So finally I've rewritten this story, or at least began to. It's not really anything like the other one.. but still kinda like it! I hope you enjoy it! 3

"My Lord, do try and appear as if you are at least enjoying this. A lot of people went to great lengths to try and please you." The young man in question looked up icily, meeting the intense gaze of his butler.

"Don't patronize me. You know very well how I feel about such events." He muttered under his breath, barely able to conceal the flash of red that flickered through his one visible dark blue eye.

"That may be so, but this is the first time you have been in public light since your … accident. Show some appreciation for their effort." Ciel rolled his eye, before glaring pointedly at Sebastian. "I didn't grace the pits of Hell to be brought to an even crueller Hell." Ciel muttered. His butler merely chuckled, disappearing momentarily to fetch him more to drink, hoping the alcohol would do some wonder to subdue his temper.

Ciel was in no mood to listen to a lecture on behaviour and common courtesy from his butler. Although, he knew the damned butler was right. No one aside from Sebastian knew the true details of his … accident. Lizzy had been distraught at the news that her beloved fiancé had nearly met his demise like his parents in a fire in his country home, leaving him in such poor health and mind he kept out of public eye completely for six long years.

It was easy to make her believe such a tale.

Much easier than trying to convince her that now, the young Earl had no remaining shred of humanity. It took every ounce of his self-control to smother the smile threatening to break through his stony features. He was revelling in his new demonic form. The power that surged through his every cell … it made him feel invincible, the lustful looks directed towards him by every woman presented within the room – be she married, young or old; his charm and charisma could entice anyone to do his bidding. It was pure, unrestrained power.

He had no desire to return to his old life.

After all, now he was unstoppable.

Besides, he had been gone for such a long time, so many years. He had seen all the horrors men attempt to describe but fail at miserably. Hell, the real burning Hell. Authors and poets had done a most terrible job attempting to describe and give shape to the pits of Hell. Oddly enough, he had found it refreshing, awakening, empowering. He was a creature brought forth from darkness, a darkness that contained a power man could never fathom. A power some bloody poet certainly couldn't write about. He almost missed the cries of broken souls and blazing heat.

Oh, those years had taught him many things. So many valuable, wonderful things. It was so freeing, he was shocked himself. He no longer needed to prioritise the pathetic ventures of the lesser men, or rather humans. It was no longer any of his concern. He could easily overpower any of them in strength and intelligence, should they be stupid enough to attempt to challenge him. And that thought alone made him drunk with power. Oh yes, he was absolutely unstoppable. Everything was in his grasp. Everything he could ever desire.

Money, power, women.

Oh women.
There was something he had especially come to appreciate in his six year absence.

He had come to love his most base needs during the years Sebastian was training him, and all previous notions that had been drilled into him of modesty, wedlock and honour suddenly seemed so laughable. Why would anyone deny themselves such a pure bodily pleasure?

It was utterly absurd.

His new outlook on life really made him question one thing in particular. When there was money to be made, countries to rule and women to fuck, what, what was he doing at another godforsaken Gala that he couldn't stand as a human, much less now.

Pathetic excuse of a butler dragging me to another one of these moronic parties.

Unfortunately, he did not have a lot of time to think to himself, for as soon as his faithful butler left his side momentarily a plump woman decided to make his acquaintance.

"My, my! If it isn't Earl Phantomhive! Haven't you grown into a fine young man!" She exclaimed. Ciel put on his best smile, taking the woman's hand and kissing the back as she bowed her head respectfully. She was speaking the truth, much had changed. His demonic form seemed to have demanded a better body than that of a child, so grow he did. He now stood tall and proud, only about a mere two inches shorter than Sebastian. He had broadened slightly, his relatively tight clothing doing nothing to hide the feint outline of muscle. He was still slim, however now he was toned, every muscle strong and ready to fight at any moments call. Sebastian had trained him relentlessly after all. His hair somehow seemed to have gotten darker, his skin somehow paler and more pristine than in his youth.

Hardly a wonder that women from far and wide lusted for such a man.

The woman before him blushed ever so slightly, as she cradled the kissed hand to her chest almost lovingly. He had a vague idea of her identity; she was the lady of the house currently hosting the Gala, he remembered that much, Lady Margret or something of the like. She was known for her impeccable choice of music, food and dress during such events. Despite his foul mood, he had to admit the venue was beautiful and the music was more entertaining than he had anticipated.

"I was so fearful I would never see you again when I heard of your accident!" She continued in a softer tone, staring down at her drink to avoid all eye contact with him. Why was she acting so bashful? She was hardly an innocent little girl. Ciel could have sighed, but he had a reputation to uphold. Women were so sentimental, one night of relieving his stress with her during his training and she was willing to leave her husband and three children in a heartbeat, if he so bid her.

"Not even the horrors of a burning house could keep me away from you, my sweet."

Ciel did still care about his image for the sake of the company, perhaps out of habit and perhaps for profit, he couldn't really tell anymore, but now he couldn't resist delving into his most primitive desires. He had become quite the notorious and infamous womanizer – he would never deny it. He distantly wondered whether Lizzy heard any of the rumours. Knowing Lizzy, she probably chose to ignore them if she had even heard them. Gullible thing.
He felt nothing for the woman who would quite happily kneel at his feet and idolise him. In fact, women were all too happy to get on their knees whenever he so requested. Ciel knew all too well he could have any woman within this room – it was a pity none of them were all that appealing.

The woman before him blushed deeper and beamed up to him. "I am incredibly happy you could make – Is that… No it couldn't be, I invited her but I never thought she would…" Ciel blinked, looking at the woman.

She was staring past him, to someone behind him. He turned and followed he gaze. It was directed at a young girl who had walked into the room with an elderly woman at her side. Ciel licked his lips with a slight smirk. The young girl was a striking creature, far outshining the other women within the party.

"Who is that?" He questioned. The woman blinked owlishly and quickly gathered her bearings, still evidently in shock from seeing the young girl in the first place. "You don't know her? Oh, I suppose you wouldn't with your absence from society these past few years. That is Lady Ashford, young heiress to her late father's – God bless his soul - trading company. But… I never expected her to attend! Today is the anniversary of her fiancé's death after all. I was more concerned she would take offence to the invitation. I would loath her to think me insensitive." She murmured the end softly, looking at the girl sympathetically.

Ciel thought quickly. He had heard of the name before, he probably had done business with them before when selling his goods overseas. But he was quite certain he had never seen this girl before.

"Does she attend these parties often?"

Lady Margret smiled sadly. "She must now. She must be a miserable little thing; her family would appear to be cursed."

Ciel barely kept back an amused smile. "Cursed?"

"Oh yes, quite. For you see, she had an older brother. If memory serves me right… George. Yes, George Ashford. A very promising child. But he drowned in the garden pond when he was a mere five years of age. Lord Ashford was devastated. Supposedly the only thing that kept him together was the thought of his wife currently carrying his second son. But his wife bore a daughter – Aveline. A mirror image of her mother. Lord Ashford was never quite the same after that. Oh her sweet, dear mother… Their marriage suffered terribly, but it is said that they attempted for another blessed boy, and she miraculously became pregnant once more after the birth of Aveline. It is believed the only way dear Grace made it to full term with her little boy was due to some gifted butler that came into her service around that time. But my poor dear Gracie… she died giving birth to her baby boy. It is said that the little babe died in her arms. She kissed his little forehead and their hearts stopped at the same time… My poor little Gracie… "

Ciel tuned out of the ramblings of the woman as she spoke of her dear friend whom she has known all her life. He gave the young girl the once over. Probably a few years his junior, quite a slim build which he presumed would have been from a sickly upbringing. She had light blonde hair, styled elegantly on the top of her head so he couldn't guess the length of her hair. Even from this distance he could see the steel coloured orbs behind long thick eyelashes.

He licked his lips.

Oh yes, she was quite appetising indeed.

Realising the woman beside him had finished her rambles he turned to her with an enticing smile. "Do tell me, who is this fiancé of which you speak of?"

The woman sighed, looking sorrowfully at the girl who was currently engaged in a conversation with the Viscount of Druitt. She didn't appear thrilled at the concept.

"Oh my… who was her fiancé…? My memory is failing me quite terribly you know. I can only remember so much at my age. Certain nights for example…" She mused to herself. Ciel had to force every muscle in his body to suppress the shudder that wanted to run through his body.

He leaned close to her ear, his fingers brushing ever so lightly against her bare collar bone. "Oh come, I know you remember, you just enjoy teasing don't you?" The woman shivered and the blush rose on her cheeks.

"B-But of course not! H-Her fiancé-" She cleared her throat trying in vain to try and gain some of her composure. Ciel couldn't stop the smirk gracing his features. Poor thing, he was irresistible after all.

"He was the Earl of Trancy, their fathers were well acquainted. Upon his passing, he left in his will he wished to see his son Alois marry the sweet Aveline, provided Lord Ashford did not object of course. But he was thrilled with the union; they have been engaged since the age of about ten."

Unexplainable anger cursed through his veins. She was about to be Lady Trancy? He could have scoffed to himself. Alois would have probably killed her before a wedding could take place – psychotic bastard.
Yet this also startled him somewhat. Never before had he heard of Alois having a fiancée. Surely he would have heard of it at some point prior to his death.

"Such a tragic life, that little girl has. She loved him so."

The Earl glanced over in the direction of the girl sceptically, who was trying to politely excuse herself from the Viscount but failed miserably in every attempt. She lovedTrancy? Alois Trancy?

Perhaps Trancy wasn't the only one who was psychotic in their pairing.

"There are days I do wonder what may have happened to the Earl Trancy. He seemed like such a vibrant boy. He died so suddenly, it must have been awful shock to Lady Ashford."

"Quite tragic indeed." He mused absently, turning his attention to his butler who had brought more refreshments, completely unbeknownst that the blonde girl's eyes focused on him with cold determination.

"My dear Viscount, do tell me, is that Earl Phantomhive speaking to Lady Margret?" The bell like voice and sweet, innocent smile instantly had Aleister Chambers enraptured.

"Why it is indeed my sweet little bird, do you have… business with the young noble?" His accusing inclination in his voice was blunt.

She giggled softly, waving her hand dismissively. "Oh mercy me, no! I would not associate myself with him in such a manner, please Viscount, think higher of me!" said Viscount was almost embarrassed for ever thinking so lowly of her. She was a sweet, sinless creature; of course she would not crawl into the Earl's bed like so many others.

He kissed the back of her hand, giving her a charming smile. "Do forgive me my Lady; I have forgotten my place entirely. To be so presumptuous was incredibly rude of me." She smiled gently, a small blush gracing her cheeks.

"Aveline, come now dearie, I would like to see some old friends!" Smiling up at the Viscount, Aveline turned to her grandmother. "Of course. If you'll excuse me-"

Before she could even finish her sentence, the Viscount took a hold of her hand, pulling her closer to him suddenly and kissing her cheek lightly. "Do call upon me, if you ever find yourself in any way…troubled. I shall always be at your command, my angel." The girl barely suppressed a shudder but managed to smile enticingly up at him.

"Thank you."

With an easy grace, she brushed past him to assist her grandmother in walking over to her long-time friends.

Aveline was irritated as she shone perfect smiles at people she pretended to know. The Viscount had no worthwhile information about the Earl. And she knew, she knew that damnable Earl had something to do with Alois' death. God protect his soul, she thought to herself as she subconsciously touched her engagement ring that she wore on her other hand out of habit, it had felt wrong to take it off after all. Something deep down inside her warned her that it was too late for Alois to be protected by God, he had done some terrible things after all.
Despite this, she still loved him, and dearly hoped he'd hear her prayers.

"Oh Aveline! How beautiful you've become! I never assumed you'd live much above the age of five!" a woman commented, pulling her out of her thoughts. What sort of comment was that?

"Ah yes… My being alive has come to a surprise for many." She replied eloquently, trying hopelessly to brush off her irritation and keep the dryness from her voice. She assumed by the look of shock flickering through the woman's eyes she had failed to do so.

However, if the woman truly noticed, she certainly didn't show it aside from the flicker in her eyes. But of course she wouldn't. It wasn't her place to show it. Aveline could have frowned. She couldn't slip up with her etiquette. After all, all the women here were only to display the wealth of their husbands – they were coated in a very fine layer of silk and lace, emeralds and sapphires, rubies and diamonds, anything really their hearts desired. It was all just for show.

"You do appear awfully pale child, are you quite alright?"

Aveline just smiled easily. "I am fine, honestly, I haven't been in the garden as of late, my colour will return to me soon, I am sure of it." Actually, Aveline wasn't all that sure about whether or not her skin would ever be a healthy colour.

"Then pinch your cheeks! You look as though death is upon your door!"

"Now, now Amelia, do quiet down, Aveline has enough to contend with today." Her grandmother thankfully interjected. The blonde had never any idea how her grandmother managed to be so poised at her age. She was quite envious, Aveline could barely keep a level head, the temptation to spit some sarcastic or very improper remark too great for her to deal with at the best of times.

She took a calming breath and gave everyone a charming smile. "If you'll excuse me ladies." She quickly made her exit, walking towards the drinks table before she could be called back to the gaggling group of hens. She sighed softly, which caused the man at the table to turn. "Ah, Lady Ashford. A pleasure to finally meet you." That all too alluring dark blue eye met hers and never left hers as he took her hand within his and placed his lip to the back of it. She found herself bowing her head respectfully out of instinct. "Earl Phantomhive, I've been meaning to make your acquaintance. I must apologise profusely, it must have made me appear very rude not to have done so sooner."

Ciel let his eyes wander languidly over her figure. It was a charming one, he'd give her that. "I have only recently heard of your fiancée, you have my deepest sympathies." He noticed instantly her demeanour changed somewhat. Oh? Did she genuinely love him? Her eyes flickered with pain and loss, pure grief and sorrow. It looked so positively delicious. Ciel barely restrained himself from licking his lips. She swallowed, and her face was void of emotion once more.

"Thank you, your support is appreciated. It is still difficult at times. However it filled me with hope to learn you recovered well from your accident." He gave her a soft smile, and reached for two champagne flutes, handing one to her. "To your health, my Lady." He toasted, his eyes meeting hers over the glass, a smirk playing on his lips. She returned a smile, sipping the sparkling drink before her.

Only heard recently indeed. The thought was spiteful, but Aveline knew, she absolutely knew he had something to death with Alois' death, and she wouldn't rest until she knew exactly what he had done.

Especially when she didn't even know how Alois died. God be damned, I deserve some closure. They continued their small talk, talking of nothing of any importance. She would know, and she intended to find out one way or another. She would find out what Earl Phantomhive was hiding, she vowed that much on Alois' poor demented soul.