~Prologue~
Sunlit floors decorated with colorful confetti, a charred hallway, and staircases littered In eggshells. To an outsider, it looked like a joyous party gone horrendously wrong. For the residents, it was just another day of life in the Phantomhive manor.
Easter had passed, and with it, the guests.
Lady Elizabeth Midford was the last to leave of course, as the events of the day prior to now was her doing. Despite the mishaps, it was a successful event that even the queens butlers enjoyed. Now the jovial and vibrant egg decorations with their silky laces had to be taken down. That's what the manors servants were attending to when the familiar scent of garden lilacs swooped into the hall as cool wind fished through open doors. The footsteps were methodical, rhythmic. Nobody had to turn to know it was Sebastian returning from his errand. The ruby haired maid was the first to address the black-clad butler. She wanted to welcome him back, yet no one did. Not Bard nor Finny moved to greet him for the expression on his face was anything but happy.
Something was wrong.
The footsteps only grew louder as he sped past the servants. There was no doubt he was heading straight towards the master's corridors.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
The manor was silent, Sebastian's eyes were unfocused and wide with a slight distress only the master would notice. The events of what happened hours prior to the present kept playing in his head like a song on repeat. Had he been tricked? He could hardly say, for he was a demon. He did the tricking. He was the liar, the spider that preyed on human souls…
yet it had happened.
At the blink of an eye it had happened just like that, captivated by his master's likeness. He just wanted a taste and look where it got him. The irony. The situation he was now in was so unreal it was almost comical. How would this change things? He knew damn well that it was hard to be at two places at once, even for him.
He stopped just short of the master's doors where he knew the child was waiting, and knocked once, twice.
"Come in." The usual bored tone drawled.
Carefully, he pushed the doors open to step inside. Indeed the blue eyed earl was seated in the chair behind his desk, papers strewn about, room devoid of any colorful markings as it was one of the few rooms untouched by the recent holiday.
"What the hell took you so long? You're two hours late! It's not like...you…" Ciel's voice trailed off.
He blinked several times, long lashes fluttering above his one visible eye.
Yes, he was two hours late, and yes it wasn't like him. He knew the earl would throw a fit, all he had to do was retrieve a letter from undertakers funeral parlor and come back. They hadn't yet reported to the queen and letters were still arriving there.
"My lord…" Sebastian's voice was low.
There was a brief moment of silence that was eerie even for the young masters quarters.
"What happened?" The much younger male's voice was just as low.
Another brief moment of silence passed before Sebastian opened his mouth, and explained everything.
…
Chapter 1
The sound of horses hooves slamming against stone was loud against howling morning wind. Somewhere, a bell rang out. A man paced the corner of the street, advertising the newspapers he held with a shrill voice. Two children played with a rolled up paper, kicking the thing around like a ball and laughing.
So many noises.
It was something I had to get used to if I wanted to settle down in the busy streets of London. I was accustomed to the green and quiet of my home town in the Netherlands. I enjoyed the peace the forest offered for twenty two years, traveling was something I never thought I'd ever do.
It was scary.
I swallowed nervously as I walked, small hand clutching the worn brown suitcase I carried. The wind was cold this early in the morning, and with only a wool scarf to cover my neck, wind blew up my skirt that made the hairs on the surface of my skin stand up.
I shivered, peering through windows that cast my ghost-like reflection.
A sad sight. Skinny and pale, with eyes that looked big and deer-like underneath unkept bangs. The wind was blowing so strong It had made the pale blue strands frizzy.I raised my free hand to comb it down, using the display glass of the shop nearest to me.
If I wanted to get a job, I had to look presentable, and I was desperate. I only had enough money for a few nights stay at an inn. I blinked against the reflection with a squint. The warm breath escaping from my mouth had fogged up the surface and I gave a heavy sigh. Perhaps it was better to get a room first and fix myself up before looking.
The bell rang again, and I looked up towards the source of the chime.
There, hanging just under the sign of the store. A small black bell swayed with the wind's caress, rattling with each disturbance. It evoked my curiosity. What kind of store had a dreary black bell as decoration in a bright busy town like this? Never mind the skull clad in crossbones resting over the sign.
It spelled antique all over, and I loved antiques. Without a second thought, I pulled the door open and walked inside.
My body was immediately grateful. The room was warm and gave relief to my chilled bare legs, however, the same couldn't be said for my hopes of finding old and unwanted knick knacks. Instead I came face to face with coffins. Fancy in mahogany, each were polished and smelled of roses.
It was a funeral parlor.
I turned my back to take my leave when the voice stopped me. High pitched and dragged out through the shadows of the dark room. As if he found it funny I hadn't noticed him.
"Leaving so soon?"
I whirled around, startled, big eyes scanning around the dark to find the source of the voice. I saw the white hair first, long like drapes. It stood out against the black colors surrounding him. I would have mistaken the figure for a woman's if it weren't for the slightly guttural tone of the voice.
"Ah sorry, I didn't see you there, I thought this was an antique store." I apologized sheepishly, eyes just now adjusting to the dark.
I realized it wasn't just the lack of light in the room that shrouded him from sight, it was his whole garb. The dark black hat, the black cloak, even his nails were black. He resembled a witch.
I took a step back when he approached, long hair swaying with the hauntingly slow movement.
"Well, I have no antiques but I do have some warm chocolate to drink." His smile was wide.
I peered up at the tall figure to realize his eyes were covered by unkept bangs of his own. How could he see?
"Thanks but I don't have money to spend…I'm saving for a room you see…" I trailed off, eyes sweeping over the odd scars on his porcelain skin.
I could see it over his neck, the collar wasn't tall enough to cover it. I had to bite my tongue to keep from asking about it, It probably wasn't polite.
"Not to worry, you can pay by telling a joke! I'm shutting this shop down, a good last joke would be lovely to hear." His sing-song hum echoed as he made his way towards the back of the shop.
I shot him a puzzled look. A joke? Was he serious?Perhaps he didn't care much for money. He was closing after all, that could explain the cobwebs and dark atmosphere. Still, it was an odd request.
"I'm sorry, I don't know any jokes." I had to awkwardly admit.
He had gone to make that drink despite my refusal and now I had to pay it back. And it wasn't going to be through a damned joke.
Silence stretched like a heavy, suffocating blanket, and I chose to walk around for a self tour of the place as I waited. Beyond the cobwebs and dust I could see the place looking rather decent with some fixing and tidying up.
"What will you do with all these coffins?" I asked, raising my voice a notch to ensure the question had reached him.
"Those? I'll give them away, it's a shame you don't know any jokes, but you've yet to make me laugh the hardest I've ever had." He said this with a giggle as he emerged with a cup in hand.
I took the beverage with another puzzled look. A dog bone cookie rested propped up against the warm brown beverage. The smell was enticing. What if he put something weird in it? How common was it for strange people to hand out chocolate?
Maybe that was the joke...
"Sorry?" I glanced up at the man, hesitating to take a sip.
"Nothing, don't mind me, you don't look like you're from around here, your accent says so." He noted, sitting on a lone coffin.
I nodded. "I'm from the Netherlands, my family and I had to move to Rotterdam, it's more industrialized, more jobs…I actually came to Britain to help family out with money."
It briefly crossed my mind if it was smart to be this open with a stranger in a town I hardly knew, but his aura felt harmless. In fact, he was flat out weird, but that didn't mean he was dangerous.
"I see, so that's what brings the young lady here, I do hope you find what you're looking for." Another small giggle.
Sly, like he knew something I didn't.
"Thanks.." I muttered, finally braving a sip. It was good, sweet. "If you don't mind, I'd like to pay you."
However strange he was, I couldn't take the drink for free. I would never rid myself of the guilt, however small it may have been. Pushing a strand of hair behind my ear, I turned to seek out the suitcase I had abandoned just a few feet from the parlor's entrance.
"No need, as I said, you've yet to give me quite the laugh." The words were hauntingly foreboding.
I stopped dead in my tracks, the hairs behind my neck standing in unease. It wasn't what he said that sent a shiver, it was his tone. The carefree voice was replaced by a deep and sudden seriousness that felt almost alarming.
"Pardon?" I turned, only to find an empty coffin before me.
He was gone.
"Hello?" I called out quizzically.
No response, did I imagine the whole thing? Was he a ghost? I shuddered at the thought, but the cup of warm chocolate in my hands proved otherwise.
What did he mean by that anyway…making him laugh.
I gripped the drink in one hand and reached down to grab my suitcase with the other. I had to get going, surely I had wasted enough time here already. He had probably retreated to the back, he did say he was closing. I wasn't looking forward to going back out into the cold and sunless weather, but I had to find a decent place before nightfall.
The door's hinges creaked when I pushed against it with an outstretched foot, brown leather boots sliding clumsily against old wood. Cold air rushed past my face once again, and I gasped as I came face to face with another black figure.
Flinching, I stepped back just in time to avoid colliding against the torso with my bare face, but the sudden movement sent my outstretched hand forward.
The one holding the drink.
Warm liquid splashed against my hand as the cup came crashing down onto the floor, emptying its contents on cool concrete.
"Oh no! I'm so sorry!" I stammered, face flushed as I bent to pick the cup up.
"My apologies, I should have knocked, I had no idea there was anyone in there." The tall man said warmly.
The British accent was thick, yet deeply pleasant. Educated. I looked up curiously to see almond shaped brown eyes boring down into my own ocean blue orbs. Long jet black bangs swept the sides of his face, so smooth they looked almost shiny, And the black suit he wore resembled that of a butler. It was the gloves that gave it away for sure. He looked out of place, but then again it was London. Wealthy families were bound to have butlers and maids in their homes.
"Okay…I don't have a towel for you." I stated a little more calmly this time.
The clean and tailored outfit that adorned his body now had a brown stain on it because of me.
"That's quite alright, I do say…you look a lot like someone I know." His gloved hand came up to caress his chin, eyes sly and sharp above dark brows.
He was handsome, but there was something about him that was off, something… I wasn't sure what to make of his comment, and I stepped back to put some distance between us.
He was a good foot taller than me, with a thin yet strong looking frame.
"I'm pretty sure I haven't met you before." I responded, choosing to keep the detail of me being a newly visiting foreigner a secret this time.
"Indeed, I'd remember your accent if I did." He blinked, dark lashes almost hiding the shine in his eyes.
I didn't have to see past his gloved hand to know he was smiling.
I had forgotten about that. Obviously I didn't have a British accent like the people here, that alone made me stand out like a sore thumb.
"Ah yeah, well, if you're looking to go inside I think the owner is gone." I said in an attempt to steer the conversation away from myself.
It worked. His eyes shifted towards the door, then to the window. It was too dark to see inside but there was a small sign that read closed taped against the glass. I hadn't noticed it before, being so caught up in my own reflection…
"Yes, I'm only here to retrieve some mail, he's an old friend of mine." He winked.
So he knew the owner, what an odd acquaintanceship.
"You just missed him." I stated, dropping my suitcase again to twirl the empty cup around thin fingers.
"I beg your pardon?" His attention was back on me in an instant.
"The owner, long white hair, tall hat, you just missed him, I think he left-" I didn't get to finish my sentence.
He rushed past me through the door so fast I almost dropped the cup again. I stared back through the window in silence. It was too bad, he seemed desperate for a moment. Whatever it was he was fetching must have been important. Especially for a butler.
I didn't have to wait for long, he emerged from the dark and dreary shop just as fast as he had entered, with an envelope in hand.
So he had acquired it after all.
His gaze was sharp, fine lips curled down in a serious frown.
"Are you sure he was here? Did he say where he was off to?" The questions were quick.
I shook my head apologetically, eyes traveling down to the stain on his suit again.
"No…sorry, if you'd let me I can pay for your suit to get cleaned, I can give you some money." I muttered, guilt creeping over me.
I couldn't believe I had less than a day here and I was already in debt. Getting those fancy clothes of his cleaned was going to be expensive I was sure, but if I didn't take responsibility I was going to feel bad. That was a problem with me. I was too self conscious.
I was surprised when I felt a gloved hand fold around my own, pulling it up to hold it almost endearingly. It was warm against my cold fingers.
"Please, you mustn't burden yourself with such a thing, accidents happen all the time, although." He paused, body bending down so his face was leveled towards mine. "If you must, you can repay me with your help."
My face flushed, he was close enough for me to feel his warm breath. Too close for comfort. I had to pull my hand back but was careful not to be rude about it. This man could have been flirting, his body language said it. But his tone was serious, his smile couldn't hide a certain eagerness that lingered in it.
"Eh, help with what?" I asked cautiously, eyeing him up and down with a frown.
"I really do need to find the undertaker, he owes me you see, perhaps you could help me look, he couldn't have gone far." He said smoothly.
I contemplated this. It was an odd request given we were strangers to each other, and I really didn't have the time to solve someone else's problem. Even over spilled milk, quite literally.
"I don't know…" I muttered. I had to think of some clever way to get out of it, and an idea hit me.
"Please, I'm sure a second pair of eyes would be of help." His eyes shone brighter, if it was even possible. They looked almost golden.
"Oh I know, I can read your cards for free." I offered with a smile of my own.
He blinked, clearly not understanding the proposal. I wasn't sure how popular it was with the British. There was talk back at home of people setting up shops to read cards within traveling circus folk.
"I beg your pardon?" He cocked his head to the side quizzically.
"You know, tarot cards, I read them to people, for a fee…if you're interested I can do yours for free." I explained slowly.
I wrapped my arms around my torso with a shiver. Standing still for too long in the cold air was starting to take its toll.
"Tarot…how interesting." He looked amused.
Most people held a mixture of curiosity and fear when first facing the idea of getting their cards read. Rumors of curses and witchcraft followed the culture like a shadow.
"Yes, if you don't mind, I'm sure your business with your friend can wait." I bent to pick up my suitcase again.
"Well, I suppose I do have time, I've never encountered someone who does tarot before." He raised his gloved hand to his chin again in amusement.
"They say I have a gift for it! let me see…" I stepped around him to jog towards the end of the parlor, skirt swaying frantically around bare skin.
I needed to get some legwarmers one of these days. I was not prepared for the cold weather and I was certain It was only a matter of time before I got sick. Not a good way to start seeking out work…
The alleyway was dark and deserted as it stretched all the way to the next block, but it was bright enough to be a good spot. Small coffee tables stood against the side of a closed coffee shop, chairs strewn about neatly. It was too early for people to get out for breakfast. I had to make it quick before it got crowded.
"Over here will do!" I called out, rushing towards the nearest table.
It was close enough to the street for light but also far enough to block out most of the busy noises of the morning. I set my suitcase down, opening it to retrieve the little black box that contained the cards, and sat on the empty chair beside me.
The butler followed, long legs striding in a calm rhythm. It was graceful. I was excited to know more about the stranger. More so than I usually was about reading any other stranger.
He sat, tailcoat resting over the chair and falling like the hem of a dress.
"You need to shuffle these cards three times." I handed him the deck.
He took it, curiously turning it over to see the design of the back. Swirls of gold and black.
"Charming." He mused, shuffling the cards with ease.
"Do you have anything you specifically want to know? Like a question?" I asked, mesmerized by the perfect way he handled the cards.
"Not at all." He smiled, eyes closing with the action.
"Okay, I'll do a regular reading, your past, present, and future." I took the cards when he finished and separated them into three piles.
Reaching for the first pile, I expertly flipped and spread them so they were visible. I had done this for years but the excitement of it never got old. There were always doubts, and it took experience to get over my own, but I genuinely believed in what I did. Over time it had become more of a hobby than an actual way of making money on the side.
My eyes scanned the cards, this man did not have a good start draw, but they ended well.
"Okay…we have the high priestess, death, justice, the hanged man, temperance, two of cups, and nine of cups." I said through a small cough.
"Death?" A dark eyebrow rose, light brown eyes deep with curiosity.
"Oh it's not what it seems, it signifies change, or an ending to something, could be a relationship or a job even." I explained.
"I see." His eyes met mine and I averted my gaze back to the cards almost shyly.
It was a common reaction, most people thought the card meant actual death. That said, he didn't express concern. He had a confidence about him that was a little intimidating. I cleared my throat and eyeballed the seven cards spread out, shoving aside the extras. A regular reading had to be read left to right, and it was like telling a story.
I did my best to ignore the handsome strangers stare and focused.
"Your past is one of selfishness, you are self centered and care only of your own interests even at the expense of others wellbeing. As I have said death signifies change, at some point in your past you experienced an opportunity that would help put an end to this cycle of living and thought. This opportunity is one of justice, you seek to right a wrong but not your own, on the behalf of someone else. It is for this reason that your style of living has come to an abrupt end. Solving someone else's problem has humbled you." I paused to catch my breath before continuing.
"The hanged man is upside down, just like the high priestess, this is a negative thing. You have become bored and feel some sort of suspension in this goal of yours. You feel as if you are stuck and not moving forward no matter what you do to help this come to happen. Temperance says there is an inner conflict with this, you are getting frustrated and impatient. The more time that passes, the harder it is to wait. Despite all of this, there is a friendship that has blossomed with this person you are helping. The two of cups says you are in cooperation with them, and nine reminds you of your care for this person, especially their physical well-being." I retrieved the cards, shuffling them away from the others and reaching for the next.
He waited silently, smile gone and replaced with a contemplative frown. Deep in thought, no doubt trying to apply my words to his life.
"Next we have the page of pentacles, knight of pentacles, the fool, the wheel of fortune, three of wands, queen of wands, and the tower." I spread the cards out to begin reading.
"In this present day you are a completely different individual. You are kind and thoughtful with new opinions and ideas about how you view the world. You have changed for the better, and are a bit of a scholar. Intelligent and resourceful, you are someone who can be relied on. Knight of pentacles reminds you of your tendency of your love towards animals, your trustworthiness, your honesty.. Someone wealthy has ties to you and you show absolute loyalty.." I paused to catch my breath again, choosing my words carefully. The next few cards were tricky to connect.
"The fool is a neutral card, there is a beginning for you in the very near future, this will be brought about by your own thoughtlessness and tendency to be weak to pleasure, but it is neither a good nor a bad thing. This is an opportunity for you if you take it as it is. It can be an adventure, or it can be your downfall. Either way, there is something to gain from this, for you are no fool, only to your own temptations. Wheel of fortune is tied to the fool. An unexpected change will happen, it is destined to happen, for you have not fully grown to complete your road to enlightenment. You are still set in a dull outlook towards your fellow peers. This change will be hard to accept but accept you will, and you will cooperate and succeed to form a new bond upon meeting a new stranger. It may be tied to this change, this person may even be the cause of it. Queen of wands is a good card, it represent this person. She may be a female, whom you will develop an attraction and fondness for. She is a card of strength, this female is no damsel in distress, and you will bow under her command as a knight vows to a queen. It could be that you will love this person and this will change everything. The tower is a negative card. Bad happenings, failure, unfortunate events. You are the man falling from the crumbling tower into the flames. Life will be tough, you may suffer a big loss but all is not lost. You may still recover if you choose to fight." I took the cards again and began to reach for the last pile, shoving aside the ones I just read.
"My apologies, but isn't that supposed to be the present?" There was a slight snicker to his tone.
"Yes, just because it hasn't happened doesn't mean it's not in the present. It only means it's very very near, it can happen tomorrow, thus they show up on the present spread." I explained, putting down the last of the cards and turning them over.
"I see." He muttered in amusement.
I couldn't help but smile. There was a good end to his reading, most people didn't have such a bright spread. It almost made me jealous.
"Lastly we have the moon, knight of swords, three of swords, eight of cups, nine of wands, the sun, and the world."
"The moon is another neutral card. Here it represents deception and trickery. Just like the moon has different phases, a person in your future will displace these qualities of being two faced. He may have already. The knight of swords is who he is. Clever, crafty, a troublemaker. His actions will cause a sort of loss for you, a heavy one. A broken relationship or separation that will hurt. This will be a hard period as you will suffer disappointment and misery..-" I was cut off by a small chuckle.
I looked up to catch him repressing a laugh, hand pressed to his mouth to help stifle the sound.
"What?" I asked, annoyed.
"A woman having dominion over me? I do say that sounds rather ludicrous." He laughed.
Gentle and sweet. He had a way of making anything not sound rude.
"You don't believe it?" It was my turn to stifle a laugh.
Because I knew, oh I knew. I was in his shoes once. It was a gift as well as it was a curse. Beautiful and frightening all at the same time. They say ignorance is bliss and they aren't wrong.
"No, moreover, I don't believe someone such as myself would ever become infatuated over such a demanding personality." His shoulders moved as he gave a small shrug.
"I see, well, I don't believe people have a choice in who they fall in love with." I pointed out.
"I beg to differ, that would mean our lives are set in stone, I do believe you may have come up with my person being loyal to a wealthy friend simply because I am a butler." He pointed back, lips curled into a sly grin.
"Our lives are not set In stone, our futures are shaped by our own choices, but sometimes we come across certain people out of destiny to help push us in the right direction." I argued, eyes narrowing.
He thought I made it up. From his point of view I could see why he would think so. He was a butler, and the things I've said made sense based on his occupation.
"I dare say I have a hard time being convinced." He muttered coyly, suddenly leaning in with half-lidded eyes.
This man…with that soft voice and those sultry eyes. If it was any other woman he'd have her swooning. He certainly had the looks for it. But if he only agreed to do this just to get me into his bed, I wasn't going to fall for his charm.
"I'll tell you what, let's make a deal." I proposed, giving a large grin of my own. "If you agree I'll help you look for that undertaker."
"Oh?" His head cocked to the side ever so slightly, dark locks swaying in the frosty wind.
"What's your name?" I asked.
"Sebastian." He responded elegantly.
"A name fit for a butler, my name is Sela."
"A pretty name." He mused.
"Thank you, now, listen, five months from now you can come back to me, right here in this alley, if the things I have said haven't happened I owe you my locket." I took the dangling gold jewelry from inside my scarf to show.
The heart shape dangled in the air, glistening even in the dim light the alley had to offer.
"Why would I need that?" A puzzled look crossed his face.
"It's my most prized possession, I'm basically giving away my soul, I want you to know I'm serious, I'm not selling you lies." I said firmly, tucking the locket back inside the warmth that hugged it.
"I see, what if you don't show? Am I supposed to believe you? Humans lie all the time." He grinned, eyes narrowing.
He talked as if he wasn't human himself. Was he implying he wasn't going to keep his end of the bargain?
"If they do happen." I continued. "You give me your most valuable item, something you covet."
He thought for a moment before speaking.
"I have nothing I value, I'm afraid."
"Then…you can serve me." I concluded. It would be nice to have help for free.
"Serve you? My my." He was interested.
"Yes, err, I don't know what tasks I would ever need help with really, but you look like you take your job seriously, so whatever I ask, you do." I thought about this, envisioning tall dark and handsome following me around as I shopped.
It would be like living like an aristocrat, even if for a short time. And he was trained.
"That's quite the unfair trade, my services for a mere locket, even if it is dear to you, it means nothing to me, you'd be gaining more than I ever would, are you sure you aren't a gypsy?" The tone in his voice was playful.
I took it seriously.
"Okay…then I'd give you my services, I'll work for you instead, but only if I'm proven wrong." I countered.
"A fair deal, your body for my own." His grin grew wide, brown eyes darkening.
Did he have to say it like that? It sounded lewd, however educated and polite he may have been, there was something about him that kept nagging at me. Something…I couldn't place my finger on it. But didn't I think the same about the parlors owner? And he turned out to be harmless.
I looked down at the unfinished cards. What a weird turn of events, I was supposed to be out looking for a room and then for work. I ended up making such a promise with a stranger over a card reading.
However spontaneous, I was determined to prove him wrong. I hated being doubted.
"I promise, I'll pour my heart and soul into my end of the bargain." I shrank my chin down into the scarf hugging my neck as a chill flew past.
"In that case, how long will it last? If you're right, how long must I serve you for? I must remind you I have other duties to attend to." The butler, Sebastian said.
"Uh, until I say so, I have to think on it…I promise it won't be for long." I admitted."
"That's not very reassuring." He scoffed.
"I thought you didn't believe what the cards said, what's the matter? Getting cold feet?" I teased.
His gaze narrowed. I had hit a cord, he didn't like to be doubted either. The irony.
I almost felt guilty. I knew damn well I would be the victor.
"Very well, five months from now we will meet here at dawn in this very day. If you have been proven right I will work for you, obey you, and treat you as I would my master. If you have been proven wrong you must submit yourself to me and obey myself instead, heart and soul." He mimicked my words, accent thick and heavy.
"Yes! Let's shake on it." I reached my hand out for him to grab. "And no gloves! That would be cheating!"
"Is that so…" his gaze upon me was like that of an adult looking down on a child, but I didn't care.
He had no idea what he was getting himself into. If he stuck to his word that is. If he was as honest as the cards said he was, he would be here. Right here in this very alley five months from now.
I watched as he slid a glove off, long pale hand sliding out to display black fingernails. What was it with British fashion sense? Was black the new trend? I didn't question it, I felt it to be rude.
I slid my hand into his, his was so large in comparison to my own I almost did feel like a child.
We shook once, then let go.
"Now about helping me with my friend, I do believe he might be somewhere beyond the alley…" his voice trailed off, smile turning into a thin frown.
I blinked, noticing the sudden change in atmosphere he displayed. It no longer felt playful and friendly, but heavy. His gaze was sharp, as if he was drowning out everything else around him but me.
I shivered, suddenly feeling like this man was not what he seemed. My heart was racing, the air grew colder, moaning and spitting against my skin.
"What?" I stammered, clutching my scarf and standing defensively.
"Beyond there, it will be fast." He purred, voice deep and barely above a whisper.
He was trying to convince me to go deeper into the alley. It wasn't making sense, I wouldn't be finding anyone in the dark.
"A-actually I have to go, my boyfriend is expecting me-" I was stuttering now, frantically looking around for help.
"But you promised, did you lie?" His hand came up to rest against my shoulder.
"Stop! Let go!" I pulled back, giving a glare. It was fight or flight now.
He flinched, stepping back with eyes wide in surprise. Dark black brows frowned and his mouth stood agape as he stared at the wall behind me. Lost, dazed, shocked. As if he had just realized something of utmost importance. Then disbelief.
His face brightened a few shades of white, he looked as if he had seen a ghost.
I whirled around so fast I nearly fell over. I had to see what he was looking at that had him looking like a frozen statue. But I was met with my own reflection in the window. His was missing.
I turned again, and it was my turn to feel surprise.
He was gone. Without a sound and without a word.
Like a silent ghost.
Just like the undertaker.
"Jesus…am I going mad?" I muttered to myself.
New country, new sights, weird people suddenly disappearing. I felt like I was losing my mind.
I bent to gather the cards with shaky hands, the only proof that the man was here, talking to me. I could still feel his hand wrapped around mine.
I couldn't have imagined it.
The streets were as busy now as they were about an hour earlier, if not busier.
I had wasted enough time.
Grabbing a hold of my suitcase for the last time, I hurried on to melt into the everyday London crowd.