AN: And we're back! It's been awhile.

I honestly have no excuses, but the fact the manga has been giving me no leads into what material I should include, I decided to say screw it and not wait any longer. I'll be making some manga shit up at this point, but I want to make this story different then the others. I want it to be darker, sexier, and full of twists. Do you dare to open the mystery box?

Warnings: None.

Chapter VII

Bloodlines

Lotte sat in the lounge room on the couch, holding a glass of brandy in her hand. Behind her, she felt the demon butler linger over her shoulder like a ghost. It irritated her. She swung back the glass a few times, repeating the same action and saying the same words she had said minutes before. "I need another one."

She poured more liquid into her glass, glancing at the old man sitting on the right side of her in a red, velvet reading chair. His eyes were closed, and he sipped the glass with a smile. She sighed, looking up at her grandfather's figure in the painting, wanting nothing more than to get inside the dead man's head.

"So…about Ciel Phantomhive," she started.

"What about him?" Wilson asked.

Lotte shot him a look. "The story, old man! Who the hell is he?"

"Ah yes, well that story goes way back to 1889. The story goes back further, of course, but my mind is so fuzzy and old to think that far back. So this story will begin in 1896, a few days before your grandfather got married."

Lotte took another swig of brandy, letting it burn her throat.

The old man leaned back deeper into his chair, taking another drink before beginning. "I met Ciel Phantomhive in August of that year, thinking he was your grandfather. However, the only difference was his eyes. He did not have the eye-patch your grandfather wore. His eyes were rounder in shape and he held a distinct kind expression. However, I will assure you, Miss Phantomhive, he was far from kind. Behind those eyes held disaster. The boy was cruel, always claimed that everything was his, even the manor you're currently living in, and in doubt, he was right."

"Wait, so you mean he was the right heir to the Phantomhive name?"

The man nodded his head. "As well as Elizabeth Milford's – your grandmother's - true fiancée. He was the elder brother and was placed as the rightful heir when Vincent, your great-grandfather, passed."

"So my grandfather was the cruel one. He took what wasn't his."

Wilson shook his head. "You're wrong, but you're right. Your grandfather did take what was his, but he also didn't."

Lotte narrowed her eyes at the man, waiting for him to continue.

"You see, what your grandfather had told me decades ago, he was known to be the last remaining Phantomhive after the tragic fire that occurred in 1885. The world never really knew your grandfather existed due to his illness as a child. He never did show up during events with his father unless his fever had gone down. But when he did show up for events, he stood there like a ghost without a name. Nobody ever acknowledged him, and when they did they mistook him for his elder brother. Over the years your grandfather grew accustom to the name of Ciel and wanted nothing more than to be called that. When his elder brother died, he took the name in hopes to gain the inheritance, and he did, only because he knew his brother was gone from this world." Then he moved his head to the figure behind Lotte. "Or was he?"

Lotte looked behind her at the demon. "Sebastian? You've met him, haven't you?"

The demon's eyes closed. "Yes, we met unexpectedly when he showed up at the manor in 1889. However, that wasn't the first time I met him."

Lotte's eyes narrowed as Sebastian continued.

"The old Master and his brother had been captives for a crazed man. In desperate attempts to escape, the Master summoned me when his brother was taken…" he paused and Lotte watched his glowing red eyes open. "…and killed."

Lotte blinked at the words, turning back to the painting on the wall. "He sacrificed his own brother just to escape?"

"And in return, I came to his side. Although, I believe the young lord had no idea what he was doing at the time. There were some nasty artifacts in that room that aided the summoning. Priests were scattered around a circle that could summon some very dark spirits. They, in truth, were the ones who summoned me, only the Master got to me first."

"So that's what happened," Lotte whispered, watching the emotionless expression of the figure in the painting. "How did Ciel live? If he was a sacrifice, how did he survive that event?"

"The only way one can live through a demon summoning," Wilson answered, smiling, "Lilith."

"Lilith." She sighed. "Of course, she's part of it. So, you know about her too? How much do you know about my family?"

Wilson grinned. "My dear, I know enough to tell you that your family's involvement with the supernatural world runs very deep. You have a lot to learn still about your family and what is really out there."

Lotte shook her head. "What do you mean? Mr. Wilson, if you know anything, please, I need to know. Does this have anything to do with Lilith wanting my soul?"

"There is a lot to know about Lilith's goals. What we do know is that she is after the remaining Phantomhive bloodline. Why? I've been figure that out for many decades."

"So you've known about this for a long time?"

"I've known ever since I've met your grandfather, Miss Phantomhive. Why I didn't tell you was only to protect you. Your father wanted you to have a normal life, and indeed his dream wasn't fulfilled."

Lotte leaned forward towards the old man. "All I want to do is avenge my father so don't tell me his dream isn't going to be fulfilled. Lilith killed him, so I will kill Lilith before she kills me."

Wilson grinned. "You determination is inspiring, Miss Phantomhive. But I wonder who the real killer here is?"

Lotte blinked. "What do you mean?"

Wilson slipped his brandy silently. Lotte watched the liquid disappear from the short glass and the man's gleaming, green eyes open to look behind her once again. She narrowed her own at the man, as he licked his lips. "There are many things you have yet to know, Miss Phantomhive. Things yet to discover and I wonder if you ever will before it's too late."

"I believe that is enough of your talk, Mr. Wilson," the demon behind her stepped forward, bracing him with a small smile. "If you are trying to make my mistress upset, you are on the right tract on doing so." His smile disappeared. "However, you have crossed the line with me, and since you know what I am, I suggest you leave before I make you."

Lotte turned her head to the demon towering above her. She watched as Lawrence Wilson got up from his chair and nodded. "I understand. I apologize if I upset you, Miss Phantomhive. It was never my intention."

He bowed slightly then left the lounge. Lotte stood up, looking at Sebastian with wide eyes. "You had no right to do that."

"I did, in fact I would've killed him right there if he said any more lies."

"What lies? Sebastian, he is the only one I can really trust right now to tell me about my family's past! Now unless you can tell me where to find Ciel Phantomhive, I suggest you stay out of it."

Lotte ran out of the room after, leaving the demon behind. Her heart pounded and hurt yelling at him, but he needed to know who the boss was and what words he should never say.

Her quick footsteps echoed down the corridor. She was surprised how quickly the old man had made it down the hallway. By the time she made it into the large foyer, he had just opened the main doors. "Mr. Wilson, wait!" she called out.

The old man had his bowler hat on and jacket all buttoned up. Lotte breathed deeply, trying to catch her breath.

"Mr. Wilson, please, I need to meet Ciel Phantomhive."

"Why for?" Mr. Wilson questioned.

"Why?" she stepped forward, stopping a few feet away. She could see the rain had stopped and stars started to appear. "He's in danger! If what you told me was really true about Ciel surviving a demon summoning because of Lilith, then they must've made a contract. Now I don't know what kind of contract or whatever, but what I do know is that he is part of the bloodline. Lilith will come for his soul. He will die! I need to warn him."

The old man frowned. "I'm sorry, Miss Phantomhive, but unfortunately Ciel Phantomhive's location is top secret and not even I know his location. Besides, he strictly told your grandfather long ago that he didn't want anything to do with the family name ever again. For all we know he could've changed his name."

"But that doesn't help the fact he's still blood. Name change or not, Lilith will go after him. Please, Mr. Wilson, I need you to find him for me."

"Miss Phantomhive…"

"If you don't, I will. And trust me; I can really cause a lot of chaos when looking for someone."

The old man sighed, and Lotte heard a pair of footsteps behind her. "I will see right to it then. Give me twenty-four hours."

She nodded. "Thank you."

Then something else struck her mind.

"Wait, how did you get that key?"

The old man stopped before he entered his car. "I was there beside your grandfather before he passed. Like I said, Miss Phantomhive, he had many secrets that can't even be found in his journal." He tipped his bowler hat and left into the night.

Lotte shut the door, leaving her hand on the cold wood for a moment.

"You shouldn't trust what the man says," the demon spoke up behind her.

She turned on her heels, looking into his glaring red eyes. "Mr. Wilson was good friends with my grandfather, he brought me here…to you. What is it about him you don't trust? You've known him for years as well, so what is it, Sebastian?"

The demon's eyes grew redder. "He…has always radiated such a strange aura - a familiar feeling that nauseates me. In addition, the fact he would say it was Lilith who brought back the master's brother so calmly and knowingly, sounds as if he was there."

"And was he? You of all should know, since it was you who was summoned."

"I was long gone by then, leaving the place burning in a fire, and even on my way out, I did not feel Lilith's presence. However, for all we know he could be lying, Lotte. Who will you trust?"

Lotte bit her lip, confused on whose words could lead her to the truth. Her hand squeezed the key. She couldn't look at the demon, and shut her eyes, holding back, ignoring the voice in her head telling her to run away. "Sebastian, you know my answer."

She could feel his presence closer now, and she opened her eyes, looking up to his face. The two stood close, staring into each other's eyes. Lotte held her breath, not knowing what to say to him. "Then tell me," he whispered.

She looked back down at his polished, black shoes, shaking her head slightly, "I…" she started, taking a deep breath, "I…am a hunter." She looked back up at him, her eyes trying to tell him her reasons in her few words. "You are a demon. We both live in two different worlds. That should be enough to answer your question."

She moved around him, heading for the stairs only for her arm to be caught by him. "Tell me what I need to do to gain your trust."

Lotte's mouth hung open slightly. She blinked towards the creature, her heart pounding. His glowing red eyes were soft, and his lips, pursed - an expression she truly hadn't seen before. She opened her mouth, and spoke, "I-" only to be cut off by a loud crash of what she thought was shattered glass impending upstairs.

Both of them turned their attention at the sound. Lotte moved up the stairs a few towards the noise, swallowing the nervous sensation at the back of her throat.

"What the hell was that?" she muttered.

"I have no idea. We are the only ones that should be in the manor," Sebastian replied.

She looked at him. "You don't smell or sense any demons do you? Because I can't."

He shook his head slightly, and she whipped her head back up the climbing stairs.

"Then what was that?"

"Lotte, have you been seeing ghosts lately?" he asked.

Her body tensed up, turning her head to him. "You asked me that already."

"And I know your answer wasn't true," he continued, as he walked towards her. "I'll ask again, have you been seeing ghosts lately?"

She turned to him on the stairs. "Sebastian, wouldn't you know the answer? You can smell souls already can't you? You can smell him."

He smirked at her. "Now I understand why you can't fully trust me," he said, moving past her. She watched him closely as he paused at her step and leaned close to her. "I am nothing but a cunning demon, trapped forever in this prison."

She remained there for a moment until he continued to speak.

"Aren't you wishing to open the door the key belongs to?"

She breathed deeply, following after him.

Down the hallway, she kept close to him, looking around for anything else that could happen. "If you could smell a soul in this manor, why haven't you eaten it?"

"Because he will not let me."

She stopped in front of him. "It really is my grandfather, isn't it?" He didn't answer, so she continued. "Wasn't his soul yours to begin with?"

"It's a little more complicated than that."

Another crash behind her, and Lotte whipped her head around to a small, blue orb floating at the end of the hallway with the shattered vase below it. The same orb she had encountered several times already. She swallowed the lump in her throat, walking slowly towards it again, making sure she was aware of the demon behind her that could race towards the ghostly shape any moment.

Then the orb raced off around the corner, with her racing quickly after it. She could feel Sebastian's presence closely behind her, following her every step down the twists and turns of the Phantomhive Manor. Then he moved quickly in front of her, his form disappearing in a quick flash. She thought for sure he would get the orb and devour it, but when she turned another corner, she barely had time to stop when she saw his halted figure.

"Sebast-" She was cut off by the orb floating only feet away from the two.

She remained still, moving her eyes from the orb to the demon beside her. His eyes didn't scream hunger, but she knew deep down he was fighting the urge to leap forward and capture his prey like a lion.

She stepped forward again, reaching out to the glowing sphere. "Grandfather," she whispered. "If that is you, please, give us a sign."

And so it did. It raced down the hallways a ways and disappeared behind the same iron door as before. She knew what she needed to do.

Her hand unraveled the iron key and looked at the key hole under the handle. She looked to the demon behind her, swallowing. His eyes were glued to the door, concentrating on whatever was behind it.

"Sebastian," Lotte spoke up, "what is behind this door?"

"The old Master's quarters," he answered shortly, his tone holding no emotion.

Lotte took a deep breath, placing the key in the hole, turning it until she heard it click. With her hand on the door knob, she turned the cold iron metal, swinging the door open into darkness. She heaviness of dust entered her nose, irritating it, and the dampness of humidity that has seeped through cracks in the roof over the decades left a lingering wet smell she couldn't stand. There would be no electricity here. She pulled out her flashlight from her belt, shining it into the dusty darkness of her grandfather's old bedroom.

Then her breath was caught when she saw the sight of it.

In the small gathering room was long iron wires stretched wall to wall. Dozens of them strung about like a twisted spider web. The walls were covered with a thin layer of iron and under the red, moldy carpet was a hard iron surface. The room was no longer a room, but a fortress to keep out supernatural entities.

She looked at Sebastian. "Why would my grandfather do this?"

"It wasn't your grandfather, but your father who redid the room after the Master's death. I was no longer allowed to enter, and why? I never found out. The room was locked and the key was given to the closest friend of the Master's."

"But why would my father do this?" She looked back at the darkened room, her flashlight reflecting off the iron wires.

"He must've hid a secret inside that he didn't want me to discover. My guess is your grandfather must've asked your father to renovate his room so his soul would be preserved and kept hidden from Lilith."

"So it was Grandfather we saw, and he's trapped too." Lotte stepped inside the room. "I'll find out what they were hiding."

But once a few feet into the room, the door behind her slammed shut. She turned around quickly, trying to unlock it. On the other side, she could hear Sebastian call out her name in what she thought sounded like panic.

"Sebastian!" she called out.

She could hear him grunt in pain as he tried to open the iron door. She tried to turn the door knob too with no luck.

"Sebastian, stop! You'll burn! I'm okay. Don't worry, I'll figure another way out."

"Lotte, be careful! The room may be highly unstable and may have traps hidden for those who may get inside. Be aware of your surroundings."

She nodded. "I will."

Lotte looked around the small room again. All sound was shut off and there was nothing but silence surrounding her. She shone the flashlight back on the wires, touching the first one in front of her, reacting suddenly when she felt a prick on her finger. Blood has been drawn as she looked at the small drip coming out of her finger.

"These wires are like razors." She looked at the mess of them between her and the main bedroom chamber doors. One wrong move and my head could be cut clean off. "But I've been in worse."

She maneuvered her way through the webs, ducking, crawling, and climbing over every one. The thick layer of dust made her eyes water and nose itch, and she held in the many sneezes that would throw her off. But after several minutes of moving through the mess, she attached her body to the iron door that held the main chambers, the same room her grandfather passed in. She opened it slowly, releasing the breath she had been holding while going through her first obstacle. And as she took her first step through the doors, moving her flashlight through the dusty, furnished room, she didn't have enough time to notice the long wire inches off the ground until her foot caught it. Her eyes moved quickly due to her confusion to see the wire set perfectly, her foot catching it. Then a deep rumble sounded through the walls, and she barely had enough time to move as she saw the sharp piece of iron coming towards her from the ceiling. She jumped to her left, in time for her to see the sharp object swing down through the doorway like a pendulum. Her heart raced as she used the wall to stand up. She breathed quickly, trying to escape the fact she almost died.

Not even Sebastian would've been able to save me from that. "Damn, Father, you're good," she muttered.

She looked around, seeing the old nineteenth century style furniture still scattering the room. The wardrobe was full of old ratted clothes that were once highly expensive and fit a high ranked noble. The whole piece of the furniture hung at an angle as the wood seemed to be breaking apart. The curtains hanging from the windows were torn, but shielded the room from the moonlight outside.

Lotte opened the tattered fabric from the windows, letting the eerie moonlight seep though and place the iron chambers in a heavy blue glow. She looked at the bed where she could almost see her dying grandfather lying there. The bed's silk fabric was torn and she could smell mold out of the mattress. The frame had been destroyed after years of neglect and damage from falling drips of water above.

She moved around the room when she noticed a single photo hanging on the fireplace mantle. She took it in her hands and examined it, blowing the dust from the broken glass. Right away she knew what it was. A family photo of her grandfather, his parents and his brother. Both her grandfather and his brother looked identical, and apart from a slightly sickly look in her grandfather's eyes, she could barely tell them apart.

She had heard from the journal that her grandfather had been ill during his years with severe asthma, like her as a child; he spent a few summers in bed. And after hearing more information about it through Wilson that night, she knew who was who in the photo.

She took the photo out, noticing a piece of light brown paper fall to the floor. She picked it up, opening the page slowly, curious to know what it was. Then her grandfather's words appeared in front of her and she began to read the faded handwriting in her head.

December 30, 1942

This will be my last words alive as I am no long able to move besides the inked quill in my hand. I have discovered the truth of the Faustian contract, the contract I thought Sebastian had over me! But in fact my soul was never to be his. I know the truth behind it all and where my soul will go after I die. He doesn't feed on human souls. I don't know why he never told me the truth, even after I ordered to never tell me lies. I thought that vile demon kept his darker secrets from me all my life, but that wasn't the truth. Now I know after all these years, I have figured him out. He has always worked for her, wanting his powers back, but doesn't know anything about it. Believe me when I say he doesn't remember who he truly is. I don't know who he is, and alas, I don't believe I ever will, but Sebastian is something bigger, more powerful than a demon. He isn't part of the Black Crows, only he believes he is. She will come when I die and reveal it to him, or will keep him like a slave for her own pleasure. However, I will not let her. I cannot let Sebastian have his powers return to him as I am afraid the world will be destroyed if it does. A grave infection will spread under his rule. But his power is not all that is hidden from the curse. Something deep underground stirs, and whatever it may be, I cannot let anyone have it. I have ordered my son to recreate my chambers into a nightmare of iron and traps. No demon or supernatural entity will enter. Not even she will be able to take my soul. Do believe me whoever you are. My body may be weak, but my mind is clear. Don't let her take me away, and don't release Sebastian from his internal prison. Or the world will die.

-C. P.

Lotte's hands shook as she lowered the paper down. There was no way what her grandfather said was true. He would've been delirious regardless if he thought so or not. He was a day from death. But he mentioned 'her' several times. She had an idea who it was and if it was true, was Sebastian something other than a demon? Was it possible there was an entity out there more powerful? Did Lilith really do something to his memories? What was her goal truly?

She looked back at the photograph- the thin photographic paper feeling rough and delicate in her fingers. She was careful not to damage it. Then she turned it over and saw the faded inked words "Hide the soul from the moonlight" scribbled on the back.

Her eyes narrowed at the words, trying to figure out what it all meant. Then she looked at the wall on the other side of the window to her right and noticed something behind the falling, hideous blue wallpaper. She raced over, seeing a white line painted on the wood.

Then she started to tear the wallpaper down.

Quickly as she could she tore the paper away like a mad man, moving fast in the pale moonlight. She grunted every movement until finally revealing a name.

"Lilith." She spoke through her breath.

Then she noticed more white lines beside the name, and continued to tear away the paper until the entire wall was bare. She was everywhere. Her name scattered all over the walls in perfect synchronization. Line after line was her- the white paint staining her identity over and over.

And Lotte knew her grandfather wasn't behind it.

"Oh gods, Father. What have you done?" she breathed.

She sank to her knees, her eyes still tracing the words on the wall, landing on the last one in the corner, one written in a different colour than the others. This one made Lotte's stomach turn as she realized it was blood that wrote The White Demon's name.

Then under the old rug she saw the slight change of iron colour - a red tint in the metal. Lotte moved from the rug, and removed it quickly, seeing something too familiar to her.

A summoning circle.

Each line drawn with blood.

"So, this is where you summoned her, Father. But why here? Why would you summon her here? Unless…you were trying to kill her." Lotte's eyes widened at the thought. "You fool."

And she was so deep into mourning her own father's mistake that she didn't see the dark shadow creep over her, hiding her from the flooding moonlight outside. Her eyes were shut and her hand pounded hard on the iron floor. When she opened them back up and saw how darker it had become, she knew something was off. Light was still coming in, except around her. The dark shape moved slightly and that was when she froze.

What would be behind her, she didn't know. If it was someone, she would've heard them. The only explanation she could think of was… a ghost.

She slowly moved her head to look over her shoulders. Her breathing was coming out in short huffs. Her hand gripped her gun hanging at the back of her belt. And when she turned around fully she didn't take any time to release the scream built up inside of her.

Standing there, clothes and face covered with blood, was her father…his entire form disfigured and falling apart.

She dropped her flashlight and didn't hesitate to fire that gun.

It ricocheted off the walls once and she had to duck as the bullet came flying back. When she stood back up, her father was gone…at least she thought it was her father.

Lotte didn't stay any moment longer.

She quickly went around the same wires as before, and started pounding the locked door. She called Sebastian's name as he called back.

"Please, get me out of here!" she cried, already feeling the panic tears rushing down her face.

Then she heard a sound behind her, and the slight murmur of her name. She turned to see the same figure standing in the middle of the tangled web, stepping through them like the wires weren't there. She kept banging on the door, pleading help from the demon on the other side. Already, she could feel Sebastian's demonic strength trying to break the door down, but failing.

"Char…lo…tte…" the ghost spoke again, coming even closer.

Once she turned to it again, it charged at a blurred speed, mouth gapped open trying to scream. Eyes grew hollow and dark. And his entire body got covered with more blood.

She screamed the loudest she has ever screamed in her life, pounding hard on the door until it opened, and she fell into Sebastian's arms and onto the floor. She kept her head buried in his chest, not wanting to move or see.

Sebastian's arms had wrapped around her like a comfort blanket, moving his hand through her hair. She felt safe in his arms, and for some reason, didn't want to move. Although confused, she remained there, only moving deeper into his chest.

"Lotte, what did you see?" he chest rumbling when he spoke.

"It wasn't him," she mumbled in his chest before looking up at his face. "It wasn't my grandfather we saw earlier. It was my father. It was him I've been seeing…and…he…"

Her face disappeared back into his chest.

When Sebastian moved her to her bedroom, she quietly asked him to stay. Without any more words the two laid together in her bed. Lotte didn't even think when she placed her head on his chest once more, and wrapped her arms around him, while he did the same. All she cared about was being safe, and safe was apparently in his arms. Lotte was too scared to argue.

And the two remain in that position until sunrise.


Phew! That's all done and stuff! I am not responsible for any nightmares that may occur. Sorry Lotte! o/

Please review! Really helps me out. :)