Laughter is Born From Madness

Chapter 22

(Ciel's POV)

Fear.

I ran towards every door that came in my path, past windows, candlesticks, paintings. I opened them, my eyes scanning through every inch of the room. Desperate to find anyone.

"Somebody!!" Another door. "Heey! Where did everyone go!?"

I came to a stop, catching my breath, hoping my health doesn't stop me from searching. A growl could be heard from the hallway on the right. Barking. A yelp, Then silence. I walked down that hallway, pushing the already open door. The sight was gruesome.

"Sebastian...?" I mumbled at the black hound that laid still, his mouth open. I shook part of his back, wondering if he was asleep. Red stained my shaking hands as my eyes were wide. Looking up, I saw a worse sight. "Father! Mother!"

I ran out in search for help. Running as fast as I could.

"Someone help me!!! Everyone's going to die!" I screamed, looking in every direction. I finally spotted someone. "Tanaka! Help me!"

"You must not come over here!" He shouted to me as he came closer, eyes wide in panic.

Panic.

"Please run away. Lord Ciel, this is all too awful for y-!" he was interrupted by a pained cough where blood came up.

"Tana-!" I screamed as he fell over, a man holding a bloody knife in sight now, another covering my mouth and eyes. I soon blacked out.

Thud.

"Let's take him with us. He'll fetch a good price." I heard a man speak as my mind grew less fuzzy. "There's this thing called idle curiosity, and it's got deep pockets."

Soon my vision cleared, I looked up and backed away as far as I could away from the people staring at me with disturbed smiles and insane eyes. My back collided with bars, refraining me from moving back any further.

"Ohh... What have we here!" a mustached-man exclaimed.

"Rare, right?" another asked. "This is more than two persons' worth!"

The man dropped multiple coins into the other's hand as he said, "Cheers, Guv."

My eyes closed tightly, my breathing increasing in a faster pace. Fear of what will come.

"I shall brand you with the mark of the noble beast."