A/N: Holy CRAP, I wrote a lot... I'm getting so swept up in inspiration and sheer want to write this that I can't even help going nutso. =] I figure I'll update as I finish each chapter. With past stories I had made the attempt to update once a week, but that was tedious and oftentimes I forgot! This story is rated M, yes, but I'll warn you beforehand so you don't stumble upon any violence or suggestive stuff like BAM! Many thanks to the reviewers I have so far; it's only chapter two, and already you're making me feel loved! :3

Disclaimer: I forgot to throw in one of these in my last chapter! *le gasp* I do not own any of the characters in Kuroshitsuji, as much as I wish. =[

Warning: Nothing really as of yet, just very, very, VERY mild violence.

Enjoy!

A tiny glen of trees opens up before us, nestled in amongst the rocks. The only light here comes from the stars and the moon. As I stumble over my skirts and trip on clumps of knotted grass, it's only Sebastian's hand that keeps me from falling on my face. I can't fathom for the life of my why Sebastian has brought me out here, and then like a slap to the face I remember the masquerade rules.

"I'm supposed to entice you with my offer, aren't I?" I stop walking and gently pull my hand away, rubbing them over my skin. It isn't warm out here and my shoulders are cold. Sebastian reaches up and pulls his mask off, revealing a beautiful creamy pale face, straight aquiline nose and a mouth that looks like it's talked its way to possessing countless souls. His black hair falls into his face until he pushes it away, and his eyes are fixed on me. I'm not even sure 'beautiful' is an acceptable term to describe a man with his features.

"That is what is expected, yes."

I can't take my eyes off his face. It's perfect, irresistible and deadly. I shouldn't be so enamored with such a trivial matter – Sebastian can murder me in a literal second. A smile plays at the corners of his mouth as he waits.

I take my time, knowing he's waiting for me to speak. My eyes have acclimated to the darkness and I find a patch of dry grass and lift my skirts, settling down and folding my legs underneath me. I scratch behind my mask, itching to take it off. Even if Sebastian broke the rules by removing his mask, I don't want to do the same. He stands in front of me, waiting for me to speak with his hands at his sides.

"I need you," I begin, leaning back against the thin trunk of an apple tree. It isn't in season so there is no fruit, but the air still smells faintly of it. "To help me avenge everything that went wrong in my life. I lost everything – my friends, my family. Anyone important to me was slaughtered."

"You want me to kill the ones who wronged you?"

Angry tears prick my eyes before I can respond. Sebastian is still staring down at me, and despite the dark I know he can see perfectly. I turn my head away, not wanting him to see the moisture in my eyes and hug my body with my arms.

"Yes."

Sebastian settles next to me in one blindingly fast movement, reminding me just how inhuman he is. His eyes are violet again – glowing in the darkness.

"I cannot pretend to understand sadness," he whispers, so quiet I barely hear him. "But I can do as you ask of me."

I meet his eyes. "You can't tell me that," I cross my arms. "It's not time."

Sebastian grins, taking my chin in his hand. He tilts my head up and I freeze uncertainly, unsure of what he's going to do.

"I think you'll find, Valentina, that until I'm under contract I do whatever the hell I want."

Suddenly his lips are on mine, pushing my mask up onto my head and my mouth open. His lips are soft and breath hot, and when his tongue tumbles against mine I nearly melt. I can't move, as much as I want to – Sebastian's other hand has moved to cup the back of my neck. I feel his fingers creep up into my hair to the satin ribbon that keeps my mask tied to my face, but even if I had realized he was about to take it off I wouldn't have been able to stop him.

My mask falls to into my lap, lonely and discarded.

And just like that the spell is broken, but before I can snatch my mask up and tie it to my face again, Sebastian has bitten my lip roughly, drawing blood to my mouth. He leans back with burning eyes, looking completely satisfied with himself.

I gasp, covering my mouth with one hand and turning away. Blood is smeared on my palm when I examine it; a dark blotch on my pale skin.

"What the hell?" I exclaim, jumping to my feet and catching my mask before it can fall into the grass. "That really hurt!" Sebastian is laughing below me on the ground, darkly amused.

"There's my mark, Valentina. Now that disgusting Ash can never hope to touch you." I turn to glare at Sebastian while he's getting gracefully to his feet, dusting off the front of his elegant tuxedo.

"You have some nerve," I challenge, ripping a leaf off the closest tree and dabbing my lip with it.

"Of course I do. I'm a demon." Sebastian tucks his mask into the lapel of his tux jacket, resting his right hand over his left breast.

"Are you angry?" Amusement touches his voice, so I bet he isn't serious. "Punish me, mistress."

"I'm not your mistress!" I shout, shredding the leaf into a thousand pieces and throwing them at his face. Sebastian grins and blows at the air in front of him – the leaf pieces halt and suspend mid-air. My eyes boggle for the briefest of moments before the sharp pain in my lip brings me back to the present.

I spin around and stride away, tying my mask to my face as I do so. I'm annoyed he has had the gall to take my mask off and mark me, no less. But even through the irritation, I feel something I'm not sure rightly belongs. Certainly Sebastian is handsome – you'd have to be blind not to see it. But underneath his beauty is darkness; tainted, twisted darkness that even a simple human like me can sense.

Sebastian's quiet footsteps behind me let me know he's following after me. As much as I hate to admit it, fear slithers up my throat. His kiss had been passionate and unrestrained, but was it all only to mark me as his potential master?

"Valentina," he calls my name, vying for my attention. As if by some magical force, I stop in my tracks and turn to face him. Sebastian comes close to me and reaches for my face. I flinch, but he's only wiping away the blood on my chin. My lip is still throbbing, but after his touch it's as if I was never bitten. The pain vanishes and my eyes widen as I reach up and brush my finger to my lip once more.

"All these things and much more I can do for you," he tells me, leaning close again. "Promise me your soul and our contract can be created."

I lift the eyebrow he can see, letting him know I'm still skeptical.

"But the masquerade," I protest, quieted when he places his finger over my lips.

"My power allows us to bypass the magic of the masquerade," he says. "We can bind ourselves here and now."

The idea is tempting – so very tempting. The better part of my brain tells me to accept his proposal, to form our unbreakable bond, and the more logical part wants me to ignore his words completely. I raise my hand and gently pull his away from my mouth, blinking and lifting my head.

"I think I'll wait." I turn again and pick my way back to the castle, and when I turn to see if Sebastian has followed, I see him standing in the same spot, grinning.

Those violet burning eyes have returned.

The first masquerade moon passes quickly. I'm not sure where the demons go at night, but the guests of the masquerade stay in the castle rooms. There are hundreds of them above the main ballroom, on different levels of the castle where everyone sleeps during the masquerade. Well, the women – men aren't allowed in the castle after the masquerade ends. I don't really know why the rules are this way; maybe it's to discourage the mortal men from sneaking into a woman's bedroom. The women are here for the demons, after all.

My bedroom is not important – it's what's inside that matter to me. My dresses are all hanging inside a cherry-mahogany armoire; individually buttoned in cotton garment bags to keep them safe from the elements. I've traveled quite a long ways to get to this castle, and I'll be damned if faded silk and torn satin is going to keep me from my future demon consort.

While I settle in bed and pull my blankets up to my chin, I can't keep my thoughts from the masquerade – but namely, from Sebastian. My hand drifts up to my mouth of its own accord. I don't feel any scabs or bite marks from Sebastian's teeth but it doesn't mean there isn't anything there. I'm too warm to want to get out of bed and check in a mirror – and besides, I get the strange feeling that if I check and see nothing, I'll be disappointed.

I turn on my side and close my eyes, trying my hardest to clear my mind from Sebastian. It isn't too hard, and yet I still end up thinking of tomorrow night's masquerade. Suddenly my window shatters and I yelp, sitting bolt upright and clutching my blanket to my chest. A figure dressed in a white tuxedo tumbles in – still managing to assume grace when he straightens up.

Ash stands in the center of the shattered glass, taking a brief moment to pluck a shard from his thick head of hair.

"What the hell are you doing!" I shout, snatching one of the candles from my bedside table and trying my best to chuck it at his head. Ash ducks deftly and smiles lopsidedly, but it isn't an amused one.

"A possession mark?" Ash tucks a lock of hair behind his ear and the smile vanishes from his face. His eyes narrow and he takes a slow, deliberate step forward, staring at my lower lip. "He's more clever than I give him credit for."

"Ash, get the hell out of here," I tell him forcefully, scooting backwards until my spine presses against the wall. It's scaring me that he's here – terrifying me, really. The look in his eyes sends a shiver of fear down my spine and I get the distinct feeling if the thought to kill me should happen to cross Ash's mind he would go through with it with no hesitation.

"I had to see it for myself," Ash explains, settling himself on the edge of my bed. "I could tell there was something different about your soul… but I never expected Sebastian to go this far."

"What are you talking about?"

"The possession mark on your lower lip," he clarifies, speaking slowly. "It's going to make it very hard for me to claim you."

I try my best to make it seem casual when I tuck my arms under the blanket and tug it around my shoulders, but Ash's eyes catch the movement. He chuckles darkly, sliding closer with a shadowy intent in his eyes.

"You have nothing to fear from me," he attempts to comfort me, but the effort falls flat. Ash doesn't mean it – obviously. "I only want to serve you."

"And why is that?" I challenge him bravely, hoping it's not a mistake.

"As I've mentioned before, Valentina, I can read your soul. I know what your intents are with a demon cohort, and I want them. I want to serve you."

I lift my eyebrow curiously – how is it possible Ash can determine my darkest, innermost desires? I don't answer; instead letting the pounding of my heart fill the silence between us. Another dark smile crosses Ash's face and it's because he's entertained by the sound my fear.

"You can't make me choose you," I point out, dropping my eyes. I wonder if it would be hard for a demon like Ash to hypnotize me into doing his bidding… in order to force me to let him do my bidding.

"That's funny," he chuckles. "So naïve."

Ash gets to his feet and leans toward me, squinting in examination. Quicker than I can stop him, Ash reaches out and swipes his thumb along my lower lip, smiling with satisfaction. I recoil back and shut my eyes, willing him to leave.

"There," he whispers, close to my ear. "Gone."

When I open my eyes again, Ash has vanished and my bedroom window repaired.

I can't bring myself to get out of bed until night, when it's time to get ready for the second masquerade night. I start off by bathing thoroughly, scrubbing my skin until it's raw. I feel strange, knowing Ash was in my room last night. It's as if his presence taints my skin, and I'll do whatever it takes to cleanse myself of it. I towel my head vigorously to dry off and fix my hair, letting it fall in natural waves and braiding part of it tightly to my head. I don't do much to my face; lining my eyes in a kohl pencil and my lips in a light pink gloss seem to be enough.

Even though the masquerade guests won't see my face until my last mask change, I feel like I'm keeping my makeup understated in an attempt to look understated. I really don't want any extra attention tonight.

Dress number one is a pearly white chiffon and tulle, falling to my knees and poufing out just enough to make it normal. I know everyone else's dresses will be floor length with gigantic skirts and muted colors; usually never white. It will attract some attention to me, but there's only so much I can change. I gather my second mask and two other dresses for later tonight, tuck them neatly inside the canvas bag I brought with me, descending the ridiculously long flight of stairs and stashing my bag behind the same suit of armor as I had done last night.

The mask for tonight is black and semi-winged; made of a delicate metal with slanted eyeholes. It only covers my eyes, leaving my mouth completely free. I wonder if Sebastian will notice the absence of his 'possession mark', as Ash had called it. When he'd wiped his thumb across my lower lip he had removed Sebastian's mark – but now that I think of it, I'm almost certain he'll notice.

The ballroom is characteristically packed. The orchestra plays a tune composed by Tchaikovsky; one of my favorites. I earn a few curious looks from some of the other women at the length of my dress but I disregard most of them. I really don't care what they think of my dress at all – I'm not here to impress them.

I'm here for my demon.

I can't see Sebastian yet, so I drift over to the table that holds food and snacks. I'm not too hungry; my stomach is still in knots from last night's unexpected visit. A white tuxedo passes by out of the corner of my eye and my body locks up, but no one approaches me just yet. Besides – there's really no telling if the white tuxedo-clad man is Ash or not.

I take a deep breath and force myself to calm down.

Across the ballroom, a tall figure with jet-black hair stands immobile. His mask for tonight imitates an ancient Greek theater "Smile Now, Cry Later" mask – one half pulled up in a smile, the other half frowning. The mask is stark white with no paint or color on it whatsoever, as if it had bled away. The figure stands peculiarly; his left hand covering his right breast in a sort of silent greeting or motion of complacency.

Sebastian.

I can't explain the excitement that fizzles in my veins when I see him – the sooner he notices me, the sooner I can quit fretting over Ash finding me first. I step away from the table and wind through the pillars, trailing my fingers along their polished surface. Tonight they've been left bare to showcase the fluted, marble craftsmanship. I keep my eyes on Sebastian, who isn't looking my way just yet. His head tilts ever so slightly and raises, almost as if picking up a certain scent on the air. Then his head turns and those deep, sienna-red eyes find mine.

I smirk, glancing away.

This coy game is the one I play best – I know exactly how to entice the opposite sex to come to me. It was something my mother took great pride in, before she was slaughtered. I push my hair off my shoulders and throw them back imperceptibly, standing taller. When I look back to where Sebastian had been standing, he is gone. That only makes my smile grow.

I watch the dancers, making it seem as though it's the most interesting thing in the world. It only takes a moment, but a white-gloved hand touches my shoulder very gently, persuading me to turn. Sebastian is standing behind me in the position I've grown accustomed to seeing him in, and when my eyes meet his he bows ever so slightly.

"Valentina," he greets me, that velvet voice impossible to ignore or forget. I wonder how long it will take him to notice his mark is gone – Ash picked it up instantly when he broke into my room.

"Sebastian, you've come for another night? I thought for sure someone else had a need for you." The demon shakes his head, and I know he's smiling.

"No one but you can hold as much interest for me the way you do, mistress."

I roll my eyes to show I'm not amused, but deep inside I'm glowing from his almost-praise. The orchestra plays a slow, dark piece and it grabs my attention, so I take the reins tonight and hold out my hand.

"Care to dance, demon?"

Sebastian laughs and accepts my offer, leading me to the floor and winding his arm firmly around my waist. We turn out the steps masterfully – Sebastian is the best dance partner I've ever come across. His inhuman grace makes dancing such a slow waltz worth it, and several couples hesitate to watch us. We are beautiful and sublime. His effortless grace flows through my limbs and makes my dancing smoother than it ever has been before, and the high from being the center of attention is making me feel braver than before.

"I can't help but notice my mark has disappeared," Sebastian tells me, dipping his head so I can hear him. He is a good deal taller than I, so it makes for hushed conversation a burden.

"You can thank Ash for that. He broke into my room and removed it."

Sebastian stiffens as it he's been stabbed. For the first time in our countless dances, his movements are clumsy and imperfect.

"Please, come with me." His voice is tight and restrained, but I can hear the anger behind it. I wonder if following him is such a good idea, but his hand is gripping mine tightly and I have no choice but to obey. The other dancers part as we cross the floor, brushing too closely to the violinists. Several of them glare and seem like they are about to comment, but are silenced by Sebastian's warning glare.

I hope to God I'm never on the receiving end of a look like that from him.

Sebastian pushes through a set of doors and into the abandoned hallway, his shoes echoing on the high ceilings. My hand hurts, though I don't have the strength to pull it out of his. I've already tried with no avail – it was like trying to pull a grown tree from the ground with my bare hands.

Despite Sebastian's irritation, his voice is still seemingly gentle. I wonder just what is brewing under the surface, for his mask keeps me from seeing his face and any emotions that may pass over it. My heels click rapidly on the polished marble floor; we are walking quickly, as if Sebastian is interested in leading me away from danger.

"Sebastian, stop," I tell him, yanking on my arm. He frees me instantly, turning on his heel. We've reached the staircase now – a grand, winding affair covered in plush, red carpeting. Sebastian runs one hand through his hair, and I take it as a sort of fed-up gesture. I've only known Sebastian for two nights now, and already I have seen enough of his movements to glean that this one is somewhat foreign to him.

"What's wrong?" I ask, crossing my arms and leaning against the staircase banister. Sebastian glances away, hesitating before he answers.

"Ash is not the demon you want," he says to me, finally looking my way. "He is dangerous."

"So you wanted to warn me?" I scoff, shaking my head. "Aren't you all dangerous?"

Sebastian shakes his head, but not to tell me I'm wrong. He comes closer to me and sits on one of the stairs, resting his arms on his knees.

"Sit with me, Valentina, and I will share with you what you deserve to know."

"What I deserve?" I echo, wondering if I should feel insulted.

"What I think you can handle." Sebastian clarifies this and looks up at me, gesturing to the space next to him. I sigh, weighing my options. I could walk away, but my interest has been piqued. I want to know what he has to say about Ash. I settle in near him, straightening my legs so my dress doesn't bunch up at my thighs. I see Sebastian's eyes wander down to my knees and above, newly bore from sitting. My skin is a creamy color, nearly matching Sebastian's.

"Ash is a demon, this much is true. But his nature is unlike mine, and unlike any I have ever met before. He does things from the sheer evil in his heart, with no thought of others."

"Doesn't that describe all demons?" I ask pointedly, feeling right.

Sebastian shakes his head slowly. "You will soon find that some demons, Valentina, hold more vestiges of courtesy than others."

"You?" I guess, seeing Sebastian's shoulders shake with silent laughter.

"Me," he agrees, but the sound of his voice is off. It's as though Sebastian is merely agreeing with me to suit my words. "Ash is much more than I have described, but these things I cannot tell you unless I am yours."

I can't find the words to continue our conversation, so I sit in silence. Of course, silence with Sebastian isn't really such – my hitched breathing that I try desperately to calm and the erratic beating of my heart I know he can hear. Suddenly, I get an idea that I'm not sure even I am brave enough to propose.

"Sebastian," I say, cutting myself off. The demon looks to me, a question in his eyes. "What do you say about… renewing my possession mark?"

Sebastian removes his mask instantly, and there is a look of muted surprise in his eyes. He has one eyebrow lifted and is wearing half of a smirk; evidence he has taken a liking to my suggestion.

"And perhaps one that is not so easily removed…?" The demon's additive suggestion to my own stills my breath.

"Yes." I inhale deeply and move closer to him, reaching up to untie my mask. Sebastian's hands still mine and take their place, his fingers combing gently through my thick hair. That feeling alone raises goosebumps on my skin and the proximity of Sebastian's face to mine is mouthwatering.

I'm not sure if this is how demon bonding is supposed to happen, but I definitely don't oppose to the way things are playing out. Sebastian pulls my mask away from my face and his eyes linger on mine and then move over my face. He sets my mask on the stair above us, and frames my face with his large hands, bringing his closer to mine.

"This mark will not disappear under the touch of another," he murmurs, lips inches from mine. "It is the most powerful I can give to you until we're bound in contract."

My eyes are half-lidded in wait, but I can see when he smiles. It only takes another quick second before his lips press into mine. The kiss is incomparable – decadent and irresistible. I can't help but move myself closer to the demon, twining my arms around his neck and feeling the strength of his shoulders underneath. Sebastian's hands stroke through my hair as he kisses me.

I moan against his mouth, and I feel Sebastian's smile. His teeth and tongue alike graze my lower lip, inviting my lips to part and when they do, his tongue presses against mine for the briefest of instances. I take the lead, swirling my tongue over and around his and feeling our kiss deepen. Sebastian's white-gloved hands travel down my neck and around to my back, pressing against shoulder blades.

I can't get enough of him – my hands grasp the collar of his tuxedo, pulling him closer with an animalistic groan. Sebastian's lips leave mine, leaving me feeling cheated, but it is only to ghost over my skin. How can it be that my skin is so heated? Sebastian's kisses are teasing; his mouth touches my collarbones with soft smacks; teeth grazing over places I could never dream to cover with my hair. I open my eyes momentarily and glance down - ultraviolent glows from his half-lidded eyes.

I close my eyes again and tilt my head back, lips parted in desire. I could have never hoped for anything more – if this is what leads up to a contract with him, what will the actual act be like? That though spins through my head, so heady and consuming that I barely notice Sebastian has paused.

"This should be enough to keep you from Ash."

I begin to understand that Sebastian has finished, and when he pulls back I gently remove my hands from his lapel. The joints of my fingers ache – evidence of how firmly I had been grasping his tuxedo. I'm sure my face is flushed unattractively red and I have no doubt that my hair is messed, but I swallow my embarrassment and reach instead for my mask.

"I think that should do," I agree, fastening my mask to my face and trying to smooth my hair. Sebastian grins and I watch his dilated pupils slowly grow and return to normal.

"Rest assured, Ash will not be able to rid you of that mark." Sebastian's eyes travel down to my collarbones, inspiring me to look as well and gasp.

His teeth have broken the skin and blood travels down my chest, pooling at the neckline of my dress, staining the perfect white. I gasp again and try frantically to wipe it all away, succeeding only in smearing it across my pale skin. Sebastian removes one of his gloves and turns it inside out with accuracy, using it to effectively cleanse my chest. A bit of my blood gets onto his thumb and he glances at it thoughtfully, before lifting his hand to his mouth and sucking it away.

I can't help but notice the way his eyes absolutely burn in the process. They close and his head tilts back, lips parting ever so slightly, as if the taste of my blood causes him ecstasy.

"Sebastian, what the-" I've finally remember speech, and gently probe my injured skin with a few fingers, wincing in pain. This mark stings like the other one had not - it is a bee sting and a slap in the face all at once. Sebastian opens his eyes and the violet seas have calmed, slowly fading back to red. He takes his time in fixing his glove, sliding it back on his hand and reaching for his mask.

"Valentina, you are mine. I will not let some demon incarnate take you from me."

Sebastian's words have me shivering.

"I won't choose him," I let him know. "Like I even can."

Sebastian leans close to me, his eyes burning with intensity once more. "Promise me something. If Ash returns to you tonight and tries to remove this new mark, call for me."

I arch one eyebrow. "How?"

Sebastian leans forward and brushes my hair out of my face. "You soul knows me, mistress. You need only to say my name, and I will be there."

I ignore the nickname and voice my newest concern: "Do you think Ash would harm me?"

Sebastian looks away, fixing his mask to his face.

"Yes."

"Gee, thanks," I rub the back of my neck in uncertainty, feeling fear inspire the uneven beating of my heart.

"I would not presume to lie to you, Valentina."

"You could have at least sugar-coated the truth," I retort, getting to my feet.

"Would that have comforted you any more or any less?" Sebastian's question leaves me silent as he, too, gets to his feet in a movement enviously graceful.

"Come. We should return to the masquerade." Sebastian extends his arm and I hook mine around it, walking at his side with him.

"Can I ask you a question, Sebastian?"

"If you mean to ask me two questions, then yes – I await your second one."

I make a face, not amused. "What will things be like if I form a contract with you?" I glance up at Sebastian's obscured face, hoping to catch a glimpse of his eyes. They are straight forward, looking ahead.

"I do not presume to know, mistress. All of that depends on the tasks you set out for me."

"That's not what I meant," I huff impatiently, rolling my eyes.

Sebastian's muted laughter reaches my ears, nearly making me blush. "Do you mean to ask if we will share the same connection as we did a few moments before, when we are bonded?"

I don't blush – I'm past that stage of being embarrassed. "That's exactly what I mean."

"A bonded demon is like a puppet – he performs the acts of his master or mistress, as he or she commands. If it what you so desire, then I will please you until you can handle no more."

That has my cheeks pinkening. Every nerve on the arm that's hooked around his feels supersensitive, almost making me want to draw away.

"A bonded demon does whatever his master says?"

"Or mistress."

A smile appears on my face. "Would you do these things if I were a guy?"

"If you ordered me to, then I would have no choice but to obey. Gender would be no matter." I want to laugh – and also question him further. The way he speaks of being bonded with a mortal makes it sound like he has no free will of his own. Is that the way these things work?

I figure I will muster up the courage to ask him at a later date. As of now, his previous words still have me reeling with thoughts of all the possibilities – I may be in this for a contract with a demon, but I'm still a woman. And a girl's got needs.

The masquerade is still going strong when we get back. The two of us earn more than a few curious looks from the nearest patrons as to why we're arm in arm, arriving late, and when they see the noticeable purple and red bite mark on my collarbone – new lights dawn in their eyes. Several women turn and whisper to the ones next to them and give me scorching looks, but I could care less.

I don't see Ash anywhere, and my mood brightens considerably.

Sebastian doesn't say anything; he merely leads me straight to the floor and we meld in between other dancers, effortlessly melting into the movements. Dancing with Sebastian is mesmerizing and so easy – it's easy to get lost in the steps and keep going for several pieces.

The time for the first dress change arrives when the clock chimes seven, and I reluctantly remove myself from Sebastian. He wishes me off, standing in that characteristic pose I would recognize as belonging to him anywhere, before I head out into the hallway and locate my suit of armor.

My second dress is shimmering grey-silver, dipping low in the front and the back. Nearly invisible zippers keep the dress secured to my body in several places, for it would be quite the embarrassment to have it fall down during a dance! I choose this time to line my lips in a sort of pale white lipstick; one with a shining gloss that sets off not only my hair, but serves to meld together the black of my mask and the silver of my dress. This one falls to the floor in tapered lengths, making it easy to step on yet hard to miss.

We return to the ballroom in a wave of grand beauty – most of the men stop and awe at our grandeur. My dress earns curious looks; a color so muted is not often seen at events such as this. It seems that I'm getting a lot of attention tonight, and that makes me wonder just where Ash is. It's not that I'm upset he isn't around to ask me to dance or comment on my newest, more visible possession mark – no, I'm worried about his absence merely because of Sebastian's earlier words. Ash would harm me if the desire to do so came over him, and that makes me think he would still do the same under contract.

I'm thankful Sebastian is momentarily absent. I don't want to dance, even if it helps pass along the time. I'm glad tonight marks the end of dancing – the first two nights are devoted solely to it, while the last two are for making connections with your potential demon.

The creators of these masquerades polish and use their logic like this: dancing helps the demons and mortal women muster the courage to approach one another and familiarize themselves with the other. They figure two nights are enough for a demon to make his or her choice, so by the third night the ballroom is filled with couches and low tables lit with candles to create an intimate setting – because everyone knows low lighting is perfect for spilling secrets. The men who first instigated the masquerades ration that if you haven't an invitation to attend the third night then you're not wanted. Only those who receive invitations are allowed to return, else they travel to another masquerade and try their luck elsewhere.

It's all crass, and it's all catered to the demons.

I wonder if Sebastian will invite me to the third night of revelry. It's an exciting prospect – it'll be just the two of us, no interruptions, no Ash popping up to bother me. (Of course, 'popping' is the wrong word, but I rest my case.) I'm eager to find out what tomorrow night will be like, and how the ballroom will look. Mostly, though, I'm eager to find out more about Sebastian. Surely he has kept my interest with more than just his face – when he takes his mask off – and that has loads of significance in my opinion.

A hand touches my shoulder and I begin to smile, but when I turn I see it isn't Sebastian. It's Ash, finally having appeared. His mask tonight is ghastly – a melting face, eternally screaming. A shiver rockets down my spine and I want to run.

Ash's eyes zero in immediately on my collarbone and the possession mark there.

"I see Sebastian has wasted no time," Ash crosses his arm, looking none too pleased. "I daresay he has some nerve."

I haven't found the words to say just yet, so I keep silent.

"Care to dance, Valentina?"

I shake my head. "I have had enough of dancing for one night."

"Then perhaps you would honor me with a stroll through the garden? It's not quite dark yet, and I hear twilight casts a beautiful glow about the fauna." His eyes are locked with mine, and it seems like the people around us have slowed. A walk through the garden sounds wonderful… doesn't it?

I shake my head, but I'm unable to break my gaze from his.

"Sure," I find myself agreeing. My body feels heavy and slow as I settle my hand in his, quickly realizing Ash can hypnotize, if only physically. My mind screams at me, but I can do nothing but walk with him towards the entrance doors slowly, as if attempting a walk through viscous sludge.

The gardens are near the tiny grove Sebastian took me to last night. It is a beautiful place – paved pathways wind between beds of planted orchids, roses, lilies and about a hundred more flowers I can't name without the help of a botanist. I can feel Ash's hand over mine and I can feel the heaviness of my body as my feet touch the ground, but really, not much else. My mind is still active and freaking out, but I can't will my body to do anything else.

Ash leads me to a stone bench behind a curve along the path. It's a little off the beaten trail and my mind frets that no one will be able to find us here, and I get the feeling that it's exactly what Ash's intentions are. He guides me to sit and joins me, pulling off his mask. It's the second time I've seen his face – last night, and now. I'll admit he looks a lot less frightening when not consumed with anger, but there is still a degree warning in his lavender eyes.

"What do you want with me?" I've discovered my voice still works perfectly – it's only my body that is the fluke.

Ash smiles serenely, tilting his head back and closing his eyes. "I want your task."

"My…task? I don't understand," I said. I wanted to be able to at least brush the hair off my mask and onto my shoulders to try and hide Sebastian's possession mark; which Ash had taken to glancing at every few seconds.

"I know why you want a demon consort, Valentina. Your intentions for your wrongdoers are malicious, dastardly and rather savage, if I might say so myself. I want you to let me perform them for you."

I can only laugh in response. "Surely you're joking," I glance away, fixing my gaze on a calla lily shining in the low light of the evening.

"I never jest of death and bringing it, dearest."

"You're not the right fit for me."

"I think you'll find while I can't mentally control your mind, I can do other things to your body to help you alter your opinion…" Ash's voice trails off and I see him lean toward me, brushing my hair away from my right collarbone – the site of Sebastian's mark. The fingers of Ash's other hand brush over the healing wound with false gentility, an unreadable expression on his face. I wonder just what Ash intends to do to me while my body is immobile, and the fear from those possibilities gives me the courage to vocally stand up for myself.

"Get away from me," I tell him, trying to hide the wavering in my voice. "I don't want you as my demon."

"No?" Ash says only that, pushing the hair over my other shoulder away. He curves his hands around my shoulders and leans in, kissing my collarbones as Sebastian had.

It doesn't feel the same.

Certainly the feeling of lips on my skin sets my heart to racing, but it is not tinged with excitement and desire. No, Ash's kisses make me feel violated and terrified – exactly as he would have me.

"Stop it!" I exclaim, wishing terribly for use of my arms. I would push him away with all my strength and run to find Sebastian; I know he is the only one who could keep me away from Ash and his harmful intentions.

Ash's mouth kisses over Sebastian's possession mark softly, as if to remove it as he had done the night before. He hesitates and then kisses the spot more firmly, two times. The blonde demon growls with frustration – is he unable to remove Sebastian's mark from my skin?

"Is something wrong? Can't remove it this time, can you?" I taunt him, seeing the way he sits up in one quick, anger fueled movement.

"That's enough from you, mortal." Ash stares daggers at the blemish on my skin, and I can almost see the cogs in his mind turning as he tries to come up with a second plan.

"Sebastian told me you wouldn't be able to take it off again," I explain to him, although he's hardly worth it.

"Why is that demon trying so hard to keep you from me?" His voice is a dark growl.

Night is falling faster now, painting everything a darker hue of indigo. My silver dress is a muddy brownish-black in this light; one that makes me frown.

"Maybe Sebastian knows something you don't," I comment breezily, unaware of what my words have ignited. Ash snatches my chin in his hand and roughly turns my head to face his, glaring into my eyes. His nails bite harshly into my flesh, breaking the skin. I feel a drop of blood patter onto my chest.

"And what would that be?"

"Perhaps that you are not the demon suited to her tastes."

Sebastian's deadly calm voice reaches our ears. I can't move my head and Sebastian's voice has come from behind me, so there is no physically rejoicing his presence. I think maybe Ash can see it in my eyes, for his jaw clenches and his lavender eyes flash to the other demon.

"Sebastian," he greets him coolly, "always a pleasure."

I can hear Sebastian's quiet footsteps as he moves closer, coming to a stop at Ash's side. I can see him now, and I'm able to read the peculiarly neutral expression on his face. His eyes are another story entirely, and as they've returned to roiling violet I can only assume his emotions are only barely restrained.

"I see you've restricted her body," the tall demon observes calmly.

"I wondered when you would show!" I cry, feeling on the verge of tears – very much unlike me.

"But not her mind. Tell me, Ash – do you still struggle with mastering that technique?" Sebastian's hand lifts and comes to a rest over his breast as he closes his eyes with a smug smile.

Ash clenches his fists and gets to his feet, folding them behind his back. "Not all of us are as gifted as you, Sebastian. I can see that this has been a wasted effort; something I'm sure you are very pleased with. Until next time, Valentina. I do hope you'll reconsider your decision." Ash turns and disappears around the curve in the path, leaving Sebastian and I alone.

The black haired demon takes Ash's place on the bench, taking my chin between his thumb and forefinger to tilt my head up, taking care not to brush over the tiny wounds from Ash's nails. He leans in and swiftly kisses my lips, lingering for just a single moment before pulling back.

I lift my hand to itch my shoulder – and then I realize I've regained use of my body!

"This is the first time I've really had to rescue you, and I'm not even contractually obligated to," Sebastian muses, tapping his lips in thought. "I do hope this won't become a habit."

As much as I want to throw my arms around his neck and hug him in thanks, I hold myself back. Ash's earlier sentence had implied Sebastian could control my body and my mind, and it's left me wondering how much of it is true.

"Thank you, Sebastian," I look him in the eyes when I say it, wanting him to know just how grateful I am.

"Did he do anything or say anything of interest?" The note in Sebastian's voice cannot be mistaken for curiosity – it is fury. His eyes travel over the pinpricks on my chin.

"No," I answer. "He kissed my neck, and that was it."

Sebastian's mouth twitches in a barely-restrained snarl and the demon looks away. He takes my hand and helps me unnecessarily to my feet.

"Come," he removes his mask with one hand, tucking it inside the jacket of his tuxedo. "I think you ought to retire for the evening."

"No, Sebastian. I'm not helpless. For whatever reason, Ash is after me because he wants my tasks. I don't think he'll be lurking around me anymore tonight – he seems like the type who plans things out in advance before taking action."

Sebastian gently lets my hand go and crosses his arms behind his back, studying my face curiously.

"You have a lot more fire in you than I thought, mistress."

I sigh. "Please don't call me that," I insist. "At least not until we've established a contract."

"Oh, and before I forget – I would like to formally extend an invitation to you for tomorrow night's festivities. Valentina, would you do me the honor and come as my guest?"

A smile touches my lips, and excitement blooms in my chest. "I would love to." I hope my answer does not seem too eager, but if it does, Sebastian says nothing. He takes his characteristic stance, and then to my surprise gets down and kneels on one knee, for the briefest of instances.

When he stands again, that frightening ultraviolent has washed over the sienna-red.

A/N: I'm usually not the best at cliffhangers, so you probably won't see them in my story... or any others really! =P If you enjoyed this doozy of a chapter, please review! I'm hungry, and nothing sates like a nice review or... five. =D