After Dex left, I immediately changed clothes and went out. The paper Vincent gave me was still in my bust. I looked at the first name and followed instinct to them. He was already fast asleep in bed, which made my job easier. I lie between him and his wife and rested my head on his chest. His dreams were of sitting on a lake. Just sitting on a boat in a lake. I broke the surface of the water and struggled as if I needed help. He helped me immediately pulling me up on to the boat.

"Take me home!" I spoke, and his lips crashed down on mine. His soul rushed into my mouth, as if it were eager to be consumed. I could feel my waking body tear him apart, while my subconscious humored him with kisses and caresses. My anger, once repressed, simmered to the surface and as the man fully succumbed to lust I finished eating his soul.

I left his dream and I must have stirred the bed, for his wife started awake. Her screams were most unwanted and very short lived. I ripped out her vocal chords with a growl. Her blood sprayed across my face. Her screams ended with a gurgle. I pressed my mouth to hers and drank up the leaving soul. Her warm blood was all over me. I laughed for a bit rubbing the red all over me. Then I looked at their faces, eyes open in horror. Tears met my eyes but I shrugged them off and went to the next person.

I woke up in a daze in the morning. I felt uncomfortably full. I was surprisingly clean. I lie there for a moment trying to remember the night. It was all a blurry. That was never a good sign. There was no telling whether I killed innocents or criminals. I sat up with a groan.

"You are quite a handful, Camilla." Vincent spoke from across the room.

"I suppose so," I laughed,"ow," I touched my jaw and found the skin there tender.

"Sorry, about that, but I had to sedate you some how," he sighed.

"Sedate me?" I asked appalled by the idea.

"You were hysterical,"he explained indifferently, "of course it's my fault."

"Probably," I agreed rubbing my jaw. The pain gripped through my temple. It was obvious he had struck me, but why?

"You were threatening to kill me. It's not like I don't deserve it, but I'm not going to roll over and die."

"I threatened..."

"Something about, me trying to ruin your happiness," he said flippantly

"Well, I was right," I flexed my jaw for a moment," I'm surprised I didn't go for Rachel first."

"Don't go hunting while angry," Vincent ordered. I scoffed and rolled my eyes.

"How about don't make me angry?" I got up and went to my vanity and looked at my cheek. The bruise had long healed but it still hurt.

"That's a rather tedious chore, is it not? Who am I to know what makes you tick?"

"You would be a friend. Of course since you obviously aren't that any more we should just go for the whole treat others how you wish to be treated rule."

"We aren't friends?" He said with faux surprise and hurt.

"I am your friend, you aren't mine."

"That can be?"

I stared at him in the mirror.

"I'd still do anything for you," I sighed.

"And you're saying I wouldn't do the same?"

"Not without condition, or gain."

"Oh surely you don't think so little of me."

"Oh but I do, after years of dealing with you, I have no reason to put you in high regards."

I turned from the mirror and stared at Vincent.

"Have I been so horrid to you?"

"Yes. Though I'm sure you'll think me ungrateful. At first your letting me in your home was a great act of kindness, but now you hold me prisoner."

"I do not want the world to hurt you."

"So you hurt me instead?" I asked.

He clenched and unclenched his jaw several times then got up,"There's a meeting tonight, Dex called for your company today."

"Really?" I cracked a big smile. Of course it was fake but it did its purpose.

Vincent scrutinized my expression, the corners of his mouth turned down,"Yes, so make yourself presentable, he'll be here at noon."

"Splendid," I said and hurriedly got up, as if to ready myself.

Vincent shut the door with unnecessary force. I smiled to myself; was all this over my potential to leave? Did Vincent really hate the idea of me living comfortably that much? I'm sure more than I would fine that hilarious. Old undertaker would get a kick out of this. Undertaker was my only friend among the people in Vincent's "meetings". He has them every know and again. I think it's just to survey his pieces, to see which pieces have fallen, need to be pushed down, or deserve to be brought up a rank. Apparently, I am a hot commodity. I mean who didn't want a pet succubus to eat the souls of their enemies? Vincent never had to get his hands dirty. I did all of the dirty work for him. I was the only one he trusted to take care of his enemies, Undertaker was entrusted to get rid of the bodies. The rest of the people were nameless, save Lau, and were only informants. Undertaker was the only interesting one, the rest were boring pigs.

I took care and got myself ready. I chose an indigo, fish tail skirt, white button up with a ruffley jabot and sleeve and an indigo over coat. I left my hair down mostly because I did not feel like doing anything more complicated.

I hurried down stairs to the kitchen. Melia was just getting started.

"Oh good I can help!" I smiled and put on an apron and washed my hands.

"Great," she smiled at me.

We worked well in the kitchen together, and breakfast would be prepared quickly. I loved the feeling of helping, lightening the load of the servants. It wasn't fair that they had to do such hard work, it is not their fault they weren't born a noble. The least I could do was lend a helping hand.

While I cooked I let my mind wander. I wonder if affairs all over England were peaceful except for in London? Vincent had not been out on an assignment in a while and I hadn't had to venture for food or be a spy of any sort. Odd...And ominous, there must be a storm brewing. Father always said, "Nothing good ever came from dead silence in a shouting crowd."

"Melia, you may want to rethink your idea of kneading the dough," Isabelle spoke softly as she entered.

I looked up at her. I sighed looking at her long hair pulled messily in to bun.

"Why, there's no be'er way to knead than with a mallot 'n a helpin' hand."

"Rain, it'll come this afternoon." She said in a sure voice.

"Do you think, master'll still have the meeting?" Melia asked.

"Oh I'm sure he will, and the nobles will refuse to go back out in the rain and stay the night." I said disdainfully.

They both sighed heavily.

"The lady was supposed to go to her mother's for a visit, that is one less noble to deal with."Isabelle spoke

"Dex was supposed to come..." I said more to myself than to them.

"Maybe he'll room with you, aye lass," Melia teased, bumping me with her hip.

"That's indecent," I chided.

"But it would be fun," Isabelle chimed smiling a sly smile.

"Please ladies, we have more than enough rooms here. Plus, I doubt he could handle a night with me," I winked and the two ladies laughed.

"The looks of the lad states otherwise."

"If things go as I hope, we'll see in due time," I smiled.

During breakfast Rachel announced she'd be visiting her mother and she left after lunch. A few hours later Dex showed. He came to cancel because of the rain.

"Aww, Dex!" I whined, acting severely disappointed," can't you come in, we'll entertain ourselves indoors," I suggested.

"But to be trapped indoors..." He bit the supple skin of his bottom lip, deliberating.

"Then we could dance in the rain, like children," I grabbed his hand and gave a pleading smile.

He looked down at me for a moment then smiled," How can I say no to a face like that?" He sighed theatrically.

"So that's a yes?!" I smiled at him.

"I suppose it is."

I laughed and pulled him in, "Good I thought you were going to make me beg."

"Would you really dance in the rain?"

"Of course! The spring weather is fine and the rain is finer. Why, father and I used to run in the rain all the time."

"No wonder the man got sick." Vincent said. I turned abruptly and glared at him. I let anger burn past my hurt.

"Vincent, nice to see you," Dex said with a nod.

"I wish I could say the same." Vincent said openly rude.

"Vincent, I am always polite to your guests, no matter how boarish they are to me, would you grant me the same kindness?"

He stared at me and gritted his teeth.

"Or should I leave," I asked honestly.

"Fine," he huffed.

I smiled a sweet smile,"Thank you."

I turned away from the pouting idiot and turned my attention towards Dex.

"May I show you my favourite part of this manor?" I asked.

"Is it the kitchen?" He smiled mischeviously

I hit his arm playfully.

"That is only my third favorite."

He furrowed his brow, three little wrinkles forming between them.

"What are the other two?" He asked. He seemed genuinely curious, not just humoring like Vincent did sometimes.

"I'll show you," I grabbed his hand, subconsciously startled by their chill. I pulled him along, trying to cover as much of his cold hand with my warm hand. Of course, it was futile. His hands were much larger than mine. It was not cold outside or here in the manor, perhaps his circulation was bad. Humans are riddled with such ailments. The flow of blood is life or death to them.

"You look lovely," Dex spoke, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Do you prefer this over my look yesterday?"

"Immensely, this is more you."

I smiled to myself. What did he know of me?

"It is nice not to be in such restrictions anymore."

I looked up at him and found him staring intently at our hands. I looked in his eyes and saw awe. I hadn't experienced such a look in a while.

I turned forward abruptly. This only meant my plan was succeeding.

We met mahogany double doors and I stopped and put on an excited smile.

"Behind these doors lies knowledge that phantomhive as well as Nightshade has added to."

I pushed open the doors to show the vast library.

"This is a magnificent collection without a doubt."

"Yes, and I am very obliged to say I am the main contributor."

I stared at the large shelves with satisfaction.

"Really, I should have known you were reader." He laughed.

I walked inside the library, headed to my favorite section of books.

"Is there anything wrong with that?" I asked.

"Not in the slightest, it's just that few women your age are interested in books."

I counted the shelves only half listening to him.

"Have you surveyed many women my age?" My voice held an unintentional edge. I have to be sweeter, he is not mine he can survey whom ever he'd like. I just have to be sure I am better than them.

"Only two, if you do not count my nieces." He assured.

I reached the sixth row of shelves, and turned down the aisle.

"Two? Are you still surveying?" I asked forcing my voice to sound only politely interested.

"No, the two were not what I was looking for?"

I began counting again looking for a specific book or rather set of books.

"Is that so? So, what is it you are looking for?" I asked in an off hand manner.

He was silent for a while.

"I apologize, was that out of line?" I asked placing my finger on the book I was on before looking back.

"Oh no, I'm just trying to phrase my thoughts." He said. His brow was furrowed again allowing for the three wrinkles to show themselves again.

Bloody hell what number was I on? 66? Yes, so 67...

"I don't just want some pretty lady by my side. With age, beauty fades...I want to find something truly enthralling within her. I want to find a friend within her."

"That's sweet, I'm glad you've realized the key to marriage. Not everyone does it right," I grumbled, thinking briefly of my own folly. I was young and romantic. I believed in love at first sight. It was just a bit of lust though; I have grown very familiar with that sin.

"Which is why I'm obliged to think that you might have a bit more promise. You're wise for your years, pain has made you that way. I am positive that you are not some silly girl that will fall in love with the idea of me, as opposed to what I really am."

I smiled. 271...the man was right.

"That is how you create I relatively successful marriage. I do see you for you. Or rather I think I do...for I have made no assumptions or broad ideas. My only thoughts of you center around what you have shown me through actions or words. I should say that I shall not be surprise by anything you do, unless you undergo a character change."

"I might say the same of you, unfortunately you tend to guard yourself, so I must also sift through words from others."

I frowned but kept my eyes on the books. 527...

"Hmm... I hope you're good at sifting...rumors about me are not usually good."

"There are never good rumors about widows."

I laughed...though it wasn't really a laugh, just a jump of my chest and a bit more air leaving my nostrils.

"Yes, but Mary...She told me a thing or two."

"Mary at the bakery?" I asked.

My nails brushed against the bindings of books as I walked past them. 601...

"Yes, she speaks of you in high regards."

"She's a generous woman." I said with a smirk.

"But she has her speculations," he said.

His tone of voice stopped my feet. It was as if he knew some deep dark secret. Had I told Mary anything of myself?

"Then of course I spoke a bit more to Vincent."

My hand brushed past the bindings of books I had already read. Ah...666 I pulled the 6 books down and held them to my chest.

"They all seem to think that you are dangerous."

"They are correct." I said, again only half aware of his and my words.

"They also seem to think that you are hurting."

I opened the leather book on top,"These are my father's journals," I said all but disregarding what he had just said. It's fine for him to think I'm dangerous; I am dangerous. However, no one needs to think I'm hurting. I don't care for their pity.

I walked through the aisle towards the back of the library.

"There are many more but these were written during the time when I was born, and growing up. When my father died his eldest sister and her husband took the manor and his fortune...I took the books...all of them. In a way I think I got the fortune..." I smiled then looked up at Dex.

His mouth was set in a frustrated line and jaw clenched.

"I'm sorry, I'm annoying you. I just...I don't know...how to be...cordial. I know what people think of me. I've always known...but the only person who's opinion matters is my father. Though, regrettably, I do listen to Vincent every now and again. Sometimes he's a true friend...but more often well he tells me the things I've always heard. Maybe I am dangerous, Father didn't raise me to be a delicate flower...And I would be dead ten times over if he had," I was being painfully truthful now and I hated it, yet the words poured out,"maybe I'm not amiable, but I wasn't raised to follow blindly. And maybe...maybe I'm not something to be loved, but father loved me, He wrote it all over these journals. So if you believe them, then join them! I have no use for another Vincent. But a second ago you said that you wanted a friend. Is it so ghastly to think that I might want the same? I want to love a friend...someone who will take my side for once. Someone who isn't bound by status."

I watched as his face softened and I forced myself to shut up.

"Then we look for the same thing."

"I thought I'd found it," I said in a haughty voice.

"As did I and I still do."

"In one of the girls you've been surveying," I meant to tease but my voice was too edgy to pull that off.

He smirked,"in the jealous girl sitting in the window."

"Jealous? Who's jealous?"

"Oh, now Camilla you ought to be green." He teased sitting beside me.

"Well that's preposterous. What have I to be jealous about?"

"The other women I surveyed were not as beautiful or enthralling as you."

For some odd reason that brought me satisfaction.

"What care I?" I said despite the smirk playing at the corners of my mouth.

"What care you indeed?"

I stared at his face for a moment. He seemed amused by me, and even a bit in awe. His pupils dilated lips slightly parted.

"I don't care," I insisted with a smirk.

"Well good, you shouldn't. Now if this is your favorite place, what is your second favorite?"

I set the journals on the window seat and looked out of the window.

"Oh good it has not begun to rain yet." I jumped down and walked quickly out of the library."

"It is outside?" Dex asked.

"Yes," I nodded as I made my way through the halls towards the front door.

"Then technically speaking it is not one of your favorite places in the manor, but on the land."

I turned and looked at him with an exasperated sigh,"Do we have to speak on technical terms?"

He smirked in response and allowed me to drag him around back, deep inside the garden where the hedges formed a sort of maze.

"A maze?" He questioned.

I shook my head. I began running, anxious to get to my place. This maze, Vincent put in for my benefit. My father had one just like it; it was almost an exact replica. I remember running this maze with Vincent as a child. He'd always complain I went too fast as I pulled him along. Left right straight ahead over and over until we were deep in and going the wrong way to get out. We were on the path to the middle of the maze. Among the bright spring green and bits of purple and white. The air was heavy with moisture, making the smell of grass, and pollen sweeter. Soon I could smell more water in the air and after a few more rounded corners we met my second favorite place. Nestled within the well groomed hedges was a pond, with big brightly colored fish swimming around.

"Ah it reminds me of childhood," Dex mumbled.

"Oh?" I sat on the grass he took his place beside me.

"Yes, there was a bit of wooded area near my home and I'd run out with my older brother with our toy guns and explore. We catalogued every animal in those woods. We especially loved to go to the lake and capture frogs and salamanders."

I was intrigued by the picture he painted.

"You have a brother?" I asked. I tried to imagine him, his older brother.

"Yes," he smiled fondly," he'll be visiting next week, I would love for you to meet him."

"What's he like?"

"He's more of a friend than I, and more mature. He tends to be a bit intrusive, but quick to make friends. I haven't met a soul who didn't like him," a bit of a frown marred his smile.

"Seems like a bit of a shadow caster." I spoke understanding his expression, I wore it often.

"It's not his intention. He is just a naturally loved person, and the oldest."

I thought of that. Being a second child was almost as hard as being an illegitimate one. You were entitled to no fortune, or home upon your parents' death. You simply had to be quick and know how to make something of yourself.

"Ah," I nodded,"I see."

He frowned in to the water,"Do you? Not an impressive achievement, every second child has this predicament."

"Just because it is a common situation doesn't make it any less difficult."

"Mm, my brother is the better of the two of us. He is generous, charitable, well known, and me well I'm just me."

I smiled and looked to him,"Well you'll always be my favorite." He looked down at me and smirked.

"You might change your mind after you see him," he said sadly.

"Has that happened before?" I could tell from the sadness of his eyes and the grief held in the set of his mouth. That bothered me, he is not allowed to be forlorn.

"Once, when we were younger. I believed in love at first sight then," he laughed and looked away from me," I was just means to get to my brother."

I looked out at the pond without seeing it.

"Did they marry?" I asked knowing the answer.

"Yes. Then after the birth of the twins she grew ill and died."

"Seems, like neither of our first loves turned out all that great," I sighed then looked back at him.

He was biting his lip, I could sense his sadness. I quickly wrapped my arms around him without thinking. My face resting on his chest.

"I can't imagine anyone better than you." I murmured.

"You must not know many good people then," he laughed and put an arm around me.

"You're better than me," I laughed humorlessly.

"Living in this world is hard enough without a disadvantage. We all do things we aren't proud of," he murmured as he rubbed my back.

"I like you, Dex." I admitted looking up.

"You'd be the first," the smile he gave stopped me short, and I almost took his soul. The light sparkle of his mint eyes captivated me, his pale pink rose lips only inches away from mine. I could take him right now. I could do it. I could press my lips to his and push him against the grass. Knowing him, he'd want to regain dominance and I would allow it. I could almost taste the soft sweet mint of his soul. It would be delectable, and cloaking, like opium on the tongue. I could almost hear the sound of him enjoying every bit of my illusion while I drank him up. I wouldn't tear him apart, he is too beautiful for that.

"I think I might be falling in love with you, Ms. Nightshade."

That stopped my slow approaching lips.

"What?" He couldn't love me. It had been, what? Three days? No that couldn't be, not yet! ...Wait everything was going according to plan, this is what I wanted. Why am I suddenly worried? I stared at him lost and helpless, why was this so hard. How many of my prey claimed they loved me? It didn't bother me then, why did this man's proclamation bother me so deeply.

It was because he meant it, and I didn't deserve it. I let go of him and moved away. I should tell him the truth, tell him to go, run away and never look back. That's not what I wanted. I wanted to see this through. I wanted to live happily ever after. Was that so bad?

"You think?" I asked barely above a whisper.

"Well I've only known you a few days I can't be sure. So far I love everything about you. I love how you hold yourself, I love how you deal with your pain, I love the arrogance that possesses you when you are angry, I even love the bit of fear I feel when I'm around you."

Fear...That was his instincts telling him I was not right. I am not what I appear to be.

"You're pretty admirable yourself." I said joking lamely. My smile was forced, maybe even a bit pained.

"I know you aren't as nice as you have lead on. I've also known your reasons for accepting my courting are not all pure."

I looked up dumbfounded. The face was instinctual, I naturally played dumb.

" I don't care. What ever your motivation, as long as I get to have you..."

I stared blankly at him for a while, then laughed. It was a sarcastic sound not at all joyful.

"That's silly and masochistic." I said with blatant disapproval.

"Well what would you have me do?"

I thought about it all and sighed. There was more pain then I realized in the sound. Surely it was because I was on the brink of losing my ticket out of this place.

"All things considered, I'd leave."

"Too late for that. I know how much you want to leave, but something always keeps you here. The only way you will leave is if someone takes you away."

I brushed my hair out of my face and smirked,"All over a bit of lust?"

"Lust? I think it's a bit more than lust. It was, I admit, at first. I've learned a bit too much of you for it to be just that."

"So you'd marry a woman you knew was just using you?"

"Only if I knew that woman needed saving...And might hold some affections for me."

I opened my mouth to deny but I couldn't.

"You can't even deny it." He proclaimed boldly and I frowned.

I thought about him and realized I wasn't lying when I'd said I liked him, or that he'd always be my favorite.

"Plus, I like how angry your affections make Vincent, it is a fun game." He laughed.

"Vincent really hates the idea of me leaving," I laughed without humor.

Dex shook his head as if I was missing something.

"What?"I asked

"Nothing," he was smiling to himself.

"You know, I never expected you to be so intelligent. That's attractive."

We had leaned towards each other during the course of the conversation.

"May I be granted a reward for figuring you out." He looked down at my lips.

"A reward you say?" I asked biting my lip and smiling. A raindrop fell on his cheek. I rubbed it away with my thumb and looked up at the heavy clouds.

"We ought to leave," I announced. I noticed a bit of a pout as I looked down at Dex's face,"Oh come now, do you want to be rained on?"

"Maybe," he said indignantly sounding like a child. The rain quickly picked up and my hair was getting soaked.

"Can we at least leave the maze? It is dangerous to dance by the pond."

He sighed and stood.

"Fine," he smiled and took my hand. I felt his muscles tense,"How about a game?"

I cocked my head, curious.

"Game?"

"Yes, first one out of the maze wins."

"What does the winner get?" I asked intrigued

"If I win I get a kiss."

"And if I win..." I thought on what I wanted,"you tell me a secret. A good one."

"Fine but first, close your eyes."

I did as he asked and he began spinning me.

"Alright, ready set go" he stopped spinning me and I listened to his retreating footsteps. I smirked and followed our scent back to the entrance. He had gone the wrong way completely. I was back at the entrance in no time.

I turned my face to the sky and let the water caress it. Dex is a silly man. He would let a woman like myself use him. I shouldn't feel so guilty. What did it matter to me? If he let me do it, he deserved it. Stupid man and what did he think would come from expressing his "love"? He didn't know me, or what I've done. Would he still love me if he knew all the people I'd killed? I mean it's a nice idea ...to be loved. Even now I could see it. His arms around me, his lips on mine, only if he really loved me. Hell it didn't have to be Dex. If any man could truly love me at all he'd have earned my affection. We could take walks all night until morning.

I looked out on the garden as it rained and sighed.

That's improbable. No one could ever love a succubus. The man I had just dreamt up does no exist. The best I could hope for is a blind man. A man with no idea, what I am, what I've done. I hung my head stupid tears filling my eyes. I am going to pull this man in to the shadows with me. He was such a good man. He had only been kind to me, and here I am damning him. Just like the heartless devil I am. My shoulders hunched inward with shame.

"Wow, you know that maze well..." Dex laughed as he got out of the maze.

I could not lift my head to look at him.

"Camilla, are you alright?"

God I am ashamed, even now, knowing I am dragging him to hell I'm not going to stop. Heartless, heartless, she-devil.

His arm wound around the small of his back as he pulled me to him. He put a finger under my chin and made me look at him. Then his lips went to my ear.

"You won, so you get a secret. I know what happened to your first husband."

I stiffened. I have to kill him now. If he knows the truth he has to die.

"I don't blame you in the slightest. Sometimes in the pursuit of happiness we have to do terrible things."

I felt the warm tears roll down my face, along with cold rain.

"We can't all be saints," he smirked.

In an impulse I threw my arms around his neck so I could pull him down and kiss him. This is painfully cliche, kissing in the rain! It was wonderful all the same. His hands seized the small of my back, pulling me closer. The taste of his lips is all I can think of. They were sweet, like candy, pure, untouched. His lips were also smooth and soft. Unlike his hard body, they were yielding and tender. He broke the kiss, which vaguely surprised me.

"I'm drowning," he laughed pushing his wet hair back. I laughed and pushed my hair back too. Thunder clapped causing both of us to jump. We looked at one another then began running back to the manor.

We entered the foyer all but dying with laughter.

"Aye yer both drenched," Melia called, an amused smile on her face.

"Yes," I agreed, then turned to look at Dex, sizing him up," tanaka?" I called, knowing the old man would hear me.

"What is it Cam..." his voice trailed off as he saw us. He sighed.

"I'm getting much too old for the antics of the young. Come with me Lord Reed," he said walking down the hall.

I smiled,"Thank you!" I called after him.

I looked back to Melia how had been joined by Isabelle. They both smiled creepily at me.

"What?" I asked.

"You like him!" Isabelle squealed.

I didn't gratify her with an answer. Instead I turned and began climbing the stairs to my room. As I passed Vincent's room thunder clapped and I heard his soft gasp.

I stopped by his door and battle with myself as to whether or not I should go in. Lightening flashed out side and I heard his groan. I smiled to myself, after all these years still afraid of a bit of thunder and lightening. I pushed opened the door slowly and saw a sight that melted my heart.