Alois took in a deep breath and readied himself for his task. His heart was pounding in his ears.
This is going to end very badly, but I have to at least try for Lenora. My daughter needs me to do this, Luca and Naveen need this chance. That's what matters most. Alois thought to himself as he moved quietly through the hallway. He stopped and looked back, catching sight of the group. They had started their journey toward the door.
"For Lenora and our family" He whispered to himself, continuing on, The growls were becoming angrier as he got closer. The chair in the corner of the room, the room that's down an endlessly dangerous hallway and if I fail, it could not only mean the lives of my closest friend and his family, but my daughter, brother and Mate as well...no pressure Alois. He was now close enough to see the skeletal creatures up close, they were different from the one they had encountered upstairs, Their eyes and claws were similar, but their backs were equipped with bony spikes.
Alois kept his eyes on the beasts and his back pressed against the wall, moving as silently as he could. Suddenly, one of the creatures raised its head from the ground where it seemed to be searching for something, Alois froze. It took slow steps toward him, a low growl escaped it. The sound of his heart beat was so loud in his ears now, that Alois wondered if it could hear him as well. He closed his eyes and remained still. The sound was now close to his ear. He opened his eyes again, taking a quiet step to the side. The beast didn't seem to want to follow. Its head tilted upward.
It can't see me. He thought to himself this might work after all. Just keep walking and everything will be fine. I'll be back with everyone soon. He crept along the hallway until he came to the room. The door was only slightly open.
Alois slowly moved toward it, pressing it open gently, all he had to do was find the chair Ciel told him about and get as far away as he could. He entered the room, flames danced in the fireplace adding jut enough light to guide him. He glanced around and saw it.
"It's going to be alright now." He whispered to himself, approaching the hiding place. He reached out to remove the cushion when suddenly, a massive object collided with his body. Alois screamed as the long pointed teeth of the beast sunk deep into him.
Sebastian led his group outside, into yard.
"Ciel, children, don't look." he said as h gazed upon Pluto lying on the ground, his snow white fur covered in crimson.
"What's wrong, what;s happened?" Ciel asked shifting Evian in his arms.
"Just- I will explain it to you later. Please trust me."
"I do, but what-" Sebastian bent down whispering in his ear.
"It seems that not all the sounds we heard came from our intruders. I believe he was trying to protect us." Ciel took in a deep, shuttered breath, knowing who Sebastian meant.
"If we leave him, he comes back right?"
"Yes. Hopefully. Under normal circumstances I would say without a doubt that is the case." Ciel reached out a hand as he passed Pluto, stroking his head as he walked by.
"Thank you. Such a good boy." He whispered to the animal.
"Mama, why are you so much sadder now, what is a good boy, please do not cry." Evian tightened his grip on Ciel.
"It's alright Evian. It's just- there's a lot of things going on right now. I don't want you to worry about me, you and your brothers and sisters are more important."
"But we need our Mama too, you are 'portant to us too. I do not like it when you cry."
"Please Mommy, do not cry forever, we will be sadder babies." Rachel sniffled.
"Little ones, I promise you, one day the tears will stop." Sebastian soothed. But when that comes to pass, I would hate to be the beast that brought this upon us. He thought to himself.
"What are those monsters Sebastian, do you know?"Luca asked, wiping away his tears.
"Necro hounds. Beasts of death." he replied.
"You've got to be kidding me, death hounds?"
"Yes Ciel, death hounds, more vicious than hellhounds and more inclined to travel and hunt in packs. I'm sorry everyone, but it seems that we're dealing with something far beyond what I had originally feared. The death hounds have been released, that would indicate to me that they are hunting something and they did not just happen upon the castle and our group inside."
"Cousin, surely you don't mean that someone called them here?" Naveen asked fearfully.
"Indeed I do. This blood moon above us is as Evian predicted. There is a good chance that none of us will-"
"Now isn't the time for all that Sebastian, the children are here. Don't scare them anymore than they are now." Ciel said sternly.
"You're right of course, We shall talk about this later, now it's in our best interest to move on."
"No Daddy, Alois and Tanaka and Mey-Rin are not here. They will not know where we are going, we cannot go." Rachel pleaded.
"They'll find us, My brother is good at finding me and he'll bring Mey-Rin and Tanaka too. He won't leave them behind. We'll be together again soon. I know it." with heavy hearts, the group moved quickly down the path.
Ciel stopped suddenly, glancing around, the world around them seemed to have a tint of red, the once lush, green trees that surrounded the property on either side were now a nightmarish sight, dark and unfamiliar.
"Mama" Evian whispered in a trembling voice.
"What is it Evian?"
"The monsters, the bad things, they want to take us away from you." He sniffled.
"I won't let that happen. I promise you." Ciel vowed, on the day his children were born, Ciel swore that he would always protect them, no matter the cost.
"I know you will try Mama, you are the best Mama ever and even if they take us away, I will not be angry at you because you love us and will try to keep us safe, but I have to tell you something."
"Tell me what?"
"They are right behind us."