Hello, everyone! It's time for the much anticipated sequel to The Darkest Bond. I hope everyone is as excited to read this story as I am to write/share it.

London, England, 1894

The last rays of sunlight glinted off the shop windows as evening settled over London. The air was still cool, but it was warming slightly, indicating that spring was on the way. The last traces of snow had vanished the previous week and residents were beginning to spend more time walking the streets outdoors instead of running for the safety and warmth of their homes. However, that night more people had elected to stay in, making the walkways nearly deserted.

A young man walked out of a nearby shop, turning up the collar of his coat as a breeze blew past him. He sighed softly, trying to ignore the crushing defeat that had once again befallen him inside the store, having attempted unsuccessfully to court the lady inside. She was adamant that she was happy with the relationship she was in. What she saw in the strange, giggly, silver-haired owner was anyone's guess.

He glanced at his reflection as he passed a tailor's, pausing to take a closer look. He was quite handsome, much better looking and definitely younger than the other man. His skin was pale but smooth, his eyes the color of chocolate. He ran a hand through his dirty blonde locks and straightened the plum-colored tie at his neck. The momentary insecurity he had felt as he'd exited the funeral parlor was driven from his mind. No, he was a perfect looking specimen. The woman would be lucky to have him.

With a shake of his head, he continued on. He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't see a shadowy figure slip from the alley between two of the buildings. It followed him along the cobblestone path, keeping a sizable distance from him, its footsteps light and its face obscured by a hood.

The man pushed open the door to a nearby pub and the figure stalled outside. It paused, as though debating whether to go in or not, and then steeled its resolve and followed.

The atmosphere inside the pub was a stark contrast to the quiet street outside. Here everything was loud. There was raucous music and a variety of voices filled the air, making it impossible to distinguish any single conversation from the others. Nearly every seat was filled, but the man made his way toward a table near the back, hidden in the shadows. He sank down in one of the chairs and a waitress came over. He ordered a drink and sat back to observe the room while he waited.

A few moments later, the drink was delivered, and he was surprised as a figure settled itself into the chair opposite him without invitation. He was about to tell them that the seat was taken and they would do well to vacate it as soon as possible when pale hands drew back the dark hood revealing their face.

All thoughts of the woman in the funeral parlor were driven temporarily from his mind. For sitting across from him was another female, even more beautiful, looking as though she had been carved from a block of Renaissance marble herself. Long blonde hair fell in soft waves around her face and her dark blue eyes regarded him with interest, her red lips curled in a smirk.

"Mr. Turner," She said. Her voice was low and raspy.

"My lady," He inclined his head. "Call me Warren. With whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"

"Marina," She said. "Marina Beaumont."

There was a flicker of recognition over the man's features. He leaned forward in interest. "Beaumont—you're not related to Silas Beaumont, are you?"

The woman smiled, but her eyes looked sad. "He was my father."

"Was?" Warren tilted his head. She had definitely said it in the past tense. "Then it's true—he's dead. I had heard rumors, but didn't know whether they were accurate. I'm so sorry, my lady."

Marina shook her head. "It's alright. It's been five years now. The past is past. He wasn't a young man."

"Still," Warren reached across the table and gripped her hand. He held it for a moment until she glanced down and he drew back. "Sorry—I forgot myself. I shouldn't have touched you without permission."

Marina's hand shot forward and grasped his in answer. Her fingers were cold, but that made sense. It wasn't exactly warm outside. Her gaze was electric and Warren found himself being drawn in though he wasn't exactly sure why. He'd never laid eyes on the woman before, though he had heard talk of her.

Her father had been Silas Beaumont, a very celebrated and world-renowned actor. He'd last performed in London, doing a bit at a small theater in an effort to get back to his roots. Though the performance wasn't as grand as some of the others he'd partaken of in the past, it had been a roaring success throughout the city. He'd had a rather exclusive party at his estate just outside of town and then…he'd simply vanished.

He'd heard stories of course that something tragic had happened. A few days later the estate had been found to have suffered a fire and burned to the ground. Very little of the structure was left outside of the stone foundations. It had been rumored that bones had been found among the remains, implying that perhaps Silas had been involved in some shady practices. He thought about mentioning this to the female who sat before him, but couldn't quite bring himself to say the words.

"So, what can I help you with?" He asked.

"What makes you think I want something?" Marina asked. She produced a bottle from somewhere within her cloak and sipped at it. It was filled with a dark liquid that Warren supposed must be wine. She was certainly a different sort of woman than he had first thought.

"Well, you came in here and sat down without invitation," Warren pointed out. "I don't know you, and I'm quite sure you don't know me."

"You're right," Marina said. "I don't know you, but I wouldn't be opposed to changing that. However, I do know one thing about you."

Warren hummed. He was quite enjoying this…whatever it was that was going on between them. He took a sip of his drink and glanced up at her over the rim of the glass, a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"I know that you're interested in the girl in Undertaker's shop," Marina said.

"How would you know that?" Warren said, his smile fading. He shifted in his chair uneasily.

"I've seen you around," She smiled. "Seen you come out of there more than once on my travels around the city. Besides, the fact that you're not denying it just proves my point."

"Fair enough," Warren said. "So, what is your goal here?"

"I want something as well," Marina said. She took another long drink from her bottle and tucked it back inside her cloak.

"What's that?"

"I have a little project I need some assistance with," Marina moved closer, her eyes flashing. She smirked and her teeth glittered in the dim light of the pub. "Do you know Ciel Phantomhive?"

"No, can't say I've met the man personally," Warren, said. "He owns that toy company, right?"

"Among other things," Marina said. "But I have a bit of a bone to pick with him. You provide me with service to my plan and I'll help you secure what you desire most. You want Adeline Crawford, correct?"

Warren nodded.

"Alright," Marina grinned. "Shall we begin?"

Ciel sighed and rolled over, his hand searching through the darkness for Sebastian. Though the demon didn't need rest, he spent the night more often than not in the Earl's bed, which was how Ciel preferred it. He liked the idea of Sebastian keeping the manor running smoothly while he slept, having everything ready to go from the moment he awoke. However, that was nothing compared to how he felt having the other near him. And for a butler as capable as Sebastian, things could be accomplished in no time anyway.

His fingers found what he was looking for and he trailed them along the demon's arm, pulling himself closer to Sebastian.

"What is it, my lord?" The voice, velvety smooth and comforting, floated out of the blackness.

"Nothing," Ciel said, hoping that he could keep his voice from shaking. "Just making sure you're still here."

"Where else would I go?" Sebastian asked. "You requested my presence, so I will remain here until you wish otherwise."

Ciel sighed, moving into the other man's embrace. Though they had been together for years, the Earl still had trouble accepting things as they were between them. It had been five years since Ciel had fallen for the demon, but at times he was still apprehensive in regards to the other's motivations. Though Sebastian had begun to treat him as more than a contract, anxiety still gnawed at the back of his mind.

A few months previous, Ciel had celebrated his nineteenth birthday. This wasn't exciting for the normal standards, but the Earl had honestly been surprised to make it to that age. He had suspected that he'd have completed his revenge and thus the contract that he'd made with Sebastian. His soul would reside somewhere within Sebastian for all eternity.

However, though he still desired it, the passion for his revenge had seemed to fade into the background over the years. Other things took precedence; he spent more time working on the company and taking care of any suspicious occurrences at the Queen's request. It kept him busy and that was all that had really mattered.

When he wasn't dealing with business or cleansing the underbelly of England, he was indulging in other human pleasures, most of them with Sebastian. No longer the inexperienced youth he had once been, relations had reached new heights of ecstasy, and Ciel was pleased to note that he could more than hold his own against the demon's technique.

He shifted against Sebastian. The other had taken him harder than normal that night and his ass felt a bit sore, something that didn't happen as often as it used to. He relished the pain though, for it spoke of the connection he and Sebastian shared.

"So," Sebastian said. His voice drew Ciel from his thoughts. "Are you going to actually share with me what is plaguing your mind? Sleep is important to humans at any age and I doubt very much you'll be able to drift off without doing so."

Ciel snorted. "Think you know me that well, huh?"

"I should hope I would be able to read my master after being in your service for so long," Sebastian said. Ciel could just hear the demon's eyes roll by his tone.

"I'm sure it's of no importance," Ciel said, pushing down the unease that coiled in his stomach. "I just have a bad feeling about something."

Sebastian hummed and threaded his fingers through Ciel's hair. The Earl let his head drop onto the Sebastian's chest, sighing at the touch. He wanted to shake the dread that he felt, certain that there was nothing to be afraid of. In a way, he knew there really wasn't anything he should fear. He was not a child anymore, and even when he had been, he'd seen his fair share of the harsh and ugly sides of the world. Plus, he had Sebastian. He knew that the demon would be there for him until the very end, no matter what chanced across their path.

"You have nothing to worry about, my lord," Sebastian replied. "Please do try and sleep soon."

Ciel slung an arm around the demon. Sebastian was warm and his scent familiar. The Earl knew he had a busy day ahead of him. Elizabeth had said that she was coming to visit and that was something he didn't want to face without getting a good night's rest. He enjoyed the woman, but her bubbly personality was draining, especially for extended periods of time, and though she had always been one to spend hours at the manor, her visits had become longer as of late. No, he definitely wanted to resume his slumber.

He curled his body closer around Sebastian's. He was still slightly unnerved every time he lay against the other, as Sebastian didn't have a heartbeat, at least not one he could detect. It always made him feel as though he were resting on a corpse though it was nearly impossible for Sebastian to die.

However, there had been one time, a few years back, when Ciel had come face to face with that possibility. He'd almost had to be the one to bring about the final blow. In the end, he'd decided against it, and through some miracle figured out how to bring Sebastian out of the darkness and resume his place by the Earl's side.

Ciel didn't like thinking about that period. It was painful, though he guessed it if hadn't happened, perhaps things wouldn't be as they were now between the demon and him. They might have progressed to this point in their relationship eventually, but it might have been slower. On the other hand, it could have simply fizzled out as the months wore on and the newness wore off. The thing that had been intended to rip them apart had instead brought them even more closely together than before.

He let his eyes slip closed once more, hoping that whatever it was that nagged at him was nothing to worry about. Somehow he couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen. He just wasn't sure what it could be.

Sebastian had left to prepare the breakfast when he rose again a few hours later, but this didn't matter to Ciel. Over the years, though he wouldn't decline the offer, he'd decided to learn to do more things by himself. It had occurred to him that perhaps he might find himself in situations where there were no servants or where it would be easier to just handle simple matters of caring for oneself on his own. Dressing himself had topped the list.

He had just finished buttoning his jacket when Sebastian reentered the room. The demon looked him over appraisingly but didn't comment so he assumed that he must have done something right. He listened to the breakfast selections while Sebastian tied on his eye patch. Ciel wasn't suddenly opposed of course to things being done for him.

"Did you sleep well, my lord?" Sebastian asked.

Ciel was sure that he was asking due to the disturbance that had punctuated his slumber during the night. He nodded. "Yes, it was much better," He glanced at the clock on the mantel above the fireplace in his room. "What time did you say that Elizabeth would be arriving?"

"She's due for lunch," Sebastian said. "Of course, we can never truly prepare for Lady Elizabeth's visits, she often shows up whenever she feels like it, frequently without prior invitation."

"This is true," Ciel agreed.

It was indeed true, and though it was something that had happened pretty much since the beginning of their betrothal, Ciel hadn't really had a problem with it until…well, until about five years previous, around that time when he'd begun to act on feelings he'd been harboring for Sebastian and he'd felt less and less affection toward Elizabeth as time went on.

Truthfully, he did care deeply for Elizabeth. He wanted her to be happy and he had accepted his arrangement with her as his duty and resolved to be a good husband to her when the time came. But that wasn't where his desires lay and he still wasn't quite sure how he would handle the matter. He supposed that in the past he'd have broken things off with Sebastian. Even though he liked to entertain the idea that he could keep relations going even after he had married Elizabeth, he knew that it wouldn't be possible. And even if it were possible, it wouldn't be the same. He'd gotten in too deep with the demon and there was no easy way to leave now.

"I assume we should expect her at least an hour earlier than she had planned," Sebastian said. "Shall I have the others begin preparing for her arrival?"

"That would probably be wise," Ciel said. "I don't much like being caught off guard when it comes to Elizabeth."

As it turned out, Elizabeth arrived around twelve-thirty, exactly as Sebastian had predicted she would. She burst out of the carriage, all smiles, and her emerald green eyes wide with excitement. She was grinning as though she had a juicy secret but Ciel couldn't even begin to imagine what that would be. Elizabeth loved talking and, though it wasn't ladylike, listening to gossip. She always knew about all the goings-on in high society amongst the lords and ladies.

She pulled Ciel into an embrace that threatened to crush his ribs, and he was briefly relieved that even though he was still a good deal shorter than her, that he was grown enough so she couldn't comfortably swing him around anymore. That would have been highly embarrassing even if they and Sebastian were the only ones to witness the spectacle. All the same, he was sure he could hear Sebastian snickering behind him and he flashed the other a glare.

"Oh Ciel," Elizabeth said. "It's so wonderful to see you! It feels like it's been forever. You're always so busy with work."

Ciel knew that it had been quite some time since he had seen Elizabeth, but the company wasn't going to run itself. Besides, it was very hard to work in time to see one's fiancée when one didn't want to be said fiancée. However he didn't say these things and instead fixed her with what he hoped was a remorseful smile.

"My deepest apologies, my lady," Ciel replied. "I shall have better work to balance my affairs in the future. I hope you can forgive me."

Elizabeth's eyes darkened for a moment and she looked confused. Then the moment passed and she shook her head. "No need to be so serious, silly, of course I forgive you. Just wait until I tell you the exciting news!"

She grabbed his hand and practically dragged him toward the manor. Ciel vaguely registered Sebastian following behind them as she made her way toward the dining room. Elizabeth loved food, so she would waste no time in settling down to lunch.

As Sebastian went over the menu, Ciel found himself lost in thought again. He still couldn't shake the feeling of unease from the previous night. It had settled in the pit of his stomach and he wished he knew what it meant. He tried to focus on something else, but it was proving difficult. He wished that Elizabeth had come on a different day, but he supposed then he would have found some other excuse for not wanting her there either. No time was the right time it seemed for her to call anymore.

He ate in relative silence while Elizabeth chatted away. He wondered what the real purpose of her visit was, as she usually was one to come right out and say whatever was on her mind. However, something about her seemed a bit different that day. She was blushing a bit more than normal, her cheeks flushed attractively and she appeared to be speaking to fill the gaps in the conversation, leaving almost no moments of quiet.

Sebastian was lurking about the room and Ciel's eyes shifted toward him instead. He'd much rather have had a solo lunch and been back up in his study, pouring over all the odd bits of information that seemed to find their way across his desk. Maybe there would be some sort of case the Queen would need him to solve. Or he and Sebastian could just make another use of the desk…

"—So I said that dress was hideous, even though I know it's rude," Elizabeth was saying. "But really, the color was all wrong. It wasn't cute at all."

Ciel found himself smiling in spite of himself. Elizabeth never lost her enthusiasm for declaring things "cute" or "not cute". He tried to refocus on her, though the topic of conversation was incredibly dull. He of course understood the importance of dressing well and fine clothing but it wasn't really something he put a lot of thought into. He simply wore whatever it was that he commissioned Nina to make for him.

"So, Elizabeth," Ciel broke in. "What was it that you wanted to tell me? You said that you had exciting news."

Elizabeth's face grew a bit serious but her eyes still shone with anticipation. She leaned forward slightly and lowered her voice. "I know I really should wait until the official announcement but I just couldn't. Mother and father have decided it's time. We're getting married!"

Ciel nearly choked on the drink he'd been sipping as she talked. Though she'd started off quietly, the last sentence had come out as an excited squeal. Now she looked even more flushed and beautiful as she waited for him to say something in response. The truth was however that he didn't know how to respond.

He supposed that the appropriate reaction would be to share in her enthusiasm, but all that had happened was a sense of dread settling over him. Of course he had known this day would eventually come, and had realized it was probably coming sooner than later as the years wore on and the both of them grew older. However, he had always thought of it as being something forever in the distance. And if he were being honest with himself, he'd thought he would probably be long dead before he had to go through with it, having completed his revenge and fulfilled the contract.

"Elizabeth," He said, struggling to keep his tone light and interested. "That's splendid. I assure you I'm looking forward to it as well. I am certainly a lucky man."

Elizabeth's grin widened. "Ciel, you say the sweetest things."

Ciel hoped that he looked just as enthralled, but his eyes found Sebastian's instead. The demon looked highly amused, but there was something else in his expression as well. Something Ciel couldn't quite place. Whatever it was quickly vanished as the butler went to go and collect the dessert.

The rest of the afternoon passed rather smoothly. Though there was still a hint of chill in the air, Ciel accompanied Elizabeth on a walk around the property. Sebastian followed them at a short distance, always at hand if either should require anything. Ciel found that he enjoyed spending time with Elizabeth, though she was still a bit too high-strung for his taste. However, he still didn't wish to be with her in any way other than he was currently, and this was now a huge problem. Within the next year, they would be married and that would be the end of things, as he knew them.

"I'm sure the invitations will be along shortly," Elizabeth said as she readied herself to return home. "Father wants to have a dinner to make the official announcement. Seems a bit much, but you know I'm never one to turn down a celebration."

"I await it," Ciel replied. "Safe travels, my lady." He watched her go as the carriage pulled away and started off down the driveway.

Once she was gone, Ciel made his way back inside. He wordlessly climbed the stairs, making his way toward his study. Once he'd shut the door he stalked over to the desk, swearing under his breath as he did so.

"Goodness, my lord," Sebastian said, tucking his gloves inside his pocket. "Is there really need for such obscenities?"

"Shut it," Ciel growled. "This is one of the worst things to happen in my life."

"Oh, I don't know about that," Sebastian purred. "I'd say there are definitely worse things."

"I said one of the worst," Ciel said. He threw himself into the chair behind the desk and spun it to face the window. The sunlight was fading fast in the early spring weather. It suited his mood just fine. "Anyway, don't pretend you're perfectly fine with this arrangement either."

"I'm not sure I know what you mean," Sebastian replied.

"Don't play games with me," Ciel said. "I saw the way you looked when Elizabeth made the announcement. You don't like it any more than I do."

"Be that as it may," Sebastian said. He moved to stand beside Ciel. "There's simply no helping the matter. We knew this day would eventually come if you lived long enough, and so it must be dealt with accordingly. You have to marry Lady Elizabeth, your reputation as Earl depends on it."

Ciel knew Sebastian was right, but that didn't mean he was resigned to the circumstance. Horrible as it was, he wondered if there were in fact some way that he could get out of the engagement, without ruining his own reputation or Elizabeth's. If he simply broke things off with her, then both of their characters would suffer. It would prove difficult for her to perhaps find another husband and he was sure that his business ventures, as well favor with the Queen, might also experience some strain. Nevertheless, he decided to log away the possibility for the moment.

Deciding he'd had enough talk and enough bad news to last him at least the rest of the week, he reached up and grabbed Sebastian's tie, yanking the butler down to his level and meeting the other's lips in a searing kiss. Sebastian responded in kind, fangs teasing the Earl's bottom lip, black-nailed fingers stroking along the sides of his face. Ciel deepened the kiss before pulling away and tracing his lips along the demon's jaw.

At least the evening might be salvageable, Ciel thought as Sebastian skillfully untied the ascot at his neck, undoing the top buttons of his shirt to suck at the skin. Even if my life is in danger of changing beyond my control once again.

"I'm aware of my reputation," Ciel said quietly. His fingers reached up to thread through Sebastian's hair. "But that doesn't mean that I am resigned to losing this."

Sebastian drew back slightly, eyes glowing. "Then don't be. There are always ways to get what you truly desire."

This first chapter is a bit longer than they previously were, but I really wanted it to end where it did for the first one. This might be a trend for this story, we shall see going forward. It'll update Tuesday and Thursday for now. Thank you to all my faithful readers.