Welcome back, y'all,

Haha, so the thing is, something is going to happen this chapter that might make you guys, er, scream or giggle. Who knows? I couldn't write anything better than this scene since it fit so well. I was also debating if it was too soon for this to happen, but I made it more of a small deal here until the REAL one happens. So, please don't hate me T-T. I was also fangirling about my own chapter.

Please let me know if this was too soon, guys. I feel really self-conscious about this chapter. Literally, anything else I wrote, was garbage compared to this.

Oh btw, I may have sorta did a failed attempt for a cover photo for this fanfic. You can take a look at it, nothing fantastic. Ciel turned out glamourous, however. LOL.

ALSO, MURDER ARC NEXT, WOOOOOT!

I saw a few questions in the comments, let me answer those here:

Question from TheVamparicAssassin: Does the tattoo cover only the neck area or does it reach down the spine and into the lower back?

A: It will grow and smooth out over time. Since I plan on Rina and Sebastian becoming mates, this is just one of the effects of being attached to a demon-like so. The tattoo is also the main reason for her neck pains, which are unconsciously caused by Sebastian. It's usually when he's against something when it comes to her (or so I planned). The tattoos also tell her when to be aware, but it does not happen all the time. It's kind of like when someone is staring at you and sometimes you know but sometimes you don't.

Various Questions from other reviewers: Will Sebastian find out about the tattoo?

A: Sometime in the future of this fanfic, Sebastian will find out about it and realize what it is. And will further progress their already established relationship.

Thanks for reading, guys! Enjoy!

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Arriving at the front gates of the palace, I stare at it in awe. Every time I see it, I cannot help but marvel at its structure. The streets were god awful trying to get here. So many people have come to attend the ball. I saw numerous women and younger girls attending with big poufy gowns. We must wait a while in a line of carriages to get to the main door of the palace. My foot keeps tapping against the flooring and Ciel tells me to stop every five minutes. I cannot help it though, I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I am full of energy.

When our carriage pulls up to the front entrance, someone opens it for us. Ciel exits first and I follow behind. Sebastian pays our driver as I continue to stare up at the palace. How can someone live in a place so big? Our mansion is too big in my opinion. I like smaller homes, like the townhouse we own in London. I follow my brother up the stairs, he slows down as I have trouble catching up in these brand-new shoes. My feet were becoming sore already. We arrive at the entrance and Ciel hands the servant our invitations. He nods, accepting them and handing it back to him. "Please head toward the drawing-room, my lord and lady."

Ciel grabs my arm abruptly and I blink, a bit shocked. He tucks my arm into his elbow with a placid look. I smile at the gesture, knowing it might look awkward externally. But I appreciate his offer which is more helpful than I notice. Sebastian trails behind us as we enter the entrance to the palace. So many people were inside, chatting around. We weren't even in the ballroom yet. I take a deep breath, mentally preparing myself once more tonight.

My brother leads me around until we come to the ballroom. I must greet the queen as soon as possible. It is proper for a noblewoman to do so. Not to mention, one who is in a family which protects such a seat. Some men stare at me as I pass by them, but I don't bother to spare them more than a glance. My hand clenches the fabric of my dress anxiously. "How many people are attending? Jeez." I mutter with discontent.

"Too many." I hear my brother grumble with a dreadful stare at the people around us. I smile at this displeasure, as I feel the same. "Thank you for coming, kiddo," I tell him. He glances up at me with a nod, "I did not want you to come alone."

"Aww," I gush sweetly, finding the notion adorable. "I have such a nice brother."

He scowls at me then, "Shut up, don't let it get to your head. I'm here to protect you if you need it." he says seriously. "From what? The mob of gossiping men and women?" I snort at the snobbish looking people. His gaze hardens as he stares into the distance, slowly leading me to where a big crowd of people is gathered. "It's not that. More as men who wish to take advantage of you."

I tilt my head to the side in confusion and he pulls us to stop. "Men?" I question, slightly confused. Is he referring to the kind of people who want money? He points at a man across the room, he seems to be handsome and wears a fancy tux. "The men who want my life." Ciel clarifies.

I gulp, that thought never crossing my mind. "Oh...I see." I utter. He turns to look at me again, "Make sure your guard is up tonight.

"Yes, I understand," I reply with a sigh. "Is that where the queen is?" I ask after a second and gesture to a large growing crowd. He nods, "I shall greet her with you."

He leads me toward the drawing-room, and I fumble along in my shoes. Damn things hurt like hell. Sebastian stalks behind us, appearing bored as he watched the people around us briefly. We come to a stop at the crowd outside the door to the room and I sigh at the number of people gathered. How were we going to get through? Ciel takes my hand and pushes through everyone. I squeeze and sidestep most of the time, trying to keep up with him. Since he is short, he can fit through the gaps. I on the other hand struggle gratefully. "Ciel, hold up—You're going too fast!" I shout but doubt I am heard because of the noisy chatter of nobles around us.

He tugs my arm harder and I break through the crowd. I am breathing hard and I hold a hand to my heart. This takes a lot on my already constricted lungs. I glance around and find the queen sitting in a chair as a woman kneels in front of her while holding her hand. That is something I must do as well. "There," Ciel points out, "let's go to her after this lady."

"Aren't I supposed to do this by myself?" I ask him blatantly. He shrugs, "It shouldn't matter because of my status." he responds.

I tilt my head to the side, realizing I did not think of thought. "Touché," I remark. The lady leaves after fully introducing herself to the queen. Ciel pushes me forward a step and I grab my built-up courage, walking with a nervous elegance. I could hear the whispers of the nobles around us and I push out their voices from my mind. I keep my head held up high and shoulders back as I was taught. The queen smiles at me in a knowing way, as if my nervousness is written all over my face. I can't help smiling back in excitement though, I am about to get her blessings. Holy shit, no one can trump this moment!

I arrive at her chair and Ciel stands behind me slightly. She acknowledges him with a tilt of her head. "Lady Rina Phantomhive, I am filled with joy you are partaking in this coming-out ball." the queen boasts with a kind smile. "Your brother is overworked, and I can see he cares about you enough to follow you here. You are quite blessed. I have heard of your achievements from your aunt and I must say I am quite amazed by your skills and maturity."

I could not contain the bright smile on my face at the thought of my aunt dramatizing my achievements. Oh, to hell with it, maybe she is right. I should stop hiding the fact I'm pretty damn cool for a woman in this era. I lift my skirts slightly and kneel onto the ground before her. She offers her hand and I place it in mine gently. "I receive your majesty's blessings and encouragement with great confidence in succeeding as a role model of a societal woman and as an extension of a supporting family member." I reply smoothly and glance up at her seriously near the ending. She seems to understand the meaning of my words. Basically, if anything happens to my brother, I am willing to become a replacement.

She gestures her head up with a smile still placed on her wrinkly lips. I rise slowly and let go of her gloved hand. "Thank you, lady Rina. Please go and enjoy the rest of your night here." she dismisses. I stare the floor as I back away from her, not turning my back as it is improper. The minute I leave her sight, I push through the crowd once more and the two boys trail after me. I take deep breaths as all the stress leaves my body.

"That was intense," I blow a stray piece of my hair out of my eyes, "...talk about thrilling." I say.

Ciel comes up to my side, "It's not that big of a deal."

I frown slightly, "Well, to you maybe not. You see her a lot."

He shrugs, not really caring. He begins to walk away from me, and Sebastian comes up to my side. I simply glance at him and we follow my brother. "What do you guys plan on doing for the rest of the night?" I ask him curiously.

"I do not know. Whatever the young master plans I suppose."

I hum in response as I did not have much to say to his reply. Ciel ends up leading us to the extravagant ballroom. It is so bright inside; I feel myself wince. I could hear many conversations going on and music playing loudly. Talk about sensory overload; I could feel a headache brewing. I spot many handsome men and beautiful women in my peripherals as we slowly make our way in. I hurry over to my brother and nudge his shoulder. Many women glance at Sebastian with lustful gazes and I feel something ugly brew inside me. I let jealousy go though, knowing Sebastian does not truly care. "Should we find somewhere to sit?" I ask Ciel.

He sends me a confused look and cups his hand around his ear, "What?" he asks in a louder voice. I cup my hands around my mouth next, "I said, do you want to find somewhere to sit?" I repeat.

He nods and takes my wrist into his hand. We snake around crowds and throngs of people until we come to an empty table. I huff as the walk was a bit of a workout. The corset didn't make anything simple for me. My feet were killing me, but I didn't have any time to sit down; an older gentleman already came up to me within a blink of an eye. His almond eyes twinkle in the light and his hair is dark as oak. His jawline is sharp enough to cut my finger, but he did have a particular pair of ears. "My lady, would you care for a dance?" he asks and offers his hand out to me.

I glance behind me to find Ciel staring at the man with a suspicious glare. However, after a moment, he closes his eye and nods. I look back at the eagerly awaiting man, "I would be delighted." I accept with the most high-class British accent I can muster. While being taught by my tutors for this ball, many told me to hide my American accent. It feels weird to have this accent placed on my tongue. I set my hand into his own and he grasps it lightly. He practically glides me toward the dancing crowd. We wait a moment for one couple to leave and he turns to look at me.

He places his hands in the appropriate places and begins to lead the waltz. I cling on, feeling very awkward as I do not know this man. The fabric of his jacket is stiff against my fingers; it must be a new suit. He continuously gazes down at me as I avoid his eyes. I know what my dance instructors said: "It's important to keep eye contact." I can hear echo in the back of my mind. However, it's different and extremely uncomfortable to a social degree. "My lady?" I hear the man question as he spins us around in circles. I follow along naturally, the dance becoming second nature.

I clear my throat and force a smile onto my lips, "Yes?" I ask and look at him shyly. He smiles at me; I cannot deny its charm. "Might I say, I am quite astonished by your beauty. It led me straight over to you without question." he admits with a tilt of his head.

I gawk him, surprised and caught off guard. I quickly fix my expression, finding it to be improper of a woman to look as so or as the books say. Usually, I could give two shits about what the books say. But I am the face of my family right now, I must not shame it. I calm the blush from rising to my cheeks, "W-Why thank you, good sir. You are not so bad yourself." I laugh lightly, feeling flattered.

His smile brightens and I forget there are nice people in this world. The kind of men Ciel is acquainted with, are not the nicest nor friendliest. Sebastian is nowhere near the level of this man I think with a deadpan. What exactly is my taste in men? Sebastian is a fucking Rubix cube, I never know his true side! Is it the mystery that attracts me to him? The world may never know. "—you are very lovely. Uh, what is your name? It seems your features have compelled me to the point of never asking. Forgive me." the man smirks a little.

I feel my cheeks heat up at his flirts and jabs. Dear lord, he is very smooth. This is a playboy, isn't it? At least his intentions are genuine for the most part. I smile prettily at him, as he reminds me of Sebastian just a tiny bit. "My name is Rina Phantomhive." I state. I watch his eyebrows raise slightly, but his smile does not move. "Phantom-hive, eh? What a peculiar household name. It does sound familiar though." he ponders.

"Ah, my family is...special I suppose you could say."

He nods, "I see, one of those types. Well, I am delighted to make your acquaintance, lady Rina."

"May I inquire your name, sir?" I ask curiously. His good looks make me wonder about his place here. He seems older...he should be married already. His hand tightens against my waist a little and brings us a little closer. I pretend not to notice, but his touch is making a little uncomfortable. Perhaps, he is after my body after all. He keeps commenting on my looks as well. "I am Maxwell Preston; my family in charge of some buildings in London."

I nod slowly, pretending to care. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Preston."

He chuckles and brings us to stop, guiding me away from the dance floor. "Please call me, Max, lady Rina. I would love to hear my name fall from your lips." he comments. I sigh inwardly, this man boring me already. No wonder this guy is not married yet. He's pretty dull; compliments don't mean everything to a woman. My neck throbs out of nowhere and I wince at the small pain. He notices and becomes concerned immediately. "Lady Rina? What is the matter?" Max asks and touches my shoulder.

The pain grows when he places a hand against my hip next. I squirm in his grasp, not finding any comfort in his presence suddenly. "I'm...fine. Can you fetch me something to drink, please?" I ask after a minute. He leads me to a seat first and helps me sit down, "Yes, I shall. Please wait here."

He leaves in a rush and I watch him go happily. The pain leaves my neck and I reach back to rub it. However, I remember the makeup and stop halfway. I stand quickly, ready to leave this man hanging. I literally speed walk away in hopes he never finds me again tonight. There are dozens of ladies here tonight. I am sure he can find someone else to lure in with his dashing jawline. I try to find my brother and Sebastian but have a hard time. The crowds are thick and always moving with different arrays of colors. The heat from all the people is making me a little lightheaded as well.

I am stopped in my tracks by another man while on the search. I force myself to dance with him. He is also very handsome and dare I say I am kind of attracted. His movements are very jerky, but I find it cute. I would say he is my age, maybe a couple of years older. He is very pleasant to be around so far. "So, Mr. Douglas, what is it your brother specializes in?" I ask curiously as he makes a remark about his sibling. I quite like this man; he is interesting to know about.

"His knowledge in poison, it is most admirable, many of our family members fear of making him angry for that reason." he laughs at the end. I snicker at his lame joke, finding it adds to his quirky traits. "How interesting, your brother seems to be a peculiar fellow. How did his fascination with poison begin?" I ask with a hum.

He spins us around and I accidently trip over my own feet. I faceplant into his chest when I finish my turn; he catches me in time and holds my body still. I stay frozen in his embrace, not believing I just fucked up. I peer up slowly, fighting my already blooming blush of embarrassment. He smiles cutely at me and I glance away quickly. "Are you alright, lady Rina?" he asks with a semi-concerned tone.

I clear my throat, "I am...fine, thank you." I mutter while staring into the distance with a pout. Am I trying to make a fool of myself? But then again, I should not complain about falling into a handsome man's arms. This is a predicament where I curse and praise myself. I separate myself from him when I feel the pain in my neck burst once again tonight. I hiss silently and take a step back.

His hands come toward me, "Are you sure?"

My hand flies up to my neck and I begin to massage it. But the pain doesn't disappear nor does this dark feeling encompassing the back of my mind. "I think I hurt my neck somehow." I mention, knowing the small trip did nothing to cause it though. He frowns and wraps an arm around my shoulders, "Do you need help finding a chair?"

"If you don't mind," I say, and he searches for a table nearby. He starts to move us toward one he finds in the distance. I follow along, the throbbing in my neck staying at a constant rate of pain. It's annoying and this isn't the first time I've felt it. But I don't think it's ever been this extreme.

"Rina." I hear someone call out. I peer up and find my brother standing up from his chair. Douglas ended up bringing me to my original table. "What is wrong?" he asks, appearing concerned as he takes note of my slumped figure. He stares at the man by my side briefly, his eye narrowing in distaste I could tell.

"I don't know, my neck hurts badly though." I whine. Ciel helps me sit down and so does Douglas. It's not that I cannot do it myself, but they seem so insistent to help. "Sebastian went to fetch some water for you." Ciel tells me and sits down in front of me.

"Does she normally have neck pain?" Douglas asks my brother, appearing worried. Ciel shakes his head, "No, this is the first time I have heard of it."

"I don't know the cause either. Tonight, it is being extremely bothersome." I explain. "But the pain is slowly subsiding as we speak. Hopefully, I will be okay for the rest of the night." I smile slightly.

Douglas smiles back, seeming happy to know I am feeling better. Sebastian quickly approaches with a tray of drinks for all of us. My tense shoulders relax the moment my eyes lie on his figure. I did not realize I was tense in the first place. However, his angry and irritated gaze makes me anxious immediately. Great, he's mad because he had to fetch drinks. He sets down the beverages before Ciel and I. I notice a third glass missing and I look up at the tall demon. "Did you forget the third glass?" I ask him curiously.

He gives me a fake closed-eyed smile which makes shivers run up my back. He is most definitely not happy right now. "Forgive me, I must have forgotten. Excuse my lack of poor manners." Sebastian says with a hand over his chest as if he is most troubled by his mistake.

Douglas smiles kindly and smacks Sebastian's shoulder in a manly way, "Don't worry about it, I shall grab one for myself. I shall be back."

I watch Douglas walk away calmly and feel a bit saddened. I really do enjoy his company. He is a good guy; one I wouldn't mind being friends with. If Sebastian doesn't work out, I might consider him as a potential candidate. No matter how much my heart aches at the thought of not being with the demon next to me. "Enjoying yourself, Rina?" Ciel asks out of nowhere, also watching Douglas disappear into the crowd.

I startle in my seat and grab my water. I play with the rim of the glass chalice, feeling a bit shy suddenly. "I mean, it's not completely horrid." I admit with a shrug.

"Who is the fellow who brought you here?"

"Ah, that is Douglas Benedict, he is pretty interesting for a person so far." I inform and take a sip of my water. I feel a darkness loom next to me, but it is quite shallow. I know it is Sebastian being pissy. What's his problem, seriously? Like sorry, Ciel made you get water for me, I guess.

"You like him?" Ciel persists with a small frown. I feel my eyes widen at the notion, not sure how to answer at first. "Err," I start off, trying to think of an answer. Sebastian's mood increases and I wonder how pissed off he can get over whatever it is bothering him so much. "I guess, he's not terrible..." I think out loud.

"My lady," I hear Sebastian's crisp cold-like voice call out. It feels like freezing water is poured down my back at such a tone. "it might be best you do not trust these men so easily." he reminds. I scowl at him, "Why do you care? It's just some guy!"

I notice how his hands clench at his sides, "I...do not. I am only warning you to be cautious around people you do not know."

I cross my arms with a glare, "Are you insinuating I am too trusting toward strangers?" He gives me the silent treatment, confirming his answer of 'yes'. I scoff at him and stand up, I begin to walk backward. "I'm gonna go dance with that nice guy. ~" I sing-song and stick my tongue at Sebastian last second before skipping off toward the buffet table across the ballroom. All Sebastian is going to do is lower my mood for the night. He really sucks the happiness out of you if he tries hard enough. Maybe it's a demon quirk?

Not thinking much about it, I spot Douglas turning around with a glass of water. He sees me with wide eyes and rushes on over to where I stand. I smile at him, and his lip lifts slightly in return. "Lady Rina, you should be resting—" he insists. I put a finger to his thin lips with a smirk. "I am perfectly fine now." I assure him. Before he could protest, I take the glass out of his hands. "We should drink something better."

He watches as I strut over to the buffet table and place the glass of water back. In exchange, I grab two glasses of champagne. I shove one into his hand, and he looks down at it; he appears a bit humored by my choice in the beverage. I look at him innocently and he cracks another smile. "Do you like to drink, lady Rina?" he asks with a teasing lilt.

I float away from him while tapping my fingernail against the glass, "I do believe it adds some spark into the night, am I wrong?" I ask. He follows along, and takes a sip of the champagne, "I prefer something heavier most of the time." he comments with a cough.

I stare at him until laughter bubbles in my throat. I take a sip of my drink, humming at the taste. He leads me over to the balcony outside, only a few people stand nearby. I rush over to the railing and inhale the chilly night air. I set the glass down and peer up at the half-moon above our heads. He comes to my side and places a jacket over my shoulders. I blush at the action but wrap it tighter as I am a little cold now. He leans with his hip resting against the railing, also looking up at the sky with a thoughtful expression.

The burning sensation on my neck appears once more, but I ignore it the best I can. It is beginning to piss me off how inconvenient it is becoming. I could smell Douglas's scent wafting from the jacket; I find myself not really liking it. Sebastian smells better in my opinion. That's a weird thought...I think and shake my head. "My lady, are you enjoying this night?" Douglas asks out of nowhere.

I tilt my head to the side, "It is not so bad, I suppose. How about you?"

He clasps his hands together behind his back, straightening himself out. "It would be a dull night without your presence, I must admit."

I smile, knowing he is simply flirting. It's not often I get that kind of treatment. If it is, it's from Sebastian, too bad it's not real though. I frown slightly at the thought of that, I reach for my glass and take another sip. I need to keep reminding myself that getting rid of my feelings for him is the goal. I should not lead this man next to me. "Mr. Douglas—" I start off but get interrupted by him. "Lady Rina—" he says at the same time.

We stare at each other for a second until we both laugh. "You go first," I gesture to him. He nods and combs his fingers through his locks of hair. I notice he is becoming nervous, and I have a feeling where this is going. He clears his throat and grabs my hand from my side abruptly. I let him do so, not sure if it would be polite to wrench my hand away. "I know our time has been short, but I find myself falling into your lovely gaze and voice. Everything about you so far...I love it. Would you consider an engagement?" he confesses with a hard gaze.

I glance around briefly and find everyone went back inside the ballroom. I gulp nervously, as an uncomfortable feeling hugs my heart. Something does not feel right. I hesitate to give him an answer because I do enjoy his company. But I know my heart belongs to another now. If only this man came along when I didn't know Sebastian. I would have surely gone out with him. I slip my hand out of his own which hardly takes any effort. He watches with sad eyes, begging me to not pull away. I grab my drink on the railing and dump the rest of it into my mouth. I also grab his drink on the railing and consume it quickly.

I take a deep breath and wipe my mouth with my thumb. "...I would say yes, but something is holding me back. I cannot give you a relationship at this point in time." I mutter with a downcast look. My heart throbs widely in my chest and the pain in my neck flares wildly. I feel tears spring into my eyes, but I ignore their presence.

"Can I inquire why, lady Rina?"

I hesitate to answer that as well as his concerned voice echoes in my mind. I turn my back towards him, not wanting him to see my conflicted face. I hug my arms closer to me, not sure if I wish to tell him the truth. I've never said it out loud. Only in my thoughts and journals. I can feel the alcohol work its way through me slowly. I swear I could feel Sebastian's anger from a mile away, but I opt to ignore that too. I did not notice I was shaking until he put a hand on my shoulder.

I freeze under his hand and recoil immediately after. "Don't do that!" I shout. He looks taken aback and lowers his arm. "What is the matter?!" he asks, voice filled with slight irritation. "Is my touch so revolting?"

I shake my head at him, feeling as if I'm going to go crazy. What the hell is wrong with me now?! "No! No...it's not that." I whisper, just loud enough for him to hear me. I try to calm myself down, not sure why my body is reacting oddly. "I don't think I am feeling good, sorry." I say and place the palm of my hand against my forehead.

He frowns at me and takes a step closer to me. I take a step back as my mind screams 'no'. He sighs, almost in disappointment. "If I have offended you in some way, I meant no harm. Please forgive me."

"Just...don't come near me right now. I'm sorry, but I don't think I can be with you." I admit in a rush. I want him away from me as soon as possible.

"Why not? I believe I treated you fairly well, did I do something wrong?" he persists and starts to close in on me. I shake my head and feel my bottom pressed against the railing. I am in a lot of pain right now. Like my body is telling me something I don't know. Why does the air feel so heavy? Why can't he take a hint?

"No," I whimper softly. My vision is a little hazy right now. This is like a sensory overload. "I need you to leave!"

I watch as an offended look crosses his face as he rests his hands on the railing behind me; I'm trapped against him. A small frown appears on his lips. "Is it my looks? Am I not good enough for you? What is it?"

I stare at his blurry face, scared shitless of what is happening. What is happening exactly? "Just—Listen, will you? This isn't about your self-esteem. Please leave me alone—" I start to remind him, but he cuts me off. "It is that! You don't find me good enough for you, do you? You ungrateful women!" he seethes angrily abruptly.

"Shut up! This has nothing to do with you!" I shriek at him with a wince. The pain in my neck hurts so god damn much.

"I know I don't make a lot of money, not as much as your family probably. But I can take care of us and our needs!" he shouts.

I push him away from him, his voice is grating and irritating me to a high degree. I don't feel right, and I'm scared of what will happen if he doesn't leave soon. Why can't he just leave? Why do men never listen when they need to? "For the last time, please go, I'm so sorry—"

He stands still, appearing to be in denial that I pushed him away. The beats in my heart is how long it takes for him to come up to me again; and before I could call for help, he slams his mouth against mine and I choke on my words. I freeze at the movement of his lips, feeling utter repulsion resound within me. I try to pull away, but he grabs my wrists, bruising them with a harsh grip. I squirm in his arms until I find myself having enough of his habits. I stop struggling to fool him and wait for his grip to relax on my wrist before I reach into the pockets that are sewn into my dress. I grab a dagger with a tight fist and wrench my lips from his.

His glare is the last thing I see before I plunge the blade deep into his abdomen. He gasps and I feel the blood splatter onto my hands a little. I find not an inch of care in me as I take the dagger back out. He falls onto his knees, breathing harshly. "You bitch!" he cries angrily. I smirk above him, my mind is cloudy with some blood lust and a lot of disgust. I feel so lightheaded, the pain in me still prominent as if it were waiting for something to soothe it.

"Maybe I should cut your hands off, therefore, you can't harass women no longer. I gave you multiple warnings to stay away from me, but you still find the nerve to force yourself upon me. So sorry your ears don't work, maybe you should have told me you were deaf in the first place." I bend over with drag the bloody knife across his quaking jawline, finding no remorse in my actions. "Don't ever fuck with me, Douglas, you're not dealing with some sheep of society."

"He did what?" I hear a new voice interrupt me. My gaze flickers toward the voice and finds Sebastian standing there appearing very pissed off. I smile at Sebastian, happy to see him. He stares at me mostly in question, but his eyes roam my figure briefly. I toss the dagger over my shoulder and dash over to him.

"She...is in-sane!" Douglas shouts at Sebastian with a desperate look. Sebastian doesn't spare him a glance and I pull the demon into a hug. He stiffens in my arms, but I don't detach myself from him. All that pain disappears the moment I am next to his side. I rub my face into his chest with a hum. He feels right, I am safe now. I feel Sebastian's hands rest at my hips lightly, pulling me away from him a little, "My lady, what is going on?" he asks. "Did I hear you right earlier?"

I peer up at him, at his still handsome face. I missed it during the time separated from him. Which wasn't long, I sound so needy. "You did," I state with a scowl. "He forced a kiss on me."

Sebastian's eyes widen but they quickly turn livid...I think (?). He pushes me away and puts me behind him. Douglas looks at us, scared as a bunch of black tendrils begin to dance in the air around Sebastian. "To think this little human can touch a lady as so is revolting," he says with a deadly smirk. I watch from behind, as Douglas starts to whimper in fear. I couldn't help but be more entertained as Sebastian stalks him like a predator.

Douglas disappears with a snap of Sebastian's fingers. All the blood is gone and so is Douglas's body. I rush up to Sebastian's back and take a closer look. Nothing is left of where the man once laid. I grab his jacket, "Is he gone?" I ask in a whisper. Sebastian simply nods, returning to his normal self. "I believe the young master and I told you to be careful, my lady."

I frown and let go of him as he turns around to look at me. "I thought he wasn't so bad...it seems my judgment of character isn't so sharp as I thought. I wonder if he somehow drugged my drink as well, I didn't feel so good until you arrived." I murmur in thought. He sighs deeply through his nose, "Seriously, what to do with you. I think stabbing him was a little far-fetched might I add."

I smile innocently and give him a half shrug. I was a bit scary back there...oh well. "How did you know I was in trouble?" I ask curiously afterward. He looks away from me, his expression is stony. He doesn't answer and I scowl at him. I reach up and grab his cheeks, I begin to pull and stretch them. He glares at my childish antics and pulls my hands off him quickly. "The young master requested I keep an eye on you while at the party." he informs.

"Oh? So, you were watching me the whole time?" I question and scowl at him afterward. "Why didn't you stop him sooner?!" I cry out. He could've protected my first kiss; I think with a short pout.

"I wasn't watching you per se...I kept my ear open for your voice is all."

"You could hear me despite all these voices?" I ask in wonder. That's pretty impressive dare I say. He nods, not thinking much about it. "That is correct, your American accent is very easy to pick up on."

I blush at the fact I forgot to use my fake British one during half my time with Douglas. "Oh...right," I mutter. "Man, I can't believe that just happened," I complain after a moment.

"I am sorry for not arriving sooner, my lady. Next time, please request my presence in case of an emergency. The young master has ordered I am to keep a close eye on you in case of something bad happening in the future."

"Yeah, yeah, I know this pretty much. Thank you for coming eventually, Sebastian." I smile at him. "If only you came sooner," I sigh and touch my bruising lips gently. Douglas was very aggressive; I am beginning to wonder if I attract bad men. "he really is a jerk for forcing his lips on mine."

I jump slightly when Sebastian's fingers take mine off my lips. He is frowning as he examines my face. "Do they hurt?" he asks after a second.

I blink, not expecting such a question from him. I clear my throat, feeling hot all of a sudden. "They sting a little. Do all kisses feel like this?" I ask with a small chuckle, knowing I am just kidding. He does not laugh though, and I suddenly feel awkward. I cough awkwardly, "That was a bad joke, oh well, I was trying to make this bad memory funny." I explain in a ramble.

I shut myself up before I sound more idiotic. I start to pull myself away from Sebastian, however, he grabs my arm firmly and I startle in his grasp. "You said it was your first, correct?" he asks.

I nod meekly, feeling embarrassed. I really didn't need him knowing that. I sound like a child if I think about it. Ah, I want to run away and hide in my blankets. He sighs again but it is silent. He glances at the sky briefly before looking back down at me again. He seems to be debating something, I can tell. If anything, I can feel his conflictions flitter about in the air. "Do not think much of this." he states seriously out of nowhere.

I stand there in thought for a second, unsure what he means by that. "What are you—?" I begin to say but his lips brush against mine suddenly as his hand cradles my chin upward. I freeze once again tonight. His lips are firm but gentle at the same time. As if he is cautious of hurting them. I don't feel much behind the kiss from his end, but I feel as if my heart is about to explode. From what I can gauge, his emotions are...distant. I can't feel them. This does not stop me from feeling content however, and I can't stop my eyes from fluttering close at the feeling of his touch. I am about to kiss back but that's when he pulls back. I open my eyes slowly, feeling sad it is over so quick. I want more.

He gazes down at me with his true eyes and my heart lurches in my chest again. "As I said before, replace what you had before with this. It is not so bad, consider yourself lucky." he finishes with a cold voice. I simply stare at him, stuck in a trance. No way will I ever forget that. "Why would you do...that?" I ask breathily.

A frown appears on his lips and I can't stop myself from staring at them. "I assumed it would comfort you more. I do not wish to take care of more frequent nightmares in the middle of the night. You, humans, do not handle traumatic events well."

I feel a sad smile appear across my lips, "Of course, appreciate the thought." I say and fist my dress with sorrow and internal pain.

He nods, "You are welcome, I believe it would be best to retire for the night. I shall fetch the young master, please do meet us soon."

With his final sentence, I watch his black back walks back into the ballroom. The light surrounds him in an unnatural way as if he is consuming it. I feel my knees wobble and I fall onto my knees. I don't cry, I just feel numb inside. But I could not stop the small amount of happiness bubble inside me. I reach to touch my still tingling lips again. He did it because he cared, right? Why else would I feel his anger throughout the night? I am sure his reason is not a lie, but it is not the only reason he had for doing it. I know that much, or so I hope to think that way.

Maybe, he might feel something, deep down. That thought invades my whole mind and I glance at the sky above me once again tonight. I find the Northern star and wonder if I might be fortunate or doomed. I still have my doubts about his sincerity, but something is telling me that he does care. Even if he doesn't know it or denies any form of attachment to me. I fist my dress once again and make myself stand, with a bold smile and my head held up high. I will forget the event before and replace it with what Sebastian gave me. This night might have not been so bad after all. For all I know, some things in the distant future may come to light. I hum and walk with a bounce into the ballroom.

I suppose I'll have to keep dreaming and confess my true feelings in my awaiting bed. When the darkness eases me into a deep sleep, and nothing holds me back.