Chapter 9

Unbelievable. Undertaker had just pushed her off onto the earl. That was so typical of him. She huffed. If she were to work for them, it could be really dangerous. Given what she remembered of Kat's rambling Sebastian Michaelis was a demon posing as the young earl's butler. Something about a deal made with the wish for revenge. It wasn't really any of her business but she didn't think his revenge would only be a petty prank. So she wasn't sure if she wanted to get roped into that. But that stupid bubbling excitement and curiosity of hers wouldn't die down. She scowled at the ground. Some day it would get her killed.

"I don't believe we have been introduced. I'm Ciel, the Earl of Phantomhive." He looked at her with that typical noble air that she would usually only see in movies. And she didn't like it one bit- but such was this era. Social hierarchy and all that.

"Aye, the guard dog so I've 'eard. The names Luciana Kaligan, most call me Luce." She dibbed her head. "A pleasure." She didn't really know why she spoke in dialect, but it seemed to confuse the boy and that was somehow amusing. Maybe she should stick around.

The earl didn't seem to know what to say. Well, the situation was an odd one. "Then- you will work for me now, Luce." Was that uncertainty?

She couldn't help but snigger. "Was 'at a question?" Because if it was, then Luciana would just leave, there were other things she could do. Like get back to the present. She was totally forgetting her initial goal. But who can blame her? Things were just so interesting here. She turned away from her musings and back to the conversation at hand.

The kid seemed a little out of it- unsure. Maybe it was her speech. "What is it you do exactly? You might have to learn some things." Ah, so it really was her speech. She chuckled internally but just smiled innocently at him.

"Helped Undertaker with his work, before that I was a thief." She cocked her head to the side in thought. "Well, actually still am." She chuckled lightly. Then straightened and looked at the kid with icy grey eyes that send shivers down his spine. "And I assure you, I am quite educated- possibly more so than you." She finished off with a look of perfect innocence that had the butler smirk and the kid gape at her.

From one moment to another her demeanor had changed from that thick accented speech to clear cut british. "So you can speak properly." He smirked at her.

"Yes, I am well aware." She chuckled.

"Then we will continue this discussion later. I would like to know of all your skills. How soon will you be able to come?" Now he was just all business, stern face and eyes cool. She sighed. He really needed to loosen up.

She took a moment to consider her response. It was still light out so she might go do some research and then talk to Nick about the new development, so- "Latest by noon tomorrow."

"Good. Come to the Phantomhive manor. It's outside London." She nodded turning to make her way to the library.

Somehow she couldn't believe it. So many things had happened in just a couple of weeks. Now she was going to work for the Queen's watch dog. That meant a lot of dangerous work. And let's not forget he was contracted to a demon. So not only would it be the normal danger but it was the supernatural kind.

Right about now Luciana was certain she had a death wish, there was just no way she would survive that. Granted, she did know some self-defense. She also knew how to wield her switchblade but she had never killed anyone. It was always more of a 'get close and I'll hurt you' kind of situation. She sighed. It was getting too much. Her sanity told her to back off and stay in the east end. Or better yet, instantly find a way home. But part of her didn't feel like going 'home'. It was exciting here and it felt right. Maybe she should just try to tone down her craziness a little. 'Yeah right, like that's gonna happen...'

The rest of the day Luciana had spent in the library researching. First she had gone to her previous topics but had soon decided to spend her time reading up on the supernatural, just the basics. One never knew how correct the books were. After, she had found a small run-down bookstore where they surprisingly had a few books on runes, so she bought them immediately. It was a stroke of good luck. Luciana had also gone to get some rum and chocolate for Nick. Just a small token of appreciation.

At night she had sat down with him for their usual small-talk. He always had some information. It could certainly come in handy. So she had explained to him the situation. He laughed at first thinking it was a joke, but she wasn't kidding.

"Ye really gonna work for 'im?" He asked with a curious frown.

"Aye, it wasn't planned." It definitely wasn't. She chuckled lightly. "I s'ppose ye ain't interested in a proposal?"

"Oh? And what's 'at?" Nick chugged a bit of rum. "Is 'at why ye bought the good stuff?" He cocked a brow at the bottle as she laughed.

"Good, ye like it." She wouldn't deny it. She didn't want to lose the mutual trust. "I was thinking; the same as always. Ye keep an eye out for me, I pay." She smirked at the man as he laughed. It was a good sign. One wouldn't expect it but Nick actually had quite the reputation. Many people owed him, be it money or simple favors, but he always made sure to use it to the fullest. He was one of the most well informed blokes in the east end. She wouldn't let that go to waste. Besides, he was nice company.

"Aye, business as usual." He grinned. "We got us self a deal.- Remember Luce winter's comin. The season's over." She nodded thoughtfully. That's right for the next while many nobles would return to their country manors and that meant less high-paying customers for everyone. Winter would be harsh in the lodging; there wasn't much to keep warm. She sighed.

"Why do ye think I brought so much rum?" She looked at the several bottles of liquor on the floor beside their table and smirked. Bribes, and Nick knew it too, but he just laughed. It was all in good will. Business as usual.

Thank you for reading! I'm sorry if it's a little later than usual but I literally just got back home and am sooo tired. I just wanna sleep.