Flame (Sequel to Green Eyes)

chapter nine

"You are a smart boy." The Headmaster hums, his bleak eyes flashing with dangerous amusement, "But it took you all too long to figure it out." The atmosphere in the corridor darkens and goose bumps decorate Amber's arms.

"What are you?" Ronald inquires, taking a delicate step away from the Headmaster. The man's aura is as wicked as the devilish smile that twists his lips.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" He says dauntingly, his voice haunting and eerie. He lifts his half decayed hand and traces his finger along his cheek. Amber watches with horror as the skin begins to peel away, revealing a creature with thin grey flesh and black beady eyes. Dark, spidery veins pulse at the base of the creatures neck and Amber can see hints of bones protruding from the creature's face, his cheekbones so sharp and angular that it looks as if the skin will tear away at any second. She yelps, burying her head into Ronald's shirt.

"What the..." Ronald's voice trails off as the creature that used to be the Headmaster steps toward them, "Damn!" He spins on his heels, his fingers locking around Amber's wrists, "Run!"

The hallways are strangely empty and silent as they race down corridor after corridor, their footsteps echoing jarringly through the air. Each door is hanging slightly ajar and inside each room are bodies. Dead bodies with white faces, unseeing eyes, and blood staining their clothes. Amber bites back a whimper as Ronald pulls her down a set of stairs, their feet thudding against the wooden surface. She can hear the staggering steps of the Headmaster behind them and she wills herself to go faster. Adrenaline is coursing through her veins, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

Then she hears it.

The sharp sound of a revving engine, a sickening crunch and then a series of thuds.

"Oh did you see that Will darling?" Ronald stops abruptly at the bottom of the stairs, pulling Amber close to his side. His body heaves as he attempts the catch his breath, his hand gripping the banister. He glances back and his form languishes, a smile breaking out on his features. Amber follows his gaze. Lying sprawled out on the steps is the motionless form of the Headmaster, dark black blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. Standing over him are three men, one whom Amber recognizes as William. The second man has dark gold hair and brown cornrows. His glasses are tinted blue and a saw is held in his hands, his knuckles white. The third man is a flash of crimson, with red hair, a red coat, and a red chainsaw dangling from his finger tips. He catches Amber's gaze and smiles, revealing shark-like teeth, "Hello Amber dear. Ronnie."

"Grell, Eric, William. What..." Ronald's voice trails off and his grip on Amber tightens, "Thanks." Amber leans into Ronald's side, her heart still pounding furiously against her ribs, refusing to be silent.

"What was that?" Her voice comes out as a mere whisper, and her eyes dart to the dead Headmaster.

"An abomination." William replies curtly, staring down at the body with disgust. The blonde sighs, swinging his saw onto his shoulder.

"Will that be all William?" He inquires.

"I am afraid not, Eric." William says before turning his gaze to Ronald, "Mr. Knox, do you know what caused the deaths of the other students?" Amber shrinks into Ronald's side, images of the dead bodies lying in each room flashing through her mind. Pale, bloody...

"He has no soul but he is no demon." Grell states, prodding the Headmaster with the tip of his foot. Amber watches silently as the red head launches himself at William, his arms wrapping around h

the man's neck, "Will darling, I'm scared!" William's hand flies out and strikes Grell on the cheek and the red reaper staggers back, his eyes wide, "How cold!" He exclaims and a sigh escapes William's lips.