There was someone behind him.

Niall knew there was someone behind him by the way his footsteps sounded slightly off, almost like there was an echo sounding through the hallways. He knew the hallways didn't produce echoes, he'd lived here his entire life. So what else could it be?

He gathered his courage and turned his body around. A hooded figure wearing all black faced him. Slim but obviously muscular, the cloaked figure sent off frightening vibes.

"Who... who are you?"

A deep voice, familiar but yet, so strange, answered. "Your worst nightmare."

Suddenly, the figure rushed for Niall. Knocking him to the ground, the figure rested their foot on Niall's chest. "Feeling weak, prince? Just you wait, little boy..."

The figure lifted his foot and Niall thought he might be able to escape, but the figure slammed his foot back into his chest, knocking the air out of his body completely. As he struggled for breath, the figure said, "Get stronger and maybe... just maybe, you'll survive another day."

The figure swept away, leaving quickly and quietly, Niall still breathless and in pain on the ground.

"Who was that?" Niall wondered, the pain in his chest slowly subsiding as his breathing became steadier.

Maybe he would never know...