Chapter 34

I woke with a slight gasp as the dream and the toxic, velvety voice were banished from my mind. My hand flying out, I grabbed the slender wrist that held the cold wet cloth as it touched my forehead.

Quickly pulling back, Maylene stuttered, "I-I'm sorry, Elora. Y-Y-You were sweating so much a-an-and looked like you were having a nightmare."

I gave a small sigh, "You should've woken me then."

"But lately you haven't been sleeping much."

"True." I yawned as I reached over to the nightstand and grabbed my blindfold. "Sorry for scaring you like that. Did…. Did you see anything?" My brow scrunched a little as I turned away and tied the blindfold around my head.

"No, I didn't." She reassured as she returned the cloth to the bowl. "Oh, Elora, I have wonderful news!" Suddenly lighting up, her heart beat rapidly as she took my hands into hers.

"What is it?"

"Mr. Sebastian is alive!" She grinned as she squeezed my hands.

Quickly putting on a joyous act, I flashed a grin. "I'm so relieved. It's a miracle!"

"Oi, we were supposed to tell 'er together, Maylene." Bard sighed as he came in with my lunch.

"S-Sorry, Bard. I just couldn't help myself! I thought it would cheer her up." Blushing, Maylene played with her apron a little and gave an embarrassed smile.

"I would've expected Finny to be the one to spill but…Bah!" Setting the tray on the nightstand he waved his hand as he brushed off the matter. "I think the laundry should be finished by now anyway."

Giving a nod, she made her way to the door. "Alright, I'll leave it to you then." With a click, she closed the door and was gone.

"Right then, C'mon." Reaching his arm around my back and grabbing hold of my waist, he slowly lifted me up as he propped the pillows behind my back with his other arm. "How're you feelin' today?"

"Much better thanks to all the care you four have been giving me." I smiled as I began to feel around for the food. "But can't you let me out for even a little bit? I've been trapped in here for weeks!"

"Are you sure yer feelin' alright? You'd be crazy to think you can move around this early!" He furrowed his brow as he crossed his arms. "Oi!" Pinching my hand, he quickly pushed the food further away from me. "You get to eat once we've changed your bandages."

"F-Fine…" I grumbled a little as my heart began to pick up in pace, the fear slowly bubbling in me. Was it safe to let him see? It was typically Maylene who changed my bandages, and she didn't seem to be too bothered by the fact that I healed so quickly. If anything, the fact that I was alive had dulled any alarms in her head that would've caused suspicion.

Unwinding the bandage around my head, "Damn your hair grows back fast." he gave a small laugh as he parted my hair and looked at the stitches in my skull. "Yer lucky we had that doctor, Elora. If he hadn't patched y'up..." Staring at the stitches in my head, he ground his teeth in frustration as he grabbed some clean bandages.

"Let's not talk about it." I gave a reassuring smile as he began to dress the wound once more.

"You need a haircut."

I gave a disapproving growl.

"Elora."

"My hair is fine."

"It's practically past your nose!" Bard tugged on the bandage a little as he tightened and pinned it. "Let Sebastian cut it some time. You'll feel a hell of a lot if you do."

"He'll cut it too short." I grumbled as I pulled my bangs down, trying to make them longer.

Grabbing the tray, Bard placed it across my lap. "Elora, please," Coming down to one knee he placed his hand on my mine. "yer not on the streets anymore. Yer an honored guest of the Phantomhive manor; trust us." He gave a light squeeze, "Yer not alone anymore."

T-T-T-T-T-T-T

Taking in a deep breath, I sighed as I leaned back into the bench.

"Elora? Aren't you supposed to be in bed?" Finny worried as he quickly ran to where I was sitting.

"Shh!" I quickly put a finger to my lips. "Bard'll skin me if he catches me!"

"B-But you're not fully healed yet!"

"I'll be fine, Finny. I know my limits." I waved my hand as I leaned back into the bench. Breathing in the fresh and sweet air, I sighed. "The flowers are starting to bloom."

Nodding his head, Finny agreed meekly. "Y-Yeah…"

"What's wrong?"

"Are you really sure you're okay? Y-You were practically d-d…"

I could hear his heart pick up in pace as the tears welled up in his eyes. "Finny…" Getting up I put a comforting hand on his shoulder, "everything is going to be fine. I'm not going anywhere."

"Y-You promise?" He sniffled adorably as I couldn't help but melt at his innocent request.

"Of course."

"Then, if you're really alright, will you stay with me for a little longer?"

"Of course."

Sitting together with him down on the bench, we chatted as the world went on; birds flew by as squirrels chattered and chased each other up trees.

"Oh yeah, there's this new guy that's joined the group as well." He chirped as he kicked out his heels.

"Really? That's odd."

"Wait until you meet him! He has all of these snakes and has really scaly skin, to the point where he looks like one."

No… It couldn't be, could it?

"What's his na-"

"Elora!" The door leading to the garden suddenly burst open as Soma and Agni came running to us.

Grabbing me, Soma knelt in front of me as he squeezed my shoulders. "Are you ok?! I heard about what happened during the party!"

"Soma, I'm fine." I reassured him.

"Who would dare do this!? I'll show them my wrath for what they've done to you!" A passion burned as he seemed to get louder and more heroic with every word. Which, of course, I couldn't help but giggle at.

"I swear, it's never quiet when you're around, is it?"

"W-Well… um… uh…" Soma stuttered as he scratched the back of his head, his cheeks starting to turn a deep shade of red.

Finny and I giggled as Agni gave a polite smile to the youth's sudden sheepishness.

"Th-That doesn't matter!" Suddenly embracing me, Soma's voice lost its liveliness as he squeezed me. "All that matters is that you're alright. We were really scared."

I could feel my heart flutter as I listened to his heart, felt his heat. When was the last time I'd been wrapped in such warm arms? I could feel the lump in my throat starting to form as memories of another pair of strong, warm, loving arms filled my mind.

My mind quickly flew into a panic as I could feel my emotions starting to get the better of me. Thus, I gently pushed him away as I clasped my shaky hands in my lap. "I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused you guys." I gave a sweet smile as I quickly forced the lump back down. "But I'm fine now, really, so you don't need worry anymore."

"C'mon! That's what friends are for!" He grinned as he clapped his hands on my shoulders.

Friends? We were... friends?

Ha! That's cute. My mind twitched as the voice snorted in my head. My head immediately began to hurt as I tried to ignore the voice; I had to get rid of the others before things got ugly.

"Shouldn't you be bothering Ciel?" I faked a mischievous smile as I cocked an eyebrow. "I'm sure he hasn't left yet, and if you aren't quick he'll be gone before you can catch him."

Giving a gasp Soma popped his fist into his hand as he quickly sprung to his feet, "That's right! I still haven't said hello to him! Thank you for telling me before he left. I'll see you later!" With Agni following behind, Soma returned to the mansion.

I quickly turned to Finny as the pounding in my head grew. "Sebastian will be making his rounds when he returns home with Ciel, right? I don't want to see you get in trouble because of me."

"Ah! That's right, I haven't finished all my chores!" Finny clapped his hands on his head as he quickly remembered all of his unfinished duties. "But…" Letting his hands drop, the worried look returned to his eyes as he blinked at me.

"I'll stay right here, ok? I won't move around too much, I promise."

"O-Ok, I'll make sure to come and check on you later." Giving a determined nod, we exchanged our good-bye's and he was off.

Taking a deep breath, I quickly concentrated all of my energy on forcing my other self back. Damn. Damn it hurt to fight her.

That's because you can't win.

"Shut up."

You can't fight alone, you're useless without me.

"Shut up."

That's why you made me, because you need me.

My breathing became uneven as I held my head in my hands and began to push her back. "You weren't like this before."

Before what? Hm? Before you became so weak that you couldn't fight for a piece of bread? Before you became so scared that you put a gun to your head? Before you became so cowardly that you couldn't even save one woman by running ahead of her to her tent!? Before you forced all of the pain onto me!? Before you met him!?

"Go back." I hissed, the sweat slowly beginning to drip down my forehead.

No!

"Go back."

You need me!

With one final push she was gone and all became quiet in my mind. Wiping the sweat off my forehead, I leaned over as I tried to steady my breath.

Where had all of that anger come from? She'd always been a little mischievous but she'd never been this aggressive before. How come I'd never noticed this earlier? When was the last time she'd come out?

I began to file through my memories, but the more I thought, the more tired I became. I needed some rest after such a fight. Lying down, I formed a cradle with my arms on the arm of the bench as I rested my head in them. Just for a little bit… Just until I had my strength back…

T-T-T-T-T-T-T

I suddenly sprung up as my hand flew out to protect myself. A cold sweat dripped down my back as my heart raced and my breathing became heavy. Why did I have this horrible feeling of fear?

Why was it so cold?

Shivering, I tried to stand, but my legs betrayed me as they crumpled under me.

What's wrong with me? The last time I felt even remotely like this was when Sebastian had scared those dogs at that one Lord's manor. Did I have a nightmare of that memory?Gritting my teeth, I tried to ignore the feeling as I searched for the bench until my hand finally found it. Using the bench for support, I forced myself to stand as I steadied myself. Yet, just as I took my first step, my mind spun as my inner compass went berserk and my legs betrayed me once more.

My heart pounding wildly, I couldn't stop my hands from shaking as I gripped onto the bench. Where was up? Where was down? Where was left and right? Suddenly feeling a chill run down my spine, I held my breath as my nails dug into the wood of the bench.

Someone was watching me! But, who?

I strained my ears as I tried to listen for a heartbeat, for anything. Yet, there was nothing. That was when it hit me, what happened to the sound of the other animals? Why couldn't I hear the wind? Why couldn't I hear anything!?

Forcing myself up, I tried to stand once more. But just as I straightened my back my legs quickly became tangled as I lost my balanced.

The world spun out of control as I fell backwards, only to suddenly be caught in strong arms.

"Elora, the Young-" Sebastian looked down at me as I struggled to breath properly. "What happened?"

"I-I…" I couldn't speak as the wondrous noises of the world flooded into my ears.

"'I' what?"

I struggled to find words as my memories became a jumbled mess until the image of Bard sprung to life in my head. "I need a haircut." I said stupidly.

He gave a small chuckle to my strange and sudden request. "I'll see what I can do tonight." Helping me stand up straight, he let me use him as support to steady myself. "On the other hand, though, the Young Master would like to speak with you."

T-T-T-T-T-T-T

Walking in, I stood before his desk as I folded my arms. "What is it, Ciel?"

"A letter from the Queen came in today."

"Another errand?" I growled.

"I see you're making a swift recovery." Ciel frowned back at me, "Your mood is as sour as ever."

"Were you worried about me?" I gave a tight smile as I instinctively rubbed my throat.

There was a small moment before Ciel sighed, "What's bothering you?"

"About the murders, you knew that they were going to happen beforehand, right?"

"Hmph. Are you going to lecture me? Tell me that I was wrong for getting two people killed and throwing an 'innocent' man in prison?"

"No." I answered quickly, "I'm sure it was work related, and I'm not upset about that. What I'm angry about is that you told me nothing."

"You weren't supposed to be there in the first place."

"But I still was." I frowned, "If you'd told me, even if it was at the last second, I could have avoided getting caught in the middle. Such a mess wouldn't have happened."

"How did you hear about the party anyway?" He quickly turned the conversation against me as I clenched my jaw.

I couldn't tell him it was Grey. Even a child like him could understand that it wasn't just a coincidence that Grey invited me to such a bloodied party. Also, with that kind of knowledge and suspicion Ciel would surely start digging up things best left buried. I had to stay here as long as I could. This place was the closest thing to a sanctuary from Daniel I could find, and I needed to hide for just a bit longer.

"I heard the others talking about it." I answered as I twisted my words.

"I thought you didn't like parties."

I couldn't help but blush a little as I folded my arms, "W-Well, I usually wouldn't bother going but…" I blushed harder even though I kept the strong stance. "I really wanted to meet Arthur after listening to the story in the magazine. Maylene had told me something about you inviting him, so I took a chance."

Ciel gave a small amused smile to my answer as he waved his hand, "Anyway..." He leaned back in his chair as he intertwined his fingers, "that key, let me see it. You're wearing it again today, right?"

"Why do you want to look at it?" I quickly asked, clasping my hands behind my back.

"That's why." He pointed at me, "What's so important about that key? Your home burnt down, right? So that key's useless now, if anything it's only sentimental. Is it because of the bird?"

My heart almost skipped a beat as he mentioned the bird. First Arthur and now him, damn it. Damn it! If only I'd never let that woman take it!

"Maybe."

"'Maybe' what?" Ciel's eyes narrowed as he quickly recognized my pattern of avoiding a topic.

"Maybe it's only sentimental." I shrugged. "Maybe it's useless."

"The Queen has called upon us again." He gave an irritated sigh, knowing that only the worst would come if we continued talking about the key.

"What is it for this time?" I asked, lightening my tone slightly.

"It's about a town on the outskirts of London." He explained as his eyes glided across the rich parchment. "It's not a very big town, though, many nobles make a living there and it's very well known for its production of toffee and caramel. Nonetheless, the place is fairly innocent. Typically she wouldn't be worried about any activity there but," His brow furrowed a little as he read the looping letters, "she's been recently troubled by the knowledge of a drug that's been spreading through there."

"A drug?" I asked. "Opium?"

"No." He shook his head. "It's something different, something new. From what she's heard, it's a drug that causes whomever takes it to experience a few hours of euphoria, but each case ends a little differently."

"How so?"

"It says while there are few cases of people using it and dieing immediately, most either come out fine or... go mad?" He read over the word again and again, but it remained the same.

"But it's starting to get out of hand, isn't it?" I said, my brow also furrowing as I thought over his words. A drug that can make a person go completely mad?

"Yes, she fears that if it isn't stopped now, it will find it's way into London and cause chaos."

"So, what's the name of this town?" I asked as I shifted my weight back and forth.

Please don't be there.

Please don't be there.

"Skyhart."

It was almost painful to act natural, why did it have to be there? Of all places why there? It made perfect sense, yes, but oh God why?

"Sounds like a simple enough job." I shrugged.

"Fine. We start tomorrow then."

T-T-T-T-T-T-T

"Is it really necessary to wash it?" I furrowed my brow as Sebastian leaned the back of my head over the edge of the bath.

"Having second thoughts?" He smirked as he removed his gloves.

"Even if it's me, the wound might reopen." I worried as the ends of my hair swirled around in the water.

"I already looked at it, you should be fully healed by next week. You've already had almost a month to heal it." Picking up the the bowl, he scooped some water as he poured it over my scalp.

"Then let me wash my own hair." I folded my arms as he poured the water over my hair again.

He gave a soft snort as he began to scrub my hair. "Didn't you fall asleep the last time the others let you take a bath alone?"

My face quickly turned a bright shade of red as I sputtered stupidly. "W-W-Whe-" I could feel my tongue quickly become tied in my mouth the more I tried to speak. "Wh-Wh-Who!"

He gave an unrestrained chuckle to my reaction as he rinsed my hair with the bowl. "Does it really matter who told me?"

"I-I guess not." I growled a little as the water washed over my golden hair. "Just don't cut it too short, ok?"

"Are you afraid that there's a bruise?" He gave another smirk as I pursed my lips together.

"Wh-Where? What bruise?"

"Right here." He said as he pressed his index finger lightly against the center of my forehead where the cork had hit me.

Alarm bells went off like mad in my head as I could feel my other self suddenly stir up a storm. Images of the water falls and Sebastian throwing me into the water flooded through my mind. Realization washed over me as I found the answer to my question in the garden. It was when he flicked me.

Ladeling one last bowl of water across my hair, Sebastian picked up my hair, wrung it, and wrapped it in a towel. Then, leading me back into my room, he sat me down in the chair and tied a large cloth around me.

"Wouldn't it be easier to do this in the bathroom?" I asked as he began brushing my hair.

"The floor of your bathroom was bound to get wet, so it would be fairly difficult to clean up all of the hair afterwards. So, I decided it would be easier out here. Now keep your head straight." Straightening my head, he began to cut the ends of my hair.

The little snips of the scissors filled the silence as the moonlight shone through the glass doors that led to the balcony. "What happened in the garden earlier today?" Sebastian suddenly asked.

"Hm?"

"In the garden, you seemed quite shaken. I don't believe I've ever seen you like that before."

"I told you I needed a haircut, didn't I?" I tried to work my way around the question, I didn't want to remember that.

He shook his head, "You still don't trust me?" the hurt in his voice sounded so genuine that I almost believed him.

Yet, I kept my composure as I cracked a slight smirk. "Try again."

"What?"

"Your heart beat didn't change. If you'd let it change you would've had me."

He shook his head as he continued to snip away at my hair, "I'll make sure to do better next time."

Gripping my skirt I bit my lip, I guess it wouldn't hurt to tell him a little . "I-I thought someone was watching me."

Quickly perking, Sebastian cut the last piece of hair. "Hm?"

"In the garden… something happened. I don't know what, I fell asleep… but when I woke up…" Hearing him come around and standing in front of me, I could feel him begin to lift my bangs.

"Go on." He purred as I could feel the scissors slowly cut away my overgrown bangs.

Squeezing the sides of the chair, I forced myself to speak. "That's all I have to say."

I dug my nails into the wood as I could feel the cold metal of the scissors touch my nose. I knew it wasn't his knife, but it felt just like it. It smelled just like it. Even if my mind knew they weren't the same, my body couldn't tell the difference.

Pulling away, he gave a sigh as he untied the cloth and shook the hair on it loose. "That's not much."

"It's not really a feeling I want to remember." I shuttered as I heard him quickly sweep up the hair on the ground.

Feeling my hair, I felt it stop at my mid-back. "You cut quite a bit off." I said as I sat on my bed and began braiding it.

"It'll grow back."

Grabbing the ribbon, I tied it and laid down as I listened to him quickly clean up.

Feeling my bangs, I felt them as they stopped above my blindfold. I gave a sigh and turned over on my side as I heard Sebastian open the door. "Goodnight, Elora."

"Goodnight, Sebastian."

(Line break that doesn't work)

Well... uhhhh... hi... I'm back everyone! I don't really have any excuses for my absence and what not. So, to make up for it I have a new chapter, cover, and (If you're willing to deal with my bullcrap) a request to reread chapter 22 and (this one is optional) 24. Yeah, I don't know how I can stand myself either. I also made a pretty picture to make up for this too. If it won't show up on this then it will be on my profile for any of you who are curious. I love you guys so much, and thank you for dealing with all of the bullshit I throw at you guys because I can never be satisfied with my writing.

The pretty picture I've made for y'all: (winterwomen.) (deviantart) /art/The-Beast-and-The-Siren-551172225?ga_submit_new=10%253A1438703613

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