XI

I found a boat at one of the many docks and began rowing towards the sacred island. I kept my eyes forward to avoid the moaning water but it did nothing to ease my fear.

Tied to the pier was another wooden vessel and I knew it belonged to Sebastian. I tied the raft securely before making my way up the hill. On the bench I had been situated at hours before, sat a close eyed Ciel and Sebastian was standing up straight. The boy's body began to fade into the night, his contract was fulfilled.

I didn't dare to move, after that red headed reaper had destroyed my one moment of pure bliss I knew that it would be absolute torture for Sebastian to lose this, and should he choose, he could make my eternity with him a nightmare, we both knew he had the power to do so.

Several minutes passed, then soon it became an hour, the demon had not moved an inch but I still refused to disturb him. When he finally came to his senses, he abruptly turned towards me.

"Glad you could join me," the wide smile on his face was nothing less of genuine, I didn't comment on it.

He took a couple of quick steps forward before placing a hand at the small of my back, pulling me against him and dipping me low. I raised an eyebrow, "Chipper are we?"

"Indeed, and I believe you said you wanted a taste?"

I sent him a confused look, "Sebastian I refuse to-" before I could finish his lips were on mine. A kiss was such a human thing yet the taste that lingered on them was... spine shuddering.

The taste of Ciel's soul was sour, but it was a delicious kind of sweet as well. It was as if all the flavors at once were rolled up into one boy and I couldn't find any way to react so I just stood there in Sebastian's arms as he transferred Ciel's taste to me via tongue.

A salty flavor spread across the back of my mouth, turning into a grainy and bitter taste that every demon craves. I couldn't get enough of the taste, and when he pulled back, I leaned forward, wanting more of his lingering soul.

"How satisfying that meal was, wouldn't you agree?" I licked my lips. The flavor was still there yet from just that small sliver I felt fuller than I had my entire eternity. I noticed I was still in Sebastian's arms, but he had shared his ultimate meal with me, I'll let him have his reward.

"I couldn't agree more," we stood like that for a while, until it was time we decided to leave.

Sebastian stepped into the gondola and held out his hand for me, "It's almost over my lady, but for now it's just you and I," a half smirk half smile spread across his lips and I sent a small grin back.

"I suppose so, since there is no other way but forward," Sebastian nodded before pushing off the docks and down the river of Styx to Hell. As we began to float, I noticed his arm had fully returned. All of that power from Ciel's soul must have put him into hyper-regeneration mode. I looked down to see that my hand was still gone. The wound was long healed but it would take some time before my limb grew back fully.

After some time of nothing but the sound of a stick through calm water, the blackened gates came into view. This was another entrance to Hell, one much different from what I used.

The gates opened as we neared and when we reached a place to dock we left the boat and stepped into the soft gravel of the Underworld. I turned back once and saw bony hands carry the boat back to its rightful place. I faced front and saw the buildings of the city alight with a blood red glow. Unlike what most humans believe, we do not live in a deep dark pit of fire. No, our world is full of life, demons vary as much as humans, take Lumia as an example.

Granite, Hell's realm is full of darkness but to us the dark is comforting, it is always very warm here but it is a blissful warm to us. Our world is our home.

Sebastian took my good hand gently and pulled me onwards. I followed, still somewhat dazed from Ciel's soul.

"We are going straight to Lucifer's, I believe he's moved around a bit my lady could you pinpoint where his current area of residence is?"

"Five acres west of Blue Carnival," I answered automatically.

He smiled, teeth shining bright, "You'll be mine soon Radiance, and then, then, we will be truly done."

Sebastian ran at full speed, I could barely keep up and I would've fallen far behind had he not kept his firm hold on me. I soon saw my old master's large mansion looming up in the distance. When we came up to the ashen door Sebastian knocked once, and loudly.

The door opened.

Lumia stood, hands on her hips, in the frame.

She was smirking wildly and I instinctively hid behind Sebastian, "Come in," her voice was like grinding sheet metal in a blender, we both took a step back.

Sebastian held his arms out to protect me, "I cannot allow you to hurt Radiance."
Lumia rolled her eyes, "Oh please I'm over that, Daddy!" Lucifer entered the picture and his normally stony gaze softened some at the sight of Sebastian.

"I haven't seen you in ages, come, enter. What name do you go by currently?"

Cautiously we entered the foyer, "Sebastian Michaelis," as a demon, our names change permanently with each contract. It's sort of an unspoken rule to keep our identities hidden. Now for low class demons, very high class demons, and Infusions well, that's another story.

My old master nodded towards me, "And you?"

I curtsied out of habit, "Still Radiance sir."

He nodded, "Interesting, you can tell me about your first contract later, for now I would like to hear what Sebastian has to say. Why are you here old friend? And how in the world did you get a hold of our maid?"

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Lumia braiding a portion of the long side of her hair, she had a certain glint in her eye. Something was telling me she knew more than I did, far more.

"Do you remember that favor you swore you owed me all that time ago?"

Lucifer nodded readily, "How could I forget? I've owed very few to even fewer, and yet yours was the one who truly deserved it. What is it you need?"
Sebastian nodded his head in my direction, "I wish to keep your maid, and that she belongs to me and only me," he turned his head sharply towards Lumia, "and that her safety is secure."

A confused look came across my former master's pale face. He tilted his head this way and that, trying to put the pieces together, "Radiance? It absolutely has to be Radiance?"

The obsessive demon before me nodded slowly, "You owe me, remember?"

Lucifer scratched his chin, "That I do but... I'm afraid I can't give her to you."

I saw Sebastian's eyes flash red for the briefest of moments, "What do you mean."

My demonic master set his hands behind his back before turning, "Come in," from the doorway a tall man with very pale skin and shining glasses walked in.

His smile sent a shiver up my spine and I found my hand clinging onto Sebastian's elbow, "Who might you be?" Sebastian asked calmly through gritted teeth.

"My name is Claude Faustus as of current, and my master wishes for a new maid. The kind demoness over there overheard our conversation and suggested her maid of excellent service. I've already been promised her, Michaelis."

For a moment, no one moved. When I thought someone was about to snap, I found myself being gripped tightly by Sebastian's pale hands, "You cannot have her. That is final."

Lucifer held up his hands, "Come now Sebastian, I'm sure you will find another way to spend my favor, but what he says is true. Earlier today my daughter finally returned, she said that our maid wasn't really needed and that we should give her to someone else. Claude just so happened to be that demon. He came with her and we were talking about the arrangement when you knocked."

His grip tightened, "I need her far more than he ever could."

I stood in his arms, unsure of how to respond. A single idea popped into my head but did I want to spend the end of time with Sebastian? I looked towards this "Claude" fellow before looking up into Sebastian's seething red eyes. My answer? Yes, yes I do.

"My contract..." all heads turned towards me, "my master made one final request. And that was to stay under Sebastian's supervision until the threat of Lumia is gone."

"That was a one-time thing," Lumia replied hastily, "I won't attack you again I swear. I just really wanted that man's soul alright? It was another different one."

"Say what you wish, the power of his order binds us," Lumia flipped her hair, a trait she inherited from her mother when anger strikes her.

"Father," she whined, "I promised her to this nice demon," she took a few steps closer to Lucifer. Her bottom lip was trembling.

The King scratched the back of his head, "Well I do owe Sebastian... why does it absolutely have to be Radiance anyway?"

I noticed the frantic look in Lumia's eyes as she was put on the spot. She turned to Claude looking for an answer and for the briefest of moments I thought we had won. His next words, however, made even Hell freeze over, "I happen to adore Infusions."

The immediate reaction was silence. From the dead look in his golden eyes I knew that I've never met a bigger liar, the tightening of Sebastian's grip indicated he knew the truth as well. Unfortunately Lucifer either did not notice the bluff, or he chose to ignore it for the sake of his daughter, "That makes sense, I suppose."

"And your daughter is to be my betrothed, she offered Radiance as a gift," now that one got me a little. My tail fell flat, hitting my ankle and my ears drooped in confusion. Even though there was a mass of curiosity building up inside of me, the look on Lumia's face was priceless.

Her normally bright pink eyes were trying hard to maintain the sweet cotton candy look, she was trying to keep them from turning red even though her cheeks were, "H-He's absolutely right Daddy... I didn't bring it up b-uh-because I didn't think you needed to know! That's why... why I've been gone all that time, I've been trying to win Claude's heart," she smiled widely.

When the shock subsided, Lucifer burst out laughing, we all turned to him, "How strange. And how nice it is to hear that I'll have grand kids! Even though it's such a human want, but the family must go on right? Very well, how about we throw a little wedding bash Lumia, you know how much your father loves that "alcohol" stuff on occasion."

Lumia shook her head quickly, "Oh no, Claude is in contract remember?"

Sebastian growled and his nails began to dig into my skin, I tapped him lightly on the knee with my tail and his grip lessened just so.

"There is still the matter of her contract-"

"No need to worry about that, I'm the head of Hell remember? And I'll do anything in my power to make my daughter happy, I apologize Sebastian," Lucifer stepped forward and he placed an unusually cold hand on my forehead. He spoke an unfamiliar incantation and I felt a burning on my hand. It was over as quick as it started.

I broke away from Sebastian before ripping off my glove with my teeth. I blanched.

The seal was gone, my old master had forced the contract to end, effectively ending the last order. How could I forget? Lumia could have done the same, should she have wanted... it was a family trait they possessed. The power to force a contract to its end. I gulped, I was defenseless. Shaking my head I backed up and ran into a chest, for a moment I thought it was Sebastian.

A hand laid itself on my shoulder, "Shall we take our leave?" I looked up into Claude's shining gold eyes. His glasses reflected the fear on my face. I shrunk away as he took hold of my upper arm before leading me out the door. Turning around I saw Sebastian's stricken face as he watched me go.

"Sebastian..."

He blinked, anger filled his features, "I will find you Radiance, I will."

And just like that, we were separated.

His red eyes glowed and darkened. Turning sharply the ends of his jacket flew out as he faced the demon who was once a good friend of his.

"You let her go with him?" he growled out curtly.

Lucifer held his hands out, "I can say I'm sorry and not mean it, but for you I truly apologize with the deepest of meanings. I… didn't know it would make you this upset."

"Your words cannot bring her back," he spat out. Turning he began to leave the castle. Reaching the door his hand landed on the cold brass, "Your favor will be used for this then if I cannot have Radiance. You will help me fight to the end to get her back."

Sebastian yanked open the door, "Do you love her, is that what this is all about? I never thought you could fall in love, old friend. If that's true then I-"

Turning once more he stormed over in a flash and was holding the King of all demons by the throat, "It is much more than love, Lucifer. She is mine."
Before the devil himself could react, the door had shut with a soft click. Lucifer blinked several times before turning his head to look at his daughter, trying to maintain a steady calm image, "So you've really been gone all that time with that demon?"

Lumia's face turned pink, "Well... no. He's just kind of a friend."

The King's red eyebrow went up some, "Then why did he say you were to be bound?"

She rolled her pink eyes, "It's a long story, but it's not all that bad, he's not that bad..."

Lucifer walked with his, what seemed to be long lost, daughter into the kitchen to find Persephone cooking quietly with Salem, "Lumia!" he ran to hug his sister and she twirled him around. Their family was very human-like, but it was because of the devil's wife that they acted this way. The King knew if he tried to change it even in the slightest, there would be Hell to pay.

"Where's our maid?" she asked her mate quietly.

He shook his head, "Ask your daughter, she's got one Hell of a story."

"Lumia," the girl turned her pink eyes to her mother, "Where is our maid? Your father says you have a story to tell us as well?"
"A story? About the human realm? Please tell us sister!"

Lumia held out her hands, "Alright, alright. Well," the blue haired girl began talking and her tale went on and on. Her voice never ceased all throughout dinner and continued well into eternity until finally she got to present day, "And I'm going to marry him," she finished quietly.

She smiled nervously. Her father only sat with a bemused smile and her mother was emotionless. After some time of silence she finally responded, "Well I'd like to meet him then. I know you're a demon and all but remember you're only half demon, so you still have some human feelings. You know I don't trust those full bloods."

"Dear, he was here only five minutes prior, you have already met him."

Persephone blinked, "Yes but I did not meet him, I didn't converse and get to know 'Claude,' I merely met his image. And from I can tell he's like all the others. Lumia, I will talk to him."

Lumia rolled her eyes, "I know mother, I know. But I can honestly say..." she looked away for a moment, as if checking to make sure he wasn't anywhere in sight, "that I kind of like him. Even if just a little."

I stared down at the blond boy before me. He readjusted his plum overcoat before grabbing my tail and pulling at it lightly, "How cute... you've got extra parts."

I pulled my appendage from his grasp and tucked it under my dress, "What do you want with me," I shifted my arm so the missing hand was hidden behind me. It should be back fully by the end of the week but as of current I only had a portion of my thumb bone.

"My contract will only be complete when Sebastian is left writing in the dirt in pain for what he did to me, and you're the perfect object to achieve that goal. Claude!"

The gold eyed demon stepped forward, "Yes, your Highness?"

"Don't kill her just yet. Wait for my word, I think its best we toy with her some, I bet it would drive him mad!"

The boy began to laugh furiously. The laugh turning insane within a matter of seconds before abruptly stopping. The blond took my hand and began leading me off to who knows where. Claude followed behind a few feet.

He was pulling me so hard my body was forcibly bent to remain his height, and at this angle I could smell his soul perfectly well. It was a rather nice scent, it was incredibly bitter from what I could tell but it was more than likely something Claude preferred.

We stopped moving and the boy turned and clapped his hands together, "What's your name?"

I opened my mouth, about to announce my identity, but I found that I didn't want him knowing my true name. Claude may have known it, but the power within the name doesn't usually apply to someone of such low standards. Perhaps getting on his good side may earn me brownie points? That is, assuming he has a good side, "Call me whatever you wish."

The blond smirked before licking his top lip, "Interesting. I'll call you Cat, since that's what you are. I am Alois Trancy," he turned to me, his bright blue eyes shining with what looked to be tears that will never fall. I stood straight before kneeling down on one knee and flicking my ear, never once breaking contact.

"Your eyes..." Alois tilted his head. We stared at one another for a moment before he suddenly slapped me. I hit the ground with a thud.

I looked up and anger was in his empty eyes, but the shine never left them, "Don't make a mockery of me."

I stood and set my hands behind my back, "You're searching for something every human wants and needs-"

"Claude shut her up!"

"Yes your Highness," a gloved hand covered my mouth, "Will this do for now?"

Alois frowned, "I'd rather cut out her tongue but I suppose it will just come back," a sadistic smirk spread across his face, oddly enough it made him look almost normal, before he turned heal and walked away.

"Do what you wish for now Claude, just don't kill her, not yet," I felt his hot breath on my neck as he began walking off with me in tow.

"Excellent," the Trancy estate was almost as impressive as the Phantomhive household. There was darkness within the mansion, the longing from the boy was embedded within the walls it was so strong. His burning desire to be loved attacked my core and my earthly half wanted to run and comfort the sad soul. It wanted to reach out, and show what happiness truly was even if it didn't know so itself.

My darker, demonic half was disturbed beyond words. It couldn't comprehend how anyone could possibly like such a taste. I wanted to run from this boy, I never wanted his scent to remain in my head for even a second longer.

My mind was truly torn.

The glove was removed from my mouth and I was spun around to face the butler. His hair was a touch shorter than Sebastian's yet it was currently falling down in the same fashion, "Filthy vermin," he spat out. I knew he hated Infusions with a passion.

Claude pinned me to the wall, "I'm not sure what's worse, death, or being stuck here with you."

He ignored my comment, only narrowing his eyes slightly, "I'll let that slide for the moment. Currently, I smell something divine on you what could it be?" he leaned in, inhaling deeply.

My only guess was that he could smell Ciel's lingering scent from Sebastian. The taste had long since disappeared, but souls work in mysterious ways. I may have gotten used to the flavor, but should Sebastian come and renew the taste then it would-

That's why he kissed me. So he would never lose the taste. A soul lingers forever, he would have gotten used to the taste, and when he wanted more he could just steal a kiss and the flavor is fresh once more. I frowned.

"It's the scent of a lingering soul you smell," Claude looked up at me through his shining spectacles. He loosened his grip and I couldn't even lift the corner of my mouth to smirk, I felt dissatisfied.

He sent me a questioning glare, "You're an Infusion. Your kind doesn't get something so... perplexing."

I pushed him off and he let go with ease, "Sebastian shared it with me. It was his prize, his meal that he was so fond of, the soul of a boy named Ciel Phantomhive."

"He shared it?" Claude took a step back and looked at me for a moment, merely looked, "And it remains on you."

Claude leaned in once more, he leaned in so close that his lips were only a hairsbreadth away from mine, "If you would kindly step away..." I squished against the wall as hard as I could, trying to get away from him.

He remained where he was, "I'm contemplating on taking a taste for myself, however I would rather not become intimate with such a horrid creature, yet I am still curious as to what Michaelis had been so attached to," he moved away and I let out a breath I hadn't realized I had been holding, "but I suppose it can wait for the moment, no matter how enticing the scent may be."

He pushed up his glasses before grabbing me by my collar and dragging me off. The demon threw me into one of the many rooms and locked the door. Escaping could have been an option, had there not been runes written about the window and walls. They were all ancient yet effective spells to keep a demon trapped.

For the very first time since my arrival in the universe, I let loose a deep, heavy sigh. Perhaps Sebastian had done me a disservice by sharing Ciel's taste.

Looking out the window at the cloudy England sky, I remembered a small tidbit from our conversation many nights ago, "What happens to all that confidence you usually have?"

"It runs off with you my lady," I briefly wondered if his confidence was separated from him, as I am currently.