(A/N: I do not own Black Butler or the last name Heartfillia, which is from Fairy Tail. I own only the story and the idea. Enjoy!)
The snow drifts down in soft, powdery flakes. The golden glow of the street lamps catch on their icy facets, giving them a silvery luster. The air is crisp and cold, the scents of pine and gingerbread swirling around me. The feel of the icy flakes on my cheeks reminds me of another Christmas Eve, twelve years ago.
White snow drifts down onto my lap, capturing than releasing the crimson blood staining my skirt. I shiver in the cold and rub my palms on my bare arms. Something warm and soft drifts over my shoulders. I look up and see a young man draping his woolen tailcoat over my shoulders. His skin is a pale alabaster, his eyes glow red like the last embers of a dying fire, and his angular face is framed by raven-black hair.
"Hello little one."
"Hell- Hello."
"You do not need to be afraid. I am not going to hurt you." His voice is deep and comforting, like hot tea on a frigid winter's eve. He crouches down to my level and offers me his white-gloved hands. He pulls me to my feet and we stand silently, watching each other.
"Did- Did you kill the demon?" His face darkens slightly. Then he smiles again. and nods.
"Indeed I did. Can you tell me where you live?"
"Outside of London. In the big manor house with the green doors." His brows crinkle together slightly.
"The Heartfilia estate?"
"Yes."
"Very well. Let's get you home." He scoops me up and holds me close to his chest. I close my eyes and let the steady pace of his running lull me into the blissful oblivion of sleep.
"Mistress. Your father is waiting for you outside the cathedral. It would be wise to hurry." I turn to see my family's butler's gloved hand on my shoulder.
"Yes… I- was just thinking."
"Of course." The heels of my boots click softly against the cobblestones of the street as Sebastian escorts me to the waiting doors of the wooden cathedral. He remains just a few steps behind me as courtesy dictates, but ready should I need anything. Sebastian opens the door and bows to me as I enter the great church. I turn to him and say,
"Sebastian?"
"Yes, mistress?"
"My name is Emmalinn." I spin quickly on my heel and make my way through the crowd of nobles to where my father is waiting. "Father!" The look in his stormy eyes stops me from throwing my arms around him.
"Emmalinn. You are late. Look at you, the hem of your dress is soaked. Did Sebastian make you walk?"
"No, Father. I asked him to walk with me. London always looks so beautiful on Christmas Eve, and... "His withering glare causes the words to shrivel and die in my throat.
"You are a young lady now. A woman of your stature should not be seen walking to church on Christmas Eve. Especially unchaperoned."
"Sebastian was with me."
"Sebastian is a man. Not to mention your butler. People will begin to talk. You must begin to behave yourself in a way that befits a young lady of your social standing. I did not return from Japan intending to hear rumors about my daughter's secret romances. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Father." He takes my arm in his and leads me down the aisle to our family pew.
Once upon a time, there were five of us seated on the hard wood, instead of two. I can still see the ghosts of my family in my mind. My mother, smiling and laughing as she told us to sit quietly and behave or else Saint Nicholas wouldn't come, The green of her dress bringing out the green of her eyes. My brother, William, ecstatic at being allowed to wear trousers like my father, his dark curls springing in a wreath around his round face. My sister, Victoria , smoothing the skirts of her Christmas dress and sitting like a proper lady, trying to impress my father.
Twelve years ago, on the same night I met Sebastian for the first time, my entire family except for my father and I had been killed in a gruesome accident. I had been four years old,lost alone in the snow, searching for my mother in the gray streets of London. I would've died too, had Sebastian not found me. My father had never returned to himself after the deaths of my mother, brother and sister. He was no longer the kind man I would throw my arms around and call 'Papa'. Instead he became 'Father', a hard, cruel man who would use whatever force necessary for complete obedience. This principle applied to his only remaining child as well as his business.
As our fortune and company grew, what was left of my papa withered. Now, the only times I would catch even a glimpse of the man he had been before was at the graves of my mother, William, and Victoria.
The carriage ride home after the service was quiet. I occupy myself by watching the dark forests and fields flash by as we speed away from the outskirts of London and towards the great mansion awaiting our return. Sebastian transitions the horses smoothly to a halt and opened the door for us. My father climbs down without assistance, and I make to do the same. As I am stepping down to the snowy ground my skirts tangle around my ankles and I fall forward, pitching into the ready arms of Sebastian. His arms wrap securely around me, just above my waist and my face presses into the soft fabric of his white dress shirt. I relax into his touch, enjoying the feeling of warmth and security.
"Emmalinn!" My father barks from the top of the steps. I quickly jump back from Sebastian as though electrocuted and hastily make my way to the double doors leading into my home. I risk a glance behind me and catch Sebastian's crimson eyes. He smiles slightly and nods his head before taking the horses and disappearing into the darkness leading to the stables.