Chapter Ten: Masquerade at Midnight
I bit my lip anxiously as I walked up familiar stone steps. I stopped at the large double doors enjoying the way my heart beat violently in my chest. I knocked on the door with the heavy door knocker then stepped away, hoping he would answer. The door opened slowly and my eye level dropped to about five feet onto a small red-headed maid. I wasn't disappointed in seeing her for I missed all of Ciel's servants but there was one in particular I was anxious for. Through Mey-Rin's eyes which were hidden behind thick rimed glasses she saw an unfamiliar face. I had put away my platforms in exchange for a white and black dress with blood red intricate designs along the corset and down the back. My hair was pulled up into a braid which was then woven into a large bun with the ends falling in long curls down my back and a few over my shoulders. I wore black half gloves and a white hat with black feathers and a lace veil that covered part of my right eye. Although it was a simple disguise she seemed not to recognize me at all.
"Anything I can do for you ma'am?" she asked fixating her glasses curiously.
"Yes" I answered, trying my best to acquire an English accent. "I was to know if Lord Phantomhive was available?"
"Oh no, He will be out all evening" she replied. I knew then that she planned to end our conversation for it is not custom to give out the exact location of where her master resides. Ciel being the Queen's Guard dog he is a target for almost every noble family in London.
I lifted my hand stopping her from closing the door completely.
"Do you know where he has been called away?" I asked politely spreading a kind smile across my face making sure she got a good glimpse of my green eyes. At first she looked at me suspiciously, as I expected. When one is this curious about their master they must have their guard up in order to keep him and the manor safe.
Then her eyes softened and her mouth widened into a quirky smile. She gasped and just as she were about to say my name I placed my index finger over my mouth and pursed my lips, urging her to keep quiet. She caught on to my scheme to keep my identity a secret and continued.
"He and Sebastian are on their way to a gala held at Lord Aleister Chamber's manor for the evening. It ends at Midnight" she replied.
"Thank you" I smiled. This day keeps getting better!
She closed the doors and I hurried down the steps and into the carriage I acquired in town. I ordered the driver to take me to my next destination. He said it was about two hours away and as of now the sun had just set which only leaves me four hours before Midnight once I arrive at the gala. He whipped on the reins beckoning the carriage forward, sending the horses full speed ahead.
We rounded a small corner and drove along an oval shaped entrance stopping at the front of Chamber's manor. I stepped out onto the dimly lit path way with the help of my driver who then bowed to me kindly before taking his leave. On either side of the double doors leading into the estate were two roman style pillars from the top of the ceiling to the steps which I climbed as gracefully as possible with out tripping over myself. I passed through the barrier and on the other side I was greeted by a gentleman wearing a coat tail suit, white gloves, and a decorative mask. Looking around at the attire the attendees wore I found them all to be concealed behind ceramic faces. A masquerade is a perfect way to hide ones self.
"Here you are My Lady" he greeted generously handing me a mask that corresponded best with the dress I wore.
White with black lace and pearls bordering the frame. The mask he gave me only covered the top half of my face leaving carved out holes precisely for my eyes and stopping just at the curve of my nose.
"Thank you" I voiced, lacing the mask band around my head to keep it in place.
I walked through the corridor passing by other couples enjoying the party with cups of wine gripped daintily in their palms. I walked underneath the grand chandelier adorned with thousands of small glass crystals that reflected the light in every direction. I passed through another pair of double doors hearing the music of a small orchestra playing. I entered the dance hall which also served as a place to dine and found where the majority of noblemen and women where gathered. Since they were all in masks locating Ciel and Sebastian will see to be a tedious task.
"I thought I made it perfectly clear that I never wanted to come back to this man's home ever again" Ciel cringed, although his act of distaste was unnoticed by the dark blue mask he wore over his eyes and nose. His right eye holding the contract was blacked out by the mask so that he didn't need to wear an eye patch.
Sebastian smiled from behind his devilish mask that covered the left side of his face: Black with a hole for his eye and a small sharp horn at the top.
"Remember my Lord we are here as invited guests not on orders of the Queen, try to enjoy yourself" he replied almost mockingly for he knew all too well how much his master hated social gatherings.
"It is also important to engage with the other nobles here in London-"
"You and your talks of social status.." Ciel interrupted crossing his arms over his chest.
Ciel released a small sigh and unfolded his arms. "At least Elizabeth isn't here, I don't plan on dancing this evening"
"I'm sure there are plenty of young women here who would love to dance with you My Lord."
Ciel only scoffed at his butlers reply.
"The dances may begin!" A loud and whimsical voice shouted amongst the crowd. All eyes looked to Lord Druitt who stood in the middle of the room with his arms outstretched passionately. "Our masks conceal our identity, age and gender are of no value here! Dance with whom ever you'd like!"
The men and women who stood round applauded the man on his declaration and began to find a partner; men asked women and for the first time women approached men.
"Hmm, it would be like him to cast out gender roles..the pedophile" Ciel murmured under his breath.
Just as Sebastian and Ciel's conversation ended a girl walked through the crowd and from the looks of it seemed to be approaching the young Earl.
Ciel stiffened as she parted her way threw the mingling people enticingly graceful for someone her age. Ciel looked on either sides of him and glanced up at his butler who only smirked with a black brow raised. Who knew Ciel was subject to nervousness? Sebastian watched in the background curiously amused.
The girl stopped in front of Ciel and curtsied before him in a voluminous green dress which thick straps hung off her shoulders. She wore white arm gloves and a green mask with white feathers and multicolored jewels. Her hair was a blood red, pulled away from her face but still fell over her shoulders and down her back in dozens of perfect ringlet curls.
As she stood from her curtsy Ciel found himself speechless at the color of her eyes which held his gaze supernaturally. They were a deep purple with black rings surrounding the iris, complemented by her long black eyelashes.
She outstretched her hand to him. "Lord Phantomhive?" her voiced chimed.
Her lips spread into an eager smile as she awaited his acceptance to her invitation.
Ciel remained in his same state simply dumbstruck. He has seen demons, shinigami's, and angels but somehow this girl seemed to be something entirely different. Sebastian bowed his head and figured now would be a decent time to intervene.
"My Lord" He said first clearing his throat catching Ciel's attention. "Lady Rebekah Marie O'Sullivan." He introduced gesturing towards the young lady.
He tilted his head her way urging Ciel to take her hand. His master looked to him first questioning how he knew her name. Sebastian only smiled, it is not only custom but polite for nobles to know other nobles, Ciel has a lot of learning to do.
Rebekah's hand laid into Ciel's palm and they walked accordingly to the dance floor. Ciel turned to his butler before they were out of ears reach.
"If I am subject to dance so are you" He whispered.
"Dance with whom ever you'd like!" The Viscount exclaimed.
I weaved my way through the mounds of people trying to locate Ciel. I rounded a dinning table and there a few yards away was the young lord and his raven butler. I smiled at a young girl I saw approach Ciel and the faint blush that brushed his cheeks was almost too adorable. They left to the floor to share their first dance leaving Sebastian alone. I began to walk towards him trying my best to avoid the people around me. Just as I was to call out to him he began to walk in the opposite direction; his focus completely separated from the rest of the crowd. I followed after him trying to keep at his pace but he was moving far too fast. He made his way to the opposite side of the room and approached a woman at the long dinning table at the back wall.
"Sebas-ch-" I called but then stopped before I made a fool of myself. He obviously had his eyes set on the other woman, it would be rude of me to intrude.
He approached the woman and engaged into a conversation easily, oblivious that I stood only a few yards away. I looked around myself consciously and found that I was the only one standing around dazed and confused. I back away allowing myself to be buried into the crowd of dancing people trying to look beyond Sebastian and the woman he now lead towards the ballroom floor, but they were all I could see. She and him instead of my hand in his, maybe she was only an acquaintance? A woman to dance with and nothing more. I tried to believe my better judgement. Suddenly I found myself bumping into someone. I turned round and the man that met my eye was none other than Lord Druitt. The woman he was socializing with was now covered with wine from when I bumped into him.
"I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed.
"She'll be alright" Aleister said setting down his empty wine glass from which he hadn't drank from. He ordered two of his maids to take the woman away and help her change into proper dress then turned back to me.
"You seem to be the only woman here without a partner to dance with" he smiled.
I looked around hastily, "No I'm sure there are a few others I think I'll wait for the next dance-"
My attempted escape was stopped abruptly by his hand clasped around mine. He turned me around and I found myself tripping into his chest. His left hand laid on the small of my back a little lower then I would have wished as we began to dance.
"If I am subject to dance so are you" My master whispered before turning to dance with his partner.
I scanned the corridor attentively for unlike my young Lord I am more then comfortable with dancing at social occasions. As I searched for a woman who has yet to be approached, I saw from across the room one who seemed to stand out amongst the rest though preferred to stay hidden. I smiled at this opportunity.
I walked threw the dancing couples who swirled around me in delicate circles, all covered in decorative masks and fancy attire. My eyes remained locked on the woman and as I drew near I noticed her attraction was similar to the girl who had pulled Ciel away. Those women are certainly not human as my Lord must have thought by sight of Rebekah's appearance and if my studies are correct this is her sister. I approached the table a few feet from her and observed her actions with a small tilt of my head. Her hand, which was covered by a small black leather half glove skimmed over the small pastries and other dishes. Her eyes jumping from one treat to the next decisively yet unaware of my on looking. She stopped at a plate and looked up at the server curiously.
"Pardon me sir, what type of curry buns are these?" she asked pointing to the plate of fried dough.
"Shrimp curry buns" I answered getting the attention from both her and the server. "Invented, manufactured, and distributed by the-"
"Phantomhive Industry" She finished. "I am well aware."
She turned to me in her long blue dress which top consisted of a blue corset with black bordering and ribbon threw the back. Her skirt was dozens of layers of blue tulle fanning out around her with an extra layer of black tulle underneath adding to the volume. Her mask covered the top half of her face leaving her lips which were stained red, completely untouched. The mask was white with blue and black feathers sprouting from the right side, blending ever so well with her long jet black hair which fell over her left shoulder in a mass of loose curls.
"I am also aware that you indeed are not Lord Phantomhive" She continued with a small smile playing on her lips as she titled her head up to me.
Her eyes were like transparent orbs of liquid gold surrounded by black rings and focused by slightly dilated pupils. Her lashes were thick and long with out the need of being caked together by makeup humans are so fawned of wearing. Her beauty is as radiant as her sisters but more sophisticated which I found equally alluring.
"Sebastian Michaelis, Lord Phantomhive's faithful butler" I introduced placing my hand over my chest with a slight bow to her.
"Katherine Rose O'Sullivan, no ones butler" She curtsied with a simle giggle.
"May I have this dance Miss Katherine?" I inquired with my hand open for her taking. She obliged and we walked on to the floor as a new song began.
Her right hand laid into my open left and her left hand lifted her dress off the ground to avoid stepping on it. My right hand rested on the small of her back which she reacted to with a small blush. I stepped forward with my left foot as the orchestra began.
My right arm rested over the viscounts shoulder as the song changed. I remained looking over his shoulder keeping an eye on Sebastian and the woman he danced with. She was incredibly beautiful and from where I looked they seemed to be enjoying one another. I looked across my way as the viscount and I continued to dance and saw Ciel and the girl in the green dress. He seemed to be more comfortable with her now then when they first began.
"What has your eye my graceful little dove?" he asked.
I restrained myself from rolling my eyes. "Nothing My Lord, just admiring your other guests here, the women are quiet beautiful no? perhaps you wish to dance with them now?"
"How foolish, the only person you should seek to admire is me. There hasn't be one woman here who has caught my eye, only you" That's hard to believe considering he had been buttering up almost every woman here and even some of the men before I bumped into him.
His conversation with me has only been for a few minutes and I already tuned him out for he only spoke of himself and his love for beauty. Although in my opinion his 'love' is more of a sick obsession fueled by some twisted mortality he possesses and proudly shows. I am aware that his parties use to hold secret gatherings were he sold young girls to the highest bidder for his own profit.
As we turned full circle I saw Sebastian and his partner approaching our way. The dance is meant for the partners to dance in intertwined circles. As they glided past us I laid my head against the Viscounts chest hiding myself from Sebastian's potential look our way. Lord Druitt chuckled at my sign of "affection" towards him and burrowed his nose into the crown of my hair inhaling my perfume. His action making me shiver and squirm as I pulled away from him. His lavender eyes focused on me in a dreamy way as if windows into his mind as he fantasized on only god knows what. The music is beginning to quicken it's pace which means our dance is almost at an end. Once so, I will pry myself as fast as I can away from Lord Druitt before he invites me anywhere else his manor has to offer. The song ends and we finish with a final turn and against my better wishes another one of his groping onto my rear end. I push him away a little too eagerly and turn away quickly taking my leave as he calls after me.
"Till we meet again my sweet winged dove!" He cries.
"Yeah yeah yeah" I murmured, like that will ever happen. Now I know why Ciel hates this man. He has absolutely no respect for personal boundaries and is the most conceited person I've ever met. Not to mention his record of arrest for human trafficking, what a sick man.
We execute a final graceful turn as the song came to end and in doing so my eye laid onto a woman who quickly left the floor. Her grey locks of hair all I could see but curled and fell down her back in the most familiar way. My eyes has never tricked me before but I fear as though this night shall be the first. The dance ends and I press my lips to Katherine's knuckles and bow to her. We part our separate ways and I turn to see the woman from before is gone. Only a vision of a young reaper I once knew? I have to be certain. I left the floor and searched the room almost frantically. My eyes jumping from mask to mask all seeming like one blur. There!..Her eyes were hidden by the tilt of her head and mask she wore but I could recognize her face and features in any given place.
Belladonna, I thought still too unsure of myself to speak her name. I must get to her.
She stood by the wall looking up to the glass ceiling, I glanced up as well and knew then that once midnight were to hit I had to get Ciel to safety. Only one hour remains.
William! I exclaimed inwardly as I looked to the ceiling and saw him along with my other classmates standing on the glass above us. The humans obviously were to be oblivious to them for reapers are hidden from mortal eyes. They were all holding their death scythes which meant they were on a reaping mission. A mission which means! I looked around the room and saw the smiling faces of the men and women who danced unaware that they were to die within an hour. The cause of their deaths I was unaware of but one thing was absolutely certain. It ends at midnight.
I must hide before William sees me! He will surely notice who I am despite the mask I wore. I looked for the closest exist and began to walk through the people staying close to the wall. I stepped aside a couple who had just finished their dance and found myself knocking into one the servers who carried an empty tray.
"My apologies M'Lady!" he yelled.
"It's quite alright!" I replied as we both dipped down to pick up his tray, my hand reaching the destination first picked up the tray and handed it to him. As we stood I glanced behind him and gasped at the man who looked at me with the same look of bewilderment.
Sebastian..
I hadn't thought on what to do next and let my body react accordingly. I turned gripping onto my dress to shorten the length and ran from the room.
"Belladonna!" I hear him call after me but I continued to run.
I ran down a long hall way that had been closed off from the rest of the party, dimly lit only by a few hall candles with portraits handing from the walls. Burgundy wall paper behind the pictures made the hall appear to be darker than it actually was. His foot steps were not too far behind and I knew at one point I had to stop and face him. I past a black Gothic hall table and found a room on my left. I ran inside and closed the door hearing the boom of his hands on the other side as he tried to stop the door from shutting. My hand shot towards the door knob and locked it just as he were to turn it.
"Don't!" I spoke quickly out of fear he would try to break the door open.
*Narrative*
His outburst of her name spoken threw his lips was out of shock and desperation. He needed to speak his words carefully for he thought he was still only seeing her from within his mind. He needed to see her face to face to believe she was not just a vision, or a memory. He needed to know that she was tangible.
"Belladonna" he spoke again sounding almost like he meant for it to be a question.
She on the other side thought almost the same; whether or not she should answer. She was thankful though that they were in a secluded place so that they could talk privately.
"Sebastian.." she replied barely breaking over a whisper.
"Why are you hiding yourself from me?" he asked solemnly.
"I think it best we keep our distance" she replied simply although it pained her almost physically to do so.
Her mind was washed into a sea of many conflicts which she tried desperately sort out in the short amount of time she had. William and the other reapers are here and if they spot her lollygagging around she will surely be in trouble. On top of the fact that she is already in the wrong for sneaking out of the institution and stealing a Void Cinematic Record. If she is seen with Sebastian that will be another mark against her and it will potentially be putting him in danger as well. Angela knows of her mark but not of the demon who put it there, his identity needs to remain a secret so that Angela does not seek him out and if Belladonna's thoughts are is correct, Alabaster will not tell Angela. He knows it was Sebastian by his scent imprinted onto Belladonna but wont give out such valuable information.
"What has you so frightened?" Sebastian asked, pushing himself against the door a bit more wanting to enter. Belladonna felt the added pressure and inhaled a deep breath as she unlocked the door.
Sebastian heard the click of the lock and burst through the threshold, stepping inside forcefully. They both stood anxiously on edge, taking in their sight first in complete silence. Her breathing along with his increasing as they tried to exhale their nerves. He took in every detail of her face for he hadn't seen it in so long. He was saddened by her eyes which were watered yet not dripping tears down her cheeks by the barrier of her mask. Her full pink lips were quivering slightly for she stammered to speak but knew not what to say. Her round green eyes looked at him as if she wished for him to be her savior yet was too afraid tell him what was causing her such distress. He wished to help her but if she refused to tell him what was wrong, there was nothing he could do.
In the next moment he strode forward capturing her face in his hands beneath her chin. Her left hand pulled his mask from his face as their lips met. His hands left her face and untied her mask dropping it to the floor so that he could see into her eyes clearly. His arms enclosed around her waist tightening their grip as did her arms around his neck as they continued their long awaited kiss. They turned still intertwined and walked backward meeting an end to their steps when her back pressed against the wall by the majority of his body weight. She dropped his masquerade mask and grabbed a hand full of his silky black hair while her other hand grabbed the back of his collar. Their kisses became more ferocious which only heated their anticipation. Sebastian's hands on her lower back already began to untie her corset ribbons with blind accuracy. He discarded one of his gloves and ran his hand underneath her dress hiking up the layers of tulle and fabric gripping beneath her thigh and hoisting her bend leg up to the height of his hips. Her muscles shuttered deliciously as she felt the warmth of his hand which climbed higher up her thigh. His heavy breathing down her neck had her shivering down to her bones in ecstasy making her forget her surroundings in the dark desolate room and the reapers sitting on the roof awaiting the massacre. Only for a moment longer did she enjoy this forgetful bliss before she clung to her thoughts and recoiled her actions.
She pulled away releasing a breathless gasp pressing her hands against his collarbone letting him know to stop for she never wanted the situation to escalate this far. She fixed the collar of his shirt with trembling hands as her bottom lip was set between her teeth anxiously. He watched her every move in silence. She then looked into his sizzling red eyes attentively while brushing her hand through his hair straightening the kinks.
"How much time do we have left?" she asked in a calm voice, reminding him of where they are and the jobs they both must do.
He released her leg carefully, pulled out his pocket watch and flipped the metal cap open.
"Ten minutes" he replied still trying to regain a steady breath. They knew then that they must part their separate ways for who knows how long before they meet again.
She bent down and picked up his mask setting the delicate ornament back onto his face. He grabbed both her hands and kissed the backs of them ignoring the leather gloves she wore. She burrowed her face into his chest gripping onto his vest and breathing in his sent. She stood on the tips of her toes in her small black pumps and kissed him at the base of his neck followed by his cheek then quickly on his lips.
She walked to the other side of the room leaving her mask on the floor which he picked up along with his glove; tucking the mask away and slipping his glove back onto his slender hand. She tied her corset ribbon back into a bow and opened the biggest window; a faster route to the roof where the shinigami's are waiting. As the window locked in place a strong wind blew into the room. Her hair fell out of it's bun and whipped off her shoulders and around her face. She turned suddenly at the sign of his absent presence and saw that he was gone. She turned back to the window and climbed out carefully onto the window seal and began to climb up the side of the manor. The memory of this night she will keep forever.
I jumped onto the roof and quickly found my balance as I teetered over the edge. The reapers and William all looked my way and stood up once they realized it was me. William pushed past them furiously as I walked towards the group still dressed in my formal wear minus my mask.
"Where have you been?" he asked.
"I-I sort of borrowed a void cinematic record to visit my father.." I confessed, I figured the truth will do me better than a lie this time.
"Your room had been cleared and possessions gone, was your intention only to visit?" He whispered.
"No" I replied surprised that I forgotten I cleared everything away.
"We shall talk on it later, rid yourself of that dress and you may join us" Out of his vest he pulled another training scythe and handed it to me.
"Really?! Thank you! " I exclaimed latching onto him in a grateful hug which he immediately repelled and pushed me away.
"Sorry" I commented. Noting it would be good to keep my distance from William for a while until we both forget about that kiss. It seemed to have softened him up some bit, which is a good thing if you honestly think about it.
I walked up to my class mates and received a warm welcoming from the boys. I spotted Albin amongst them and walked up to him with a sheepish smile. He crossed his arms and looked down at me with a playful smirk.
"You look very nice" he replied.
"Thank you" I answered, "Um, are we o.k?" He nodded 'yes' and I smiled, glad we were past whatever had happened between us back in the library. What's done is done, not reason to dwell on the past.
"Ready yourselves" William ordered.
We all stood behind him alert and ready for his instructions. We looked down at the crowd of people as they continued to mingle and dance. I spotted Sebastian as he weaved his way threw the crowd towards his master hastily. He looked up at me once more as a silent parting of goodbye then took his master away.
"There are others down there that are not human" William warned. "Avoid them, do not start a conflict, they will leave us be for we are here to do our job"
I knew he meant of Sebastian but who else was he referring to? I knew of the different denominations present at this gala but I doubt the viscount knew some of the nobles he invited were not mortal.
The clock tower rung at the stroke of twelve sending vibrations radiating against the manors walls. Every light in the manor had shut off sending the residents into an uproar of screams. Our eyes adjusted to the darkness and what we saw was absolute chaos by some invisible threat. Tables were being turned over as people tried to escape the building, stepping over the ones they just became acquainted with to save their own lives. I saw the woman Sebastian had danced with running towards the girl who danced with Ciel.
"Rebekah!" She screams.
"Katherine!?...sister!" The girl yelled in reply.
I bit my lip as I watched the girls fight their way threw the mass of people. I had the sudden urge to try and help them but remained in place for we have yet to be instructed by William.
William stood into the middle of the glass ceiling with his scythe held high above his head. He struck the glass with his scythe shattering it instantly into thousands of shards. He fell into complete darkness and landed firmly onto his feet in the center of the ballroom.
The large pieces of glass rained above the people slicing into their skin with ease sending shrills of horrific cries into the air. How are we meant to watch this so calmly? Why are we forbidden to react!?
"KATHERINE!" her younger sister screamed at the sight of the glass falling above her. Katherine ran with incredible speed, far too fast for human feet and wrapped herself over her sister. Her shoulder blades separated and her corset ripped slightly as two black feathered wings broke threw her skin and fanned outward shielding them both from the down pour of glass that fell upon them.
I watched from above in amazement at her transformation. Her wings flapped at the ground ridding her self of the glass as she looked up at the ceiling wondering the cause of such an out break. She remained crouched over her sister protectively as she saw the reapers and I standing on the rim of the roof. She glared at us and stood helping her sister onto her feet.
"We're leaving Rebekah, now." She declared.
Her sister nodded silently and cringed slightly as she bent over allowing blood red wings slightly darker than her hair to expand from her back. They looked to the sky with one hand in the other, Rebekah's other hand was occupied by Ciel's mask he must have given her. They brushed their wings off the ground ascending into the air and disappeared out of sight faster than I could blink. Looking below I saw a few other guests moving about the room inhumanly and saw now what William had warned about.
The reapers followed William's lead and one by one began dropping into the dark ballroom as the people began dying off. I stood on the edge of the dark abyss and ripped off my dress skirt tossing it over the edge of the roof. I now stood in a corset, black pumps, black garters with stockings and a thin white underskirt which I ripped to about my knees. I gripped the scythe in my hands anxiously and jumped off of the edge into the black ballroom, ready to reap my first soul.
The characters Katherine and Rebekah are not mine! They belong to Ice n Fire in their story A Demonic Double Crossing, go check it out if you get the chance!