Butterflies

Chapter 4

Warning: violence and gore. Cannibalism. (might be the last warning for this).

The wind whistled through the streets of Wellston and raised the hairs on the milky pale skin of Seraphina's bare arms.

She had worn a black tank top with thick straps that went over her shoulders. It was a night becoming increasingly close to winter, so not the smartest decision but it wouldn't matter. She was a ghoul; she had thicker skin.

On her legs, she wore a pair of black leggings. It allowed her to move easily and quickly, which helped when she wasn't hiding her identity very well.

She did wear a mask. A metallic mask painted a light indigo shade over the black metal material that it was made of. The indigo was dull, unreflective, so matt.

It wasn't completely indigo as there was an eyeliner like shape around her eyes in white. She would compare it to the cat eye eyeliner style.

That was it. It was not her only mask she owned. It was no where near similar to the mask she used as the notorious ghoul – Ace – but she hid her magenta hair often as the Ace, so it wasn't like the Doves would put it together quickly.

Of course, her hair was a giveaway. Not many people had her style of hair, yet alone the same colouring.

Sometimes the Doves in this area of Wellston were more sympathetic to the ghouls who only killed to survive. If she made it seem like she was just some random ghoul, they wouldn't care that much.

It wasn't like any human would survive this might anyway.

Plus, she didn't really like this mask. She had planned to wear a different mask (a plain black mask of the same metallic material) but John borke it in a fit of rage earlier that day.

She wasn't allowing John anywhere near her room for awhile.

A foot thudded against a flat roof.

She glanced up to the building on the opposite side of the alleyway.

The same tall man with blonde hair from earlier that she unfortunately shared a home with.

He wore a silver mask that was similar to a masquerade mask but, again, was made of the same metallic material, but in a thinner layer.

He was also confident enough that they wouldn't get caught that night that he barely covered his identity. That no rats would survive.

However, how could they make sure that no one passes by and sees them? Reports them? There was always a risk, especially when you took little precaution.

But they were well versed in this by now.

Behind Arlo stood a short woman in all black. She wore a black leggings with a short light grey pleated skirt that reached down to her midthigh. Then she wore a size too big hoodie with her hood pulled up, shadowing her eyes.

She walked up until she was standing directly behind Arlo, slightly to the side enough so that Seraphina could see her.

She raised her head up to look at Seraphina. Light blue hair twirled around and down her right shoulder with a black hair band to keep it together. A plain black metal mask covered her face.

Seraphina raised her hand before placing her hand on the short wall encircling the roof of the building. She leant over the wall and her feet clanged against the metal floor on the exit of a fire escape where she landed.

Arlo looked down at her before gesturing to Elaine behind him, who walked in front of him. She sat on the edge of the building and pushed off to slide down onto the fire escape on their side of the alleyway.