"My Lady, It is time to rise."
Soft, tired grumbles are heard from underneath the dark bedsheets.
"What is it now Lucien?" A slightly irritated voice comes from the bed.
"It is now dark outside, My Lady. It's time for you to awaken."
A tall, older man dressed in crimson and black open long ivory curtains to reveal a beautiful moonlit night.
The young woman arises from the bed stretching her back as her wavy ebony hair tumbles down her spine. A light yawn escaping her lips.
"This evening, your usual: Pheasant breast, pig's bone marrow and to drink-"
"Type O" She tiredly whispered, her deep purple eyes turning a golden-orange red colour as she hungers.
"Took the words right out of my mouth, My Lady. After your meal, you have a meeting with an Earl."
"Another one?" She was too exhausted to see anyone, especially with her schedule.
"Not just any Earl, My Lady."
Her eyes slightly widened with curiosity. "Oh? Who is he?"
"Lord Ciel Phantomhive."
"C-Ciel….Phantomhive..? W-wouldn't he be suspicious of who I am let alone what I am?"
"I assure you My Lady, that will not be a problem to you." He reassured her with a light bow.
She sighs. "Very well, I will be ready momentarily."
"Yes, My Lady." He bowed before exiting the bedroom and closing the door behind him.
She stands out of bed to dress herself.
Ciel Phantomhive, the Queen's guard dog, meeting me? What an interesting event this shall be.
Her black lace dress flows down her body like a waterfall. Her beautiful, wavy black locks brushed to perfection. Her final touch, the pearl necklace gleaming from the reflection of the moon. She carefully slips on her black shoes topped with crimson bows and leaves her bedroom.
She carefully makes her way down the stony stairwell and into the dining hall.
"Ah, My Lady now arrives. Allow me to serve the meal for you."
"Thank you, Lucien." She smiled lightly as she sat down at the head of the long dining table.
"Honestly, Sebastian. Why must I stay up to such a late hour for one guest? You would expect her to arrive at least at dawn." Ciel sat at his desk while sipping a cup of Earl Grey tea, freshly made by his demon butler, Sebastian.
"I believe that our guest must arrive at this time for a meeting especially for you. She says it's urgent."
"She?"
"Correct, My Lord. Lady Shadowden of Yorkshire has recently been temporarily moved to London to assist you with the investigations Her Majesty assigns to you."
"Lady Shadowden hmm? Wasn't that bloodline cursed?"
"It was believed at first but was soon passed off as a hoax for publicity purposes."
"Anyone would do anything for money, even if it means corrupting a name."
"Indeed, My Lord. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to make preparations for our guest's arrival."
"See to it then."
Sebastian then bowed and left the drawing room.
Ciel stood and faced the window behind him, looking at the red and gold carriage arriving in front of his manor.
Lady Shadowden. You come from a long line of respected people, I will be watching carefully.
As she steps out of the carriage, Lucien hops off the driver's seat assist her, only to come face-to-face with the Phantomhive butler, Sebastian. Sebastian bowed to the guests.
"Welcome to Phantomhive Manor, My Lady. I am Sebastian, butler to My Lord. Pleased to meet you." As he raised his head, his eyes flashed pink, showing his demonic side.
Lucien bowed back "I am Lucien, caretaker and butler of Lady Shadowden." Lucien's eyes also flashed pink.
"The pleasure is all mine, I assure you Sebastian." She quickly curtsied and slightly lifted her dress.
Sebastian gave his usual smile. "I am delighted to hear your courtesy, My Lady. Now, if you'll follow me, I shall escort you to the drawing room. This is where you will be meeting my young master tonight."
As Sebastian led them into the manor, Lucien and his mistress stared in awe.
"Does Lord Phantomhive really live here by himself? Excluding you and the staff of course."
"Yes, there was a terrible fire one night. Both his parents and the original manor perished in it."
"Ah, so this manor is a replica?" Lucien inquisitively interrupted.
"Down to the very cracks."
Sebastian stopped in front of a large set of double doors and knocked lightly.
"Young master? Our guests are here."
A muffled voice came from the room. "Bring them in."
Sebastian opened the doors and motioned Lady Shadowden in.
"After you, My Lady."
"Thank you, Sebastian."
She entered with her trusty butler beside her. Lord and Lady meet and bow.
"Lady Shadowden."
"Lord Phantomhive."
"Please, sit down. Sebastian, a cup of tea for our Lady."
Sebastian bowed lightly. "Yes, My Lord. Do you have a preference, My Lady?"
"Oh… If it isn't too much trouble. Just plain black tea perhaps?" She wasn't used to having being asked a preference before. Especially from a different estate. Quite frankly, it intimidated her.
"Now, down to business. Her Majesty has sent you to my estate for assistance, correct?"
"Quite, My Lord." She nodded her head.
"But arrive so late at night? I understand the urgency of our tasks, but at this hour, it may as well be set at dawn." Ciel looked up at her mischievously.
"Ah, well… the sun isn't very good for my skin. If you know what I mean."
"No, I don't. Care to elaborate?"
"I suppose it is time to share a little secret." Her eyes flashed that golden-orange and red, then back to her normal amethyst purple.
Lucien interfered. "My Lady, are you it's a good idea to-"
"Now now Lucien, I'm pretty sure if Lord Phantomhive here is able to withstand having a demon for a butler, he is able to deal with who and what I am."
Lucien and Sebastian looked at each other and flared their pink, demonic eyes at each other.
"Demon, huh? I didn't know you would recognise him."
"Of course I knew. Lucien is actually also, a demon. I knew it from the moment I saw him that wasn't human. And something tells me that he knew the same about me, hmm?" She glanced at Sebastian and back to Ciel.
"Then tell me. Who and what exactly are you?"
Sebastian handed Lady Shadowden her cup of tea. She took a sip and gave a very soft, feminine chuckle.
"Why, My Lord. It is simple, I am Lady Quenivere Shadowden. Daughter of Veronica and Gareth. And those rumours of our bloodline being cursed is partially true. While most mortals call it a curse, I call a gift. A gift of the night. For you see, I am a Pure-blooded Vampire." She lightly smiled devilishly, showing her fangs.