From Dusk Till Dawn

Chapter Fourteen (The Gray Knight)

     It was getting dark, we had set up a camp with the help of The King and his white knights. I stared at the fire, waiting and listening as the gentle breathing and shuffling of sleeping people filled my ears. The fire cracked and it echoed through the wood and I looked up, two red eyes watching me out of the forest. I stood, unsheathing my sword.

"Who's there?" I growled lowly.

A dark laugh replied as the eyes glowed more purple-ish. I raised my sword higher, eyes locked on the red jewels that shined in the black abyss of the forest. The eyes faded and I looked around, feeling suddenly very watched and afraid. I turned and jumped back, holding in a scream as a skeleton around the same height as Blizzard grinned down at me.

"Wh-what are you?!" I interrogated urgently.

"Death itself." it whispered with a chuckle.

I narrowed my eyes.

"Just kidding." It laughed from my reaction.

"I-I...you're not allowed here." I growled.

"Who says kid?" He got close, almost right in my face and I froze.

His red ruby eyes glared down into mine as his smile grew wider and insane.

"Why do you fear me child?" He asked in a whisper. 

"I-I don't f-fear you." I responded shakily.

"No? Then why is your heart trembling?" His hand gripped by chest.

"M-My....h-heart?" I asked, nervous.

"Mhmmm." he hummed low.

"Grey, yes? The new Knight of The Shadow Realm." He asked, sounding bitter.

"Y-yes...h-how did you kno-" I asked as he cut me off.

"I know all. And all know me." He growled softly.

"I-I...don't know you..." I mumbled softly.

"I'm every nightmare you dream. I'm every shadow lurking around every unseen corner. I see your fears and your sins. I am the caretaker of all who are broken. And the starter of legacies. I am Ciel." He almost laughed.

"C-Ciel..?" I asked.

"The previous Knight of Shadows. People feared me like a god......" He looked down.

"Wh-what happened..?" I asked, feeling like I shouldn't have asked.

"I was killed. By The King." His eyes grew a dark red, glaring into mine.

"Th-The King..? k-killed you? ...b-but..you said you were one of The Chosen wh-why would he-" I started.

"I was getting too power hungry....and The King feared that I would soon take over for him. So he disposed of me." He explained, his voice growing angrier.

"I-I'm sorry.." I said softly.

"....me too." His grin widened psychotically, sending chills down my spine.

"Grey?" a voice asked.

"H-huh?" I looked over at Blizz.

"......who are you talking to???" he asked, tilting his head.

"U-uhm.." I looked around, Ciel was gone.

"....m-my invisible friend?" I stuttered, managing a weak smile.

".......why don't you get some rest-" Blizz said, obviously concerned.

"O-okay.." I went into the tent I was sharing with Lialah and laid down, feeling her shift and hug my back as I curled up.

What...had I seen?