Sebastian paused outside the door, rather satisfied with himself. He was sure that he had sufficiently ruffled the Earl, which could further push his plan into action. He could have rushed back in there and done some version of whatever it was he imagined the other was dreaming about, but he didn't. Better to let the young master come to terms with his desires.
The demon had to admit he was only half-surprised. He knew that physically he was quite the handsome specimen and he'd often found those in desperation would be more likely to make a contract with someone attractive. Countless women and men had fallen to his charms over his lifetime; he always crafted some sort of appealing form for dealings in the human realm. This one though, was one of his finest works.
He made his way down the hall. His job was never done if he wanted the manor to run as smoothly as possible. Which since he didn't need sleep wasn't an especially difficult task. Besides, he very much doubted even if he could sleep he'd have been able to. His normally calm, focused mind felt jumbled.
Sebastian understood the physical attraction, but what he couldn't fathom was anything outside of that. The Earl knew exactly what he was and there was nothing that any sane person would willingly get mixed up in. Demons were creatures of lust and deception. His master couldn't possibly imagine anything good could happen out of…
He found himself outside without really knowing what had led him there. The moon was a bright orb in the sky. He set off across the darkened grounds, figuring he might as well secure the perimeter.
Sebastian wasn't used to having thoughts of this sort. Usually if he wanted something he just took it with no regards to the consequences, because for him, there typically weren't any.
He glanced back up at the manor, his eyes finding the window to the Earl's room, and considered acting on his thoughts for a moment. He could feel the roughness of the stone through his gloves as he placed his hands against the side of the mansion. To satisfy the need that was growing in him. It would be so easy. Why, he could just scale the wall right now, blast apart the glass, and tangle himself in the sheets if he wanted. And he did want, he realized as hunger slithered in his belly. It was different than the craving for the young master's soul; this had almost eclipsed that entirely.
It took all of his resistance to move away from the manor and concentrate on what he had been doing before. This was always something that fascinated him about the young Earl. He was a human, but Sebastian had come to find he felt differently about him over the years. Never before had he found himself so willing to be seduced by someone as easily as he seduced others. It was quite maddening.
The ride to Undertaker's had never taken so long, Ciel thought as the carriage bumped along the road. Normally he didn't mind the trip but he wanted to get out of being in such close quarters with Sebastian. The one saving grace was he had decided to bring Adeline with him, so that she could describe the creatures she had seen.
Despite Sebastian's rather unsettling words by way of "good night", Ciel had actually had a decent night's sleep. He'd awoken on his own, earlier than normal, and lain in bed, wishing he were more adept at dressing himself. Eventually Sebastian came in and he assisted with the same grace he did every morning. Ciel had opened his mouth more than once to ask what the hell all the cryptic business had been the night before, but he always decided against it.
"My family used to come to London often," Adeline commented as they reached the edge of the city. "I've always loved it."
Ciel nodded. "It's home."
"So, who exactly is this Undertaker fellow, anyway?" Adeline asked.
"He's a bit of a difficult individual to describe," Sebastian cut in before Ciel could answer. "Best to experience him for yourself. We've arrived."
They had indeed. Ciel found himself staring up at the dingy moniker above the shop as he had many times before. Sebastian held the door open for the two of them and followed the pair inside.
Adeline gasped audibly when her eyes adjusted to the dimly lit room. Ciel had to admit that it always made him uncomfortable as well. Except, the girl didn't look uncomfortable. She looked a bit…fascinated.
"These coffins are very well made," She said, bending to examine the plushy pinkish lining in a sleek black box to their left. "He's quite good at his work whomever he is."
"Thank you, dearie," Undertaker's gravelly voice replied as he appeared from behind his desk. "That's kind of you to say. I do try to make things the most comfortable for my guests."
"Guests?" Adeline asked.
"He means the deceased," Sebastian supplied.
"Right you are," Undertaker grinned at Adeline. "I hope I don't have to see your pretty little face in one any time soon."
She gave a thin smile. "We're in agreement there. Though, we don't really have control over when we die, do we?"
"Not entirely, it's true," Undertaker nodded. "However, there are ways to make sure you aren't unnecessarily reckless."
Ciel felt the Undertaker's eyes shift to him. Even though he couldn't see them below the top hat, he knew he was being stared at. Ciel often suspected that Undertaker knew what Sebastian was, and possibly about the contract.
"In any case, that isn't why we're here," The Earl stepped forward. "We need some help in an investigation."
"Well, you may have come to the right place," Undertaker said. "I'll do my best to help you. If you can pay the fee, of course."
Sebastian stepped forward. "Young master, if you'll escort the lady out, I shall offer the appropriate payment."
Ciel took Adeline's arm. "Let's go."
"What's he doing in there?" Adeline asked as they waited outside. "I have seen money exchange hands."
"He doesn't want money," Ciel said. "He enjoys jokes, and sometimes they aren't always the kind that a lady should hear."
Adeline was about to answer when raucous laughter sounded from inside. Ciel motioned for her to follow him. They reentered the shop. Undertaker was wiping tears of mirth from his eyes.
"As usual, your butler doesn't disappoint," Undertaker, said. "Now, how can I be of service to you?"
"We're investigating some disappearances," Ciel said. "Some campers went missing in the woods and—"
"Vampires!" Adeline exclaimed. "Vampires killed my family, and probably these others who are missing. I know it sounds nonsensical, but, it's true."
Undertaker drummed his long black nails on the desk. "Vampires. There's one I haven't heard in a while." He leaned forward. "Are you certain?"
Clearly, Adeline had been expecting to be disbelieved. She nodded. "Yes. I saw one of them."
"Have you encountered such beings before?" Ciel asked sounding surprised as well. He supposed anything was possible. Those who dealt with death were sure to witness some unsavory things.
"Not for many years," Undertaker replied. "And I am surprised they are attacking with such abandon. Usually their kind is a little more graceful."
"The one who took my brother was quite beautiful," Adeline admitted. "Beautiful and terrifying. She had long blonde hair and her skin was pale like milk. She wore a black dress and she carried him away as though he weighed nothing. I could tell he was dead by the way he flopped in her arms. I wanted to call out was paralyzed with fright."
"We want to stop them," Ciel said. "Do you know of a way?"
Undertaker was silent for a few long moments. Then he grinned. "You must draw them to you somehow."
Ciel frowned. He didn't want to draw any more supernatural beings anywhere near him. However, that would be the only way to ensure they were dealt with.
"How do I do that?"
"Simply have something they'll find irresistible," Undertaker said. He gave a loud sigh. "This has been a splendid time, but I should get back to work. Don't hesitate to call again."
Ciel left the shop feeling as though he had accomplished nothing. He had no idea how to draw vampires to him and he really didn't want to. He climbed into the carriage, mind whirring. Perhaps Sebastian might have some ideas.
He stared at the butler as the carriage began to move. He thought about what Adeline had said about the vampire that took her brother. His eyes traced along the demon's face, sharp angles and soft planes; hair like ink and those burning eyes. He realized that Sebastian was exactly like the vampire: beautiful and terrifying.