The crimson butterfly

What did I get myself into?

If I thought the demons I saw before were scary, then the ones in the orientation area were downright monsters. I clung to Maxwell for dear life as I was sure to be eaten if left alone.

Before we had entered through the doors to the orientation, Maxwell had taken off his black cloak and given it to me. It was big enough to cover my entire body easily and it covered half my face. It was like a gown as I followed Maxwell with my hand resting gently yet firmly in his grasp.

When we entered the room many heads had turned in our direction despite the fact that I was concealed by the cloak. I was puzzled until Maxwell bent over to whisper in my ear the answer to the unasked question. I then found out that I gave off a very sweet scent.

According to Maxwell it could drive any demon mad, especially ones with a keen sense of smell. He then repeatedly told me to stay by his side no matter what happened.

"Welcome everyone to our annual orientation for first year demons. We will now begin our ceremony by introducing our chair demon" a teacher dressed in the same suit as Maxwell announced.

"Please welcome lord Vincent" the room sounded with whistles and claps as a man with an intimidating aura entered the stage. He had purple hair and purple eyes that looked so warm yet deadly.

Chair demon…is that like the principal of the school?

"Silence!" His voice boomed and not even a squeak could be heard as all eyes were on him.

"I am chair demon Vincent and I will be the person in charge at this school. I want nothing but your absolute best and be warned I don't tolerate nonsense and I will punish anyone who thinks themselves brave enough to ignore rules and cause trouble. That is all I wish to say." He then left the stage and went to stand beside the rest of the teacher staff.

"We will now announce the representative students picked for each grade" the speaker announced.

"From the first years Kai, second years Louis and third years Niklaus. Please make your way to the stage."

Gasps and whispers could be heard as the students cleared a path. By their reactions I became very curious.

However, before I had a chance to see their faces something else caught my attention. It was a crimson butterfly fluttering around me.

Before I knew what was happening I had subconsciously followed the beautiful crimson butterfly. When I finally awoke from my trance like state I was now in a castle like dungeon.

Not knowing how I got here or where exactly I was, I just followed the staircase down. The butterfly had long since disappeared and I was left to wander down this deep dark path.

The further I went the more familiar the stench of blood became. In spite of that I was rather calm.

••••••

Riley had walked right out of the appointed room for orientation completely unnoticed by anyone, unnoticed until now that is.

I AM SO DEAD

I am literally a dead demon..or at least I will be if I can't find lord Darien's son. How could I let the one person that practically holds my life captive escape me?

He just up and vanished. Gone. Into thin air.

How is that even possible! I can't tell lord Darien his son just vanished. Okay, okay just relax Maxwell and think this through. He couldn't have wandered off too far right?

But what if some sick bastard kidnapped young Riley? Is it really okay for me to just stay quiet about the situation and find him my self?

But what if I misjudged the situation and troubled lord Darien unnecessarily? No, it's decided I need more information first.

My first priority is to ensure the safety of young Riley.

Maxwell began his search as he found no trace of young Riley in the orientation area he decided to retrace his steps outside.

He searched everywhere he could possibly think the boy could have wandered off to. However, when his search came up blank he threw caution aside and like a rush of a violent wave he searched the entire school grounds not leaving a stone unturned.

The situation at hand was now clear. Maxwell could no longer determine the safety of young Riley and for that reason his next move was obvious.

With his head lowered in shame he hurried to demon lord Darien's office. With a slight knock on the door he entered.

Maxwell stood rigid and with the utmost respect for lord Darien he showed his black wings.

"Lord Darien I have failed my task and was unable to ensure the safety of your son."

••••••

At a distance away stood the familiar dark presence from before that had been keeping an eye on Riley. This unknown demon was the first to notice the difference of his target.

Even with a keen sense of smell the demon could not pinpoint the location of Riley. It was as if his scent just disappeared completely.

With an evil glint in his eyes he too was searching for his prey and he had no intention of giving up this golden opportunity to snatch the boy unnoticed.

And so the hunt for Riley began. Maybe Riley's disappearance was a blessing in disguise. Or maybe what awaited him was more trouble than he bargained for.

••••••

Riley had finally reached the end of the staircase but what he saw was complete darkness. Nothingness surrounded the boy as he took a step forward. Not knowing what to do next he was at a standstill. The path he took here had disappeared and he lost all sense of direction.

Just as panic began to dawn on him the crimson butterfly made an appearance. Just like before it danced around Riley but this time he was still conscious of his surroundings.

As if understanding the butterfly's intention he followed it through the darkness.

Suddenly an ear piercing shriek sent intense pain through his ear and Riley fell into the abyss. A seemingly endless fall with no ground in sight.

However, it seems the magic in the castle dungeon was no match for the force that pulled young Riley.

The once small butterfly transformed into massive crimson wings that gracefully attach itself onto Riley's back, preventing him from falling any further.

Riley who lost consciousness was now being carried away deeper into the darkness.