Ciel's hand was warm around mine, his grip gentle yet sure as he guided me through the festival gates. Lanterns floated above us like drifting stars, casting golden light across the cobbled paths. Music danced on the air, and the scent of spiced treats and fresh blossoms wrapped around me like a memory.
For a moment, everything felt magical — unreal, almost too perfect.
But then…
A chill slid down my spine.
The hair on the back of my neck stood on end. My steps slowed.
Something was wrong.
The air suddenly felt too still, too heavy.
I turned my head instinctively. My heart thudded against my ribs, loud and erratic.
Someone was watching me.
I couldn't see them in the crowd — not exactly. But I felt them. A gaze like cold fingers tracing my skin, studying me, waiting.
Fear gripped me.
I scanned the sea of glowing faces and twirling dancers, looking for anything — anyone — that didn't belong.
"My love, you look pale," Ciel said gently, his voice pulling me back to the present. He drew me closer. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," I lied. "Just… tired."
He stared at me for a moment, clearly unconvinced, then gave a soft nod.
"Come with me."
Still holding my hand, he led me through the winding paths until we reached an open clearing at the heart of the festival. There, a row of magical chariots awaited — each one elegant and sleek, pulled by two dark, winged horses with glimmering silver reins. Their wings shimmered like shadows, feathers streaked with stardust.
I gasped as one of the chariots rose gracefully into the air, circling high above the festival.
"You used to love this ride," Ciel said, watching my expression. "It was always the first thing you ran to during the parade."
"I… did?" I asked, brows furrowing.
He only smiled. "Come on."
He helped me onto one of the chariots, settling beside me in the narrow seat. The horses neighed softly, then with a gust of wind and a flick of their wings, we took off.
I screamed as we soared high into the air.
"Open your eyes," Ciel murmured.
I hesitated, trembling — but then I saw his reassuring smile. My heartbeat steadied. Slowly, I opened my eyes.
And gasped.
The festival stretched out beneath us like a painting — glowing lanterns drifting across the sky, fireworks bursting in slow golden petals, and music floating up like a lullaby.
"You can control the chariots with magic?" I asked, breathless.
Ciel gave a small nod, clearly proud.
"Shall we go a little faster?" he teased.
"Wait—"
Whoosh!
Before I could stop him, the horses sped forward, wings slicing the wind. I screamed again and wrapped my arms around him.
He laughed softly and slowed the chariot to a glide.
"It's okay," he said. "I'm not moving again."
I opened my eyes, heart still pounding. He was looking at me. The moonlight painted his face with soft silver shadows, and for a moment, I forgot about everything — even the strange gaze I'd felt earlier.
Our faces were inches apart. Then—
Boom!
A loud crash jolted the chariot. Another chariot had slammed into us from the side.
I nearly tumbled out, but Ciel caught me just in time.
"What—?" I gasped.
He looked behind us, jaw tight. The other chariot hovered for a moment — then charged again.
Ciel pulled our reins hard, and the horses darted to the side, barely dodging the second strike.
I looked over my shoulder.
Three chariots. All dark. Their riders cloaked in black, faces hidden.
They were chasing us.
"Ciel!" I cried.
He didn't answer — just flew faster.
The wind howled. The stars blurred.
I clung to him, paralyzed with fear.
Ciel's POV
Who were they?
Why were they chasing us?
Had they been following us this whole time?
I couldn't use my magic — Serena was too close. One wrong move and I might hurt her.
I had to get her somewhere safe. Then I'd destroy them.
"My love, are you alright?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.
"Yes," she whispered, though she was clearly shaking.
"It's alright," I said gently. "I won't let anything happen to you."
I pushed the chariot harder, dodging spells and flying low between bursts of lantern light. But they were gaining.
Clara's POV
I turned around — just in time to see a black ball of fire tearing through the sky.
"Ciel, watch out!"
He pulled the reins, and the horses twisted in midair. The fireball missed us by inches.
My heart felt like it would explode.
They weren't chasing anymore.
They were trying to kill us.
Another chariot came too close — and slammed into us.
I flew forward, crashing against the front of the chariot. Pain stabbed through my stomach.
"Serena!" Ciel shouted.
He pulled me back into his arms, his hands moving to my abdomen. His fingers came away red.
Blood.
His entire expression changed.
Darkness filled his eyes. Rage. Cold and deadly.
He turned, one arm still around me, and lifted the other behind him.
The sky shifted.
Pressure crushed down on everything.
A massive black sphere began to form in the air — swirling with lightning and screaming winds, like a miniature storm.
I couldn't breathe.
Then—
CRACK!
The sphere exploded forward.
It hit our attackers like a cannon, sending their chariots spiraling out of control, shattered and burning.
Ciel didn't wait to watch them fall.
He turned our chariot and flew hard in the opposite direction, pushing the horses until the world blurred around us.
We flew past the edge of the festival, into the forest, and finally toward the sound of rushing water.
A moonlit waterfall shimmered in the distance, hidden by mist and cliffs. Ciel landed the chariot gently beside the pool, his arms still around me.
He jumped down and lifted me with him, holding me as if I were glass.
"Stay with me," he whispered, voice shaking for the first time.
My vision began to blur, colors smudging into shadows as Ciel carried me into a cave hidden behind the waterfall. The roar of water echoed like distant thunder, but it felt far away — like I was sinking underwater.
"Just hold on," he murmured, his voice tight with urgency. "We're safe now."
He laid me down gently on the cool stone floor, his hands trembling as he brushed damp hair from my face.
"Serena, stay with me," he whispered.
I tried to respond, but the words wouldn't come. Everything was fading. The world was spinning.
Then I felt him pulling at my cloak, opening my clothes to reveal the wound.
His hands hovered over my abdomen, magic crackling softly at his fingertips. A faint glow spread across my skin as he channeled healing energy into the injury. Warmth bloomed, gentle and steady, but my body felt so heavy...
Too heavy.
The pain dulled. The light faded.
And then—
Darkness.