Lenora sat at her desk and for the first time in a while, she was tired. She had spent most of the night at the Phantomhive estate. After that, she had spent the rest of the night wandering the streets, trying to find her own answers. She had flown most of the night and staying as a bat for so long was draining. As much as she hated to admit it, Lenora needed to feed again. She needed blood.
She had so many questions. Based on what information she got from the earl, this wasn't just one vampire causing problems, meaning it was most likely a family. It was an organized effort. The victims were typically poorer, or street urchins. Most went missing without anyone noticing, only to have their bodies be found in an alley without a trace of blood. However, they were starting to get bolder, taking people who have been missed, people who were still poor but had families and jobs, working class. Lenora had a few connections. Perhaps it was time to reach out.
"Lenora, do you have the numbers for last week?" Molly asked as she stood in front of Lenora's desk, breaking her out of her thoughts. Lenora looked up at her for a moment before handing them over. When Molly grabbed them, Lenora didn't let go immediately.
"Is something wrong, Molly?" Lenora asked, looking at her friend with genuine worry. Molly had been distant today and her bright personality seemed dulled. Molly stared at her for a moment, as though debating on whether or not to ask something. After a few moments, Molly shook her head and smiled.
"No, everything's fine." Molly told her and Lenora let go of the papers. "I actually have something to show you." Molly explained and pulled an envelope out of her pocket, handing it over. Lenora looked at it curiously before freezing. The crest on the invitation was the crest of a noble family, but not just any noble family, the most influential vampire family in London. This had to be related.
"How did you get this?" Lenora asked, her voice barely a whisper as she looked back up to her friend's excited face.
"Clara's family was invited and she managed to get me an invitation!" Molly explained as he bounced excitedly. "Oh, it's going to be such a spectacular party! There's rumors it's going to be the party of the year. Everyone who is anyone is going to be there."
"Molly," Lenora started but stopped herself. She couldn't just tell her not to go, especially without a reason.
"Will you come with me?" Molly asked, startling Lenora. "The invitation includes a plus one! Oh, Lenora, please come with me." Molly begged. Lenora looked at her friend's pleading face and sighed. Despite her better judgment, she gave in.
"All right." Lenora sighed with a smile. "I'll go with you. When is it again?"
"Tonight! I'll pick you up around six!" Molly explained before bouncing away. Lenora sat there, stunned. It was tonight? Already? Did she have a dress to wear? Should she really be going? She looked once more at the invitation in her hands. Everything in her told her to get as far away from this party as possible, yet she was doomed to attend. She couldn't let Molly go alone. Lenora tried to rationalize her presence. If she was there, she could keep Molly safe.
The carriage slowed to a stop and the door opened. A hand extended in as Ceil stood. He took the hand of his butler as he helped him down. Sebastian sent the carriage off and escorted the young earl up the steps. While he understood the importance of the party, he was less than thrilled to be walking his meal into the den of the undead. He was grateful to be disguised as a noble as well, being brought as Ceil's plus one. He had warned Ceil the purpose of the plus one and rather than bring a human guest, Ceil brought his "business associate."
The two stepped into the room and took in the sights. It was a spacious room with bright lights and colorful decorations. The music was lively and overall the atmosphere was light. There was a myriad of people in all variations of colors. Some ladies wore bright and soft colors while many men dressed in dark suits. Couples danced in the middle of the room as music played. There was a large table laid out with delicious food and drink that stretched along the wall. The food was mostly untouched, only a few guests were seen eating.
"I don't see anything strange." Ceil noted to Sebastian. "Are we sure this party is what you say it is?"
"They are quite adept at blending in." Sebastian reminded him quietly as they made their way over to the side of the room, out of the way of the dancers. "It is difficult to spot even when you know what you are looking for."
"And what exactly are we looking for?" Ceil asked and Sebastian blinked. He had been so insistent on attending.
"Young master, what was your intention on attending?" Sebastian asked.
"I need information. If possible, we shall intervene." Sebastian narrowed his eyes. He did not like these odds. He looked around the room. It was easy for him to tell the difference between the living and the dead and he noticed there were more vampires present than humans.
"You cannot expect to save everyone here if it starts." Sebastian pointed out as he continued to look around.
"No," Ceil agreed solemnly, "but I intend to find out who exactly is behind these murders. If this family is behind it all, it could very well complicate things." Ceil also looked around, studying the faces of those present. Some were vaguely familiar, having seen them at other noble parties, but there were many more he did not recognize. As he scanned the room, his gaze landed on a face he did not expect to see. "Sebastian, is that her?" He asked, discretely indicating to a woman across the room. Sebastian followed his gaze and a sly smile crept across his face.
Dark curls were pinned up in a simple updo. A dark green satin dress clung to her figure, the neckline low, exposing her cleavage. Around her throat was a thick black ribbon, no doubt hiding her scar. Sebastian wasn't often interested in humans, but vampires were dangerously beautiful, it is simply their nature. As she turned to look at him, no doubt having felt their stares, he couldn't help but be amused at the look of alarm across her face. Vampires were predators, similar to demons. He had run across a few in his time, but for the most part, the two species avoided each other. Some encounters were violent, fighting over territory. Others were violent, fighting for dominance.
"I believe it is." Sebastian informed him. "Shall we go say hello?"
Lenora walked over to Molly who was surrounded by a small group of men, holding pleasant conversation. This was nothing new. Molly was a beautiful woman and was often found surrounded by hungry men. This time, there was a different thirst in their eyes. She linked one arm with her friend, cutting in smoothly.
"Excuse me," Lenora interrupted, "Molly, could I spirit you away for a moment?"
"Oh, Lenora!" Molly giggled as she swayed. "Isn't this party so wonderful?"
"Yes, Molly." Lenora indulged her friend, anxiety growing at her intoxicated state. How on earth was she drunk already? "Why don't we step out and get some fresh air. It's such a lovely evening."
"Would you mind if we joined you?" A familiar voice spoke and Lenora turned her head and saw Earl Phantomhive and his butler, or at least his butler in disguise. Lenora looked at the two of them and noticed the men who were vampires began to quietly step away. A demon as old as Sebastian was bound to unnerve the younger vampires. The elders knew better. While there was no love lost between vampires and demons, there was typically no need to fear each other. For a moment, Lenora was happy for their sudden appearance, taking advantage of the demon's presence warding off potential threats.
"Oh, who's this?" Molly asked as she began to tip. Lenora gently grabbed her, steadying her friend. She'd only had one drink and Molly could drink a sailor under the table. Something was wrong.
"Molly, this is Earl Phantomhive-" Lenora began to introduce when she was interrupted by a waiter who held a tray of drinks.
"Would you ladies care for a drink?" He asked, extending the tray. Molly happily grabbed a glass and took a sip.
"No, thank you." Lenora dismissed him curtly. The waiter frowned slightly, before nodding and stepping away. "Molly, let's go." Lenora urged, grabbing her friend by the waist and arm, guiding her. Molly giggled and stumbled and to Lenora's relief, Sebastian caught her other arm.
"My, my, it seems she has already had enough to drink." Sebastian commented smoothly as he gently lifted the glass from Molly's hand.
"Thank you." Lenora told him quietly. "Can you help me take her outside?"
"Of course," Sebastian nodded with a devilish smile. Lenora scowled at him. He would be enjoying this wouldn't he? Demons were such sadists.
Ceil held open the door the lead to the outside. A large patio stretched along the wall, lined with stone benches. Sebastian and Lenora lead Molly to the nearest one and the two women sat. Instantly, Molly leaned against her friend and a protective arm wrapped around the young woman. Sebastian and Ceil stood in front of them, waiting. The area was illuminated by the glow of the party glittering through the glass windows.
"Molly," Lenora called gently, guiding her into an upright position. Molly giggled and looked at her friend.
"You're so beautiful, Lenora." Molly slurred as she swayed.
"What is wrong with her?" Ceil asked, mildly irritated at having to be there.
"It seems she's drunk." Sebastian suggested.
"No, not after one drink." Lenora explained as she let Molly lean back against the wall. "Molly can hold her alcohol. Something is wrong." She looked at Sebastian and saw the drink still in his hand. "Let me see her glass." She stretched out a hand. Sebastian gently passed the drink into her hand and she brought it to her nose first. It was a dark wine and she expected blood. After smelling nothing, she took a sip. The bitterness of the wine almost masked it, but she could taste it.
Lenora shot up, startling the other three. She rushed over to the railing and spat it out, grimacing at the taste. Then she dumped the rest of the drink over the side.
"What is it?" Ceil asked.
"Laudanum." Lenora stated and wiped her mouth with her dark glove. "God it taste's awful."
"How have they not noticed it?" Ceil asked referring to the people at the party. Lenora looked out over the dark yard, thinking. Sebastian watched her before the sounds of discomfort from the blond alerted him. He turned his attention to her. She looked as though she was struggling to breathe. Sebastian quietly stepped over to her and checked her pulse.
"Humans can taste it, but the bitterness of the wine masks it." She explained and she kicked herself. "I should have known better. It makes it difficult for people to fight back."
"I believe your friend has had more than she can handle," Sebastian interrupted and Lenora spun on her heel. Molly's chest was heaving but she still had a silly drunk smile. Molly was too far inebriated to be feeling any pain and Lenora rushed to her side.
"No, no, no." She muttered and gently grabbed her friend's face and checked her eyes. They were alarmingly small. "No!" Lenora hissed, "Molly!" Lenora shook her friend whose head just lolled, her blond curls bouncing.
"What's wrong?" Ciel asked, not like being left out of the loop.
"She's had too much." Lenora explained. "She needs help, she's dying." She looped one of Molly's arms over her shoulder and lifted the girl. She hadn't had a chance to drink and her strength was minimal. She struggled to carry Molly's weight. "Help me." Lenora hissed, looking at the two. Sebastian rolled his eyes and moved forward to help. As he reached out to grab her arm, the lights from the part went out, casting them into darkness.
Alarmed gasps echoed from the party and Lenora froze. Molly swayed against her, hardly standing on her own. Everything rested in silence for a moment, and Lenora held her breath. She knew what was coming. She closed her eyes and the screaming started.
"Get back," Lenora hissed and she stumbled back with Molly. Sebastian grabbed Ceil and lifted him into his arms. He wasn't going to even chance it. The four backed up all the way to the railing.
"What's going on?" Ceil asked and Lenora hushed him.
"We need another way out." Lenora whispered and looked into the darkness behind her. Her eyes were adjusting quickly to the dark and she could see the large garden. Behind them was the vast mysterious silent garden. Before them was the dark room filled with screams and crying. Lenora looked over to Sebastian and seeing Ceil already in his arms, she knew this was when they would part ways.
"Go!" Lenora told them, "Get him as far from here as you can." Sebastian looked at her and nodded before leaping into the night before Ceil could say otherwise. Lenora watched as the demon flew through the night. Before she could even turn her head, everything went dark.
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