Your eyes opened to a dull room: there was a chair next to the bed and the window was covered with a large, floor length curtain. Your body was stiff and heavy. The wound on your chest stung with every breath. Various shapes floated in your vision, almost as if you were looking through a clouded film. It took a few more blinks for you to realize it was the room you usually occupied. You endeavored to sit up, however your muscles seemed nonexistent.
Ciel and Sebastian stood outside your doorway, their voices audible but muddled.
Ciel spoke first, his tone was angry and unforgiving, "You damn fool!"
"Our contract is void! You didn't protect me!" Weak thoughts flickered in your mind, what contract..?
Sebastian placed a gloved hand over his chest, "My lord, I knew in that moment you would be safe."
He continued as Ciel's eye widened, "I knew that (y/n) would use her body to shield you." You froze. How could he know..
"You were never in any danger, master."
Ciel's breathing became raspy as he reached upward and slapped his butler across the face. Despite the Earl's size in comparison with Sebastian, the noise seemed to reverberate across the manor.
Your weak voice sounded from inside the room, "C-iel.."
The steel grey haired boy appeared at your side quickly with an extremely concerned look on his face. His lip quivered as he spoke, "Are you okay? What can I do?"
You reached for his hand as he sat in the chair by the bed. He took it and glanced at the bandage that covered the wound on your chest.
"How are you feeling, (y/n)?"
You blinked, "I think I will be.. fine." The wound wasn't fatal. Regardless, it would take time to heal.
Ciel un tensed, feeling a bit more relaxed. His mouth turned downward at your next sentence, "I'm glad you're okay, Ciel."
He motioned for you to rest as he leaned back into the chair. "I will stay by your side."
The tension in the air seemed to slice through your lungs because you found it hard to speak for moments after Sebastian entered. The dark butler walked behind a cart filled with various teas and pastries. He placed tea on the table next to you and gave a cup to Ciel.
Sebastian placed a hand over his chest, "Anything else, my lor-"
The Earl spoke coldly, cutting him off before he could finish, "You're dismissed, Sebastian."
Ciel finally turned his attention back on you, letting out a long, breathy sigh he seemed to be holding. You reached out and held his cheek in your hand. He looked up from the cup of tea he was clutching and stared directly into your eyes. His one blue eye widened as you spoke clearly and without fault, "I love you, Ciel."