Note: Eleanor is speaking to Elena in her head, it is a single(' ') apostrophe to separate Elena's own thoughts from hers.

II

Nightmares of the fire kept coming back to me in my dreams and in them, it was hard to breathe. Night after night, I wake to sweat and tears. I try to muffle my screams but it was always proven useless. Luckily, the walls in this manor were thick enough to hinder the sound or otherwise the household would have probably awoken. And I have not told my little brother about these nightmares. Because now I know his secret.

Yes, I had to believe Eleanor was telling the truth about Sebastian. After all, she is what they call a cacodemon. She had explained to me that they were linked transcendentally, Sebastian and her, but since she suppressed herself in me, I am also linked. In other words, he could find me if I desired it but I cannot find him since he was his own being. Eleanor assured me that she is able to keep herself hidden until the time that I call her out or the opposite; in which I call another demon in her absence. But the one thing that concerns me most was why my little brother gave the one thing he will never be returned of in this world and the next. Why did he do it? He was only a child and still is. I bit my lip with frustration as I restlessly tossed around in bed. It was another evening, I have already lost count of the days from that night I had awoken, it now had felt like months.

'It is not healthy to be constantly awake at this hour every night.'

Why does it concern you? I asked her, meekly.

'I want my lady to be healthy and live a prosperous life before the time surely slips.' She sneered.

Oh shut up. I replied, closing my eyes. I could hear her faint laughter inside my head. Is there any way you could block those nightmares when I am asleep?

'Unfortunately, it is something I cannot control while you are not conscious. Although the images are very stunning.'

I grunted as I closed my eyes, ignoring her comment.

The silence was deafening.

I awoke to see a burst of sunshine and shielded my face with my sheets.

"It is half past ten, my lady. You should not be sleeping so late."

Looking up to see that ever-so-smiling face of Sebastian, I groaned. He was pulling back the curtains in my dim room. Yawning, I sat there in my bed.

"Did you have a wonderful sleep?"

"No. I thought I made it clear I could do things on my own."

"Yes but it was the young master's orders, my dear lady. And perhaps I could offer you something later tonight to help aid your slumber?"

I rolled my eyes. "I'm fine Sebastian. And one thing, you do not have to follow everything he says." I was testing him. He was already starting to tidy up my room, although I had told him countless of times not to do it. My eyes lingered at him from head to toe, indeed his disguise was of perfection.

"What kind of a butler would I be if I could not follow simple requests," he said in a sly tone as he was rearranging my garments inside my wardrobe.

"Yes, yes." I said, bluntly at his remarks as I got out of bed, my eyes caught the bayonets displayed in a glass case in my room; it was a marvelous set that father had bought me during his trip to Hungary.

I walked towards it, my eyes lingered at its beauty before opening it slowly.

'What are you going to do,' Eleanor demanded, in a dangerous tone.

I just want to try something. I brought out the small but sharpest one and grazed its edges with my fingertips. It was still brilliantly defined.

'Are you joking? You cannot kill him.'

I know that.

I slowly walked towards Sebastian when I started to feel a foreign resistance in my arm then towards my feet; denying my ability to walk.

Stop it, I hissed.

'If you throw that at him, he'll suspect something. Do you not believe me?'

No he won't. And I do believe you but I want to see for my own eyes.

I could feel her pressuring my arm down even more.

"Stop it!" I manage to say out loud.

"My lady?" Sebastian turned to me as I quickly hid the weapon behind my back.

"Ahh ahem..what I meant to say was that, you have done enough Sebastian you may leave now."

He bowed. "Alright my lady, as you wish. Tea has already been prepared since breakfast is over, the young master is in the drawing room with a couple of guests." He was making his way to the door when he stopped. "You have best put that in a safe place, you don't want yourself getting hurt." He said in a dark tone. I stood there dumbfounded.

'Like I said.'

Oh be quiet already. And never do that again, understand?

'Yes, yes.'

I quickly bathed, got dressed in my blue frock and slipped on a pair of laced gloves. And who were these guests? Making my way down the corridor, my stomach was grumbling. I peeked into the kitchen and was glad Sebastian wasn't there. Bard was sitting there, sound asleep, leaning against a barrel. His snores bounced off the stone walls. I could hardly care if no one fixed me anything, I was my own person and enjoyed it. I searched the cupboard for simple ingredients, when Mey-Rin walked in.

"My lady! What are you doing here?" She squealed loudly, rushing to me.

"Shhh!" I put my finger to my lips.

"Wha-What happened?" Bard woke up and blinked sleepily at me before he realized I was there. "My lady? Allow me!"

I rubbed my head with irritation. "It's alright," I said calmly. "I can do it myself."

"But my lady-" She began, before I eyed her to lower her voice.

"What is all this?"

We all turned to see Sebastian at the doorway. Oh, fantastic.

"I-I was just seeing if the lady needed anything," Mey-Rin said nervously.

"Yeah, me too," said Bard, shrugging his shoulders.

I stood there with my arms folded and staring at a corner of the wall.

"If you two have time to do others things then perhaps you both are finished with your work? Shall I proceed evaluating what you have done this morning?" said Sebastian, apathetically.

"N-No!" they both said immediately.

"Then get back to work! And Bard go check on Finnian before you finish up in the kitchen." They hurriedly left the room before taking a quick bow towards my direction.

And I stood there stiffly, feeling his gaze shifting to me.

"As for you," he said in a disappointing manner, "I have already repeated countless of times, if you ever desired something, all you must do is ask."

'Tsk. Tsk.' Eleanor chanted in my head. 'Listen to your butler Elena.'

"You are right Sebastian, I shall remember that from now on." I said quickly, walking passed him to escape from the uncomfortable atmosphere that was not ceasing.

"I was not quite finish speaking." He said cynically.

I froze. I hated it when he used that tone, it always meant he was dissatisfied with something...and that something would usually be me.

I groaned loudly and turned to face him; always appearing to be the troubled student and he was the impeccable teacher. He approached me as I stared blankly at the stone floors, waiting for another disgruntled comment.

"Look at the person when they are speaking to you," he ordered.

I obediently looked up at him and bit my lip with hesitation. His eyes were mesmerizing, I never looked at them at such a lengthy period but this time I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the fiend within him.

He raised his left hand to pull my lip downward and my body grew limp from his touch, he leaned in closer to my face.

'Be careful.' Eleanor said. Her voice seemed to be distant now, as my mind became distraught.

"That is a bad habit for a lady," he said in a velvety tone; a corner grin formed on his lips. I could feel his warm breath and continued to gaze at him, unable to withdraw. I nodded stupidly and immediately shifted my attention towards something else; feeling myself burn red.

"Is that all?" I mumbled. "May I go now."

He lowered his hand in a satisfactory response to bring out his pocket watch. I dare not look back up at him.

"Oh dear, so many things that must be done today." He muttered to himself, flipping open his watch. "You may leave."

I exhaled with relief, walking swiftly passed him. "Then why are you just standing there." I retorted more bravely, waving my hand in the air. "Get back to work."

I could feel his broad smile watching me as I left the kitchen before he could have a chance to reply. I made my way to the drawing room, trying to replay what just happened.

Well that was uncalled for.

'Don't mind his demon instincts.'

Why, must he be always like that?

'He as an admiration towards you. I can sense it.'

But why? Because he can sense you? I thought he couldn't until I made it clear of your presence.

'That I know he could not, but perhaps of the soul you are lacking that gave it away, an opening in a chasm he could somewhat perceive.'

I shivered at her words. My soul, no longer integrated, what's left; a piece of me derelict on this earth to wilt, the other, already waiting for my half to meet among the depths of inferno.

Shaking my head, I erased the atrocious thoughts.

Anyway, if he wanted me, it's already too late.

'Because you are mine til the day arrives.'

I merely said nothing. The coven's already established.

I knew she was smiling in there because she was right. It may be too late for me, half my soul is nothing more than a abyss now, as it was replaced with her presence and she had already comprehended that with this defect I will not live past thirty years even if the body is at healthy physical state; it's something no one should ever look forward to.

But I can still stop that demon from devouring my brother's soul entirely. And I will.

Reaching for the double doors I drew them open. There was my brother, seated in his large lounge chair and opposite of him was a Chinese man and beside him was another man with light colored locks, wearing a gracious white satin uniform.

"You're late," said my brother, as the guests stood up in my presence.

"Right, I apologize," I said. I never was interested in these formal meetings, especially if it was about the Queen, only because I found displeasure in her ruling.

"Elena, this is Lau and Earl Charles Grey. Lau is the head of the British Foreign Trade here in England and Earl Grey is one of Queen Victoria's private secretarial officers, as well as her butler. He delivered a letter here this morning."

"It is a pleasure to finally meet the Earl's elder," said Lau as he took a bow.

"Yes, you are most beautiful, my lady," said the other man. He willingly took my hand to plant a kiss.

Ugh.

"Likewise," I said simply, pulling my hand away. "You have a very strong grip, Mr. Grey." I turned to sit down on the seat next to my brother. "Do you fence or swordplay by any chance?"

"Of course, I am the best in my line and work. In fact, I have won multiple tournaments in London as well as the cup that was held in east Berlin a few years ago." he smirked with a boastful tone.

"Then perhaps you would make a likely opponent of mine," I said.

He looked at me with surprise. That's right, you have never been up against a girl.

"Yes, my sister does fairly well in sports. In fact, she is better than me," said Ciel. I know he loved toying with people but it was true, I spent most of my childhood outside. Ciel would always watch me from the window because of his asthma. He was only aloud outside a few times if we were having picnics. And Mother and father didn't mind my activities at all, in fact, they had let me do whatever I wanted. I think that was why I lacked so many other things, like art, music and dancing. Especially dancing. I swear I was born with two left feet.

"That would make a good show, wouldn't it Earl?," said Lau, nodding at my brother.

"Yes it would."

"Perhaps another day," said Earl Grey, in a bored tone.

I smiled with pleasure. "So why are we here?"

"We have been discussing a series of crimes, murders to be specific." said Ciel, sipping his tea. I took a piece of sponge cake, forgetting how hungry I was.

"Yes, it seems the crime rate has increased this month." said Earl Grey, displeasingly. "And Queen Victoria wants a stop to it."

"Murders? Of what kind?" I asked.

"Cannibalism," said Lao.

"Yes, I have already sent Sebastian to collect information from anyone who knows or had witnessed the crime themselves. We shall be going to pay a visit to Undertaker."

"How repugnant people are these days, to go to such extent as to ravage another being," said Earl Grey as he stood up to stretch. "Alright Earl, I shall leave you to it as always." He turned to leave when Sebastian walked in.

"I have prepared the carriage, my lord." He said. "We shall discuss what I had gathered on the way."

Wait, didn't I just see him moments ago?

"It seems your butler is always at the top, Earl Phantomhive, as expected. Good day to all of you, oh and the Queen wants consistent reports on the matter." He made a momentary bow in my direction before leaving. "Looking forward to our next meeting, my lady."

I stood up to curtsy. "As I am."

"Now why are we heading to the undertaker's shop?" said Lau, with a questionable look.

"Idiot, have you not been paying attention?" Ciel threw him an irritated glance.

"Alright, you both may go. I am not part of the Queens whatever." I was not looking forward to seeing dismembered bodies.

'Oh come on, it will be fun.' I ignored Eleanor's comment.

"You are coming. As part of this family, it is also your duty," Ciel stated.

I opened my mouth to object but did not bother to utter a word.

"Sebastian ready my hat and coat."

"Of course, my lord."

I gazed out the window as we made our way downtown. "So tell me more about these murders. If am to take part, I should be more informed," I said flatly.

"Don't sound like this is unimportant to you. If this was not so significant I would not be doing anything about it."

"So you're saying that if it was not for the Queen you serve, none of this would matter?"

"If you think I'm sounding inhuman, I'm not. People are murdered everyday."

"Yes but they are not eaten."

Ciel frowned at me.

"My lady," Sebastian began, breaking the uneasiness between us with that smile of his. "Allow me to impart the information to you-"

"Never mind Sebastian."

"Why are you so stubborn Elena?" Ciel retorted abruptly.

"Tell me how am I being stubborn? I just simply refused to know because the case is quite simple; people were murdered due to this maniac who is still running loose on the streets of England. Apparently, Scotland Yard is useless."

There was a tense silence.

"Oh come now you two," said Lau suddenly. "Lets all get along."

Where did he come from?

I turned away and scooted towards the window with irritation.

'Must you always start an argument. I know you dislike this but lets look on the good side...something is bound to happen.'

What do you mean by that?

'I was just saying.'

"Honestly Elena," I heard him mutter under his breathe, separating me from my thoughts.

My lips uttered a sound at his retort.

The carriage motioned to a halt as Sebastian opened the door for us. The rush of December air bit at my exposed skin. And there in large lettering read "Undertaker". Could it be any more inviting? I stared at the chipped stones that made up the structure, they seemed aged and brittle. Tattered caskets laid in piles outside and a strange odor lingered in the air.

"Disgusting," I said quietly to myself.

We entered the shop.

"Undertaker, are you here?" My brother called out. The quarter seemed dusty and worn newspapers were stacked upon tables. Casket displays stood perfectly aligned on one side of the wall. The room was dim and smelled of mildew and rust.

"Maybe he's out?" Lau said.

I walked towards one of the tables and a caught a glimpse of a headline: "Phantomhive Mansion Burnt To Ruins". I swiped it off a stack and blew the dust off its page. The picture seemed vague. I stared at it momentarily, before setting it down, not bothering to read the print.

"What a waste of time." I walked to one of the caskets, gripping its door. "Perhaps he's in here?" I said, sarcasm rose in my voice. Ciel shot me a look of disapproval and Sebastian conferred a smirk that made me uneasy.

I turned to pull the casket door open and with a jolt, a man stumbled out. Stepping back I goggled at him. What in hell was he doing in there?

"Why hello there Earl and friends...and.." He turned to me with an awkward gesture.

"Well Undertaker, I'm glad to see you are still around." My brother walked towards us. "This is my older sister, Elena. Elena, this is Undertaker."

I stared at the man with the silvery tassels that masked his eyes; a scar seemed to form in a diagonal fashion across his face, his dark attire seemed to large for him and a ditsy-looking hat topped everything off. Nevertheless, I made a small curtsy.

"Pleasure."

He gripped his hat off and made a strange bow. "Finally, I get to meet the Earl's other half...my lady." A wide smile came to cross his face. I smiled back stiffly.

"So tell me Earl, have you come because of the crimes?"

"Yes, I must ask you what information you have found out so far."

"I see, the Queen's still your priority." He giggled abruptly. What is with this man?

"What do you know, Undertaker."

"I suppose I could spill a few details here and there...but first you must win me over with some humor!"

"What?" I blurted out loud. "Is he serious?"

A hint of discontent appeared on my brother's face.

"Allow me, my lord?" Sebastian stepped in.

"Oh, oh, I've got one!" Lau pointed out.

"This is ridiculous." I exclaimed. "I'll be outside."

Before I could reach for the door, my brother grasped my arm.

"Elena," he began.

Shaking off his grip, I ignored him and left the shop. I exhaled sharply as wisps of the frosty air exited my mouth. People were in a rush this cold afternoon, trying to get to somewhere warm. I turned and started walking off to my left, hugging myself to keep warm and constantly checking my shoulder for any signs that Sebastian would be following; not one sight of him.

'Where are you heading?'

Away.

'What is the matter Elena?'

I said nothing as I began to gain speed with my walk; discounting my sense of direction.

'You know it is not going to help avoiding me.'

You're right. Then help me. I felt an erratic sense consume me, old emotions came flooding back. Nostalgia. And for some reason, I started running at an attempt to expel it. People gave me puzzling looks as I bounded passed them.

'Stop.'

I ignored her, when all of a sudden my feet gave away. Falling hard, the cold floors embraced me and grazed my cheek and knees. A few people stopped to check if I was alright.

"Dammit, haven't I already gave you an order not to do that unless I demand of it." I spoke aloud, gritting my teeth as tears began to articulate not from the pain but from something else. I slowly rose and paced towards an alleyway, leaning against a wall; my attire now tainted with dirt. More tears began to emerge as I shrunk back to the floor.

'My dear lady, how could I help you if you cannot help yourself. Look at you, you are falling apart. I can only lend myself to those who are strong willed and have no fear.'

I-I don't know what's happening to me. These feelings of-

'Desiring comfort? Belonging? Happiness? They were part of your old life and they resurface whenever you are weakened. Do not let them. The very part of your soul you lost; it still wants to be a part of you because you still have that desire to live that life you lost long ago.'

I closed my eyes, recollecting those cheerful memories of the past, they seem to become faint now. I must forget them, they are never returning. Never. No matter how much I want them to. Sighing, I rested my head against the wall; the feelings seem to evaporate.

A purring sound came from the corners of the alley as I turned my head; it was a small black cat that gazed up at me. It rubbed itself against my leg as I lowered my hands to scoop it up. Its bright yellow eyes gazed at me in an uncanny manner, meowing all of a sudden.

"What is the matter?" I talked to it softly, cradling it in my arms. I suppose I did adore animals.

I stood up using the wall as my support. I must look forward. There's nothing for me in the past or the future now. The present is all that matters and I have to grasp it, no matter what happens. I was about to leave the alleyway when something startled me.

"Well well, what do we have here?" a voice from behind made me jump and I felt large hands grasp my mouth tightly pulling me backwards. The cat slipped away from my arms and hissed. I tried to escape but fear overcame me. I couldn't breathe or scream. My vision grew dim and eventually felt myself falling.

Eleanor! I called to her.

Nothing.

The smell of sewage and dampness brought me back to my senses. I coughed, trying to clear my throat of the smell. I could feel the cold wet floor against my cheek and ear, I struggled to sit myself up. It was dark, there were only a few candles lit and a single torch light hung upon the stone walls, creating dancing shadows on the arched ceiling above. My hands were chained together as well as both my feet.

"What a darling thing you are," said the voice.

I didn't bother looking around. "If it's money you want, I have plenty."

"I do not want your money."

"Then what is it you desire? I can grant it to you."

"No nothing you can do will give me my satisfaction I desire."

I shifted uneasily. "If I have nothing you desire, then let me free."

"I cannot."

A man came out of the shadows and into the light. I couldn't quite get a decent look at him.

"Where am I." I demanded, trying my best to be brave.

"Somewhere beneath the streets. That's not important now. What is important is that I think I may have found a perfect meal this time."

I scooted back, my throat grew dry. I started to feel the fear creep over me again. "You're the murderer?"

"I suppose it wouldn't matter if I told you. My name is Peter Stump and I confess to the murder of those eighteen people." He laughed as if it were a joke. "But you shall be my last and this time I may not leave any leftovers."

I struggled to break free as the chains rattled and echoed.

Dammit Eleanor, where are you?!

He laughed as he etched closer to me. His filthy hands reached for my hair, smelling it. He sighed. "So divine. Not like the others."

I pushed him back hard, scrambling to stand up; still yanking at the chains with all my strength.

"My mother always told me never to play with my food but it's hard to resist. It makes it even more...delicious."

"Eleanor!" I screamed. Still Nothing.

"No one can hear you." He reached for me, shoving me strenuously against the wall then flinging me back to the floor with ease. I could feel warm blood trickle down my forehead and a sharp pain that penetrated my ribs. My vision began to granulate. "Now don't be falling asleep, it won't be fun."

He rolled my over so that I was now on my back. My breathing was now rapid as I exerted effort to pull myself up but he pushed me back to the floor with his foot. I cringed at the pain that now radiated to my back. I felt helpless, a wounded animal waiting to die.

"Please," I begged. My voice became hoarse. The man crouched down smiling as he brought out an anlace. I quivered as he gently ran its tip across my lips. His eyes moved to the folds of my frock; pushing himself on top of me, his free hand moved underneath it, towards my thighs.

"Stop!" I shrieked. I successfully attempted to kick him off as he grunted angrily. My vision now becoming more blurry.

Remembering the pentagram on my palm, I ripped off the laced glove and scampered towards the torch, raising the insignia towards the flames. It licked it greedily as I felt it begin to sting.

No blood, no ash..no glory. Cursing at her in my head; I had no idea what in hell I was saying.

"Oh pretty, what is that?" He made his way towards me, gawking at the mark in my hand. I forced the fear away, it won't help me here. Glaring at him, he is after all, but human. I pushed my palm closer to the fire now. The familiar pain returned but no longer did I dread it. It'll only be moments now until the vary flames that created this bind, will now incinerate it.

"Go to hell," I muttered.

"Open your eyes, this is hell," he said as he plunged himself at me once more.

He knocked me back against the wall and I impetuously felt a sharp affliction twisting its way at my chest; but what i truly perceived felt like thorns coiling around my heart; it took my breath away.

And myself I saw a glimpse of, laying limp on the floor.

Am I dead?

Ayy chapter 2, hope it wasn't too ugh for you guys.

Well I be writing the next chapter soonish. I hate having classes in the summer.

I hope yall enjoyed thee xD

Til then.

~Kai