Chapter Forty-Four

Noble Butler. Ravishing Bride

On a crisp summer morning, Sebastian was buttoning his shirt. Marianne watched him from the bed, covers wrapped around her legs and pillows propped up at her back. She was reading the invitation Sebastian had received from Chastity at Trancy's costume ball.

"What do you think about this?" she asked.

The demon looked at her over his shoulder as he fastened his waistcoat.

"I see no reason why we shouldn't attend. You want to, and you are asking me to give a form of protest so you can escape it," he responded.

Marianne sighed, slipped further down the bed, and stared up at the ceiling. Her fingers traced over the card's edges, felt the hardness dent into her hands.

"You can read me that well, huh?"

Sebastian walked over to the bed, sat down beside her head, and stroked his fingers through her loose hair. She watched him quietly, let him take the invitation from between her fingers; his other hand continued with its caresses.

"My darling, you are as open as the books you read so much. For a creature who thrives on deceit and sins, you are without guile; you are genuine, and I adore that about you." Sebastian told her.

He pressed his lips to her forehead. She closed her eyes as she listened to his whispers.

"You have always been willing to stand up to fight for what you believe, for your freedom. It is time to break these final chains and move forward."

His hand came to rest on her stomach.

"For all of us."

Her hand reached down and covered his. She laced their fingers together and pressed them against her belly.

"For all of us."


Ciel stared at Sebastian as he presented the invitation to him on a silver tray. He had read over the date and saw it was for that evening.

"Why are you giving this to me now? It's dated tonight," he commented. "Why wasn't it given to me earlier?"

Sebastian smiled.

"This is actually from Miss Chastity. She gave it to me at the costume ball. It seems she hopes to see Marianne again, having witnessed she is still alive. After much deliberation, Marianne has agreed to attend, and I shall, of course, be going with her. Miss Chastity has requested your presence as well. We didn't give it to you because Marianne was undecided about whether she should go, and only reached a decision this morning," he explained. "Also, from her words, it seems we can expect Earl Trancy to be in attendance as well."

Ciel scowled at him.

"Why didn't you mention that before?" he snapped.

"It only just now seemed relevant. Usually, you have declined social events he hosts, and have tossed them away in the past. It was likely you would have done the same this time." Sebastian replied. "However, Cunningham has had prior dealings with Alois Trancy. So, this gives us the chance to observe him outside of his home. Perhaps you would like to investigate?"

The boy grumbled to himself as he ate his breakfast, something about bloody demons and their twisted sense of humour…


As the day went on, Marianne remained holed up in her and Sebastian's chambers, going through all the gowns she had in her possession. She held each of them to her body in front of the mirror, surveyed how they looked, and ended up tossing them back onto the bed behind her. It was a process that only made her more and more frustrated.

"How does this have to be so difficult?" she muttered to herself.

Moving to sit down on the bed, the woman pushed her hair out of her face and took several deep breaths, counting them.

"One… Two… Three…"

A couple of minutes later, she regained her composure, and started her task again. She picked up a final dress she found at the back of the wardrobe. Checking her reflection, a smile spread across her lips.

"Perfect."


When it was time to depart for their destination, Ciel, Sebastian and Marianne climbed into the back of the carriage and let the driver do his work. Ciel sat silently as he watched Sebastian take Marianne's hand from her lap and press his lips against her knuckles.

"Everything shall be fine, my darling." Sebastian whispered.

She squeezed his fingers in response.

"Must we go?" Ciel asked them. "This is clearly causing you a great deal of anxiety. Why are you putting yourself through this?"

Marianne took a deep breath before she looked into Ciel's eye.

"Because I need to face them as I am, not hiding behind Edward like a child. I can't let them be a weight that I drag around for the rest of my life. I need to see them at the ball, to show that I have moved forward with my life, and that they have no control over me. I will be free of them by the end of the night."

Ciel glanced out the window for a moment, contemplating her answer. To move forward with them, to not have to look back and regret not putting an end to all the pain, putting the ghosts to rest; he understood.

"Then we shall stand beside you."


They arrived at the Browning family estate on the outskirts of London. There were many guests already stepping out of their carriages and being assisted by footmen. The Phantomhive carriage came to a halt. The driver climbed out of his seat and opened the door. Sebastian was the first to step out. He was dressed in a fine black tuxedo with a white shirt, a dark red waistcoat and a white bowtie and gloves. His hair was partly slicked back, much like it was when he dressed as Ciel's tutor. The demon assisted Ciel out of the carriage. Ciel wore a dark blue dinner jacket with black trim, a white shirt and bowtie, and his traditional black eye patch. And finally, Marianne stepped out. She was dressed in a dark green ball gown trimmed with black lace at the neckline. The sleeves slipped off the shoulders, and the bodice was embroidered with silver stitches like raven feathers. Black gloves that went up to her elbows covered her hands; her ring sat outside of it, on top of her left ring finger. Her choker gleamed against her pale throat. Her hair was done in a half up-do, the loose curls resting delicately against her uncovered shoulders. Her lips were painted dark red, as though she had been drinking blood. Her eyes lingered on the footman attending their carriage, the scruffiness of his hair and the line of his jaw was most familiar… She smoothed her skirts and looped her arm through Sebastian's.

"Are you ready?" Sebastian asked, whispering in her ear.

"As I will ever be. Let's just get through the night," she responded.

"Of course."


As they walked inside, they were blinded by the shining light of the chandeliers. White crystals glittered and cast flashes of light down upon the guests like snowflakes. Couples were already dancing as the musicians played a waltz. The doors closed behind them and they started to slide between the numerous people in front of them.

"Where should we start?" Ciel asked, scanning over the couples.

Marianne bit her lip.

"I suppose the first thing would be to find Chastity first. She is the one who gave us the invitation after all," she answered.

A audible gulp ran down the length of her throat. Sebastian bowed his head.

"Why don't I get us some refreshments while you search?" he said. "Perhaps I will hear something that will point us in the right direction."

Marianne leapt onto the opening he gave her.

"I'll go with you!" She pressed her lips to Ciel's forehead. "I trust you can take care of yourself for a little while?"

Ciel snorted.

"Go. They will most likely find me when you disappear. Don't take too long."

He waved them away.


When the couple were gone, the boy drifted over to the edge of the ballroom floor. He folded his arms and leant back against the wall; he watched the servants go by with their silver trays and crisp white uniforms.

Are you going to come to me, Alois Trancy? Or am I going to have to find you?

He considered stepping out onto the dance floor to see if he could spot Alois while he was dancing, but quickly dismissed the idea; Marianne wasn't around, and he wasn't particularly willing to deal with the embarrassment of stepping on a poor woman's toes in front of so many people. It wouldn't do to have the Phantomhive name sullied in such a way.

He was saved from his dilemma however, by the appearance of his host.

"Earl Phantomhive! How long has it been since I clapped eyes on you?"

Ciel lifted his sapphire eye and stared at James Cunningham, the Viscount of Almstead. Cunningham was someone many would call conventially attractive, with his blond hair and blue eyes. He was as close to angelic in appearance as anyone could get. A tall man, but shorter than Sebastian; he stood with an athlete's body, honed by the many sports he indulged in. There was a chilling smugness about him, and his eyes roved over the many young women in attendance. He held a glass of wine in his hand, red like blood as he took a sip. Ciel barely managed to surpress a shudder.

"I believe it was at one of the balls during the last Season. It has been quite some time," he answered. "May I offer my congratulations? You and Miss Browning are a lovely couple."

Cunningham brushed away his compliment. His eyes darkened slightly.

"Chastity, yes… Sweet thing, bit naïve, but it has its uses. A pretty, obedient wife…" he sighed almost forlornly. "To be perfectly honest, this whole arrangement just takes away the thrill of the chase. I enjoy the hunt just as much as the prize, and with this, I get neither."

The boy arched a brow. It was common knowledge that Cunningham had convinced his father to arrange the match between the families. Yet here he was, saying he was dissatisfied with his fiancée for being too compliant. It didn't make sense.

"Weren't you the instigator of this betrothal though? Why are you dissatisfied?" he asked.

Cunningham shook his head.

"The original betrothal was meant to be between my family and the Blackmores. It was put forward with the encouragement of our parish up in Preston. William and Eva Blackmore were in full agreement on the matter, but their son was completely against the match, said he would never promote an arranged marriage, especially if the girl was unwilling." The man growled to himself as he took a large swig of wine. "He didn't see the advantages of the match. His sister, Lady Browning did though. She didn't want it to happen either, more for the fact her brother was receiving greater favour than she was. She jumped at the chance of betrothing me to her daughter when there was nothing standing in her way."

Ciel looked at him, putting everything together piece by piece. If his assumption was correct…

"Chastity wasn't who you were originally betrothed to?"

Cunningham swallowed more wine, slammed down the glass on a passing tray, and stared down at the young Earl with eyes that were slowly becoming bloodshot.

"No. I was engaged to her cousin… Marianne Blackmore, her name was. After her parents died, the family were able to consent to the betrothal, since she was underage. She was silent on the matter, but I could tell she didn't like them making choices for her. I like to think she would have married me when the time came." He rubbed his eyes, sighed again, and took another glass from a nearby tray. "Then her home burned to the ground with her inside. She died so tragically… I wanted her so much… To be alive and married to me… The most beautiful angel…"

Swallowing the wine in one gulp, he wiped the moisture from his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I mourned of course, but the betrothal was still in place, so I am to marry my darling's cousin instead."

The boy stared at Cunningham. His nose wrinkled and his hands clenched against his chest. If this man was who awaited Marianne before she ran, it was no wonder she escaped while she could.

Callous about his fiancée… Leering at young ladies like they were deer to be caught… Not to mention how well known his indiscretions are… Ciel pondered for a moment before a smile spread across his face. Mother, you are lucky you have a demon for a mate, because I think Father would have killed this man before he could lay a single hand on you.


He was jolted out of his thoughts when a familiar voice called out to him, his blood burned inside him at the sound.

"Ciel Phantomhive!"

Ciel looked over and saw Alois approaching, closely followed by his butler. He nodded his head respectfully.

"Alois Trancy."

Alois smiled at him, a grin that almost took up half his face.

"I had no idea you had been invited. I would have sought you out immediately had I known."

Ciel scowled at him, feeling no need to hide his disdain. He silently wished for Sebastian and Marianne to return with their drinks; the distraction would have been appreciated. He managed to remain civil as he responded.

"You can thank Miss Browning for giving us the invitation at your ball. She managed to track down my butler and give it to him."

Cunningham laughed and slapped Alois on the back.

"Right, I shall leave you two. I must find my… fiancée."

He walked away soon afterwards, but not before snatching another glass of wine.


Ciel glared at Alois while Alois only smirked back.

"So, what is your relationship with the Viscount that you get invited to his engagement ball?" Ciel asked.

Alois's smirk only widened.

"Business associates, good friends even. He moans constantly about his lost love and having to marry the little chit. Her mother is an old bat who can't keep her mouth shut, and crows about the betrothal to anyone who can hear." He turned to Claude. "Can you do something about that, Claude? Can you get her to shut up? Can you take out her tongue and make her be quiet?"

Claude stared down at his master silently, and inhaled the faint scent Ciel seemed to emit. His fingers twitched. The rose in his pocket burned irritably against his chest.


Ciel looked away and scanned the crowd for Sebastian and Marianne. He spotted them threading their way through the mass of people. Somehow, they had managed to avoid getting spotted by Cunningham or Henrietta. They stepped towards him at last, the demon with two glasses of red wine in his hand, and Marianne with one. Sebastian passed him the wine glass.

"Here you are, Young Master."

Ciel accepted it.

"Thank you."

Marianne smiled and slid her finger along the rim of her glass. Sebastian sipped his own quietly, but tasted nothing.

I know you don't have any taste when it comes to anything other than souls, but can you actually stomach it? Marianne inquired silently.

The corner of Sebastian's mouth quirked up at her words.

My dear, when I taste human food or drink, it is like tasting nothing. A glass of water to you would have more flavour than a sip of this wine does for me.

She sighed and discreetly ran her finger over the bare skin of his wrist.

I almost feel sorry for you, to have been deprived of the world's flavours in their entirety.

His hand reached around and touched the small of her back.

I wouldn't say I've been deprived. So much as, I get to experience the quality of flavours in a human soul. Everyone has a different taste, and it is a demon's job to get the best flavours out of them.

Marianne arched a brow.

And how do I taste?

Sebastian smirked.

Like I have just entered euphoria.


The sound of a spoon tapping on a glass caught their attention. The group turned and saw Henrietta standing in the centre of the ballroom floor, arms raised high with glass and silverware in hand.

"May I have your attention please?" Henrietta called out. The room soon fell silent. "Thank you. Now, I would like to thank you all for attending our ball this evening. I am glad to have so many good friends here tonight."

The smile on her face was enough for Marianne to see that she thought the people around her were just pawns for her to move around the board. Henrietta's brown eyes glinted in the candlelight as she continued to speak.

"Now, I know many of you can say that this has always been an open secret amongst our class. I quite agree with you, which is why we are here tonight. Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to announce the engagement of my daughter, Chastity, to James Cunningham, the Viscount of Almstead. May their future be bright, and God smile upon their union and their future children."

The room was filled with a smattering of polite applause as Cunningham and Chastity moved to the centre of the ballroom floor. They got into position, and the music started up once again. Marianne and Sebastian glanced at one another, studiously avoiding to look at Alois and Claude. Ciel nodded his head and waved a hand towards the floor that was slowly filling up with dancing couples. The demon extended a hand to her.

"May I have this dance?" he asked.

Marianne smiled up at him as she placed her hand in his.

"You may."

He led her out to the floor, and they soon immersed themselves in a waltz. His hand slid down and rubbed soothing circles into the base of her spine. She sighed blissfully under his ministrations. Her eyes fluttered closed and she let her mate lead them through the steps, as they had done so many times before.


As they spun between the swishing skirts and tailcoats, Sebastian kept one eye on Ciel as he was watched Alois and Claude walk away; the other was trained on Cunningham. Marianne was so blissed out by the music and dancing that she hadn't noticed the Viscount's glaring blue eyes boring a hole into the back of her head, and how he would crane his neck in the hopes of catching sight of her face. The demon stared him down, a burning inferno glowed in his eyes. Cunningham flinched and turned away, almost reluctantly trailing his eyes down to Chastity, who was smiling up at him. Sebastian looked down at Marianne. She opened her eyes and met his gaze.

"What are you thinking about, Sebastian? I felt your aura gnash its teeth at something," she said.

Sebastian gave her a shit-eating smile.

"Whatever do you mean?" he replied.

She arched a brow.

"Don't pull that with me. You know it won't work. What has got your ire up?"

"Merely the man of the night looking at my mate like she is prey. If we had been in Hell, I would have been able to snap his neck for such an offense, and no one would bat an eye."

Marianne pressed herself closer at his words, as though trying to bury her face into his waistcoat. He pulled her tighter to him wordlessly.

"Did he recognise me?" she asked.

"I don't believe so. Only that you look familiar, but he hasn't truly seen your face." Sebastian answered.

He made sure of that by spinning them in time with the music, just at the exact moment when the ladies could see one another as they spun, and turning quickly enough to not allow Cunningham to catch a glimpse.

"I will have to face him and Henrietta at some point this evening, won't I?" Marianne whispered.

The demon sighed and pressed his face into her hair, inhaling her sweet scent like a starved man.

"It is your choice. I will stand beside you no matter what you choose to do."

She sighed.

"After this dance, will you give me a moment? I would like time to muster up my armour before facing them again."

Sebastian discreetly pressed his lips to her forehead.

"As you wish, my darling mate."


The dance soon came to an end and Marianne took her chance to slip away. Sebastian immediately returned to Ciel's side.

"What were your impressions of the Viscount?" he asked.

Ciel glanced up at him and shook his head.

"He's a man of excess in the extremes. He has no qualms with having affairs and pursuing prostitutes while he is in Town, he drinks so much that it is a wonder he can still walk, and he constantly mourns for his 'lost love' and complains about having to marry the cousin instead," he said. "Although, I believe there is a temper lurking behind his noble façade. I think it would come out if he drinks over his limit. I actually pity the poor girl, she is besotted and completely blind to all of his faults and vices. Maybe Mother's presence will lift the blindfold from her eyes."

Sebastian sighed.

"If there is one thing I have learned about humans, it's that they choose what they want to see. You cannot force them to change their views unless they wish for them to be changed. A rather ridiculous notion, in my opinion, but it does create its amusements."

The boy didn't dare ask what he meant by 'amusements'; Sebastian's humour was more sadistic than most.

They were interrupted when Cunningham approached them, with Chastity smiling brightly on her arm. She wore a pale pink muslin gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline, trimmed with white lace. Her bustle was decorated with a collection of pink peonies, with a matching one pinned in her hair, which was piled up on top of her head; two loose curls hung down to frame her face. Around her neck was a string of pearls that glinted in the light, and dangling pearls sparkled from her ears.

"Earl Phantomhive, you came! I am so glad you all decided to attend. James was just telling me how he found you here." Chastity said. The diamond ring on her left ring finger glittered proudly. "Are you enjoying yourselves?"

Sebastian gave her a charming smile.

"It's a delightful celebration," he answered. "May I offer my congratulations to you both? I am sure you shall have a fruitful marriage."

Chastity giggled.

"You are too kind, Sir. I…"

Cunningham then cut in.

"Forgive me, I don't think we've been properly introduced. What's your name?"

The demon gave him a shit-eating smile, and bowed eloquently.

"But of course. I am Sebastian Michaelis. I suppose you can call me an… associate of Earl Phantomhive's."

Chastity clapped her hands together.

"Oh, it is truly a pleasure, Mr Michaelis."

Cunningham sneered.

"Yes, quite," he agreed. "Tell me, where is that lovely young lady you were just dancing with? She can't have just disappeared, can she?"

The demon didn't rise to his baiting, though it was more than tempting.

"I believe she has gone to refresh herself. Dancing can be rather exhausting at times," he explained.

The Viscount shook his head and arched a brow.

"Oh really? I do look forward to meeting her then."


They were soon joined by Henrietta. Her dark purple ball gown was even more elaborate than her daughters, covered in jewels and lace that would have been more suited for young woman than a widow. Her hair was pinned up in an austere bun, which only brought more attention to the wrinkles she was trying to hide. She twisted the jewels that hung around her neck as she smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Chastity darling," she laughed. "Why aren't you mingling with the other guests? They are vying for your attention."

Chastity turned to her mother and bowed her head.

"Mother, forgive me, I was just greeting Earl Phantomhive and Mr Michaelis," she apologised.

Henrietta's eyes landed on Sebastian. They widened at the sight of his otherworldly features. She fluttered her eyelashes and smiled up at him, eyes calculating.

"Oh my! I am thrilled to have you attend our humble festivities. It truly is an honour of God's highest order," she complimented.

Sebastian smirked at her. He was more than happy to set the woman on edge.

"He has nothing to do with this. It was our choice to attend. My wife made the final decision; she was very interested in coming this evening."

Henrietta's smile tightened.

"Of course, of course," she said. "And… where is your lovely wife now?"


"Right here."

Cunningham and Henrietta froze when they heard that voice. Strong, unbreaking, familiar… At the very sound, they almost didn't want to turn around. With her skirts sweeping around her legs and her hands pressed delicately to her waist, Marianne made her way over to the little gathering. She brushed past Henrietta without so much as a turn of her head, and ignored Cunningham's eyes like he was no more than a buzzing insect. Marianne laced her arm through Sebastian's, pulled herself against his side, and placed her hand on his chest. She turned to Chastity and smiled.

"Thank you so much for the invitation, Chastity. I hope you can forgive us for not letting you know sooner."

Chastity stared at her, almost thinking she was seeing a ghost. She reached out, her hands shaking, and clasped her cousin's hand. Her eyes landed on the large bloodstone sat on her finger in its crown of black thorns.

"Mari… Is it really you?" she whispered, her voice trembling as tears threatened to fall from her eyes.

"It's me. You didn't think I would miss this, did you?" Marianne retorted.

She squeezed Chastity's fingers fondly before she pulled away. Sebastian's hand slipped from her hold, and moved to slide down the length of her spine before resting on the small of her back.

Henrietta, recovering from her stupor, spoke up.

"Marianne, how are you alive? Your hair! Oh, your hair…"

Marianne turned to the older woman and shook her head.

"I wasn't in the house that day," she answered, flicking her hair over her shoulder. "And as for my hair? I never liked it that long. I cut it off."

"But, if you were alive, why didn't you come to us? You were young, we could have helped you." Henrietta tried to assure her.

"Aunt Henrietta, why would I want to live under the same roof as accomplices to my parents' murder?" she retorted.


There was silence. Chastity gasped loudly and clapped her hands to her mouth, her eyes wide and glistening with unshed tears. Henrietta flushed under Marianne's unyielding stare.

"I don't know what you mean…" she stammered.

"Don't pull that with me, especially not in front of your daughter." Marianne said, flexing her fingers. "I recognised your footman as the driver of their carriage that day. Driving fast enough in the hopes that they would crash, loosening the wheels just enough to know they would eventually snap under the strain? You wanted them dead so they could no longer defy your angel, so I would fall under your care and mercy. I simply refused to be a pawn in your ambitions. And last I heard, your beloved Angel is nothing more than a foul ornament decorating the top of the Tower Bridge."

Sebastian leant forward and whispered into the older woman's ear.

"If you don't want to make a scene, I suggest you let us lead you away quietly. Something like this could very well ruin your family."

Henrietta clenched her fists and allowed them to lead her, her daughter and the Viscount out of the room.


They all ducked into an empty parlour and locked the door behind them. Ciel took the key and slipped it into the pocket of his coat.

"Where have you been all this time, Marianne? We searched everywhere for you!" Henrietta snapped, finally losing grip on her composure.

"On the streets of London. I guess you never thought to look for a street urchin. Then I worked for Earl Phantomhive ever since his return. It is easy enough to hide as a boy when you know how." Marianne explained with a shrug of her shoulders. "You have no control of me, especially now I am married."

Cunningham, who had been staring at her since she made her presence known, stepped towards her and reached out.

"My Marianne… You're really here. Oh, how I have longed to see you again."

Marianne slapped his hand away, and Sebastian clamped his hand onto Cunningham's wrist and pinned it behind his back.

"I was never yours, Cunningham! I wanted nothing to do with you! If you so much as try to touch me with your disgusting hands, my husband will be more than happy to break every bone in your body. Am I understood?" she snarled.

Ciel chuckled to himself as he pulled a pair of handcuffs out of his pocket and locked them around Henrietta's wrists.

"You are an utterly hopeless man, pining away for a woman who despises the very sight of you," he said. "You don't have the right to call her by her given name. She is Mrs Michaelis to you."


Marianne then turned to Chastity.

"Chastity, if you want to marry this man, despite knowing everything he has done, I won't stop you. But I can't let you go through with it until you know everything," she said. "Will you listen?"

Chastity looked at her fiancé, who struggled helplessly against Sebastian's hold, desperate to reach Marianne like he was a starving man.

"I will listen to you."

The woman sighed.

"He had a hand in the murder of my parents. He knew they would never consent to a match between me and him, so he assisted the cult's plans to have them killed, and me placed in the care of your mother. I learned later it was one of his carriages they crashed into, he had purposely left it there so they would smash into it. He pushed me to the point where I burnt down my own home and made everyone think I was dead just to get away from him and the angel. He is a seducer and a drunkard, a violent man who would lash out and harm you until you are nothing more than a broken husk of the beautiful girl you are. He is a man who will never stay loyal to you, who is only going through with this because he has no other choice, and would kill you if it meant being a bachelor once again. Do you want to marry such a man?"

Tears ran down Chastity's cheeks as she listened. All the ideals, all the hopes and dreams she had built up in her mind had come crashing down. Everything she knew about the man she had adored, it was all a lie. Her lip trembled as she spoke, water trickled down her cheeks.

"Consider this betrothal broken, James. You shall go behind bars for all the crimes you have committed. I cannot look at you without thinking about how I let you kiss me, not realising how much blood you have on your hands," she said, her voice somehow remaining emotionless. "I am going to go back out there, and tell everyone that you have been arrested, and that our engagement is over. I won't tie myself to a man who doesn't love me."

Ciel gave her the key. She unlocked the door, and walked out of the room, tears still streaming down her cheeks.


"Well, that was one way to end the evening, wouldn't you say?" Sebastian smiled.

The trio had returned to the Phantomhive mansion. Ciel was safely tucked in his bed asleep, while Marianne was curled up beside the demon in their chambers. The woman chuckled at her husband's words.

"I'm glad I was able to save her from him. She didn't deserve to spend the rest of her life tied to him, one way or the other, he would have killed her." Marianne said softly, tracing her fingers across his bare abdomen.

"The Viscount and your aunt will be locked away for their crimes. Your cousin will move on with her life; there is a strength to her much like your own. She will endure," he muttered as he pressed his lips to her forehead.

A devilish smirk then spread across his face.

"But now, we have enjoyable things to think about."

Marianne smiled.

"Like what?"

Sebastian pressed her down and climbed on top of her…


In a dark corner of the room, a large spider hung from its web, watching the couple make love. Its fangs clicked together irritably when it caught sight of the burning black seal on the woman's back.


I will admit that this ended up being a bit of a rushed job. I wanted to get this resolved as quickly as possible, and frankly, having to deal with this at the same time as Alois and Claude would have just distracted Marianne from her family. Now, she doesn't have to worry about Chastity getting stuck in a situation that would end up with her getting killed either by getting murdered by her husband, or slowly wasting away when she realises her dreams were nothing like the life she would have had with Cunningham; a man who could have cared less about her, and would have thrown every one of his affairs in her face.

I also wanted to give a little foreshadowing with the spider. Claude seems far too interested in a married woman for his own good. Not that a demon would care anyway.

Should you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Please read and review!