Alois clung to my arm as we walked into the foyer of my manor.

"It's ok, Alois," I said. "You can make a new start now. You don't have to be afraid anymore."

The blonde just nodded. He must have been too tired or overwhelmed to say anything at that point.

"Sebastian," I turned to my butler. "Alois needs rest. Take him to his room."

Sebastian bowed, and gestured for Alois to follow him. Alois hesitated and looked at me, obviously fearful of Sebastian.

I nodded encouragingly, and Alois followed Sebastian up the stairs.

I sighed and turned toward the window, looking up at the opal-like moon.

Poor Alois...he had been through so much...and he had just found out that the one who had helped him all these years had betrayed him and lied to him. Not to mention that he had recently lost that person.

But then again, that was because I ordered Sebastian to kill him.

I sighed, feeling guilty. I shouldn't have been so angry at Alois. If only I had known why he targeted me, I wouldn't have treated him the way I did.

"Young Mistress."

I turned to see Sebastian standing there. "Sebastian. How is Alois?"

"He fell asleep as soon as he got into bed, my Lady. This whole experience has been quite traumatic for him. It will take him a while to recover."

I nodded. "I will do whatever it takes to help him recover from this."

Sebastian smiled. He walked over and wrapped his arms around my waist. I thought my face was about to catch on fire.

"To want to help someone who had kidnapped you...you are truly a kind person, my Lady."

And with that, he kissed me on the lips, long and passionate. I looked at him when he pulled away.

"Sebastian..."

He tilted his head, smiling. "Yes, my Lady?"

"Before Alois kidnapped me...you said you loved me...did...did you really mean that?"

Sebastian chuckled. "I do not tell lies, my Lady. You of all people should know that."

"I...I do."

Sebastian's smile grew, his red eyes sparkling in the light cast by the moon. "And you feel the same way about me, do you not?"

I looked down, my face burning, almost too embarrassed to reply.

Almost.

"Y...Yes..." I stammered.

Sebastian smiled and leaned forward.

"Then be my lover," he crooned.

That request...that one simple request from him sent my heart into instant overdrive. I wanted to be his lover. I wanted it more than anything in the world.

But I couldn't let my own butler order me around, now could I?

I made a face of mock anger. "You do not order me around, demon. I give the orders around here."

Sebastian smirked, obviously sensing the playfulness in my reply. "Then do you have any orders for me, Young Mistress?"

I smirked back. "As a matter of fact, I do. Sebastian, this is an order. Be my lover."

Sebastian bowed, one hand over his heart. "Yes, My Lady."

He pulled me closer to him, kissing me again. The rest of the world faded away, leaving me alone with my butler. No...my lover.

But if only I had known someone was watching us.

If only I had known that a figure clad all in white was watching us...

And if only I had known what he said...

"This girl seems to be the most important thing to this demon...and the one person who stands in the way of my plan to purify the world. She reminds me of that meddling little Earl. Since Angela couldn't get rid of her or the demon...perhaps it is time for me to make my entrance."