Chapter Fourteen:
Yes, My Lady
"I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm just such a weakling; I'm getting upset about everything and causing so much drama!" Raven wiped her eyes, sniffing.
"Raven, YOU ARE NOT WEAK! I don't know how you can say that!" Kyra retorted, her arms folded across her chest. "I know the bad situations you have been in. All those foster homes with the bullies, the pervs…" She shook her head, her jaw clenched. "I just know I wouldn't have survived like you have. I think it is probably just this last time - the thing with Tyson. You never were able to process it, to talk it out, and to heal from it because we ended up here, and I know you need your alone time, so after we are done with the tailor or whatever she is - and she should be here soon - I will sit outside the door of wherever you want to be like a pitbull. I won't let anyone in. They will have to kill me. And I am not afraid of Sebastian, I can keep him out too," Kyra added, hoping for at least a smile from her friend.
Raven stopped pacing, processing what her friend had just said.
She sighed.
"I'm just overreacting to everything right now. I've gone from being the watcher to the one being watched with the way I'm behaving."
"It happens, Raven," Kyra replied, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "We'll get through this." Raven nodded with a smile.
The girls were quiet for a few moments before Kyra opened her mouth.
"Anyway, what happened back there?"
"You were wrong," Raven slowly drawled.
"Huh?" Kyra blinked several times. "About what?"
"You said you didn't think he'd go all demony with me but he just did," Raven stated. "His eyes were all catty and fuchsia."
"Now, not only are they fuchsia, but they're catty? Damn, I need to see that!" Kyra chuckled.
Raven groaned. "It's scary, not cool!"
"Yeah, yeah," Kyra grinned, then became somber. "What happened, anyway? What were you talking about, and why did you get sick?"
Raven remained silent for several long moments. "The silverware."
Kyra stared blankly at her unmoving friend. "The... silverware? I thought it was quite lovely, not vomit-inducing."
Raven let out an amused snort. "Not how it looks, but what it was used for in the past or the future. Probably both."
"What was it-" Kyra began, confused, but realisation and horror quickly dawned on her face. "Ohhhh. Oh, God...! But I already ate off of that!"
Raven quickly turned and beamed sarcastically at her friend. "Don't worry, Sebastian said it was cleaned meticulously!"
"THAT DOESN'T MATTER!" Kyra nearly screamed.
"EXACTLY!" Raven exclaimed. "Somebody understands!"
Kyra's face twisted in disgust, but then turned to one of confusion. "Wait, he didn't get all demony just because you criticised his use of silverware, did he?"
"Oh, no, no, no." Raven shook her head. "And, by the way, not that it really matters for the past, but we're going to have new silverware."
"Oh, okay," Kyra nodded, satisfied with that. "He'd better not use it for the unintended purposes and then wash it and put it back on the table, though."
Raven nodded in agreement. "We'll have to... talk to him about that."
"Okay, but," Kyra huffed, "if he wasn't demony about that, what caused the demony?"
"Oh, about that... um..." Raven averted her gaze, looking down at her hands.
The blonde's eyes narrowed. "Raven. Spill."
"Well..." Raven muttered, wringing her hands together. "... It... wasn't one of my finer moments."
"What did you do?" Her friend sighed, her hands on her hips.
The shorter girl let out a heavy sigh. "We were talking about the stupid cutlery and he said he'd replace it and wanted me to still eat something but my appetite was, quite understandably, lost so I told him no. Then... well..."
Kyra groaned as her friend fell silent again. "So he went all catty fuchsia eyed because you didn't like the silverware and wouldn't eat? Yeah, sure. Can I hear the rest of the story, now? The important part?"
Raven's face was flushed as she fiddled with the skirt of her dress. "I really thought he was going to hit me! I jumped like a frightened child away from him, and all he apparently was doing was running his hand through his hair."
"But he was on his knee- ohhh, that was before then," Kyra realised. "I understand exactly what happened now. And no, I was not wrong! He did not go all demony with you at all!"
"But he called all fuchsia eyed and his teeth even got long! I was the only one there!" Raven retorted.
Kyra outright snorted. "For a girl that is so smart, you are so stupid sometimes." Raven's eyes widened in surprise and confusion as Kyra stalked up to her and lifted her chin up to look her in the eyes. "Looks like I have to school you a bit. Class is now in session."
Raven looked up at her with dread. 'Oh, God. What did I do now?'
"Raven," Kyra stated, "just because he was like that in your presence doesn't mean his anger was directed at you."
"Well, then who was he mad at? No one else was there!"
"He was mad at those who caused you to react like that," Kyra replied, her eyes narrowed. "He's not stupid. He obviously knows why you reacted like that. It's pretty clear no matter who sees. Why would a woman flinch away from a man who calmly raised his hand? Because she has been physically abused in the past. It's simple body language."
Raven silently pulled her head from Kyra's hand and looked away once more.
They both stayed in silence for several moments before Raven broke it.
"Awh, shit," she cursed, holding her head in her hands. "You're right."
"What?" Kyra blinked. 'She's acting like it's a terrible thing that I'm right?'
"Oh, damn it!" Raven groaned, throwing herself on the bed and pulling a pillow over her head.
"What?! What is it?" Kyra asked, plopping on the bed next to her.
A muffled, barely discernable voice emanated from under the pillow whined, "Now I have to apologize to a fucking demon. Fuck my life. I am truly already in hell." Raven kicked her feet like a toddler having a temper tantrum.
Kyra smiled. 'Now that's the Raven I know and love. She is going to be alright.'
The two laid together in silence for several minutes. It wasn't long before there was a knock on the door and Mey-Rin squeaked something as the door opened. The girls turned to look, bewildered, as another woman strode in, a stoic Sebastian following close by.
"Hello, girls!" The woman smiled, striking an odd pose. "I have come to make you girls some fabulous fashion. My name is Nina Hopkins, from the prestigious Hopkins tailor shop!" Mey-Rin hovered at the door for a moment before excusing herself and leaving.
Raven clapped her hands together and let out a soft squeal of delight. 'The woman who speaks our language! YES! SHORTS!'
Sebastian eyed her for a moment. Why was she so excited to see this insufferable, obnoxious woman? "Yes, very well then. Miss Nina, these two young ladies require an entirely new wardrobe. By this, I mean everything that a young lady would need, including attire for the upcoming All Hallows Eve," he said, peering at a small book he held in his hand before snapping his gaze up her. "Please see to it that it is proper clothes befitting of their station."
She grinned at the two ladies, excitement shining in her eyes. "Leave it to me!" she declared as she fiddled and dramatically slid off her skirt, revealing rather short shorts and her garter belt attached to stockings and high boots. "I will tailor the best dresses ever, inspired by the very latest fashion trends!"
Sebastian stared blankly at her, unamused and unimpressed as Kyra squealed in excitement and Raven suppressed her smile.
"I want that!" Kyra squealed, clasping her hands together. "Would it be possible that I could have all of my dresses made like yours?!"
Sebastian inwardly sighed, rolling his eyes up to the ceiling. He supposed it was to be expected. Kyra, quite obviously, did not care about what was proper and improper. At least Raven wasn't like that, he mused as he excused himself and began shutting the door behind him.
"Wait, wait! We'd need some longer pants - winter is coming!" Raven interrupted, standing up. "Down to at least here!" She pointed down to just above her ankle. "We can't have the pants show while we're wearing a skirt, of course."
The door clicked shut a little bit harder than necessary.
Well, at least Raven was trying to keep up appearances.
Nina snickered. "It seems like Mr. Stiff doesn't like that."
Both of the girls shrugged. "That's his problem," they said in unison.
Just outside the door, Mr. Stiff exhaled quickly, his teeth grit as an eyebrow twitched.
All three girls burst into a giggle fit.
"I can tell already that I love you two," Ninja giggled. "Long pants is an amazing idea! If done right, you can wear them well in winter and still keep the mobility and freedom of movement of summer! I've got it, got it, got iiiiit!" She bellowed. "This will be fabulous! The universe has provided me with a new muse! Long pants so that you can move freely in the winter, and a skirt to go over it. Something that will keep you nice and warm, but won't be uncomfortable to be in! So many outfits come to mind! I need my pen and paper! This will shake the world of fashion to its core!"
Nina blinked when Raven silently offered her her pen and paper with a small smile. She took it with a grin and set to work making sketches. She only took a few minutes before she set down the pencil. "Time to take your measurements! Strip!" She commanded.
The girls exchanged glances and obeyed, beginning to strip themselves of their garments, Nina helping where needed. An idea popped into Raven's head as she pulled off her many petticoats.
"Nina, could you make me night clothes for the winter? I do want long night shirts but also would like something… different. I would like a long shirt that buttons up the front, but comes to about the knee, with matching long loose fitting trousers, made out of thick, very soft flannel," Raven suggested.
Nina pondered on her suggestion. "Hm... I like that idea!" She decided with a smile. "I knew I liked you!" She cooed, embracing Raven with a giggle.
Kyra laughed as she took off the last regular petticoat, leaving her in her corset and under petticoat. "I got ready first! I get measured first!"
Nina laughed, releasing her captive. "Well, let's get you out of that corset, then. It's in the way."
"Isn't it always?" Kyra replied with an eyebrow raised. Nina burst out laughing.
"It is! Corsets are so restrictive!" she agreed, unlacing Kyra's.
"And just plain unnatural," Raven added, sitting down on the bed with her under petticoat and corset on.
Nina glanced between them with a smile. "Here is my hope for the future: sensible females!"
Both girls couldn't help but laugh at the irony.
OoO
"Good afternoon, Miss Kyra. May I please see Lady Raven?" Mey-Rin asked, pausing outside the door with her cart.
"Yes, but not for too long. She's trying to have a little bit of alone time," Kyra replied, crossing her legs as she sat on the chair she had dragged out to the hall from the library. She glanced again at the book she had taken to read, knowing she wasn't going to read much of it. Being Raven's pit bull had proven to be quite boring, and she really didn't like reading too much. 'Is it wrong to want to go outside so badly after making this promise?'
"Good afternoon, Miss Raven. I shan't be here long," Mey-Rin said as she set the tray with tea and biscuits for two on the small table by the window. "The entire staff, as well as the young master have been informed of the new manor rule to guard your privacy. There won't be any interruptions other than myself to deliver your teas or meals." Mey-Rin took a blue ribbon out of her pocket and offered it to Raven. "Mister Sebastian asked that I give you this. If you wish to be left alone, simply wrap this around the door knob. No one will be allowed to enter without your permission except in the case of emergency. I hope this meets with your approval."
Raven took the ribbon with wide eyes. "Really? Really, truly?"
"Yes, m'lady," Mey-Rin bowed with a smile.
Raven stared at the ribbon, her eyes still wide. "Wow... What a powerful ribbon."
Mey-Rin giggled. "Would you like to take your tea with Miss Kyra or alone, m'lady?"
"Together, Mey-Rin. Please tell Kyra to stop being ridiculous and to come inside," Raven requested as she stretched out on the chaise lounge. "I told her not to actually play guard dog but she insisted."
"Of course, m'lady," she giggled once more. "Though she is playing the part quite well, yes she is!"
OoO
Raven had decided that she would indeed take dinner in her room, and Kyra joined her.
"My ladies, tonight you have roast pork with baked apples, long beans, creamed corn, and baked mashed potatoes with parmesan coating. For dessert, you shall be served chocolate profiteroles," Mey-Rin announced, setting the first course on the table before them.
Raven had her dinner with a glass of the raspberry liqueur that Sebastian had so kindly supplied for her.
When Kyra saw, she raised an eyebrow. "M'lady, do you really think you should be imbibing so much of the liqueur? You had a glass after tea as well."
"What?" Raven furrowed her eyebrows at her friend in confusion.
"The booze. Don'tcha think you should lay off a bit on the booze? Remember, I told you that it's a lot stronger than wine. Some liqueurs are as strong as whiskey or bourbon."
"I'm only having a little, Kyra," Raven replied with a smile. "It's just to relax me."
Kyra nodded and they continued with their dinner.
OoO
Raven sighed contentedly, leaning back in her chair. After dinner, Kyra had left the ribbon on the door for Raven and wandered off, leaving her alone to relax. 'The liqueur is so good,' she silently mused, turning a page in the book. 'It tastes like candy and it really is helping me relax.'
The Study in Scarlet. She was already nearly done with the book; it was rather short. If she hadn't been so lost in thought, she would already have finished reading it before even dinner.
She glanced again at the liqueur, tempted to have another glass, and Kyra's voice resounded in her head.
"Remember, it's a lot stronger than wine. You'll regret it in the morning," she had huffed as she left the room.
'I will wait at least one more chapter before even thinking about another glass,' she sighed to herself.
Raven gazed out the window, frowning as she pondered recent events. After thinking about Kyra's latest assessment of her behaviour, Raven determined that she was right regarding not coming to terms with the issues with Tyson, and she was probably taking her anger out on Sebastian.
'Eh, he can handle it since he is a fucking demon anyway,' she pouted.
No sooner was that thought completed did she feel guilt creeping into her.
Sebastian had shown her nothing but kindness and patience so far, and she continued acting like this.
But he was a demon.
But he had been so kind and patient with her!
... But he was a demon.
'You know your life is fucked up when one of the only people who has treated you so kindly is a demon.' Raven shook her head slowly and returned to her reading.
A few chapters later, she decided to pour herself the promised glass of liqueur.
As she tilted the decanter to pour a small glass like Mey-Rin had, she squeaked as it tilted further than expected. 'Oops! Didn't mean to put so much in the glass,' she thought, blushing slightly as she set the decanter back down. The glass was nearly a quarter full, whereas Mey-Rin had it barely covering the bottom. She shook her head, sighing. 'Can't be that bad. I'll just drink it really slowly.'
As she continued reading, she couldn't help but think about what had happened with Tyson that night.
'The more I think about it, the more I know I couldn't have changed a thing. I wasn't in control - there was no way to control that psycho.' She sighed, taking a sip of her drink. 'If I couldn't control him, how am I to control Sebastian? By making him mine, does that give me control in his mind?' She paused a moment, sipping her drink once more. 'I am going to have to have another talk with him.'
Several minutes later found Raven reaching for the glass once more, only to find it empty.
"Oops," she whispered, her eyes wide. 'I drank that a lot faster than I intended.' After thinking for a few moments, she raised an eyebrow skeptically. 'Hm... I don't know what Kyra was talking about; this doesn't seem all that strong. Maybe it is stronger in our time than it is here?'
She poured another glass and took another sip.
She set aside The Study in Scarlet and sighed. 'Why is all this shit always happening to me? Can't something good happen for once, other than Kyra?'
Tyson wasn't the first guy she'd wanted to beat the shit out of before, but damn it, why did she have to be so small? She often wished she was taller and stronger - more athletic, like Kyra. While it was true that a little girl could pack a punch, she had never had the opportunity to take classes or anything like Kyra did.
She took a big gulp of her liqueur.
Raven sighed, moping about for several minutes before she glanced around the room. Her eyes resting on another book across the room.
That God-be-damned book.
Raven took yet another large gulp from her glass and slammed it on the table before stalking over to it. She huffed, opening it and leafing through the pages.
The first page with the stupid foreign language and instructions that had gotten them there to begin with.
The second page with the location and date.
The third page with the two locations.
The fourth page with the cat picture and location.
The fifth page with Sebastian's symbol and that stupid confusing verses.
It never came out and just said what it meant and what needed to be known. It just alluded to things! Books were supposed to give you information and you were supposed to understand what it's saying.
This thing?
It never made sense.
She glowered at the book, turning the page again.
Oh. There was another entry - a rather long one.
~ A young girl once walked a lonely road.
Where the road led, she did not know.
All she knew was that she was alone.
With flowers in hand, she walked.
She knew not why she walked,
Only that she did.
Someone was waiting for her
At the end of this road.
She walked alone for years before
She met another girl, just like her.
A girl who walked a lonely road.
This girl held a flute in hand.
The two young ladies became fast friends
And they walked together forever after
On this not-so-lonely lonely road.
Many times, a monster appeared
And tried to steal the young girl's flowers
And she ran away with her friend.
The girls would continue on their path
Until they found the reason they
Walked on this dangerous, lonely road. ~
What in the bloody Hell was that supposed to mean?
Why was this entry so much longer than the other ones?
Why was Kyra in the book now?
With a huff, she placed a finger in the book to save the page and hefted it up. Turning, she attempted to make a beeline to Kyra's room, but she stumbled sideways a bit. The book fell out of her arms as she grasped the dresser to steady herself.
"Whoa!" She breathed, blinking several times. After a few moments, she picked up the damned book and walked out of the nearest door. After glancing around, she realised she was in a hallway. "Damnit!" she nearly hissed. She swayed a bit, glancing around. She huffed. Well, since she was already in the hallway, why not just find Sebastian and have the talk with him now? Kyra was probably sleeping, and demons don't need to sleep.
She scowled and nodded to herself. 'I'm going to find that damned demon and he's going to explain that whole 'be mine or make me yours' thing right now, and I want real answers, not any of this stupid vague shit!'
With that, she turned on her heel and stalked forward... straight into a wall.
"Damn it, who put that there?!"
OoO
Sebastian tilted his head in confusion as he listened to the various growls and profanities spilling out of Raven's mouth upstairs. What in the world was she doing at this time of night, and why was she behaving like that?
What could have her so upset? She seemed to be getting angrier by the second.
"Where IS that God damned demon, anyway?! And who NEEDS a house this big?! It's totally unnesheshary," he heard her huff.
'Oh, my,' he mused, a light chuckle escaping his lips. 'She sounds a bit... inebriated. How cute.' He turned to go up the stairs she was nearing. 'Irregardless, she seems to be looking for me. I must see what she wants.'
He hadn't reached halfway up the stairs when she turned the corner, her eyes snapping to his immediately. He smiled at her, his head tilting to the side. "Ah, my kitten. Is there anything I ca-!"
Sebastian was rather rudely interrupted by a large book soaring through the air and crashing into his face. His smile twitched and he caught it as it ricocheted off of his face.
"YOU!" Raven bellowed, jabbing a finger in his general direction. "YOU'RE JUST LIKE THAT BOOK! ALWAYS SPEAKING IN RIDDLES AND STUPID SHIT THAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE, NEVER SAYING WHAT YOU MEAN!"
"I beg your pardon?" Sebastian blinked.
"DON'T YOU 'I beg your pardon?' ME! YOU KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!" She hollered, shaking a fist at him. "DO YOU KNOW HOW FRUSTRATING THIS IS?!" Raven began taking a step down the stairs and squeaked as she missed a step and began to fall.
In a flash, Sebastian gently caught and steadied her, the book held under an arm. "Honestly, my lady," he mused, offering her her book back after she had steadied herself. She slowly took it back, her head lowered. "I have no ide-"
His expression froze on his face when the book was once more returned to him in the form of being rather rudely slammed against his face.
Again.
"YOU'RE ALL THE SAME!" She screamed, readying herself for another assault. "DON'T TOUCH ME!"
With a loud thwack, the book was battered against his face again, this time catching him on the chin. Sebastian stared at her silently as a trickle of blood ran down his chin.
She stared at him with wide panicked and angry eyes, her arms poised to strike again. When she did, he gently caught the book, taking it from her hands and holding it out of reach when she grabbed at it. Now unarmed, her hand balled into a fist and she punched him as hard as she could muster straight on his jaw.
"IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN!"
Her hands smacked mercilessly against his face and chest. "NEVER! EVER!"
His eyes scanned her small figure. Rage and fear were pouring out of her; any semblance of self-control was lost in this moment.
A rather hard (for a human) slap struck his face, and he allowed his head to snap to the side.
"THIS IS FOR PUTTING YOUR HANDS UP MY SKIRT WHEN I WAS NINE!"
Sebastian's head tilted down, his face devoid of emotion. "Yes, my lady."
"THIS IS FOR MAKING ME TOUCH YOU WHEN I WAS ELEVEN!"
"Yes, my lady."
"THIS IS FOR BEATING ME FOR THINGS THAT YOUR SON DID!" She screamed, her hands beating against his chest.
"Yes, my lady."
Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to keep her breath. "THIS IS FOR TAKING ME AWAY FROM THE ONLY REAL HOME I HAD!"
"Yes, my lady."
"THIS IS FOR- THIS IS FOR HOLDING ME DOWN SO YOU COULD CHECK OUT MY BOOBS!"
"Yes, my lady."
"THIS IS FOR-!" She cried out. "This- THIS IS FOR... THIS IS FOR RAPING AMY AND THOSE OTHER FOSTER GIRLS! AND THIS IS FOR TRYING TO RAPE ME!"
OoO
Kyra yawned, rubbing her eyes. What in the world had just woken her up? It sounded like someone yelling.
Wait.
Waaaait!
That was RAVEN!
With that thought, Kyra jumped up. Raven was screaming?!
"WHAT THE FUCK?!" Kyra shouted, barging out of her room and into the hallway. After pausing for a moment, Kyra followed the shouts to the hallway, right near the stairs. She stopped there, peeking around the corner.
Sebastian was there on the stairs... with Raven alternately screaming and whimpering while beating on Sebastian face and chest. Kyra froze in place. She didn't want to intrude, but she needed to know her friend was okay.
"THIS IS FOR PUTTING YOUR HANDS UP MY SKIRT WHEN I WAS NINE!" Raven screamed, slapping him across the face.
Kyra's eyes widened. What?!
"Yes, my lady," Sebastian replied, his head tilting down.
"THIS IS FOR MAKING ME TOUCH YOU WHEN I WAS ELEVEN!" She screamed, slapping him again.
"... Yes, my lady," Sebastian repeated.
Kyra gaped. Raven wasn't kidding about the scary fuchsia eyes and pointy teeth. Sebastian was pissed.
"THIS IS FOR BEATING ME FOR THINGS THAT YOUR SON DID!" She screamed, her hands beating against his chest.
"Yes, my lady."
"THIS IS FOR TAKING ME AWAY FROM THE ONLY REAL HOME I HAD!"
"Yes, my lady."
Kyra's eyes were snapping between the two in shock.
Raven was beating the shit out of Sebastian, and he was just... taking it and agreeing with whatever she said.
And the things she was saying...
'Why didn't she tell me?!'
Raven was silent for several moments, taking shaky breaths and sobbing as she smacked at his chest again and again. "THIS IS FOR- THIS IS FOR HOLDING ME DOWN SO YOU COULD CHECK OUT MY BOOBS!"
Kyra paled and froze as... darkness seemed to... emanate from Sebastian. Something evil seemed to be rolling in waves off of him.
There were several moments of silence before he answered.
"... Yes, my lady."
Kyra's heart skipped a beat at his voice.
Evil.
Enchanting.
Beautiful.
Dangerous.
... Deadly, or death itself?
Raven didn't seem to notice as she leaned on the demon, whose hands were gently holding her, supporting her so she didn't fall. She sobbed for quite a while before she took in a deep, shaky breath and smacked him several more times. "THIS IS FOR-!" She cried out. "This- THIS IS FOR... THIS IS FOR RAPING AMY AND THOSE OTHER FOSTER GIRLS! AND THIS IS FOR TRYING TO RAPE ME!"
The darkness coiling around Sebastian began to pulsate, almost like a heartbeat. He was now completely in his true form.
And Raven didn't even notice.
Kyra had never been so afraid in her life.
What she felt and what she saw in that moment - they were something that, no matter how many words she was given, she could never describe the reality of.
What she saw next took her breath away.
Raven wept, snuggling against his chest, exhausted.
The demon slowly leaned down, wrapping his arms around her ever so gently.
"Yes, my lady," he nearly whispered.
"Why?" she whimpered. "Why did you all do that?"
"Oh, little kitten," the demon sighed, running a clawed hand through her delicate hair. "It will never happen to you again." A clawed finger gently tilted her face up to meet her in the eye. His thumb gently wiped away a tear. "This I promise to you." Ever so gently, he lifted Raven in his arms and made his way back up the stairs.
Without a word, Kyra turned and went back to her room before he reached the hallway she was in, confident now that Sebastian had the situation handled.
'He's got this.'
OoO
Raven's arms wrapped around Sebastian's neck as he walked into her room. He leaned down to ever so gently place her on the bed. He moved to let her go, but she held fast, blearily staring up at him. "I'm shorry," she mumbled. "I'm so mean to you but you're always so nice to me." Raven pulled his face towards her, parting her lips in anticipation of a kiss.
Oh. Oh, dear. She wanted to kiss him. Ah, how he wanted to close the gap between them himself, but it was not to be. She was... inebriated, and he simply could not take advantage of her.
What kind of mate would he be if he did something like that?
What kind of mate would he be if he broke his promise to never hurt her?
"Oh, my dear kitten," he whispered, pulling away and holding one of her hands in between his two. "My kitten, this kiss cannot be; not like this, not tonight. I yearn for your affection but I must be sure that you want to give it to me. You must be of clear mind."
She blinked up at him in confusion. "I thought you were supposed to be a demon."
"My dear... For you, an angel." Sebastian chuckled. How ironic. He looked down at her, seeing exhaustion so visible on her face. "My kitten, you need to rest now. You have had quite an eventful day." He stood and began walking to the door. 'Why doesn't she ask for my help?' he pondered. He fervently wanted to give her revenge - a closure of sorts - but was trying to talk himself out of it; he wanted it to be his gift to her, but Raven had to want it. He had been waiting all this time for her to give him some sort of signal that it was what she wanted.
His hand froze on the doorknob when he heard Raven begin to softly weep.
"He can't do this to anyone again," she said softly.
In a flash, Sebastian was on one knee at Raven's bedside. "What was that, my lady? Were you speaking to me?"
Raven turned to him and stayed in a brooding silence for several moments before she spoke. "Someone has to stop him! He can't do this to another girl. I know he will, though!" She exclaimed, her eyes almost pleading. "Someone has to stop him!" She closed her eyes, frustration showing ever so clearly even in her... inebriated state and her next words were quietly whispered. "But no one will listen to me."
"My lady..." He whispered, bowing his head to hide his wicked, almost joyous grin. "I am listening. That said, you do need sleep after the eventful night you have had. Please, sleep well," he smirked.
She was asleep a mere instant later.
"Oh, my precious kitten, I heard you!" He mused, his wicked grin growing as he slipped one hand under Raven's back, pulling up her blouse to touch his mark. "Thank you, kitten." The demon focused for a moment, searching her memories to find which realm she had come from, and where she had lived. When he found what he searched for, a dark smile tainted his lips. "It happens tonight," he stated as he disappeared in a cloud of darkness, a wisp remaining in the room for a brief instant.
Raven's eyes snapped open, and she gasped at she slightly sat up. 'Something touched me!' she thought, looking around and spotting the dark wisp. "OHMYGOD! KYRA! A GHOST!" She shouted, falling faint a moment thereafter.
In the other room, Kyra smiled.