They gathered as the church bells tolled sorrowfully. He stood in the very back, dressed in all black as always, as mourners flooded in.
He kept a keen eye on her. Katrina Phantomhive. His late master's daughter.
Her hair was a thick charcoal waterfall that ran to her knees. Her eyes were a deep blue. Her porcelian skin was flawless. She was so beautiful even with tears filling her eyes. But she didn't shed ner a one. She held her head high. Seventeen years old and yet still so young.
Sebastian recalled one of the last conversations he had with Ciel when Katrina was still a child.
(Flashback)
"Sebastian," Ciel said as he watched Katrina play in the garden with his other servants.
"Yes, my Lord?" Sebastian asked ready to fetch anything his master desired.
"You are aware that Katrina is very fond of you, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am," Sebastian replied.
"In that case there's something I want you to promise me, Sebastian," Ciel looked at the demon.
"Anything sir."
"After I've died and you've taken my soul promise me that you will watch over my daughter, protect her with your life without a contract. Spare her soul. But most importantly..." The Earl looked at his beloved child then at Sebastian again, "...Swear to me that you won't break her heart."
Sebastian bowed before him, "I swear on my life, my Lord."
At that moment a seven year old Katrina ran to the butler, "Sebastian!" Sebastian smiled at her, held out his strong arms to the girl, and let her run into his embrace.
Ciel smiled.
(End of Flashback)
"Sebastian," A soft voice pulled Sebastian out of his deep train of thought. A gentle hand rested on his arm. Sebastian glanced down to see Katrina looking up at him. "Sebastian, would you please come outside with me?" She wondered.
"Of course, Miss Katrina," Sebastian gave her a gentle smile. He followed her out into the small garden beside the church as they left the funeral. They stood under the large ivy-consumed gazebo.
"There's no shame in tears, Milady," Sebastian told her, "He was your Father after all."
"It's not that," Katrina stated. She then turned to her butler and went to him to where he towered over her. "Sebastian...I..." She began then stopped herself.
"What is it, Milady?" Sebastian urged her to continue gently.
"I've known for years now that you're more than a butler. In fact you're not even human...You're a..." She lifted her head and looked him dead in the eye, "And yet, why am I not afraid of you?"
Sebastian smirked softly at the young woman and caressed his thumb over her slightly trembling bottom lip. "Because you know I won't harm you, Miss Katrina," His crimson eyes were softly alit, "Not ever."
Katrina bowed her head and rested her forehead against the tame demon's chest. She snaked her arms around and clutched the back of his tail-coat in her fists, "I assumed since you ate Daddy's soul you would want mine too. I am, after all, a part of him."
Sebastian wrapped his arms tightly around Katrina and held her to him. "No," Sebastian answered, "Your Father loved you more than anything, Miss Katrina. When you were merely a child he made me vow to never do such a thing."
"If you hadn't promised him that, would you, Sebastian?" Katrina asked, dreading the answer.
Sebastian felt her shaking against him. He slipped a balled fist under her chin and made her look at him, "No, Milady. I couldn't bear to break your heart." He gently kissed her lips.
Katrina kissed the demon back before asking one last question, "Sebastian, tell me the truth. When the time came...Did you make him suffer?"
"Of course not," Sebastian told her, "I assure you, Milady, it was quick and painless."
Katrina whimpered as her tears returned. She began to cry openly into Sebastian's chest. "Daddy..." She sobbed as her legs gave out from underneath her. "Daddy!"
Sebastian held Katrina until she cried herself to sleep in his arms.
(That Night)
The full moon shone overhead as they made their way back to the estate.
He softly kissed her neck. "My dear Katrina," Sebastian whispered to her as he sat in the carriage with her. She laid on the cushioned seat with her head resting in Sebastian's lap. Sebastian stroked her hair. "You will never have to be afraid of me. I will never harm you, not ever. If there is anyone who dares to try..." His eyes began to glow, "I'll rip them apart."