaceful.
Until—
The lamp flickers.
Eva notices.
She glances at the ceiling.
EVA (CONT'D)
(whisper)
Not tonight.
The lamp flickers again.
Harder.
Drew stirs, groggy.
DREW
Did you pay the electric—
The entire ROOM goes black.
Except for the window.
Which is now a perfect mirror.
In the reflection—
Someone stands behind Eva.
Tall.
Still.
Silhouetted.
Eva turns slowly.
Nobody is there.
Jax twitches, whispering in his sleep.
JAX
(soft, distressed)
No… stop… please…
Eva kneels beside him, placing a calming hand on his
shoulder.
EVA
It’s okay.
You’re safe.
But the air changes —
Cold, crushing, heavy.
As if something filled the room that shouldn’t exist.
A faint scratching sound comes from the hallway.
Drew jolts upright.
DREW
What the hell was that?
Eva stands, steady but tense.
She walks toward the hallway.
The scratching stops.
Then—
A loud BANG shakes the front door.
Eva jumps.
Drew stands, heart racing.
DREW (CONT'D)
Who’s out there?
Eva moves toward the door slowly.
EVA
Stay with Jax.
She reaches the door.
Her hand hovers over the knob.
Silence.
Then—
A familiar voice speaks through the door:
LUCIEN (O.S.)
Eva…
open the door.
Her blood runs cold.
He shouldn’t know where she lives.
He shouldn’t know her name this intimately.
He shouldn’t exist in this calm suburban space.
Eva steps back, trembling.
EVA
You’re not welcome here.
Lucien chuckles — low, amused, chilling.
LUCIEN (O.S.)
Hospitality, my dear, is a virtue.
Eva’s jaw clenches.
EVA
Not for you.
He knocks softly —
A polite, elegant knock.
Somehow worse than pounding.
LUCIEN (O.S.)
You meddled tonight.
You interfered with my artist.
Drew moves closer, whispering.
DREW
Don’t open that door.
Please don’t open—
The doorknob TWISTS on its own.
Slowly.
Silently.
Eva steps forward and SLAMS her hand against it, stopping the
turn.
She presses her forehead against the wood and whispers:
EVA
In the name of Jesus Christ…
The doorknob stops moving.
Silence.
Then—
Lucien speaks again, his voice dripping with venom and charm.
LUCIEN (O.S.)
Do you think He’ll protect you
forever?
Eva doesn’t back down.
EVA
Yes.
Lucien laughs.
A distorted, layered laugh that seems to crawl down the
walls.
He speaks in a whisper that feels like it’s inside the house
even though he’s outside.
LUCIEN (O.S.)
You’re a lovely girl, Eva.
But you are fragile.
Everyone breaks.
Even the faithful.
Eva shuts her eyes, but her voice stays strong.
EVA
Not tonight.
Not here.
Not him.
A PERFECT SILENCE follows.
The kind that feels wrong.
Predatory.
Then—
A violent SCREAM from the living room.
Eva WHIPS around and RUNS.
Genres:
["Horror","Supernatural","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Spiritual Confrontation
INT. LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Jax is convulsing on the couch.
His body arches off the cushions.
His hands claw at the air.
His voice is choked, strangled.
JAX
(agonized)
Get out of my head!
GET OUT!
Eva rushes to him.
Drew panics, grabbing Jax’s shoulders.
DREW
Jax!
Wake up!
Wake up!
Eva shouts toward the door.
EVA
Lucien!
STOP IT!
Jax CRIES OUT — a scream of pure spiritual agony.
Eva grabs his face, forcing him to look at her.
EVA (CONT'D)
(yelling)
Jax!
LISTEN TO ME!
You are NOT his!
NOT anymore!
Jax’s breathing shakes violently.
Tears spill down his face.
JAX
(through gritted teeth)
He’s in my mind—
I can hear him—
I can FEEL him—
Eva places a hand over Jax’s heart.
EVA
Firm, commanding:
JESUS, REMOVE HIM.
Suddenly—
The entire HOUSE SHUDDERS.
Lights explode back on.
A CRACK echoes in the hallway — like something breaking
apart.
Jax collapses into Eva’s arms, gasping for breath.
Eva holds him, whispering softly.
EVA (CONT'D)
You’re safe.
He can’t cross that line.
Not when we call His name.
Drew is shaking uncontrollably.
DREW
Jesus Christ…
Is this what you’ve been living
with?
Jax nods weakly.
JAX
(whisper)
Every day…
Eva looks toward the front door.
It stands perfectly still.
Too still.
A final whisper seeps through the cracks — low, venomous,
defeated but promising war:
LUCIEN (O.S.)
Enjoy your borrowed time.
The porch light flickers.
Then goes out.
Eva holds Jax tighter.
Drew locks the door, hands trembling.
The room is quiet again — but the danger is now undeniable.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Horror","Spiritual","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
Facing the Darkness Together
INT. EVA’S KITCHEN – MORNING
Soft sunlight pours through the window.
Eva makes coffee quietly, exhausted but composed.
The house feels like a sanctuary — at least for the moment.
In the living room, Jax sits at Eva’s small dining table,
wrapped in a blanket, staring at the steam rising from his
mug.
Drew stands by the counter, arms folded, protecting him with
his presence.
A long silence.
Finally—
JAX
(quiet, raw)
I can’t go back there.
Eva turns, giving him her full attention.
JAX (CONT'D)
I can’t record his songs.
I can’t step on another stage.
I can’t hear another whisper in my
head.
He looks up — eyes tired, but clearer.
JAX (CONT'D)
I need to leave the industry.
All of it.
Before it kills me.
Drew sighs deeply — knowing what’s coming.
DREW
Jax…
It’s not that easy.
Eva sits beside Jax.
EVA
Why not?
Drew hesitates.
DREW
Because Lucien isn’t just some
producer.
He’s the label’s golden boy.
Their miracle-maker.
They don’t question him — ever.
Everyone who works with him becomes a superstar… or
disappears.
Jax clenches his jaw.
JAX
I don’t care.
I’m done.
Eva places a hand over his.
EVA
Then let’s go tell them.
Jax looks up, surprised by her courage.
JAX
You’d go with me?
EVA
(smiling softly)
You shouldn’t walk into darkness
alone.
Drew runs a hand through his hair.
DREW
Alright…
But if we’re doing this…
we’re doing it together.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Confronting the Past
EXT. LUCID RECORDS – TOWER BUILDING – DAY
A tall, glass skyscraper.
Sleek.
Cold.
Corporate.
As Jax, Eva, and Drew approach the revolving doors, Jax
visibly trembles.
Not from fear of Lucien —
But from what awaits inside.
INT. RECORD LABEL LOBBY – CONTINUOUS
A massive open space with marble floors and digital
billboards showing music videos.
Every screen features JAX KANE.
His face.
His voice.
His “dark genius.”
Jax looks sick.
EVA
(softly)
You’re not that man anymore.
Drew clears his throat.
DREW
Let’s talk to Marla.
She’s Head of Artist Relations.
She has to listen.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Trapped in the Shadows
INT. MARLA’S OFFICE – MOMENTS LATER
MARLA (50s), sharp, polished, surgical in her emotional
distance, sits behind a sleek desk.
She looks at Jax with controlled annoyance — like he’s a
malfunctioning product.
MARLA
So…
You want to “take a break.”
JAX
No.
I’m leaving.
Dropping out.
I’m done with the album.
I’m done with Lucien.
I’m done with the entire label.
Marla’s pen stops mid-signature.
She looks up slowly.
MARLA
Jax…
sweetheart…
That patronizing tone makes Eva’s eyes narrow.
MARLA (CONT'D)
You can’t just “leave.”
You signed a six-album contract.
Tour agreements.
Merchandising.
You are the single biggest marketing investment we’ve ever
made.
Jax’s voice cracks with desperation.
JAX
I don’t care about the money.
I don’t want the fame.
I don’t want the music anymore.
Marla leans back, her smile thin and weaponized.
MARLA
That’s unfortunate.
Because the music still wants you.
Jax freezes.
Eva leans forward.
EVA
He’s not well.
He needs time.
Rest.
Help.
Marla’s eyes flick to her.
MARLA
(interrupting)
And you are…?
EVA
Someone who actually cares about
him.
Marla laughs under her breath.
MARLA
That won’t get you far in this
business.
Drew steps forward.
DREW
He’s serious, Marla.
He’s done.
We’re walking away.
Marla’s smile disappears.
MARLA
You don’t seem to understand the
scale of what you’re saying.
She taps her desk.
The blinds close automatically.
Lights dim.
A sense of oppression fills the room.
MARLA (CONT'D)
Jax is under contract.
Contracts have consequences.
Eva swallows hard — she feels it too.
JAX
(angry)
I’m not your prisoner.
Marla leans in, voice lowering.
MARLA
Legally?
You are.
Jax’s breath catches.
He looks at Drew — at Eva — searching for something he can
hold onto.
Then—
The door opens.
Lucien steps in.
Perfect suit.
Perfect smile.
Perfect timing.
Lucien closes the door gently behind him.
LUCIEN
Marla, you’re needed downstairs.
I’ll handle this.
Marla rises immediately — relieved.
She touches Lucien’s shoulder as she leaves, like a
subordinate greeting a superior.
The door closes.
Lucien turns to Jax, Eva, and Drew.
Silence.
Then—
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Where were you last night, Jax?
Eva steps protectively in front of him — surprising even
herself.
EVA
He was with me.
Lucien’s smile twitches — just a fraction.
LUCIEN
Yes.
I know.
He circles them slowly — like a wolf assessing prey.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
You want to quit?
Walk away?
Find God?
Jax stares at the floor.
Lucien stops moving.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
You don’t get to leave.
You are mine until your final
breath.
Eva steps closer, defiant.
EVA
No, he isn’t.
Lucien turns to her — all amusement gone.
Something colder underneath.
LUCIEN
(tender, lethal)
You… are becoming a problem.
Drew moves between them instinctively.
DREW
Touch her and I swear to God—
Lucien raises a finger.
Drew’s throat tightens —
he CHOKES, gasping, clenching his neck.
Eva screams.
EVA
STOP!
Lucien releases him.
Drew collapses to the floor, coughing violently.
Jax rushes to him.
JAX
(horrified)
Drew—
Are you okay?
Are you—
Lucien leans down, whispering near Jax’s ear:
LUCIEN
You walk away…
and I destroy them.
Starting with her.
Jax freezes.
His worst fear.
His chains tightening.
Lucien straightens his jacket.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Now be a good artist…
and go back to the studio.
He opens the door casually — inviting, commanding.
No force this time.
No violence.
Just domination.
Lucien walks out.
Marla passes him in the hallway, smiling as if nothing
happened.
Eva helps Drew up.
Jax stands in the doorway of the office, trembling,
realizing:
Leaving the industry isn’t just difficult.
It’s deadly.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
The Weight of Performance
EXT. STADIUM – NIGHT
Crowds flood inside.
Posters everywhere: “JAX KANE: THE NIGHT OF FIRE TOUR”.
Energy.
Excitement.
Chaos.
Inside—
INT. STADIUM ARENA – CONTINUOUS
Lights blast.
The crowd roars.
Drums pound.
The stage glows red — TOO red, almost infernal.
Jax stands just offstage.
He’s trembling.
Eva and Drew are beside him, having snuck backstage, both
terrified he agreed to perform.
EVA
Jax…
You don’t owe them anything.
We should leave.
Jax shakes his head, eyes glassy.
JAX
If I run… he’ll hurt you.
Both of you.
Eva grabs his arm.
EVA
Jax, listen—
God is stronger than—
Before she finishes—
A STAGEHAND approaches.
STAGEHAND
Two minutes, Jax.
He claps Jax’s shoulder.
Jax nearly collapses from the touch.
Drew steadies him.
DREW
We’ll be right here.
Don’t let him inside your head.
Jax nods — barely.
He steps toward the stage.
A low, deep whisper curls around his ears:
LUCIEN (V.O.)
Good boy.
Jax stiffens.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
Haunted Performance
INT. ARENA – MAIN STAGE – MOMENTS LATER
Spotlights blaze.
The crowd EXPLODES with screams as Jax steps into the light.
But he looks… wrong.
Pale.
Haunted.
Unsteady.
He grips the mic with both hands.
MUSIC BEGINS —
The intro to his biggest hit:
“Rhymes of the Devil.”
The crowd sings along.
Jax flinches at the title.
He raises the mic —
Nothing comes out.
He tries again.
Still nothing.
The crowd starts chanting his name.
JAX
JAX
JAX (CONT'D)
A low vibration hums under the
floorboards.
The LED screens glitch —
flashes of demonic silhouettes
hidden lyrics
Lucien’s eyes.
Jax tries to sing.
A voice overlays his own —
Lucien’s voice.
LUCIEN (V.O.)
Deliver the message.
Jax screams — but the scream becomes a distorted audio blast
that echoes through the arena.
The crowd FALLS SILENT.
Jax drops the mic, clutching his head.
JAX
(panicked)
STOP!
(MORE)
JAX (CONT'D)
Get out of my mind!
GET OUT!
He crumples to his knees.
The LED screens turn blood-red.
A SIGIL appears behind him — the same one burned into the
Devil’s notebook.
The crowd GASPS.
People pull out phones.
The moment becomes VIRAL in real time.
Jax begins seizing — ONSTAGE — in front of 30,000 fans.
Security rushes in.
Eva SCREAMS backstage.
EVA
JAX!!!
Drew grabs her hand.
DREW
We have to get him OUT of here!
CUT TO:
INT. BACKSTAGE – SECONDS LATER
Security carries Jax past Eva and Drew.
His eyes are rolled back.
His chest spasms.
He whispers a broken prayer:
JAX
Help… me…
They drag him down a hallway.
Suddenly—
All the arena lights SHUT OFF.
TOTAL DARKNESS.
A single spotlight drops on Lucien, standing at the opposite
end of the corridor.
Perfectly clean.
Perfectly calm.
Perfectly demonic.
Lucien smiles at Eva.
LUCIEN
You can’t save him.
Eva steps forward, shaking — but resolute.
EVA
I don’t have to.
I know someone who can.
Lucien smirks.
Then vanishes.
Eva grabs Drew.
EVA (CONT'D)
We have to take him somewhere safe.
Now.
Drew nods.
They drag Jax, half-conscious, into the parking lot.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Supernatural","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
Desperate Plea for Help
EXT. EMPTY CHURCH — LATE NIGHT
A small, unremarkable building on the edge of town.
A flickering neon sign:
“NEW HOPE OUTREACH CENTER”
Eva pounds on the door.
EVA
Pastor Mike!
Please—it’s an emergency!
The door unlocks.
PASTOR MIKE (50s), rugged, ex-addict vibes, sleeves rolled
up, no judgment in his eyes — just history — opens the door.
He sees Jax convulsing in Drew’s arms.
He nods once.
PASTOR MIKE
Bring him in.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
Chains of Darkness
INT. CHURCH SANCTUARY – MOMENTS LATER
The church is dim, quiet, humble.
No theatrical lighting.
No stained glass.
Just wooden pews and a worn cross.
Pastor Mike kneels beside Jax, who trembles on the floor.
PASTOR MIKE
(to Jax)
Son… can you hear me?
Jax’s eyes flutter.
JAX
(whisper)
He… won’t let me go.
Pastor Mike exchanges a dark, knowing look with Eva.
PASTOR MIKE
(to Eva)
Tell me everything.
Eva catches her breath.
EVA
He made a deal with… someone.
A producer.
But not human.
Mike nods — like he’s heard this before.
PASTOR MIKE
Name?
EVA
Lucien.
Pastor Mike pauses.
His face tightens.
PASTOR MIKE
That’s… not a new name.
Drew swallows hard.
DREW
You believe us?
Pastor Mike looks Jax in the eyes, then places a steady hand
on his chest.
PASTOR MIKE
Son…
I’ve seen this before.
Different faces.
Same chains.
Jax sobs.
JAX
Can you break them?
Pastor Mike doesn’t sugarcoat — he meets him with brutal
honesty.
PASTOR MIKE
No.
Jax’s heart drops.
Pastor Mike leans closer.
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
But He can.
Jax trembles.
EVA
What do we do?
Pastor Mike stands, grabbing an old Bible that’s clearly been
held together by tape and prayer.
He speaks with the calm certainty of someone who’s battled
darkness before.
PASTOR MIKE
We don’t run.
We don’t hide.
He looks at all three of them — seeing their fear, but also
their potential.
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
We fight.
Eva exhales — relieved and terrified.
Drew nods — ready, for the first time.
Jax looks up — barely conscious, but hope flickers in him
again.
Pastor Mike kneels beside him.
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
But first…
He places a hand firmly over Jax’s heart.
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
We take back what was stolen.
Jax gasps — a shock of spiritual warmth surging through his
chest.
Eva grabs his hand.
Drew steadies his shoulders.
Pastor Mike opens the Bible.
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
Let’s begin.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Supernatural","Spiritual","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Confronting the Darkness
INT. NEW HOPE CHURCH – PRAYER ROOM – NIGHT
A small room lit by candles.
Wooden floor.
Simple chairs.
Nothing grand — just space, silence, and presence.
Jax sits in the center on a chair.
Eva sits on his left, gripping his hand.
Drew sits on his right, jaw clenched, ready to fight anything
physical or not.
Pastor Mike stands in front of them.
Bible in one hand.
A small wooden cross hanging from his neck.
He studies Jax gently, like a doctor assessing a wounded
child.
PASTOR MIKE
Jax…
before we begin, I need to know something.
Jax lifts his head — trembling.
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
Do you want to be free?
Jax closes his eyes.
Tears spill silently.
JAX
(whispering)
Yes…
More than anything.
Pastor Mike nods.
He places a hand over Jax’s heart.
PASTOR MIKE
Then He hears you.
Jax exhales shakily.
Pastor Mike pulls a chair and sits directly in front of him.
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
This isn’t Hollywood.
I’m not here to scream demons out
of you.
(MORE)
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
I’m here to find the wounds…
…and introduce them to the Healer.
Mike flips open his Bible.
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
We start simple.
Tell me the moment you gave yourself away.
Jax shakes his head.
JAX
I don’t…
I don’t want to talk about it.
PASTOR MIKE
Which means we need to.
Jax grips Eva’s hand harder.
His breathing becomes ragged.
JAX
I was alone.
Desperate.
I felt worthless.
He knew exactly what to say.
A faint metallic sound echoes through the room.
Clink.
Drew looks around.
DREW
What the hell was that?
Pastor Mike doesn’t flinch.
PASTOR MIKE
Ignore it.
He stays locked on Jax.
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
What did he offer?
Jax’s voice shakes.
JAX
Everything I ever wanted.
Fame.
(MORE)
JAX (CONT'D)
Money.
The world chanting my name.
Mike nods.
He’s seen this before.
PASTOR MIKE
And what did he take?
Jax’s mouth opens, but no sound comes.
His chest tightens.
He gasps —
JAX
(strangled whisper)
My… voice…
Eva grips his shoulders.
EVA
Jax!
Look at me — breathe!
Pastor Mike leans forward, whispering.
PASTOR MIKE
Lucien…
you don’t get to silence him here.
A violent gust of COLD wind blasts through the candles.
Three go out.
Drew stands instantly, fists raised.
DREW
Where is he?!
Pastor Mike speaks calmly — the authority in his voice
cutting through the fear.
PASTOR MIKE
Sit.
He wants you panicked.
Drew swallows and sits.
Jax begins crying — uncontrollable.
JAX
I can feel him…
in my mind…
He’s pulling…
He’s pulling—
Pastor Mike places a hand firmly on Jax’s forehead.
PASTOR MIKE
(quiet but commanding)
The power of Christ compels you!.
Jax jerks —
as if something hit a wall inside him.
His breathing steadies.
Mike exhales.
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
Alright…
We found the chain.
Now we test it.
Mike stands, stepping behind Jax.
He places both hands on Jax’s shoulders.
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
Lucien…
I know you can hear me.
Eva tenses.
Drew looks ready to punch the air.
Mike’s voice deepens, unwavering.
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
You have no authority over him
here.
A whisper fills the room.
A voice only Jax hears — but we see the effect.
LUCIEN (V.O.)
(taunting)
He belongs to me.
Jax gasps.
His nails dig into the chair.
He looks like he’s being pulled backward by invisible hands.
Eva grips him tighter.
EVA
Jax — stay with us!
Pastor Mike circles to face him.
PASTOR MIKE
(sharply)
No.
Listen to me —
YOU LEFT THE DOOR OPEN.
Not him.
Everyone freezes.
Jax looks up — confused.
JAX
What… what does that mean?
Pastor Mike kneels in front of him.
He speaks softly, intensely, without judgment:
PASTOR MIKE
Pain opens doors.
Trauma opens doors.
Shame opens doors.
He squeezes Jax’s trembling hand.
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
Tell me the wound he used.
Jax begins shaking violently.
Images flash in his mind:
— Nate overdosing
— EMTs trying to revive him
— Jax crying on the pavement
— Lucien appearing afterwards
— “You weren’t enough to save him, were you?”
Jax collapses into sobs so deep they sound like broken bones.
JAX
(screaming)
It’s my fault!
Nate died because of me!
Eva is crying now too.
She grabs his face.
EVA
No, Jax — no.
Nate made his choice.
You didn’t abandon him.
Pastor Mike nods, supporting.
PASTOR MIKE
That’s the wound.
That’s what he latched onto.
That’s how he convinced you to sell
yourself.
The candles flicker violently —
a wave of unseen anger.
Pastor Mike raises his voice, calm but fierce:
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
You’re not guilty of Nate’s death.
You’re guilty of believing the LIE.
Jax shakes — violently — like the world is tilting.
LUCIEN (V.O.)
(hissing)
He left you.
Everyone leaves you.
Even she will leave you.
Jax screams.
Eva holds him tighter.
EVA
Jax — look at me!
He looks up — eyes filled with pain.
EVA (CONT'D)
I’m not leaving you.
Her voice breaks.
EVA (CONT'D)
Not now.
Not ever.
Something snaps inside Jax.
A spiritual thread disconnects.
The candles BRIGHTEN.
Pastor Mike exhales — relieved.
PASTOR MIKE
Good.
Very good.
Drew wipes tears without hiding it.
DREW
Is he… is he free?
Pastor Mike stands, grabbing the Bible.
His voice is serious, weighted:
PASTOR MIKE
No.
Not yet.
Eva grips Jax’s hand.
EVA
What do we have to do?
Pastor Mike looks at them — all three — knowing the road
ahead is brutal.
PASTOR MIKE
We need to break the contract.
Jax swallows.
JAX
But…
how?
Mike closes the Bible.
PASTOR MIKE
We find the object that bound you.
Where’s the book?
Eva’s eyes widen.
Eva and Drew speak at the same time:
EVA / DREW
The Devil’s Notebook.
Pastor Mike nods.
PASTOR MIKE
That’s the binding anchor.
Destroy it…
and you sever his influence.
Drew stands.
DREW
Where do we find it?
Pastor Mike looks toward the church doors.
The air gets colder.
PASTOR MIKE
We don’t.
He does.
They all look at Jax.
The weight of destiny settles onto his shoulders.
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
Tomorrow…
you face him.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
INT. NEW HOPE CHURCH – SANCTUARY – LATE NIGHT
Jax sits alone in the dim sanctuary, holding a worn acoustic
guitar.
His hands shake.
His breath falters.
His soul knows what tomorrow means.
Eva walks in and sits beside him.
EVA
You don’t have to be perfect
tomorrow.
You just have to show up.
Jax nods — barely.
JAX
What if I’m too weak?
Eva smiles softly.
EVA
Then let Him be strong.
Drew enters with Pastor Mike.
They stand like soldiers before battle.
PASTOR MIKE
Tomorrow… the goal isn’t to fight
him.
It’s to take back what belongs to
God.
He kneels in front of Jax.
PASTOR MIKE (CONT'D)
You are not going into hell to win.
You’re going in because you’ve already been claimed.
Jax’s eyes fill with tears.
Drew puts a hand on his shoulder.
DREW
We’ve got your back, brother.
Eva takes Jax’s hand.
EVA
And He has the rest.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
The Final Confrontation
INT. LUCID RECORDS – BASEMENT STUDIO – NIGHT
A dark, unused recording studio —
the place where Lucien first “signed” Jax’s soul.
The Devil’s Notebook sits on a stand at the center, closed
but radiating power.
Jax enters with Pastor Mike, Eva, and Drew.
The door SLAMS shut behind them.
Lucien steps out of the shadows.
Perfect suit.
Cold eyes.
A smile too calm for what’s coming.
LUCIEN
So here you are.
My masterpiece.
My prophet.
Jax steps forward — trembling, but brave.
JAX
I’m not yours.
Lucien circles him.
LUCIEN
If you weren’t mine…
you wouldn’t be here.
Pastor Mike raises the cross.
PASTOR MIKE
In the name of Jesus—
Lucien LAUGHS.
A cold, echoing sound that rattles the lights.
LUCIEN
Do you really think waving symbols
will save him?
Pastor Mike doesn’t flinch.
PASTOR MIKE
It’s not the symbol.
It’s the authority behind it.
Lucien’s smile falters — just slightly.
Battle lines drawn.
The air thickens with supernatural tension.
Lucien gestures toward the notebook.
LUCIEN
Destroy it…
and he dies with it.
Jax freezes.
JAX
What…?
Lucien leans close.
LUCIEN
You tied your soul to every word.
My rhymes ARE your breath.
Jax stumbles back.
Eva holds him steady.
EVA
He’s lying.
Lucien turns to her — amused.
LUCIEN
Am I?
Would you bet his life on that?
Eva’s eyes fill with fear — but she stands firm.
EVA
Yes.
Lucien’s smile dies completely.
LUCIEN
Then you’ve chosen war.
Suddenly —
THE ROOM ERUPTS.
Lights explode.
Equipment blasts off tables.
Wind whips in a tornado of papers and dust.
Lucien transforms slightly — not a monster, but a more
terrifying version of a man who’s shed his human disguise.
Eyes like obsidian.
Skin pale, sharp, cold.
He lifts a hand —
Jax is SLAMMED against the wall.
Eva SCREAMS.
Drew RUNS — tries to grab Jax — gets thrown across the room.
Pastor Mike stands strong, shouting scripture.
The demon ROARS.
But the Bible in Mike’s hands glows faintly — warmth vs.
cold.
Lucien recoils.
LUCIEN
ENOUGH!
He appears in front of Jax instantly, gripping his face.
LUCIEN (CONT'D)
Sing for me.
ONE LAST TIME.
Jax gasps — suffocating — as if Lucien is pulling the air
from his lungs.
Eva rushes forward, holding onto Jax’s hand.
EVA
JAX — LOOK AT ME!
He meets her eyes.
She whispers:
EVA (CONT'D)
You don’t need his breath.
You have His.
Something shifts inside Jax.
A spark.
A memory.
Nate’s laughter.
Eva’s smile.
Pastor Mike’s words.
God’s warmth.
Jax breathes.
NOT by Lucien’s will.
By choice.
Lucien steps back — startled.
LUCIEN
What—
NO.
Pastor Mike shouts:
PASTOR MIKE
NOW, JAX — BREAK THE CONTRACT!
Jax stumbles to the notebook.
Lucien screams:
LUCIEN
TOUCH IT AND YOU DIE!
Jax places his hand on the cover.
It BURNS.
His skin sizzles.
But he doesn’t let go.
JAX
(through tears)
I’m… not… yours.
Lucien lunges.
Eva grabs Jax’s shoulders.
Drew grabs his arm.
Pastor Mike presses the cross against Jax’s back, praying
loudly.
Jax OPENS THE NOTEBOOK.
A BLAST OF DARK ENERGY fills the room —
a demonic scream shakes the walls —
Lucien SHRIEKS in agony —
the words inside the notebook writhe like living serpents.
Jax rips the pages out.
Lucien collapses.
The room shakes violently.
Jax throws the pages into a burning trash can.
The notebook catches fire —
screaming, twisting, writhing —
until finally—
IT EXPLODES INTO LIGHT.
Lucien is thrown backward, slamming into the far wall.
He lies there, smoking, weakened — his power severed.
Jax collapses into Eva’s arms.
The room falls silent.
PASTOR MIKE
(soft, reverent)
It’s done.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
Genres:
["Supernatural","Spiritual","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
The Rhymes of Devil
EXT. SMALL COMMUNITY PARK – SUNSET (WEEKS LATER)
A humble outdoor gathering.
No stage lights.
No pyrotechnics.
Just people.
And peace.
Jax sits on a wooden stool with his guitar.
Eva is in the front row.
Drew and Pastor Mike stand nearby.
Jax taps the mic gently.
JAX
This song…
is the first one I’ve ever written without chains.
The crowd quiets.
He closes his eyes.
He breathes — freely.
He begins to play.
A soft, haunting melody —
sacred in tone, but deeply human.
JAX (CONT'D)
(singing)
I walked in shadows I called my
home
Chasing echoes I should’ve known
But mercy found me where darkness
stole
And whispered softly… “I want your
soul.”
Eva smiles — tears in her eyes.
JAX (CONT'D)
Not to bind
Not to break
Not to claim the scars I make
But to lift a heart that fell too
low—
To give me back what I let go.
The audience listens in silence — holy silence.
The camera slowly circles Jax as he sings, free for the first
time.
JAX (CONT'D)
Light in the fire
Grace in the pain
(MORE)
JAX (CONT'D)
Love in the ruins I made with my
name
And I will sing — for the One I
know
Who took my ashes…
And made me whole.
He finishes.
Silence.
Then — the crowd rises in applause.
But Jax doesn’t smile for fame.
He smiles for FREEDOM.
Eva comes up and hugs him.
Drew claps his shoulder.
Pastor Mike nods, proud.
Jax looks out over the crowd — humble, grateful, redeemed.
CUT TO:
EXT. PARK – EDGE OF THE CROWD – SAME TIME
A lone man in a long coat watches from the shadows.
Not Lucien.
Just a man.
He turns and walks away.
Evil isn’t gone from the world…
but it no longer owns Jax.
FADE OUT.
TITLE CARD:
THE RHYMES OF DEVIL
ROLL CREDITS under Jax’s final song — now a full arrangement
— playing triumphantly.