Once there was this family. The Windell family. It was a small, wealthy family, that lived in their own New Forest, England mansion. In the mansion lived a man, a women, their daughter, their butler and their four peasants. The women was Lilly Beth Windell. She was part German-part English. Her German side of the family owned a strong land of vineyards in Germany. The vineyards were passed on to her because she was the eldest daughter. On the other hand, her English relatives were very wealthy and sponsored a medicine school in England. Providing books, medicine, high education. More and more people became doctors and nurses. Even though the differences were great, the best of both worlds became an absolute favorite of society. Their reputation was high, and pleased many.
And as for young Lilly Beth, she became a very intelligent gal. Beautiful and smart that is. Radiant brunette hair and overpowering emerald eyes. No one compared to her beauty, except for the colorful sundown's. She loved the mixture of orange, red and yellow blazes of sunlight fade away into sad colors like blue and purple, which made her believe, that it was one of the most amazing and gorgeous things in the world.
As for the man. Raphael Windell. Was just an other aristocrat of the place. Yes, his family was wealthy. They owned textile and clothing factories. It was a good business. But the Windell family saw that Raphael wasn't worthy of keeping the big responsibility of managing an industrial and marketing term, so they passed it on to someone else. They passed it on to Raphael's cousin Robert Windell. After Robert got into new management, he got sick of some sort and passed away. Rumors were to say that Raphael poisoned him and caused Roberts death.
"I came inside his room and found him dead on the floor!" he shouted to the authorities. His blue eyes with deceiving tears showed meaningless innocence. But everyone couldn't see the joker under his captivating mask. He killed Robert and got away with it, and since then, he hasn't been the same way.
Now not knowing what to do, Raphael was obligated to find a wealthy partner, and who else better than Lady Lilly Beth? She was beautiful, smart, kind, wealthy… wealth was the key. Riches was Raphael's target. Although, Lilly Beth by herself was a treasure, Raphael saw other things, but did not notice her perfection of a lady.
And so on, they "fell in love". Raphael's false personality had some very great perspective and influence towards people. Of course, a classified Jackass. He wasn't a good person, he wasn't responsible. Loyal. Respectful. He wasn't apt for trust. How on earth did Lilly Beth fall for him?
Did the dirty sweetness cover up the poison in the back of his mind? The answer of the query lies in his unfaithful head. They got married little after that. By then Raphael seemed to be a good person… but little by little his true monstrous being crept out, scratch by scratch.
After getting married, they constructed a mansion in New Forest. It was peaceful. Quiet. Steady. Nothing big ever happened around. Although, there was hunting sessions at some times, which startled Lilly Beth very much, but she adored the deep neighborhood forest and the free neighing ponies.
Now settled the new small Windell family, they had a daughter. Such a beautiful baby. Just like her mother she was: silky red blazing hair, olive green eyes filled with wonder, her small delicate heartbeat, indicating pure love and the simplicity of being the perfect child. Lilly Beth named her Mary Anne. Little Mary Anne Windell. Lady Lilly Beth was happy to be blessed with such a child.
Raphael, on the other hand, didn't seem to care much for his new born baby. Why should I care? I don't have to take care of it. She would be completely fine here without anyone. He thought. His sick mind grew ugly and dark. The murder of Robert ought to haunt him forever. Raphael turned demented. The vision of his cousin, falling into deep sleep, drinking to much wine with a splash of poison in the bottle. As soon as he fell, he smiled to himself, thinking all the money would be for him now. But it wasn't like that. The family still didn't trust Raphael for the factory. Marrying someone rich was the only way. His greedy and awkward face seemed to transform into a beast. Now he planned to do the same with Lilly Beth.
Raphael would get drunk almost everyday, and when he did he would yell at his wife and menace her with leaving, robbing her money, property and possessions. Even raising his hand to slap her. And then in the morning once he was sober he would say:
"I'm so sorry my love. I was drunk and demented. I swear I didn't mean anything I said"
Lilly Beth always forgave him for her and Mary Anne's safety. She always stood delusional and alert. Everything he said and did was true. How could someone live like this? How could he be so cruel? Raphael's twisted-messed up mind was the end of anything.
Lilly Beth started to seek for help. She needed someone to protect her and Mary Anne from the madness of this man. Someone secret, capable and loyal. If anyone found out, she knew she would be dead. Lilly Beth was willing to give anything away for exchange of peace. To live in peace and happiness, and keep danger at bay.
Little after Mary Anne was born, Lilly Beth had made her decision.
It was late December by then. The atmosphere was dark and sad; it was snowing outside. Lilly Beth saw the delicate snow flakes through the window, falling like mini glinting stars, each one different and unique in their own way. She exhaled. The fog blurred her vision on the glass.
"Good God he isn't here" she whispered to herself. She then now robed herself into a heavy brown fur coat, a black tinted cotton scarf, snow boots and thick leggings. She called for the oldest peasant.
"Arleen, please take care of the baby. Ill be right back" Lilly Beth whispered, barely audible.
"Were are you going my Lady?" Arleen responded, looking at the baby cradle.
"Just for a stroll outside. I like the sound of crunching snow under my feet." Lilly Beth replied. With that she headed for the front door. While going down the stairs, she slid her fuzzy mittens on to her small hands. I'm ready for this. She thought. Her women intuition made her make this choice. I will save my child.
Now arriving at the double oak doors, she took one last breath and stepped outside. Lilly Beth closed the doors behind her and started walking rightward, where the forest was deep and pitch black.
Lilly Beth started walking away from the mansion. Slowly and steady now, she went on. In her mind she read a summoning ritual, over and over. In her fading whispers, a cold breath of desperation and in her heart, a heavy pin. She then came to a stop.
She heard a faint voice, too distant to hear.
"Hello?" she called out softly.
The lady now heard crunching footsteps coming from the far front. The falling snow seemed to cease, moving in slow motion. The footsteps came in closer every second.
And that's were she saw him for the first time. Coming out through the feathery snow like a droplet of pure petroleum. Lilly Beth didn't expect something like this. She expected a demon. A horrifying, fearless, dreadful demon. But no. he was disguised as a human. She was dumbstruck.
"Good evening My Lady" the tall gentlemen bowed.
"How may I be at your service?" he said as he stood up strait once again.
There was something about his face, that made her feel warmth inside. Although his deep heavy red eyes penetrated her soul right away, she felt relief fall over her spirit and body.
"Hello. I'm Lilly Beth Windell. I'm here to request a very big favor" she said a little nervous.
"Yes my Lady" he responded.
"I am in need for protection. I fear my husband will sooner or later hurt me and my daughter" her voice was muffled buy her scarf.
"I see, my Lady. And I'm guessing you know what I want in exchange?"
He said with a creepily smile.
"Yes. I am aware"
"Very good Madame. Also, I am failing to mention, that I will be bringing someone along with me"
"Who may I ask?" she was confused.
"I'm bond to him by the end of his days"
"Is he a demon also?" She was more puzzled now. A demon tied to a demon?
"Yes, my lady" he replied.
"You haven't told me you name sir" Lilly Beth said. The tall man smiled.
"Sebastian Michaelis at your service. I will be running as your butler. That is what I do best" he said taking an other bow.
"Very good Sebastian. I will await you tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock" she tried to sound proud and strong. But her trembling soul, she felt it disappear fleeing some sort of fear. A gloomy despair crashed through her as she tuned away from Sebastian, thinking that all was settled.
"Wait a moment my lady" Sebastian said as he came up to Lilly Beth and grasped her arm. She turned wondering what was wrong.
"You're forgetting something" Sebastian said.
"What is it?" she wanted to get over with it.
Sebastian smiled and looked right into her eyes.
They suddenly started to glow, bright and fearless as an undying sun. The mixtures of red and orange had her hypnotized, she didn't know what was going on. He unwrapped her scarf around her neck and leaned in close.
"The marking" Sebastian whispered in her ear with vigor.
Her eyes widened. Lilly Beth had forgotten about that. She calmed down, ready to embrace any pain. Lilly Beth felt an unexpected kiss on her neck. It burned. She could've sworn that his kiss was pure fire. She stooped a little as the pain washed away.
Lilly Beth didn't expect that to go so fast. She stared at Sebastian.
"I would never hurt a lady" he simply said with a smile. Lilly Beth stood there flustered and breathless. Sebastian wrapped the beautiful lady's scarf around her neck and mouth once again.
"I'll see you in the morning, Madame" he said bowing, his eyes still gleaming.
"Yes…" was all she could say. Lilly Beth spun backwards and started walking now. She was very stunned at the moment and couldn't think strait.
Lilly Beth looked over her shoulder. Red small flames stood at some distance, guarding her every step. She felt possessed of some sort. She belonged to Sebastian now. No turning back.
After walking some distance away, she arrived to the big Oak front doors.
And in that instant, Raphael arrived in his carriage. The horses passed by and stopped in front of her. The drunken man got off.
"What are you doing out here in the cold women?! Have you gone mad?!" Raphael shouted, his face swollen and red.
"Enjoying the falling snow" Lilly Beth responded quietly.
"Get inside before I make you. And you. Leave" he gnarled at Lilly Beth, then at the driver.
Lilly Beth said nothing and entered with patience. The man followed.
"Why are you up so late?" Raphael demanded, closing the door behind him
"I already told you. I was in the snow. I like the snow" she replied.
Raphael was losing his temper now.
"Listen Lilly. I don't give a single damn if you like the stupid snow. Ladies aren't supposed to be outside, worse at this time. For once be decent. Next time I come in you better be fast asleep. Are you listening?"
Decent! Haven't you ever seen yourself?
"Yes…" Lilly Beth sighed out.
"Good" Raphael snapped back. As he passed her with that agonizing scent of pitiful alcohol and sharp perfumes. Lilly Beth felt her eyes water in sadness.
Morning will come on swift wings.