Chapter 25: Sebastian POV

The night went splendid. All in attendance were delighted at the announcement that Prince John was doing better and had even enjoyed a brief appearance beside his father, King George V. My Master and Mistress happily congratulated the newly engaged and newly married since the Winter's Ball, and I had hoped Danny would change her mind, come sweeping into the Ballroom and present herself, as herself. I turned the Wolseley down to the lane, leading to Phantomhive Manor. Something prickled across my neck and I smiled; perhaps Danny had gained some new ability.

"Sebastian, thank you," my Mistress said as I helped her out. She swept up her gown and smiled. "I know it is your duty as Butler, but you were splendid."

"Common, Lizzie, let's put you to bed," my Master said, steering his wife up the stairs. "You had a bit too much to drink." He turned to me, "You have my permission to sleep in, or whatever you do. I think we may have a sick day in the morning."

"I shall cancel any invitations and appointments," I responded. I noted the lights were in the music room. "Good night, my Lord, my Lady," I said, bowing and entered the automobile, getting it back into the shed.

Walking into the Manor, I heard the soft taps of a pair of high heels and soft music. I felt my pulse race, hope and hunger, desire and need, rising in equal measure. There was a distinct smell of lilacs coming from the music room as I approached. I pulled my gloves up, knowing they were firmly in place, but nervous. I chuckled. Me, nervous! But even as I closed my eyes, I could see the dress on the mannequin in the dress window, knowing it would fit her perfectly. Despite her wearing men's clothing, I had subtly taken in her measurements, her figure very feminine. My mouth watered, but not for a her Soul.

"Are you going to linger out there, or do I have to send you an invitation?"

I smiled slowly and opened the door. There stood a beautiful woman, her hair cut close, her arms clasped before her, yet her slightly exposed back was to me, and as she turned, she looked like every bit of a Noble. Her eyes met mine and she smiled, turning and taking a step towards me.

"Please," I hoarsely whispered. "Stay there." I took in her stillness and closed the door, sealing it from the outside, making this room our private dance area. I took a cautious step towards her. "You look ready to dance, yet there is no music."

"I was waiting for someone to strike up the band, as it were."

There were delicate green diamonds shining from her ears, and I thought I was seeing an Angel. I had seen and fought Angels, I didn't care much for their attitude, but they were beautiful. But what stood before me was not the Angels I knew, but the Angels I wish I could know. Her skin seemed to shimmer under the chandelier. I waved a hand and dimmed the lights, I waved my other hand and soft music seemed to float around us.

"Demons don't dream," I said, walking in circles around her, getting closer with each step. She was the tempting mouse and I was a hungry cat. "We can't sleep either. Neither is necessary for our survival. But you, dear Daniella, you are a dream I don't want to end, and I wish to stay with for as long as this night will allow."

She melted into my arms and we effortlessly fell into the rhythmic steps of the Waltz that was playing. My hands slide over hers, perfectly molding to her delicate fingers. Her hands burned into me, though my jacket, into my core. I looked down into her eyes and saw nothing but the purest delight shining. She was smiling and I wished to keep her spinning and dancing, elegant and trapped in this moment with me. I cursed my Master for a second and wished nothing but to do this woman's bidding. My own emotions once more quickened and I took bolder and wider steps, speeding the dance up and then slowing it down as the music dictated.

"Reapers sleep, but most don't dream," she said at last. Her voice seemed to be heard with new ears and it sounded like the silence of Hell, peaceful and dark, wickedly dangerous in the breaths that were taken, the words pushed out in the ones given. "I dreamed," she breathed. "I dreamed of being in such a place as this, with a man such as you. Dancing and never tiring. Being watched and never seen because it was only me and my partner."

"My Lady, if I could manipulate this night further, I would make it never ending."

She smiled, her eyes welling with tears and I stopped. I stopped the music, I stopped dancing, I stopped holding our perfectly formed dance form. My arms slid around her, around her waist, and up her back and I felt her turn her head, laying it in the curve of my chest, above my beating heart, and her own arms snaked behind me and clutched at my tailcoat, as if she was trying to make our bodies one, make the space that was between, flee. I lowered my head and placed my lips on her head. Her hair smelled like lilacs. Her beautiful energy smelled like lilacs. I closed my eyes and pressed my lips to her once more, longing to kiss her lips, her flesh, her Soul, but did not trust myself beyond anything. Words escaped me as she slowly turned her head and raised her bright red eyes to me. The soft glow of hunger and unanswered needs.

"Sebastian. Kiss me."

My world fell apart in those words. I bursted into the shadow, into the Demon, into the non-existence and all at the same time into the physical form I so loved. My hands slid up to her face, the same way I had done when I was reassuring her she was perfectly normal - was perfectly perfect - and I leaned down, slowly, watching as her eyes fluttered, listening to her heart speed up, felt every emotion I could only imagine she had dreamed of experiencing.

Her lips tasted like sugar, sweet and thick. I kissed her deeper, demanding, devouring. Her arms pulled me down and I was the one who wished to meld into her, her fine curves, the swell of her breasts, the way her fingers slowly laced into my hair. Time fell away and for this instant, for this millisecond of my life, nothing else mattered.

Almost an eternity later my brain kicked back in. I didn't need to breath, but did she? I opened my eyes and pulled back, slowly, listening to her slowly gasp and fill her lungs. Her eyes opened and it was as if the windows to eternity flew open as well.

Yes. I would be beside Daniella Hyde's side forever.