A Demon's Fate

Doomed from the Start

Flames rose high into the night sky, ashes and smoke flew like snow from the burning building. I ran fast down the hallways, terrified and searching desperately for my parents. My lungs burned from all the running, I screamed down the burning hallway and listened for a response... Nothing. I continued to run, "Momma, Papa!" Was all I could say. I turned the corner sharply and ran towards my father's study, maybe... Just maybe they'd be okay... I stopped at the door, I threw it open violently and stopped. There, laying face down in a pool of blood, were my parents. My eyes widened in fear, and taking a moment to process what had happened, I let out a shrill shriek across the mansion. My eyes remained locked on the horrific scene before me, tears streaming down my face like a river. My white night gown was tattered and burnt from the flames and falling debris around me, my skin was dirtied and injured. Cuts covered my legs and arms, my face held a few small cuts and mostly stained from the smoke and ashes. Just before I could run to their side and tall, dark figure emerged from the flames before me. His eyes glowed red, and his teeth were as sharp as a knife. My big crimson eyes stared up at him in terror, his dark laughter rang out through the burning room. He wore a long, black trench coat with a suit underneath it. His head was mostly covered by the hat he wore, I noticed blood dripping from the corners of his mouth. I backed up quickly, bumping into another figure harshly. His identity was concealed by the light of the flames, whoever it was, they were but a mysterious shadow before me. Arms wrapped themselves around my small form and lifted, I squeezed my eyes shut and held my breath. Within moments the intense heat of the flames were replaced with the cool summer night's breeze, my skin cooled and I could breathe clearly again. The arms that held me tightly put me down, a soft cloth grazed my closed eyes gently. I flinched in pain and opened them; I was met with piercing demon eyes, they were a bright pink and glowing. The figure that these eyes belonged to knelt down on one knee and bowed, he wore a butler's suit; his pitch black hair fell over his eyes gracefully. The man smiled gently and looked up at me, "My name is Alex, forgive me my lady... But I simply couldn't let you get hurt after what happened." His voice was kind, it held worry as well. I stared down at the ground, feeling the stinging pain from the burns and cuts. Taking a sharp breath I spoke softly, "what am I to do now...? I have nothing left..." This seemed to make Alex smile more, he stood up and held out his right hand. He gave a closed eye smile as I looked up at him, "If you'd like, I'll stay by your side for as long as you need me." My eyes widened a little, I felt a little of my happiness return. I hesitated before taking his hand and holding it tightly, "please... Stay with me..." He nodded before closing his fingers around my small, shaking hand. Standing he looked at the burning disaster behind us, his eyes focused on the flames. I turned around and watched with dull eyes, the estate was almost completely gone. There would be nothing left by tomorrow if it continued to burn, there were already police and various people arriving at the scene. I tugged on his sleeve lightly, "I have people looking for me, we should go." Alex looked down and smiled, "of course, my lady." He picked me up and jumped, I closed my eyes tightly. For an eleven year old girl, I knew more than I should for my age. But it is necessary for a noble to be intelligent, my father and mother always wanted the best for me... Always putting me before their own needs... I felt the sadness return yet again, and the memories lingered in the back of my mind. I buried my face into my new butler's shoulder, trying to keep the tears away. The night would soon end, and tomorrow would bring new challenges. At least I knew I was safe, safe from the fear of being alone.