Within the city of London, there was a small, Victorian era manorhouse with high walls protecting it from prying eyes. It appeared as normal as a manorhouse could, but concealed many secrets, like most did. This one, however, did not include the usual kinds of scandals that plague the wealthy. This one contained secrets of murder.

The Wakefield mansion was home to London's wealthiest vampire- perhaps the most wealthy vampire in Britain, Leslie Thaddeus Wakefield. His wealth was acquired hundreds of years ago and maintained for all of these years. He was currently the owner of Warwick Academy after his predecessor met with an "unfortunate accident", as he put it. It wasn't the first time that the family had been involved in an "accident", however. Many families had their secrets, and Thaddeus had the most out of any Wakefield before him.

The basement of the manor was filled with bottles and barrels of blood harvested by many means. Some of it came from blood drives at his school. Then there was some that came via means of illegality. There was so much blood on Wakefields hands, that it was astounding that they hadn't been stained red. It didn't matter who it was. He killed strangers, friends, and even members of his own family.

Two of his brothers died under mysterious circumstance, followed by his father. Thaddeus was suspected, but nothing was proven. The man was stone cold and would not let anyone get in the way of whatever it was he desired. For now, however, he was rather gloomy as he sat looking out the window as the rain came down on the hedge-maze behind his home.

"No visitors..." he sighed to his assistant. "I had hoped they would have come already..."

"Perhaps they didn't find the body." the woman suggested.

"Doubtful. We put it in the river so precisely… There's no doubt that it washed up by now. It was found, but why hasn't it shown up in the news?"

"Perhaps they know. If they figured it out, then surely, they contacted H.E.L.L.S.I.N.G."

"Impossible!" Wakefield scoffed. "Phantomhive couldn't let something go to them. He is too prideful! He is a noble! That's what we are. Once our prey is in our sights, we cannot allow anyone else take it from us!" Standing, he put one arm behind his back while rubbing his chin with the other. He then began to pace.

"Maybe he simply hasn't found me yet… Maybe he's searching… Maybe… He just didn't get my message!" he pondered aloud before turning on his heel. "Crystal, what do hunters do when the first attempt at laying bait does not succeed?"

"Cast another lure?"

"Exactly! Thus, we must formulate another plan!"

As her master continued to speak, Crystal's expression grew more questioning. It was rare, but she did, on occasion. Sometimes, Thaddeus would become obsessed with a particular project, there was very little that could dissuade him.

"Master, if I may ask… Why are you so interested in Phantomhive?" she questioned.

"That's a stupid question." scoffed the other, causing her to shrink. "To drink the blood of Ciel Phantomhive is to drink the blood of a king. He is a pure-blooded Phantomhive, a member of one of the most powerful families in Britain, even to this day. Humans and demons alike willingly submit to him at a mere glance. He is the ultimate prize. Of course I want him. Everyone does." Picking up a glass filled with a thick, red substance, he took a sip. "He is the most interesting man in the world."

"I see..."

Crystal looked down as the man rambled. Once again, he was fixated on a rare beast and this time, she wasn't sure if things would work out. This was Ciel Phantomhive, after all. It wasn't going to be easy. Rumour has it that he and his partner vanquished an entire coven of vampires on their own in one night. While Baldassare was the type to tell tall tales, this was not something he would joke about. The Gentleman vampires were indeed destroyed. The Phantomhives are people who should never be taken lightly. No amount of backup planning could save them once he had them in his sights. If Wakefield were to face off against him, surely, he would die.

Noticing her actions, Thaddeus put down his glass. "What is it?"

"If you go after the Watchdog, there is no guarantee that you will survive." she answered. "Even getting too close to him after all we have done will be deadly."

"Are you doubting me?" the man asked, walking toward her. To this, she hesitated.

"I'm… I'm just worried..." Crystal said. "This isn't an ordinary hunt."

Thaddeus stopped before her, looming down on her and causing her to flinch as he raised his hand. He cupped her cheeks, however, and tilted her face upward in order to look at him. Smiling, he said:

"Oh, Crystal… That is the thrill of it all. Whenever something is exciting, I must seek it out. The danger is thrilling and the prize is too great to resist! I must go."

"Please be careful..." the woman pleaded. "Don't go into anything without a plan."

With a smile, the Wakefield replied: "This is why you're my favourite bride. Always loyal, and willing to do whatever it takes."

"I am not worthy of such praise..." With a blush, Crystal closed her eyes and smiled, only to have the moment of sweetness cut short when Thaddeus removed his hands to change the subject.

"How is our guest doing?" he questioned, surprising the woman. It only took her a moment to readjust and respond.

"Which one?" she questioned in return.

"Ah… What's his name? Blackwater?" Wakefield pondered, snapping his fingers as he thought.

"Blackwood." Crystal corrected. "Physically, he's recovering nicely, but his mind..."

"...Is still not all 'there', is it?"

"Not at all..."

"Well, as long as he still follows orders, then everything will be alright." Wakefield suggested, putting his hands behind his back as he walked toward his seat again. Plopping down in it, he listened to what the other had to say.

"Was it a wise decision to bring him here?" the woman questioned. "Financial involvement with the Order is bad enough, but now harboring a fugitive… This is execution worthy..."

"I grow tired of your questioning my logic." Thaddeus grumbled. "I do what I think it interesting. Nothing more and nothing less. If I want to commit treason, I will do it. The Order needed funds, and I needed entertainment. It's that simple. Blackwood is entertaining as well. Why do you think I would spend the money to pick him up and smuggle him back into the country? Because I wanted him."

Pausing, the woman looked down. "My apologies..."

"Your concern is warrantless. I will not fail. I never have, and I have no intention of starting now. Even against a monster like Phantomhive, I will win."

"What makes you so certain?"

"Do you doubt me?!" Wakefield snarled, shattering the glass in his hand against the ground. His red eyes glared at the poor woman, causing her to cower further. "I will not fail! It is true that he is better than most by divine right, but I will prevail! I have studied every way that one can vanquish a demon. I will win!"

"I do not doubt you..." Crystal replied. "I still have faith… Perhaps you should practise with a smaller demon first. Up until now, your primary prey has been human..."

Pausing, the man folded his arms while rubbing his chin with one hand. After a few moments, he nodded with a pleased expression on his face. "That could be fun." he said. "Yes… That should get their attention, as well… How does one find a demon? Or should I start with other supernaturals first? Who should I chose?"

"Whomever you wish, sir." the woman answered, causing him to smile.

"Now you're getting the hang of this." Wakefield said. "Bring me Blackwood… I have a few things I need to discuss with him."

"Yes, sir." Crystal nodded before turning to leave the room. Before she could escape, however, she was stopped.

"Oh, and Crystal..."

"Yes?"

"I want you in my room tonight." Thaddeus said.

"But it isn't my turn today?"

"No questions. Just do."


A/N: Filth. Such filth...

I wonder what kind of assumptions are going to be made as a result of this chapter... I wanted to reveal more about this guy, but I just couldn't right now. It didn't work with everything going on. Nyeh...

I want to update again before the day is over, but I dunno if that'll happen, but I will make an attempt.

Until the next chapter, my duckies~!


CHARACTER SHET

Question: "To Revy: How's work and school?" by Socially Awkward Oreo Monster

Revy: "Work is going really good, but school is a little tough. I just don't really see the point anymore, since I already know what I'm gonna be doing, and I don't even need school to do it. Alois would always say stuff like it's important to seek education just for education's sake, but he's a little... off, right now. I don't really know what I'm doing."