Rachel stood frozen to the spot, her large blue eyes filled with fear. Her tiny body trembling.
The creature moved closer. Before Sebastian and Ciel could react Rowan, Vincent and Evian were by her side.
"Get away from our sister!"Rowan cried angrily, he rushed forward, Vincent followed closely while Evian stayed behind to protect her.
"Rowan, Vincent!" Their parents shouted joining them, just in time to see Rowan's foot make contact with the creature's face. The being screamed in pain.
"Bloody hell!" The familiar voice cried out, its clawed hands covering its nose and mouth.
"Uncle Mordred?"Rowan questioned as the figure laid down on the ground, moaning softly.
"yes, you little-"Mordred shrieked painfully as Rowan delivered another sharp kick.
"Damn it boy, you are so like your father, I'm fairly certain you've broken my nose!" The older demon grumbled.
"You should not be trying to scare my sister."Rowan crossed his arms over his chest, as Sebastian and Ciel arrived, pulling the children back from their uncle,
"I wasn't trying to scare anyone, I'll thank you to keep your voices down." It was then that Sebastian noticed the empty glass bottles behind his brother.
"You drunken idiot."Sebastian growled, grabbing his brother by his throat and lifting him from the ground.
"baby brother, please, I've got quite a serious-"
"I don't care one bit about your troubles. No doubt you've brought them on yourself. My concern is for my daughter, this is inexcusable behavior and you are old enough to know better."Sebastian's eyes began to glow angrily as he tightened his grip. Mordred fought to free himself.
Sebastian turned to give Mordred a full view of Rachel, who was now sobbing in Ciel's arms.
"You will apologize to my family instantly if you want to live to see the sunrise,."He demanded.
"What have I to apologize for, your demonling is afraid of her own shadow."Mordred shot back.
"I would be silent if I were you, you're digging yourself deeper into a hole from which you may never get out, in case you haven't noticed, not only am I furious with you, but the moment Rachel leaves her mother, you will also have my mate to contend with. I suggest that you do as you're told."Mordred growled once more.
"I...apologize, are you happy Bastian dear?"
"No, you're still here."Sebastian grumbled, slamming Mordred on the ground.
"You little bastard!" Mordred screamed taking hold of his brother in an attempt to force him down.
"Enough!" The king roared and instantly, the fighting stopped.
"Mordred, I am extremely disappointed and I will not tolerate your behavior. I have no idea what you are-"
"Father, I implore you, I have a terrible headache. I assure you, my intention was not to frighten the child." Mordred began to force himself up onto his feet unsteadily.
"You have been a-"
"Well, if I am such a disappointment to you, even if for once I meant no harm-"
"You would say that."Sebastian said.
"No one asked you for your opinion baby brother. I'm speaking to our father, kindly mind your own-"
"You got me involved when you terrorized my daughter!"
"And I told you that it was not my intention. However, it seems that I'm to be held accountable for it."
"Damn right you will." Ciel said as Rachel tightened her grip, he lifted her up and carried her back toward the rest of the group. Her brothers followed closely.
"M-Mommy, h-he i-is mean t-t-to me!" Rachel shrieked.
"I know, it's alright now. I've got you." Ciel soothed. Mordred rolled his eyes.
"Don't you dare disrespect my family in this way, I will break you in half!" Sebastian hissed. The eldest prince chuckled.
"You wish brother. Anyway, everyone is entitled to a good scare on Halloween are they not?"
"You're entitled to my fist in your face!"
"Temper, temper..." Mordred shook his head.
"I said enough, Mordred, you have left me no choice, as of right now, you are-"
"He is our son, he has your genes. You cannot fault him entirely, I am not condoning his actions but perhaps in his absence he has gained some wisdom and insight and will improve if given the chance." Ann called.
"After all this parasite has done to my family, I cannot give him one chance more. The lives of my mate and children are far too precious to me to allow it."
"You forget my dear Sebastian, he also attacked your father, since that time, there has not been -"
"Mother dear, I love you but He has nearly killed Ciel, attempted to harm my children and the list goes on for miles."
"Yes, I know. I just hate to see him excluded, perhaps if we embrace him, he will be able to be reached. As Ciel gives comfort in Angelina's time of anger, we must not give up." Ann pleaded. The king gave a low growl as he weighed his options.
"You have two choices Mordred, turn and leave, or stay and sit quietly, do not bother anyone and the first time you disobey, you will be sorry."
"I understand father, thank you. I know that Devil's night is special to you, I will not take that." Beth looked up at her mother before rushing over to her eldest brother. She took his hand.
"Come on Mordred, you can sit with me, you can be very mean, but I still love you because you are my brother." Mordred's expression softened and he allowed himself to be led toward the group. He stopped in front of Rachel, who was now hugging her brothers.
"Thank you brothers, you are brave and good and I happy things to have. It makes me happy to be your sister Rachel." She sniffled.
"We are happy too, We love you very much." The boys said in unison. Mordred knelt down beside the children who immediately stood in front of Rachel, Ciel rose from his seat only to have Ann take his hand.
"Get away from my children." Ciel demanded, pulling away from his mother in law. Mordred held up his hands submissively.
"I mean no harm. I do wish everyone would stop raising their voices. Princess Rachel, I apologize to you, your brothers and your mother. Please know that I will not harm you."
"I cannot believe you Uncle Mordred, you are so bad and mean to us. You hurt my mommy and made us so sad. Why Uncle Mordred, why are you so mean?" Rachel rubbed her eyes.
"I cannot explain it to you, just know that tonight, I will behave myself and if I go back on my word, you may kick me as hard as you like." Seeing that the princess wasn't convinced, Mordred sighed.
"Very well, if I allow you to hit me, right now, with as much force as you can pull together, will you forgive me and if only for tonight allow me to be part of the family?" Ciel turned to Sebastian.
"He's been drinking, you know how he is, t won't last."
"Okay Uncle Mordred, just for today. But do not be bad." Rachel said looking to Ciel, who gave a nod and watched in amusement as his daughter slapped her Uncle across his face. Rachel giggled as he groaned.
"There, that's settled, come on dear ones, we shall put this behind us and listen to a story."
"What kind of story Grandmother?"
"One of your father and uncle when they were demonlings, you see, Your grandfather and I used to bring them here as well." The children sat down. Making sure they were still surrounding Rachel and the infants.
"My favorite story begins many years ago, when Sebastian was Angelina and Kathryn's age."