The night was heavy with a foreboding presence, the crimson moon casting an eerie glow over the orphanage. The sea roared below, its waves crashing against the jagged cliffs, whispering secrets of the abyss. The wind howled, carrying with it a chill that snaked through the ruined kingdom. The old oak tree, where David often found solace, stood still as if bearing witness to the events unfolding beneath its ancient boughs.
Ruby, a fifteen-year-old girl, stepped out of the orphanage, her small arms wrapped tightly around a worn-out teddy bear. The cool night air made her shiver as she hesitated at the threshold, her gaze locking onto a shadowy figure standing near the tree at the edge of the cliff. The figure's red hair billowed in the wind, strands gleaming like molten fire under the blood-red moon. The woman wore a mask, her delicate fingers grazing the bark of the tree where David often rested.
Ruby's heart pounded. Something about this woman felt both familiar and distant. Clutching her teddy bear tighter, she stepped forward.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why are you touching my master's tree?"
The masked woman remained silent for a moment before exhaling softly. "This was his favorite tree, wasn't it?" she murmured, her voice laced with an emotion Ruby couldn't quite place.
Ruby furrowed her brows. "Do you know my master?"
A soft chuckle escaped the woman's lips. "Yes, you could say that."
"Oh! So you're Master's friend?" Ruby's expression brightened slightly.
The woman hesitated before nodding. "Yes... you could call it that."
Ruby tilted her head in confusion. "Why are you here? Master isn't home."
The masked woman finally turned to face her, the moonlight catching the edge of her mask. "I am not here to see your master. I am here to see you, Ruby."
Ruby blinked, holding her teddy bear tighter. "Me? Why?"
The woman took a step closer. "Because you need to become strong."
"Strong?" Ruby's voice wavered. "But why?"
"To stop him."
Ruby felt a cold dread seep into her bones. "Stop… Master?"
The woman let out a sigh. "Yes. Your master." She quickly corrected herself. "You have to guide him, Ruby. He's walking a path that will lead him to darkness. If you truly care for him, if you wish for his happiness, then don't let him fall."
Ruby shook her head. "Master is happy. He's kind! Why would he turn evil?"
The masked woman looked away, her hands trembling slightly. "You'll see, in time," she whispered. "Just… don't make the same mistake I did."
Ruby's breath hitched. "Who… who are you?"
The woman turned back, her crimson hair framing the mask. "Me? I am you."
The wind howled, and just like that, she was gone, disappearing into the night like a phantom.
Ruby stood frozen, her heart hammering in her chest. She clutched the teddy bear close, her mind racing. Guide your master. Don't let him fall into darkness. Don't make the same mistake I did.
Determination settled in her young eyes as she turned back to the orphanage. I'll become strong. I'll protect Master.
The scene shifted. The red moon loomed over a dark castle, its twisted spires piercing the sky. Inside the grand throne room, a masked man sat upon a black throne, his crimson eyes glowing beneath the shadows of his hood. The air was thick with the scent of blood and despair. A door creaked open, and the red-haired masked woman stepped inside.
The man on the throne, David, tilted his head slightly. "Where have you been, Ruby?"
The woman bowed slightly. "I went to meet someone."
David studied her for a long moment before nodding. "I see."
She hesitated before stepping closer. "Master, you're still awake. Let's go and rest."
David smirked beneath his mask. "I've been waiting for my dear student. Let's eat first."
As they exited the hall, the torches flickered, casting monstrous shadows against the walls.
The scene shifted once more. A pale moon shone over a hidden cave, where David sat against the cold stone wall. The flickering flames from the fire danced across his face, casting haunting reflections in his crimson eyes.
Luna, the knight, stirred in her sleep, sensing his unrest. She blinked awake and turned to him. "David?" she called softly. "You haven't slept?"
David exhaled, shaking his head. "I couldn't."
Luna watched him, her heart clenching at the weight in his eyes. "Why?"
David didn't answer. Instead, he looked down at his hands, the ghostly touch of the past clawing at his skin. Shadows slithered from the depths of his mind, twisting into ethereal hands covered in blood, reaching for him, dragging him into a sea of sins. Thousands of hands—victims, enemies, those he had betrayed—clawing, pulling.
Luna's voice cut through the darkness. "David?"
He blinked, shattering the illusion. "Nothing," he murmured. "Get some rest, Luna. We have a long journey ahead."
Luna nodded, though she couldn't shake the feeling gnawing at her chest. As she lay back down, she felt an unfamiliar warmth spread through her. Her heart pounded, her breaths shallow. Why… why does my heart race around him?
She closed her eyes, pretending to sleep, though her thoughts were tangled in a new, unfamiliar feeling.
Meanwhile, David clenched his fists. His voice was barely a whisper. "I have more sins to commit. Just wait… once I finish everything, you can kill me."
The shadows retreated, the night deepened, and for a moment, the world stood still as David closed his eyes, surrendering to restless sleep.