0

It was a beautiful night, the clear sky proudly displaying its bright, crescent moon and dazzling stars. Though the day had been hot and humid, the air was now cool and a pleasant breeze blew throughout the Ruby Emerald Kingdom. A deep quietness had settled over the land as majority of the kingdom's citizens retired to their homes for some well deserved rest after a hard day of work. However, there was one place still brimming with liveliness, a place where not a single tired eye could be found. And that place was the royal palace.

A grand celebration was underway and hundreds of young nobles had gathered to partake in the joyous occasion. They filled the lavish throne room, their loud chatter carrying far beyond the four walls enclosing them. Prince Sonic was able to hear them from his bedroom and their excitement made him grin with pride. The nation's youth held a great deal of respect for him due to his wild parties, and they probably expected this one to be his best yet. He had no intentions of disappointing them.

The cobalt hedgehog took a final look at himself in his full-bodied mirror. His white shirt, woven from the finest silk, fit loosely on him. Its high, golden collar covered all of his neck but for the front, which he left unbuttoned so that the low neckline could expose a bit of his chest. The bottom of the shirt had a gold trimming, the long sleeves ended in golden cuffs, and even the top of Sonic's white boots were trimmed with gold. His entire outfit was completed by the circlet situated just behind his ears, the headdress featuring a glimmering red ruby perched within the center of an elaborate array of golden coils. If perfection ever had a physical form, Sonic was doubtlessly seeing it right now.

"Well, your highness, we must be off." he smirked and gave a bow to his reflection. "Your subjects have been waiting long enough."

But as he turned away from the mirror and started for the door, a sudden chill snaked up his spine. Startled, his muscles tensed and he quickly looked over his shoulder, part of him fearing someone was behind him. Much to his relief though, all he saw was the ivory curtains of the balcony swaying in the wind.

"Of course." he breathed, rolling his emerald green eyes. "Way to overact, pal."

Smiling wryly at himself, Sonic walked forward and pushed the curtains aside. For a moment he paused, giving the balcony a thorough inspection. When he saw nothing unusual, he shrugged and made to close the glass doors. But then...the chill returned. This time it progressed slowly up his back, feeling akin to a pair of fingers imitating the motion of walking on his skin, each step sending shivers racing through him. His movements ceased. His pulse quickened. The wind was definitely not the culprit behind the eerie atmosphere which had fallen upon the room.

"Please leave it open. It's such a lovely night out, after all."

Sonic's breath hitched. The voice was soft, girlish...and one he recognized immediately.

"That's right, love, I've come back. Did you think I was gone for good? Did you wish it? Tsk tsk, that really...burns." she chuckled.

Words rushed to his head, but try as he might, his lips refused to utter them. Every muscle in his body was frozen stiff.

"Don't even bother. I didn't come here to listen to any more of your lies." her whispered voice spat. "How you love to talk, my dear, always saying such pleasing things. Such...heartwarming sentiments. Did you ever mean them? Was there ever a time in which you actually intended to uphold your promise to me?"

He heard her sigh and felt her body press against his. She pulled his collar down, her icy breath prickling his nape, her soft lips brushing across his flesh. His body grew unbearably cold, to the point where his nerves cried out to him in absolute agony. The world before him began to blur.

"Sonic...I intend to see you through on your promise...or watch you die trying..."

Her airy laughter was the last thing Sonic heard before he lost consciousness.