(Thank you all so much for continuing to review and support this story! I hope you enjoy this fourth installment! A closer look inside Sebastian's new found freedom. And Happy New Year!)
Chapter Four: A Woman's Torment; A Devil's Delicacy
"Mmm" Sebastian moaned as he lapped at the lips of his next victim; the anticipation for the teen's soul filling his senses in more ways than one. Like humans, Sebastian too could indulge in physical pleasures and he usually found himself more enticed with the kill when he played with his food.
"Ahh!..Ahhhh" The boy moaned beneath Sebastian's mouth. The demons eyes sizzled as he watched the young noble's blue eyes waiver and body wither beneath him. The demon's hips snapping back and forth into his lean body began to take its toll.
"Ah!.. ffmmm" Sebastian cupped his hand over his drooling mouth as he continued to drive his member deep between the boys trembling thighs.
"Shh..You wouldn't want your parents to hear now would you?.." He whispered.
The boy's eyes rolled as he began to unravel; mumbling incoherently into the demons palm as he tried to comply.
This man who now had him grasping his bedding in pure ecstasy was only previously sitting at his dinning table. This noble was invited into their home for business endeavors his father told him. Having an extensive knowledge on the past Phantomhive successes his family would only increase in wealth with the knowledge this intriguing man had to offer. Obviously their guest had other plans and glancing over at their son from across the table, with his vibrant blue eyes lured him into their current entanglement. Although his ability to find his way into the noble's room once supper had ended and a deal was not made puzzled him so.
Sebastian played with the idea of becoming a noble himself. Fooling these feeble creatures into believing he was one of them. Finally being the master of his own household. He enjoyed that idea immensely and he acquired the hospitality of one of the most wealthiest families in Paris. He sat at their large and distastefully made dining room and allowed their servants to give him food with sauce drippings on the edge of the China plates and tea watered down to lack any taste. His hosts could obviously see his aversion to their dinner invitation for he made his opinion almost palpable and hardly ate any of the food they offered. But none the less Sebastian found a new objective-their son; who nervously glanced up from his plate every minute or so. Oh yes, he was more than enough to keep him entertained.
Right then and there Sebastian decided that he wanted him. The food set at his plate was rubbish compared to the delectable child those two idiotic nobles had conceived. Sebastian would look back at him, and enjoy the way the boy's smooth cheeks would bleed red beneath his skin. It wasn't much of a deception to agree that the boy was intrigued as well. He just needed a bit of..persuasion...
"Sir..Sir!" He gasped wildly finally reaching his peak. Sebastian quickened his pace and the boy reacted by grabbing the top of the demons shoulders and arching his back in agony. Sebastian continued to penetrate him as he writhed; wanting his next meal to be entirely spent.
"Ah! Sebastian! Enough!" He wailed as his body shivered uncontrollably, his seed spilling over his chest and his hands falling limp to his sides. "Ahh...hmmm" He set his bottom lip between his teeth to try and stifle his cries.
The demon growled in response, glaring down at the boy who laid gasping and panting like a tired animal. "What did you just say?" He muttered. Not only was it completely unacceptable for this little rodent to speak his name so formally. But the boy's plea sounded more like an order, a familiar command he grew weary of hearing. "Sebastian! Sebastian!"
Over and over and over again for years on end. He assured himself the decades or two he'd have to be captive to that master of his would be swift. But that irritating little nuisance made him work for that soul to the point where hunger grew to great to endure through the years. He had to follow behind him until he grew out of his adolescence and became a weak compassionate man. He took notice heavily on how Ciel began to lean on Elizabeth like a little dog in heat. He practically melted in the palm of her hand when she mentioned their marriage and spawning more Phantomhive heirs. She filled his mind with promises of their future and he lost sight of what they'd been working for since the night they found each other. Since the moment he engraved that contract into his eye. And even so, when the Queen finally perished and Sebastian could take what he so rightly deserved, seeing Ciel on his knees was a sight he only imagined. He pleaded with him, cried for mercy. He wanted to give Elizabeth the last of him and Sebastian agreed. The incubus cherished the moment of finally having the power over his temporary superior. The Phantomhive never bowed to anyone especially to his servants and at that moment Sebastian knew he had broken him. His eyes trembled from that moment on till his wedding day and Sebastian lavished this. The only thing he distinctly remembered about him was his eyes and now looking down at his next meal the noble's eyes resembled His. Just like the woman he'd devoured sometime ago and another man after that.
"Phantomhive's Eyes.."
A repulsive feeling began to stir in his chest. "Lord...Michaelis?" The boy whispered, bringing him back to his current predicament. Sebastian separated himself from the boy and watched as his body tensed at the feeling of emptiness. Sebastian smirked and opened his mouth to show the boy his fangs. Sebastian still sandwiched between his thighs there was no where for him to flee and with his body's weariness he didn't have much fight in him.
"At least your death was enjoyable." He chuckled dipping down and capturing the boys mouth for the last time. The young noble struggled beneath him; his arms and legs moving spasmodically as he attempted escape.
When he had his fill Sebastian's lips separated from his now dead victims mouth and he breathed heavily in recognition.
"I've been harboring sentiment for him..For his taste.."
The expression that eyes are windows into the soul is false, for none of them tasted the way he did. His soul gave him more ecstasy that any physical pleasure could bring. There was only one way he could have that again; that Phantomhive succulence. The demon felt like he was loosing his sanity. He had been unknowingly craving him to the point where he only targeted those who resembled him; reminded him of his past master. However, they were only artificial substitutes, he wanted the genuine blood line; he wanted that raw lineage of revenge twisted ancestry.
"I want Him." He fiercely declared. "I want..
"Nathaniel!"
She screamed lunging forward on her bed whilst gripping her large pillow for comfort. Once she settled, Elizabeth wiped beads of sweat from her brow and realized she had fallen under again. "Dammit." She muttered clutching her head with trembling hands. She mustn't fall asleep during times like this, how was she able to deem Nathaniel safe in her peaceful slumber? Although peaceful it was not, nor had it been for a month now. Sebastian was plaguing her dreams every night to the point where her only solution was to remain awake.
Upon seeing Paula at her door once again Elizabeth began to cry.
"My torment is affecting them all.." She thought. None of them slept with ease hearing her screaming every night to images only she could see. She obviously took notice to the way her servants began to see her. They treated her like she was a mentally ill patient in an asylum. Even though that is how she felt, she put on the act that she could endure her suffering, especially for Nathaniel.
"I'm fine Paula.." She rendered as her maid approached her with a cup of tea. "Miss please take this.." The tone in her voice obviously meant urgency but also a stroke of deception. The bags under Paula's eyes resembled that of Elizabeth's and they both new this pattern of night terrors had to come to an abrupt end.
Taking a second look Elizabeth saw that the liquid was indeed not tea brewed for a late night condolence, but a substance much stronger than that. "Laudanum." She whispered looking at her maid in disbelief. Paula looked back at the woman she'd know since the day she was born and feared for her. Never had she seen Elizabeth so distraught and it had come to the point where this was her last resort.
"It's only enough to help you sleep." "I don't need it Paula!"
"Yes you do! It's been four weeks! Your constant stirrings is hindering your work and frightening Nathaniel!" Elizabeth stuttered at the mention of her son, who only slept with her for about a week until he also grew tired of his mother constantly checking on him. Next door from her he could still hear her cries and at times he'd awake crying because of them. Elizabeth would jump from her bed and flee her room to his to find that Mey-rin or Paula had already come to his aid and were now gently comforting him back to sleep. Elizabeth loathed herself because not only was she the cause of her son's midnight hysteria but she could not be the one to console him.
"Paula." She cringed dropping her head into her hands. She was not insane; she knew what Sebastian was doing! They could not see or feel what he does to her, no matter how much she tried to convince them. She would close her eyes and see Ciel's death played out in several different ways, all ending with Sebastian feasting on his limp corpse. She'd see Nathaniel, small and helpless being taken from her, dragged away into darkness, screaming her name and she could not save him. The worst dreams were the ones where Nathaniel willingly left with the demon. Sebastian sure did have the charm and manipulative nature to convince people to do anything he pleased; Nathaniel was no exception.
Sebastian would walk about the house constantly, visions of him haunting her. His tall lean frame and black penguin tailed coat, filtered out of the corner of her eyes daily. It had occurred to Elizabeth that those visions weren't real when she'd begin screaming but no one else could see him or a threat that would justify her sudden terror. After a while she began to keep these sightings to herself, maybe if she was quiet enough they'd go away. He wanted every one to think that she'd gone crazy and so far he was succeeding.
"Elizabeth..Think of your son."
"I'm not crazy Paula!" She snapped, her big green eyes watering again.
"You're not well either! We've tried all we can to help you now you must help yourself." She extended the bracer to her and Elizabeth did not take it. Paula understood that this was not a quick fix nor did she want Elizabeth to become accustomed to this sort of outlet, but she needed a crutch. A small one so that she can meet peace and open her mind to other possibilities to keep that peace.
"You don't see him Paula! You can't see what he is capable of, I can't help myself because I am powerless!" She replied. "Don't you think I want peace for myself and my family?" And by family she not only meant Nathaniel but for all her servants as well.
Paula then set the tray on the bed side table and gripped Elizabeth's face with her gentle hands. "This is all in your head Elizabeth.."
"No. It's not" She trembled.
"These dreams and visions can leave you if you only let them go." Paula urged.
"You did not see him when he burned Ciel's novel and you can not see him now! Did you not say you would never doubt me again?" Removing her hands from her face Elizabeth listened for any disturbance in Nathaniel's room, their argument growing progressively louder she did not want to wake him.
"I did Madame," Paula began.
She also recalled the novel being the only valid, physical proof Elizabeth had. "But I also know what it best for you." She reached for the cup and brought it back to Elizabeth to drink. As the blonde saw the cup before her she began to consider it's contents, the lure of a nights rest more tempting than ever now. Suddenly they heard Nathaniel's soft cry and Elizabeth pushed her covers away to attend to him. Before she could exist her bed Paula stopped her, "Mey-rin will help him." She said and Elizabeth knew her statement was true.
Climbing back under her sheets Elizabeth looked at the tea cup in defeat. With trembling hands she took the small glass cup and gulped the entire intoxicating substance in one pass. After a short coughing she handed the cup back to Paula and laid back down to rest.
Elizabeth woke the next morning feeling dull; a lingering of lethargy still bathed her as she was forced to resume her daily work. From hours of sleep deprivation she wished Paula would have pardoned her a few more hours of recovery. Once breakfast was made and her stomach full Elizabeth felt energized enough for her tasks at hand.
"Mm, thank you Bard." She sighed, setting her fork down for Mey-rin to take her plate away. "This was delicious."
"Much obliged." He smiled crookedly. Having quit smoking after Tanaka died Elizabeth noticed he still had a tendency to part his lips as if to hold a non-existing cigarette there. She suggested having him hold a tooth pick in his mouth or perhaps a bit of chewing tobacco for the craving; but he was persistent and she admired that.
"Nathaniel please! Slow down, small bites!" She scolded as her son continued to scarf down his eggs and sausage. "And elbows off the table." She flicked his arm and he groaned with a full mouth as he lowered them. She giggled softly as she turned and noticed Bardroy standing by the far end of the table awkwardly.
"Bard." She called, "Please sit down and eat! You're done cooking for this morning, you should eat the food you prepared, it's very good!"
"Oh Miss.." He muttered rubbing the back of his neck bashfully.
"And Finny, where is he? He should eat too!" Looking over to the large window placed at the back wall facing the rose garden she searched for him. Walking up to the glass she saw him pulling weeds in between the bushes. He saw her glancing down at him and flashed a heart warming smile. She waved at him and he proudly waved back, his green eyes sparkling brightly. She motioned for him to come inside and he looked at her strangely.
"Madame Elizabeth.. Finny ate while you 'n the young master were sleepin', he wanted to tend the garden as soon as possible." Bard explained.
"Oh, Well that doesn't exclude you and Mey..This table is too big for just the two of us; Nathaniel and I." Elizabeth sighed returning to the dinning table.
"All right Nathaniel! If you are finished maybe your mum would be gracious enough to let you have a small treat hmm?" Mey-Rin said as she entered the dinning room with a small fruit tart.
Nathaniel made a disgusted face as the desert lacked the chocolate content he craved so much.
"Please Mama?" Nathaniel pleaded. Elizabeth seemed to be completely lost in her own thoughts. "Mom?"
"Huh?" She looked into her son's eyes and saw her reflection is his large maroon disks and quickly changed her demeanor. She looked distraught and didn't want to worry him. Grabbing the plate with the fruit tart she smiled. "Of course! And thank you Bard for making a healthier alternative." She looked at Nathaniel and set down the plate. "You're father had a terrible sweet tooth and I won't let that become hereditary."
Nathaniel pouted as he picked up the fork to eat. "I did add chocolate shavin's, if that pleases the young master?" Bard replied. Nathaniel stopped and noticed the small chocolate curls scattered over the top of the tart and gave Bard a small smile of approval.
"Madame Elizabeth?" Mey asked lightly touching her shoulder, as again their master fell into an ominous silence;Her green eyes lost in a gaze. Looking up at Mey-Rin she reached for her spectacles and took them off of her face! "Oh dear! M'lady I can't see very well without out my glasses! No I can't!"
"I'm sorry Mey-Rin but it's due time for some new ones! These are old and cracked!" Elizabeth said. "Glass contacts are a marvelous new invention"
"Oh no Madame Elizabeth if I may detest!" She reached for her glasses and Elizabeth handed them back to her. She noticed how flustered Mey-rin's face was and looked apologetically at her maid. "I'm sorry," She said, Plopping back into her chair.
Placing her hand on her forehead Elizabeth concealed her watery eyes, "I'm sorry, I don't mean to act so solemn and demanding I just..." Paula entered the room unnoticed by Elizabeth and waited silently to speak.
"I just care for you all so very much.."
Her voice cracked as she began to sob. She covered her eyes with her hands and finally allowed herself to cry.; release four weeks worth of torment. Nathaniel stopped eating and looked at his mother in fear. "I'm sorry if I caused you all any kind of distress, I don't want you to worry about me. I just want-"
"We will always care for you Madame," Mey replied.
"Agreed, that's our duty! To serve and protect!" Bard chimed in.
She looked up and wiped her eyes. Seeing Nathaniel with his mouth agape half full of food she lightly brushed his cheek. "Everything is ok, Mommy has just been..a bit worried lately," She whispered encouraging him to continue eating. Nathaniel well like the others took notice to his mother's behavior, but did not quite understand the cause.
"We can't figure out how Sebastian is doin' this to you, but we plan to stop it." Bard continued.
"All of us." Finny added walking into the room with a bushel of freshly picked Roses. He approached her and placed a white rose into the palm of her hand. "That was our vow." He smiled.
"Madame Elizabeth." Paula interceded. "You've received a letter from the Queen."
"Thank you." She said quickly taking the letter and a butter knife and slicing the top open. As she sat silently reading the letter her servants went about their chores. Paula waited for Elizabeth to finish the letter and as so, she noticed her face contort into several mixed expressions.
"I haven't heard from this woman since I was appointed her guard dog and this is what she sends me!" She explained standing from her chair. "What did it say Miss?" Paula asked politely.
"Read it yourself." She tossed the letter and envelope on the table and Paula quickly picked it up. "She hasn't been needing your services as of late? Does she think you ill-qualified?"
"Seems she's found another puppet to do her dirty work." Elizabeth replied, picking up Nathaniel and wiping the crumbs off of his face. "Undertaker was right." She thought.
"So what shall you do now?" Paula asked tucking the letter back into the envelope. Elizabeth couldn't explain why, but she felt a bit betrayed. The Queen did not have to appoint her to such a high position if she did not feel Elizabeth was ready. Being a British Knight obviously wasn't enough of a credential.
A part of her only knew she truly wanted that name because Ciel had it, and that the name Phantomhive was feared within the underworld. She wanted those to look at her with the same respect and fear; but now she understood. Sebastian was the back bone to Ciel's strength, with out that demon by his side Ciel would have never achieved such greatness; just the thought of that left a bad taste in her mouth. The Queen gave Ciel a task and Sebastian would execute it swiftly and always to perfection; it was a flawless strategy. Once again Elizabeth was reminded of the power she lacked; then she sparked an idea. Not a favorable one, but it was the most intelligent. He might not have the demonic advantage she needed but Alois was her only ally.
"Paula we need to get Nathaniel ready for his tutor, and call for a carriage please." She ordered.
Sebastian had forgotten all about that little tyrant Trancy. Although if he could remember correctly, Ciel called him a few better names not suited for respectable company. Sebastian hadn't had a physical encounter with his butler Claude since Ciel's death and even he could admit he went on a bit of a spree with his new found freedom. Now he had to deal with the consequences, too many bodies were appearing yet no explanations to their similar deaths were found.
Even so, Alois was clever enough to cover up Sebastian's tracks and leave no evidence that such soul stealing beings existed. He was a talented liar and had the masses and Queen hanging on his every word. Elizabeth would soon follow, making it harder for Sebastian to claim his prize; for you see Alois believes Sebastian murdered his parents. That was the revenge that allowed his demonic contract to be made, he needed to seek out Sebastian and the only way to do that was through Nathaniel. Demons have the ability to find others of their own kind but Sebastian found a loop hole in this power and it was successful enough to keep Claude off his trail. Alois had no idea where he was but what he did know, was that Sebastian was attracted to Ciel's heir. Protecting her son was a guaranteed leeway to getting closer to Elizabeth and eventually the demon that hunted her son.
Sebastian on many occasions considered his most easiest option; rampaging the entire Phantomhive estate and slaying them all in one night-but he was more refined than that. Sure he had no master to tame him and dealing with the extra conflicts was a constant nuisance but he, better than anyone knew a soul tasted it's finest when tormented. You wouldn't take a desert out of the oven uncooked simply because you crave it? Nathaniel wasn't ready, Elizabeth was taking the brunt of torture; but even she began to crack, otherwise she wouldn't be seeking Alois for help.
Sebastian only needed to be patient and endure the stagnant events of hunting down the naive for a bit longer; Claude was his only obstacle now, the only one with the power to match his own- but he needn't be too worried. Demons don't aid the weak, they have separate laws outside their contracts that guarded their own. Now he just needed to find something Claude wanted that Alois did not have.
Elizabeth entered the scene of the murder confidently although she received looks from both Scotland Yard and nosy by standers that she did not belong. Alois on the other hand was over joyed by her arrival.
"Madame Phantomhive." He chimed scooping her hand in his and kissing the back of it with his cold lips. Elizabeth hated the way he spoke her widowed name, almost as if he was mocking Ciel's death. Alois was just about to leave the crime scene when she arrived and he considered that perfect timing.
"Shall we have this conversation at another place more private, perhaps your estate?" He asked, with an innocent look in his eyes that read he had no idea what she was needed him for.
"I'm afraid not," Elizabeth replied coldly. "That's quite alright." He commented dusting off his sleeves, "I prefer the comfort of my bed anyway."
"Excuse me?!" Elizabeth replied, her face the color of a bloody rose. "You need to learn some decency."
"Why is that Madame Elizabeth, what were you possibly thinking of?" His face was a dramatic display of astonishment. He walked closer to her, careful to avoid her delicate personal space. "I only meant that it's getting pretty late. I'm rather tired." He smiled deviantly.
Elizabeth scowled at him; again he was proving it difficult to have a quick conversation without bringing up his sexual preference for her. He always needed to remind her that he wanted her; a fact to which Ciel always despised. Alois was like a pest that kept showing itself whilst avoiding your attempts at swatting it away. He wanted to destroy Ciel, take every aspect of his life from him and that also included Elizabeth, Now that Ciel was out of the picture for good, Alois made his affection for her more prominent.
Elizabeth never understood why he didn't just surrender and come to the conclusion that he will never have her. "This was a mistake, I won't talk any form of agreement with you if you continue to fail at taking me seriously."
With that she pushed through the crowd of people back to her carriage; Alois quickly followed. "Forgive me Elizabeth, I'll try to resist you-"
"You were apologizing." She interceded.
"Yes, I realize you are here because the Queen does not trust you with her work, and that maybe we might consider a partnership. but I also know that is not the only thing that troubles you." She turned to him as he approached her, this time his lips to her ear.
"I know what Sebastian is and I want to help you." Elizabeth gasped at this, "How could you possibly-"
"You think me naive?" Alois replied. "That being a better word." She replied.
Alois laughed, tossing his blonde hair out of his face. "These deaths the Queen has me...cleaning up is something I am familiar with; I actually asked her to take the job personally. And I know the last thing you want is to see your son end up this way."
"What power do you have?" Elizabeth asked still not fully convinced, Alois may have power from the Queen and support of Scotland Yard, but Elizabeth sought after another source of strength.
"Come to my estate tonight, and I will tell you every thing you need to know. Oh and make sure you're alone."
"I don't trust you." She spat.
Backing away Alois smiled, "Fine." He knew her words held no water. "I'll see you tonight."
Elizabeth was torn in more ways than one, against her better wishes, Alois offered her aid and she needed to take it.
"I HATE HIM!" Elizabeth yelled, pacing about the library angrily.
"But Miss, if Alois is offering us any type of advantage we should take it." Paula spoke.
"What harm could he possibly do?" Bard spoke.
"He might have more information on Sebastian," Finny added.
"I know," Elizabeth sighed, "But I also know of men like Alois and his help comes with a price."
She stepped into her carriage after a lasting talk with Paula and the other servants; they all consecutively agreed seeking out Alois was their only option. But if Alois were to ask too much of Elizabeth, she would decline him.
...
Taking the heavy knocker in her palm she gave the door a few heavy poundings before stepping away. Alois opened the door swiftly and invited her in. Elizabeth stepped inside, cautiously taking in her surroundings.
"For a man that lives alone, you have quite a large estate." Elizabeth said.
"Yes well, I wasn't always alone." He spoke and Elizabeth almost wanted to apologize, she had forgotten Alois also lost his parents like Ciel; when he was a child.
"This way,"
Alois directed toward his study. As she followed him, Elizabeth noticed within the comfort of his own home, Alois looked more relaxed-his hair was loose from his pony tail and laid against his shoulders in soft blonde waves. He wasn't wearing a suit jacket, but a vest and white shirt that was rolled to his elbows underneath. His face was soft and welcoming; lacking the perversion he always carried when around her. It almost held the atmosphere of visiting an old friend and Elizabeth strangely felt comfortable.
They entered his study and Elizabeth, for some strange reason pictured it would look like Ciel's. It was in contrary, the exact opposite; his drapes were darker in color, his furniture was a cold leather and his fire place burned twice as hot, if that was even humanly possible.
He invited her to sit in his chair in front of his desk and she hesitantly obliged. Although his room had electrical power, it was ominously dark with only candles as a source of light. The more Elizabeth noticed this; the more she began to feel less and less at ease.
"Would you like some?" Alois asked offering her a drink he was about to pour for himself as well. "No thank you." She spoke and yet he poured her a glass anyway leaving it on his desk within her arms reach.
"I figure we should skip the formalities and get to business now right?" He began, "As I've said before; I know Sebastian is a demon. Actually I've known for years now."
"Years? Did Ciel know this?" Elizabeth asked, Alois's face hardened at the mention of Ciel. He'd only began talking for lest than two seconds and she'd already brought him up into the conversation; but Alois didn't invite her here to talk about his deceased rival.
"Yes, but patience Madame. I'm getting to that." Alois rounded his desk and leaned against it so that he was closer to her. "When I was eleven my parents were murdered; no they did not die as we had lied to the press; the situation was much more complex. Ciel was nine at that time, and had already made the contract with Sebastian, but before that time Sebastian was free to roam as he is doing now."
"Are you implying Sebastian killed your parents before he met Ciel?" Elizabeth asked,
"He has a strong taste for nobility." Alois muttered. Elizabeth recalled the recent deaths Undertaker had filed were all nobles, or relatives to the wealthy.
"What evidence do you have?"
"I don't need evidence...I have Claude."
As Alois spoke those words, all the candles in his Study had gone out.
"Alois?!" Elizabeth yelled, not in the mood for any of his games. Standing behind the blonde was a pitch black shadow and out of it came two large red eyes. A mouth sprouted across the dark matter and razor sharp fangs appeared from the beast's mouth. Elizabeth sat tense and paralyzed with fear, her chest heaved as every portion of her body trembled. She opened and closed her eyes desperately wanting this vision to disappear just like her others had done. She whimpered as the demon-like creature became more real to her than ever before, she felt entirely encased in a thick, almost tangible darkness.
Alois smiled and almost systematically the demon grew large angelic wings; they shot out from his sides and fanned threw the air. Elizabeth screamed falling out of her chair and onto her back. That being was not angelic at all however; the wings were as black as ink with horns adorning the tips where the appendage would bend.
Alois began walking towards her and Elizabeth began to feel her chest tighten; a panic attack on the verge. "You see Lady Elizabeth, Claude like Sebastian has immeasurable abilities; and one of those is to seek out whom ever his master chooses. I wanted revenge yet did not know towards whom should receive it and when Claude finally found the guilty..he was walking beside his little master."
Alois reached down and picked up Elizabeth off her feet. She struggled to break his grip on her wrist but he held firm, "While Sebastian was bound to Ciel he was untouchable by me and my demon. He used Ciel to save himself!" Elizabeth broke free from him and ran towards the door which she could not see within this darkness. She screamed again as she felt two cold hand on her arms; Claude in all his pale splendor appeared from the shadows and dragged her back to his master.
The lights in his room all turned on at once and the darkness vanished as she met Alois face to face. She pushed against Claude's chest trying to break free of his confinement; she was now sandwiched between them both.
"Now that Ciel is dead and Sebastian is free my contract with Claude is now reinstated." He began. "I want Sebastian dead, you want your son safe. Our goals are exactly the same." He snaked his arms around her lower waist and pressed her against his chest. Elizabeth clenched her jaw in anger and tried to push him away noticing Claude was no longer behind her.
"Let go of me Alois!" She ordered punching his chest.
"I'm not asking for much from you Elizabeth." He spoke looking down at her with glazed eyes; she knew what he implied and would not abide. "Every contractor has been marked with a symbol, how do I know I can trust the bound you have with Claude?" She asked, how did she know what he spoke was truly legitimate.
"I'm not ignorant enough to choose to wear a patch over my eye like your husband. Yes the more visible the mark is, the tighter the bond, but I found a more logical and equivalent solution."
Suddenly his lips crashed against hers in a hasty, unwanted kiss. Elizabeth barred her lips together as the majority of his weight was pushed against her. His tongue slipped into her mouth and she squealed in disgust; she noticed the wet muscle probing her mouth was ridged on the center, like it had been burned into an intricate design. Wrapping her hand in his hair she pulled as hard as she could until he broke away.
Gasping for breath Elizabeth spit on his carpet, caring none for 'ladylike' behavior anymore. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand as Alois laughed. There, she clearly saw the mark of their contract imprinted on his tongue.
Enraged Elizabeth swatted the back of her hand at Alois face, but yelped as her arm was caught by another hand. "Ahhh!" She whined as Claude twisted her wrist painfully-he seemed to move about the room swiftly and completely unnoticed. His eyes were burning brightly and his pupils were slanted like a cat.
"Wealth, authority, longevity, protection..Claude is the source to my victory just as Sebastian was Ciel's. That's why the Queen trusted him so much, that's why the underworld feared him."
Claude released Elizabeth pushing her down on her knees; she tried to block out his words and find another solution but she knew she needed him. "I am unstoppable Elizabeth, and don't you want to put an end to Sebastian's torment?"
Looking up at him she gasped, "You've been watching me." She whispered.
"Hmm." He sighed, he knelt down in front of her apologetically, "It's a shame someone as beautiful as you has to be tortured like that."
"I have more morality than some common whore, my body is not worth any bargain!" She stood to her feet hastily. "If that is the price of your services then I want none of them!" She tried to storm from the room but Claude forbade her from leaving.
"Do you not realize the danger your son is in?" Alois asked, "I am only trying to help you."
"You're trying to help yourself! Claude can't find Sebastian can he? So your only option is me! We're what Sebastian wants!" Elizabeth laughed.
"You need me more than I need you! Now let me go!" Alois stepped in front of her with his brows in a hard line. "You're right, I do need you. In more ways than one. Elizabeth, Sebastian could be right under your nose and you wouldn't even know it. Claude spent a good few days in your house, did you even know he was there?"
Alois smiled as Elizabeth looked away, "Sebastian could be anyone, demons too have the ability to shape shift. He could be, your carriage driver, your post man...Why even Nathaniel's tutor."
Elizabeth gasped in horror, she never imagined that before; Sebastian had too much of an advantage. "That's a marvelous idea though, wouldn't you agree Claude?"
"Shut up! I don't-I can't deal with this right now!" She began to feel that sicking nausea of paranoia, that overwhelming feeling of being watched from over her shoulder.
Alois watched at Elizabeth mentally unraveled, that month of staying locked inside her estate heavily took a number on her. He was impressed, Sebastian knew what he was doing. The blonde stood clutching her head in agony as she took in deep breaths.
"Elizabeth," Alois cooed handing her the alcohol she rejected earlier when first arriving. Without hesitation she drank the entirety of the small glass in one pass; she felt drained again. The same as when she woke screaming her son's name to see the look of concern on Paula's face. Alois lightly laid his hands on her shoulders and pressed his nose in her hair.
"Elizabeth, when was the last time you gave yourself to someone; felt such intense pleasure. Surely you crave it like any other human being deprived of it."
He was right, a factor Elizabeth chose to ignore when it made itself present. Alois breathed in her scent, like perfume and freshly picked roses, "I can give you that pleasure again and in turn the relief of a good night's rest, for you and your son. Sebastian will no longer torment you for his delight. Delight in my company with you."
"There is only one problem with your proposal." Elizabeth began, turning around and lying her hand on his chest. Looking into his eyes Elizabeth felt a small twinge of triumph within this mask of such depression.
"You are not Ciel, and you never will be. You can never give me what he did; His little face gives me all the peace I need."
Alois tighten his jaw as Elizabeth handed the empty glass to him and turned to leave. Alois motioned his head for Claude to move aside and Elizabeth walked freely.
(A/N: A drink of laudanum was made of 10% opium and 90% alcohol, and flavored with cinnamon or saffron. It was first used by the ancient Greeks, and in the 19th century mostly used as painkiller, sleeping pill, or tranquilizer. It is now 3 a.m when posting this and I apologize for any spelling errors. )