Paula's Pov

"If you kill me, the spell will never be broken. Also if the spell is not lifted in ninety six hours, Ciel will die." What in the world did Claude mean by that? That doesn't even make sense. What is all this talk of spells and death? Also, why were Sebastian and Claude acting so cruel toward each other? I couldn't understand anything they talked about. Claude, he acted so different, when I wasn't around. Cursing, making threats, and acting so cruelly, that wasn't the man I knew and I loved. What was Claude hiding? Sebastian too, for that matter. Also the most important, was what Claude said true? Will Ciel really die in ninety-six hours?! I was really beginning to become very afraid.

Claude and Sebastian began to speak again. "You lie. You filth." Sebastian said. "Do you really want to risk it, Michealis?" Claude said. "Toying with me is suicide, Claude. Choose your words carefully, spider." Sebastian said. "I don't have time for games, Sebastian. Your beloved master will die in ninety-six hours, unless..." Claude trailed off. "Unless what?!" Sebastian said his patience running thin. "Once I awaken your master, he must succumb to my master's every command." Claude said. "You must be out of your mind. My master will never agree to such nonsense. Knowing my master he would prefer death!" Sebastian said. "Then I will grant his wish. It's been ten hours since I placed my spell on Ciel. You have eighty-six hours left to make a decision. It's quite simple actually. You either pick life or death." Claude said.

I had to put both of my hands over my mouth to keep from crying out. Tears streamed down my face. I was so confused and scared. I really was beginning to believe Claude had the ability to kill Ciel in eighty six hours. What was I was going to do? I couldn't very well keep all of this to myself. No matter how much I wanted to I couldn't forget everything I just heard. Would anyone even believe me anyway? This was quite a story to tell, let alone to make convincing. I had to find out more information. Another question was, who could I trust? It seemed like no one was who they really appeared to be. I felt like I should be leaning in Sebastian's favor, but then again what are his motives? As much as it truly pains me, I didn't think Claude was the person I could go to for comfort anymore.

I wiped a tear from my eye. I had thought Claude was the man that I would marry. That we would live happily ever after, like I had always dreamed. But, now my dream is more of a nightmare. As I am now romantically involved with a possible murderer. God, I just didn't know what to believe or do about this situation. "Let us return to our master's side. But, know this Claude Faustus. It is now my sole purpose to make sure you bleed at my feet." Sebastian said. "I think in your case it would be your master's bed side. But nevertheless, you will not defeat me. No matter how superior you think you are to me, you are at my mercy." Claude said. I could hear them starting to walk toward the exit, so I began to run my fastest down the hall ways. I could not be discovered. Claude, I will find out what you're hiding.

Sebastian's POV

That cretin Claude has me at a standstill. I have to admit my hands are tied. There is no way in all of the hells that young master will agree to the conditions Claude and Alois have set. I must find another way to undo the spell, and save young master without the aid of Claude. The time limit presents a problem, as well. As I stare at Ciel motionless body, I lose more and more hope. Demons don't need to sleep regularly, but I find myself more and more desiring a long deep sleep. Unfortunately with the position I'm in, sleep is the last thing I should be wasting time on. I look over at Claude, as he tries to look concerned for Ciel. All the while knowing that he is responsible for causing all of this commotion. Out of the corner of my eye I see Paula. She looks to have seen a ghost, perhaps ten. I was sure she would be clinging to Claude like a shadow in a situation like this.

"Sebastian, Claude." Mr. Midford spoke. "Yes, sir." Claude and I answered in unison. "Take the women and children home, please. It's been a long night, they need sleep. My men and I will keep watch over Ciel, and alert you in case of any changes in Ciel's conditions. Also, everyone is invited to stay at the Midford Estate. We have been through a lot tonight, and we stuck through it all, together. Just as noble men and women should!" Mr. Midford said. "You're are truly too kind, sir. Claude and I will serve without fail." I said. With that, Claude and I escorted everyone outside to the carriage. Claude decided he would drive, inviting Paula to sit with him. She reluctantly accepted. and Elizabeth sat on one side of the carriage, and Alois and myself on the other. Alois decided to clutch my arm and fall asleep. I could feel his drool soak through my shirt, as the Midford women admired his cuteness.

Claude's POV

I feel quite proud of myself. I have now put the "hell of a butler" in bind, that he will not easily escape. The sleep spell on Ciel was ingenious on my part. Now Sebastian has very little chose than to come to his knees at my feet, and beg me to lift the spell. Today turned out to be quite a wonderful day, minus the stab wound and stitches. Sebastian will think twice before underestimating me again. I might kill Ciel anyway just for fun! I was elated. I looked to my right and noticed Paula was looking quite the opposite of how I feel. I grabbed her hand, and held it in mine. "Is there something wrong?" I asked. She kept her head down and replied. "No,...it's just been a long day, full of misfortune." I looked back at the road. "They say that misfortune is often followed by happiness. Like a thunder storm is followed by sunshine." I said.

"Claude, can I ask you something?" Paula said, finally looking at me. "Well of course, love." I said, curious as to what she wanted to know. "Have you ever hurt people, like...really hurt someone?" Paula asked me. I don't know what she meant by that statement, but I really didn't like the why it sounded. "And what do you mean by that?" I asked curtly. I suppose my tone frighten her slightly, as she shrank back from me. "It's nothing, I'm just talking. I'm awfully tired, I'm sorry." She said all in one breath. I squeezed her hand and took a breath before I spoke again. "Paula, I would give my life for you. I want to give you everything you've ever dreamt of. I want you to see me as someone that you can always be comfortable with, a lover. I will not hurt you. I promise. You are my everything." I said.

Paula's POV

I was so conflicted. There Claude went again, becoming my perfect gentle lover. But, it's what he did in the dark that frighten me. I wanted desperately to believe that nothing had changed, but I know it has. I placed a bitter sweet kiss on his cheek. "I know. I want us to be happy together, too." I whispered in his ear. He smiled, and we held hands the rest of the way as I laid my head on his shoulder. I don't understand what is happening but, I love Claude. There is no denying that. I think about him constantly and rejoice when I'm in his presents and grimace when I must leave his side. Even now knowing what I know, I can't help, but still adore him. It is now my goal to save this love.

Joker11315~ Awww! I wanted cry a little writing this it was just so freaking sweet. Poor Paula not knowing how to feel. Claude and his evils ways. What is Sebastian going to do? Ciel's eighty six hours are ticking away slowly.