Chapter 21

Gurlagh cannot stop trembling. He cannot believe what his new mistress just made him do. At the moment, they are travelling towards the battlefield to provide reinforcements for Sebastian's army. That in itself is not a problem. What's causing Gurlagh tremendous fear is the fact that Ciel is riding into battle with them. He recalled what happened earlier.

The traitor, Usbek, was tied on the floor. Despite his injuries, he was still defiant.

"You'll never make me talk!" he said with false bravado.

"I had no intention of talking to you" Ciel said dismissively "A minion like you would not know all of his master's plans so I have no further use for you. Gurlagh get rid of him."

Although surprised by her callousness, Gurlagh made to do her bidding but before he reached Usbek, the creature cried "Wait! Wait! I know something!"

"Then speak fast" Ciel said coldly.

"Half of Lord Raiden's army is hiding just over the hill. Once Lord Sebastian's army passes through they intend to trap them between the two armies" Usbek said.

Ciel immediately ordered Usbek to be thrown in the dungeon and for Gurlagh to gather all the remaining soldiers in the castle.

"My lady I can lead these soldiers, there's no need for you to go with us" Gurlagh implored.

"Gurlagh" Ciel said impatiently "We don't know if Usbek was telling the truth. Take half of the soldiers with you to help Sebastian. The other half will remain with me and we'll stay hidden until the danger has passed. Unless of course my aid is needed."

He looked towards Grovius for help but the satyr was still out cold. "I was afraid you'd say that" Gurlagh said defeated.

Ciel and her small band of soldiers remained hidden a few miles back and observed the battle. They arrived just in time. Sebastian, who lost his tiger earlier, was fighting on foot slashing every enemy within reach. Blood and corpses littered the battlefield. In all the confusion, it was difficult to tell friend from foe. His army fought valiantly but assailed from both sides their numbers were quickly dwindling. Then Gurlagh arrived with reinforcements and their enemies were now the ones being attacked. Sebastian saw his brother Raiden on top of the hill. He did not join in the battle and upon seeing the tide turn, he rode away, leaving his soldiers to fend for themselves. Without a leader, their ranks quickly fell into disarray and victory was in Sebastian's hands.

When the fighting died down, Ciel was immediately by Sebastian's side, hugging him and congratulating him on his victory.

Sebastian began "Why am I not surprised to see you here? Gurlagh..." but Ciel cut him off with "A simple thank you will do just fine."

Just then a dazed Grovius arrived "My liege..."

Ciel laughed and said "Glad to see you made it Grovius."

Grovius panted "No you don't understand! My liege look!" and he pointed to the sky. It was still daylight but an almost full moon could be clearly seen in the sky. Today was the day of a lunar eclipse. With everything that's been going on, Sebastian completely forgot.

"This battle was a diversion" Sebastian said in shock. "Ciel you must go! Gurlagh take her somewhere safe! I don't care where it is, when this is over I will find her."

"What's happening? Why..." Ciel asked in confusion.

"Ciel we don't have time!" Sebastian said, clearly in a panic. Gurlagh had already grabbed two of the tiger beasts, ready to leave.

"Sebastian! Talk to me!" Ciel said, still trying to stop Sebastian who was putting her on top of one of the beasts.

"On a lunar eclipse, a demon's powers grow. This happens so fast we become almost drunk with it. My demon side will take over and I might not recognize you." Sebastian's eyes that were staring into Ciel's were full of pain as he said "I will eat your soul."

Ciel and Gurlagh had been riding for hours. Their destination was the large boulders where they first met for apparently the portal he used to enter this realm was still there. Once the portal closes, Sebastian will not be able to follow their scent. Luckily for them, they were closer to the boulders than if they had set out from the castle so they were hopeful they would reach it before Sebastian found them.

Ciel shivered but not from the cold as she recalled her last conversation with Sebastian.

"I will eat your soul" As he said that, his eyes were turning red and his fangs were elongating. The other soldiers remained to try and stop Sebastian from hunting her. As they were riding away, they heard the roar of an enraged beast.

When the portal was within sight, they heard another roar from behind them but this time it was much closer. Sebastian, now completely in the grip of his demonic side, escaped from his own soldiers. He was no longer thinking clearly and was acting on instinct alone. For the last few hours, he has been tracking an elusive scent, so sweet it was making his mouth water for a taste. The smell was human but unlike anything he ever had before. He doesn't know why this one is different, only that he must have it, no other will do.

By this time, the beasts had also sensed the danger stalking them and they cowered in fear. Knowing that they are now useless, Ciel and Gurlagh ran the last few feet towards the portal. Above the sound of Ciel's pounding heart, she thought she could hear Sebastian coming closer and closer. The portal shimmered the way light shines off water. She hesitated but a second before stepping through. A blast of icy cold hit her for the other side was a wintry wasteland. It was night there, with the wind howling and snow swirling all around them. Ciel could barely make out Gurlagh and they were standing side by side. Gurlagh shouted that they should keep moving and his words were immediately swept away by the wind. With much difficulty, they put one foot over the other, struggling in the knee-deep snow. They can't see where they were going and Ciel doesn't know if there's anywhere they could take shelter in. Her progress was further hampered by her dress and Gurlagh was practically dragging her behind him. Unprepared for this weather, Ciel was soon soaked to the skin and shivering uncontrollably. Her limbs were numb and she was having trouble breathing. She just wanted to lay down in the snow and sleep but Gurlagh would not let her.

Another roar sounded behind them but Ciel could not go on anymore. Gurlagh pushed her forward and shouted "Run!" above the howling wind. He met Sebastian head on but with only one swipe, he was thrown several feet away. He lay on the ground unmoving and red stained the snow underneath him.

A heavy weight tackled Ciel to the ground. As her breath whooshed out of her, she could only stare mutely at the figure crouched over her. The creature had curved horns and black veins crisscrossed its skin. This was Sebastian.