Unaware She Is Fighting

Moving on.

xxx

He's close! I can sense him! Fog rolling through a density of wood. A foreboding shadow growing on the leafy ground. Looming outside my window, waiting in the bushes to pounce. A crimson eye sharpened to a fine blade with a murderous intent. The very windows the eye wished to peer through tinted by the early morning's light. He's searching for me. For us. He wants...to hurt us more! To tear us apart! Legs strutted in a jaded, casually stride. Hands pressed to the trunks, burning an imprint in the bark. Go away...please go away! Don't take anything else from us!

"You're pathetic!"

"Huh?"

"Truly! You have become absolutely pathetic! Why on earth someone as weak as you was made a demon is beyond me!"

"What do you mean? Who are you?"

"Someone you no longer have to worry about considering you've made me so frail!"

"I've what? I've done nothing to you! I don't even know you!"

"Yes you do! You followed me constantly! Now you've chosen to question everything I do! I have to be the one piece of you not affected in the slightest by the illusions you've immersed yourself in!"

"The...illusions…"

xxx

The scraping of drapery washed morning's blinding light into a bedroom. Alliahnna was stirred from her dead sleep. The clopping of feet twitched the muscles in her ears. Her brow spasmed. Her gradually opening eyes were swarmed by the glaring light. She turned over. The long, low cut nightgown entangled her briefly. A clear blue sky greeted her as she awoke. Her spirit was lifted. A welcome sight compared to the dower grey overcast from yesterday. She was, however, idled in confusion. Yesterday...Yesterday was a blur. She wasn't sure if it WAS yesterday or the day before. For the life of her, she doesn't remember how she returned home. The events of the previous day were blurred. She smashed the ball of her palm to her sleepy eyes. An unbearable tension in her neck and shoulders ached. She yawned and stretched her arms out. Her body felt thrashed. Like she was tied to the end of a carriage and dragged over jagged rocks.

Wait a moment...She remembers something. Alliahnna emptied her thoughts, filling a pool to bring what was nagging her to the surface. Yesterday - or so - started with a rash of eye gougings. Reapers were showing up. Will reared his ugly boys...there eyes being gouged out by a noble boy. It was presumed to be Alois. But that was impossible because Alois was dead. Someone else was gouging the eyes out. UGH! She's jumping around. She needs to start from the beginning. It was hard to concentrate. Okay...woke up...reports of eye gouging...asked to investigate. She went to investigate with Ciel and...Sebastian. Ice encased her spine. Sebastian! The demon's smile flooded to her mind. Flickering flames darkened his features. Alliahnna brought her knees to her stomach. She held a pillow over her head, trembling in terror. Her train of recollection fell completely off the track, thrashing about on jagged ground. It crashed to a solid surface, erupting to pieces. Sebastian...why…? Tears formed at the corners of her eyes.

Sebastian...Sebastian was behind it all. He caused the fire. He killed her parents, ripped her and Ciel apart, used them to meet his ends and earn a treat to sate his unrelenting hunger. All these years of serving Alliahnna and Ciel, catering to their every whim, adhering to the order to the letter, were nothing more than the bases he set and the recipe he picked at to create the perfect feast. He only ever wanted Ciel! He never loved her! He never wanted her soul or her humanity! He just wanted his previous master back! The one with the pure soul! He used her the whole time. PUT HIS CHILDREN IN HER STOMACH! She should take a knife and carve them out right now. She touched her stomach. The beating of that spawn within her made her want to puke. Quite the clever one, Sebastian is. Wooing and seducing her, all for his own benefit.

"You know damn well that's not true!" Alliahnna froze. That voice again. "Sebastian never once lied to you! It's just easier for you to think he did!"

"SHUT UP!" She screamed at the irritating voice. Nothing but the voices in her head ridiculing her in her frantic state of mind. She needs to get on with her day. Once she and Ciel have had breakfast, things will start to look up.

"What time is it, Ciel?" She asked him, patting the lump beside her. She and he fell asleep beside each other. But there was no reply. "Ciel?" The spot beside her was empty. "Ciel!" She shot up on her hands, frantically throwing the covers off the bed. The empty space turned her blood to ice. The lump she felt was nothing by pillows and twisted sheets. He's gone! Her mind shrieked. She was certain. Ciel...he was with her last night. And Claude. Alliahnna grit her teeth. Her crimson eyes blazed like a fire. That bloody bastard! Claude. He was there. He...set a trap...I think. He met up with her, muttered words she can't make out. Then he brought her and Ciel to...to...where did he take us?! Why can't she remember? She can remember everything up until the point where she meets Claude. None of that mattered. Ciel was missing. Robbed from her side like he was at the hospital nine years ago. He's been taken! AGAIN! This can't be! Ciel can't be gone. Then another irk clicked in her mind. The bed she's in isn't hers, nor is it Ciel's. She hissed through gritted teeth analyzing the strange room. The alien decor is not one belonging to the Phantomhive Manor. This isn't my home! Where am I?! A presence encroached behind her.

Alliahnna's pupils narrowed to slits. She whipped around, latching a hand to a slender wrist. The figure cried out. A bowl of water and towels spilled. Sheets and pillows toppled to the floor. The figure was pinned to the bed. Alliahnna bared her fangs, guttural growling reverberating her throat. Daggers protruding from her crimson eye shredding her attacker's back to tatters. The fist entangled in their long silver hair smashed their face to the thick comforter. Alliahnna sharply held their arm behind their back, twisting it at the wrist for a low threshold. Her knee was buried into the small of the back, with her other foot was planted as a counter measure. She was crushing the figure's wrist, on the verge of snapping it. Then she stopped, caught off guard by who it was under her. She allowed herself to calm down and was able to recognize the maid uniform. She turned the assailant's head to the side. Hannah inhaled in a shudder, coughing on the wind returning to her.

"You! You're that maid, Hannah!" Alliahnna snarled hatefully. One of Alois's pets, and Claude's stooge. She wrenched Hannah's arm higher. Her knee dug to the small of her back. The bones at the spine and pelvis threatened to snap. She winced in pain. "Where am I?! Where's Ciel?! What have you-" Stitching pain splintered her side. A migraine stabbed at her skull. She became dizzy, wobbling to side. "Dammit..." Her strength was evaporating. She felt heavy and light. Her vision was blurring. Hannah easily freed herself from Alliahnna's surprising fierce hold. She held her by the shoulders, easing the young woman to lie on the plush bed. "What's...happening...to me…?"

"Easy now, Lady Alliahnna. You are not well." Hannah cooed with a soft tone. She propped Alliahnna up on pillows. The glaring light from the window worsened her throbbing headache. Rushing water from the conjoining bathroom sounded like a roaring rapid. "Here. These should ease the pain." Hannah handed her a cup of water and a couple of pills. She is feeling disoriented, She is not out of her mind. Alliahnna glared at the offering suspiciously, then growled rabidly at the uncharacteristically soft faced demoness. Sensing her doubts, Hannah took the pills herself and swallowed them with the water, showing they meant her no harm. Alliahnna remained wary, but accepted the second dose of pills and water.

"Thank you…" Alliahnna grudgingly retorted. Hannah silently bowed. She proceeded to clean the water and towel mess, then moved to refill the small bowl. As the water began to fill, Alliahnna used the brief isolation to study the room she awoke in. The color scheme of Lavender and maroon was off-putting. The portraits on the wall and the light dusty brown of the bed and end tables wasn't appeasing her dislike of the decor. By the size of the bed, the quality of amenities, and the adjoining bathroom - Alliahnna surmised she was in a noble's guest quarters. Putting that into account, and seeing Hannah, Alliahnna came to a horrifying conclusion. She draped a hand across her eyes. "The Trancy Manor…"

"Yes, My Lady." Hannah responded, exiting the bathroom with a bowl of water. She set it to the table beside the bed. Dipping the towel she worked in a lather, ringing out the excess water. My Lady. Those words do not suit her mouth. They are better suited for… 'My Lady.' Sebastian's lips whispered. "You are in one of the Noble's Suites in the Trancy Household." She set the cloth to her forehead. The cooling touch assuaging the drumming.

"How did I get here?" She moaned dryly. If Hannah was going to tend to her, the least she can do is clear up the confusion.

"You and Lord Phantomhive fell unconscious. Weak from a long day. Claude brought you both here so you may rest unhindered." Her answer was direct, precise, and unwavering. As if she recited what she would say in the event Alliahnna had questions. It was unclear if she was lying or not. "Claude saved you both from a horrible fate."

"Saved us? From whom?" She questioned curtly.

Hannah smiled, finding the question to be silly. "From Sebastian Michaelis, of course." Alliahnna eyes widened at his name. Saved us...from Sebastian...Toward the end of the day, Sebastian burst into the room Alliahnna was...sleeping in? She was sleeping. That's why she was on the floor. She pretty sure she was on the floor. Sebastian came bursting in, had the audacity to touch her, spouting nonsense about merging souls and hallucinations. A trick! Nothing more. Just a means to stay in their good graces. To mask more of the lies he would tell to lure her and Ciel into a false sense of security.

"Honestly! You really are pathetic!"

Alliahnna pressed a palm to her forehead. ENOUGH! JUST SHUT UP! She shoved that voice to the back of her mind. It was growing on her nerves. She needs to get out of bed and become active before she loses her mind. "Where is Ciel now?"

"He is just down the hall, My Lady." Alliahnna threw herself out of bed. She grabbed the robe on the chair, tossing it on as she stormed into the hallway. "Lady Alliahnna! Wait!" Hannah picked up her dress, chasing after her.

Alliahnna stampeded through the corridor, her eyes burning a hole to the last door before the corridor ended. She could hear Hannah pleading for her to return to her bed. She was catching up to her fast. Alliahnna ignored her. She had to see for herself. Words are not enough. Ciel! Please be there. The smell of Earl Grey tea was in the air. One of Ciel's favorites brews. Hope lit her heart. Please...please...If anyone is above the clouds, just this once, do not let this be another morning she awakens alone.

The door handle crushed in her grip. "CIEL!" Alliahnna practically rammed the door open.

Ciel was given a start by the door cracking on the wall, shooting straight up in his bed. Purple flowers embroidered the sheets, blankets, and pillows. "Alliahnna!" He cheered her name.

"Ciel…" She was filled with relief. He was there, sitting right there in front of her. He wasn't whisked away in the darkness. "Thank good-" The moment was soon ruined. Alliahnna noted Claude kneeling before him. A fresh change of clothes folded at the foot of the bed. Seeing him bowing to Ciel twisted her insides to knots. That isn't your place! Her heart snarled. Why was he there?

"Good morning, My Lady Alliahnna! I trust you slept well!" Claude jubilantly greeted. He twirled to his feet, crossing an arm in a steep bow. He smirked adoringly at her, throwing her off balance. He was behaving rather strangely. The sincerity in his wishes was spinning her head. "Your timing is impeccable, My Lady. I was just waking the Young Master so you may begin your day." My Lady. Young Master. These words are foreign on their lips. Not meant to be uttered by them. She glanced to Ciel, hoping he would clarify what was going on.

Ciel said nothing, only shaking his head for her not to question it. Meaning he wasn't anymore sure what was happening than she was. Bothersome to the pair still is how casual Claude and Hannah were behaving towards them. Alliahnna recalled the maid and turned to see her. Hannah stood in the archway of the room. She bowed in greeting to Ciel, then stepped off to the side to await further orders. After months of trying to kill, steal, and ruin them, it should be feasible to expect some sort of opposition. Instead, Hannah and Claude are waiting on her hand and foot. And aren't showing the slightest rancor.

"My Lady, the morning is growing late. You should go get ready." Claude interlaced a slender finger with the thin ribbon tying her robe closed. He tugged ever so gently. The parting collar hugged loosely to her shoulders, exposing her demonic seal and the swell of her breasts. Her cheeks tinted pink. A flawless figure with no shivers of shame or embarrassment. The unflattering scars of battle leaving not a single blemish. "It is most unbecoming to remain in such drab attire for too long. A woman of your station should wear something befitting of you." She scrambled to close the robe. Her blush darkened to red. Clothing a size too big, and still she fits it with ease. Much like her new demon blood, she wears what can be construed as a burden like a cape. Magnificent.

"But…"

xxx

Crimson eyes narrowed dangerously. Teeth bit into pale lips. Solid rock beneath black shoes ruptured with cracks.

xxx

Alliahnna became stone still. Sparks prickled her back. She peered out the window past Ciel, half expecting something to be there. There was nothing. My imagination?

"Imagination? Or your instincts?"

"The young master must finish getting ready as well." Claude continued, placing a hand to the small of her back. The way his eyes slithered over her skin. As if he was trying to see beneath the robe and flesh that barricaded him from prying deeper. Alliahnna closed the robe, denying him any more sweets to see. Stop looking at me! Don't look at me with those eyes! The longing in his eyes. The hunger twitching his hands to traverse farther than her back. That isn't for you! "You both will have plenty of time to spend with one another at breakfast."

"Ciel?" Alliahnna hesitated to leave.

"It is fine, Alliahnna. I will see you in a bit." He assured her.

"Okay…" She lingered a moment longer, feeling uneasy with leaving Ciel by himself with Claude. He shouldn't be with him. Sebastian should...

"Before you go, My Lady, I must apologize for not seeing to you personally." Claude proclaimed heartfelt, bowing for his severe lapse in diligence. "Did you enjoy the tea that was prepared?"

"Tea?" Question marks inflated around her head. Now that she thinks about it, she isn't sure if there was tea in her room or not. She tore out of there so fast she wasn't able to tell if there was a door.

"Did Hannah not prepare you any? It was to be a fine blend!" Claude pouted his lower lip.

"Uh! That is-I...haven't had a chance to partake!" She twisted to Hannah who was still in the hall. She nodded understandingly, excusing herself. "I was worried about Ciel and...ugh…" Alliahnna felt woozy.

"You seem off kilter, My Lady." Claude approached her with his hands secured at his sides. The wayward smile he left plastered to his face brought a drop of sweat to the side of her head. When he placed his palm to her forehead, Alliahnna turned to stone. 'Claude's lips drawing close.' What's that? "Are you still not feeling well?"

"I'm just...confused…" She edged away from his hand, scooting to Ciel. She doesn't know what she saw, but she was ready to throw him through the wall for coming so close. Don't touch me! Don't you ever touch me! Claude watched her like a hawk, savoring her sheepish reaction. Alliahnna tried to cast him out of mind. She inspected Ciel, looking for the smallest bruise or scratch. "Are you alright?"

"I should be asking you that." Ciel bit back at her. He cupped both hands to her cheeks. The skin was sagging. There were dark rings under her eyes. "You're pale as a sheet. Are you sure you slept?"

"I'm pretty sure I did." She placed her hands to his. She lavished in the warm touch. The feel of his skin touching to hers. He's real. She hummed in her aching heart. He's really here. Though she was over the moon to see him, the blank space near his person bothered her. "Where's Sebastian?" She blurted from habit. Ciel grunted in discomfort. Alliahnna noted his cringe. Hannah already answered. She wants to hear it from another.

"Have you forgotten, My Lady?" Claude adjusted his glass. The gleam obscured the phantom smirk in his eyes. "The Young Master ordered him away, forbidding him from coming within so much as a league in front of you."

"He did?" She gasped.

"Indeed he did." Claude licked his lips.

"Yes. I have forbade Sebastian from ever showing his face in front of me." Ciel hissed, taking pride in his order. That spineless traitor has no place as hi servant. He locked stern eyes with Alliahnna. "After seeing him tear your heart from your chest, betraying in a manner most foul, I absolutely forbid him from ever approaching you again."

Alliahnna was taken aback. She remembers now. It was after Sebastian found her. Ciel came charging in, and ordered Sebastian to stay away. Alliahnna can't believe she'd forgotten. She was so terrified that Sebastian was going to hurt her. There was not a thing she could have done. No matter how loudly she screamed for him to get away, he just kept coming closer. Ciel saved her. Right? A pressure built in her chest. Was she touched that he was thinking about her when he made the order? Or...is it another feeling causing the prickling in her chest. Am I...mad at him?

"I apologize if you still harboring feelings towards him." Ciel commented on her hesitant look. "But this is a direct attack on us. I cannot allow someone like that under my employ, or on my sister's arm."

"No! That's okay. I'm glad you gave the order." That monster should have been ordered to return to Hell for what he's done. "I could never love someone like that anyway."

"You damned liar!"

"And what a noble order it was!" Claude professed with the most passionate croon. He cupped both of their chins. "Those few words sparing you both from becoming his next victims. Novel would weep in envy." Their skin crawled as the fingers slid from their chins. The icy touch of a spider. He knelt to Alliahnna and Ciel, putting a hand to his chest. Is there supposed to be a heart there? "I hope you do not think ill of me for bringing you here to this manor. I thought, what with this revelation, you would feel safer being as far away from that monster as possible. Phantomhive Manor is the epicenter he has chosen."

"Don't call him that, you prick! He's not a monster!"

"No-no! I'm not upset! I'm just - at the risk of repeating myself - I am confused." She itched the back of her head. Yesterday, leading toward the end, was filled with blurs. She vividly recalls meeting Claude, and it wasn't a friendly collision. He...he threw knives at her. "You and I were fighting yesterday, weren't we?" Ciel gaped in dismay. His brow knit. Alliahnna had bruises. He's sure of it. Did Claude or Sebastian hurt his sister?

Claude lowered his head to hide the impish shimmer behind his glasses. "Whatever do you mean?" He crooned. He stroked the backs of his fingers to her cheek. Nausea curdled her stomach. Stop touching me! "Why would I ever lay a hand on you? My duty is to protect my Young Masters. To so much as remove a hair is inexcusable."

"What do you call killing Alois, you bastard!"

SHUT UP!

Alliahnna was confused for a fourth time. Her skin numbed at his fingers. She was in two fights the other day. Will was one of them. She finds it difficult to forget his punches. He never pull them. Then Claude arrived. He threw knives at her. "But I could have sworn you and I were fighting. And then…" Her skull was split down the middle in pain. Claud went behind her, cradling her by the shoulders. "Was it...a dream?" She winced. The harder she tried to remember, the greater the pain.

"A nightmare, My Lady. Brought on by Sebastian in order to sink his fangs into you and your beloved brother." Claude promised her. Sebastian did? That doesn't...Sebastian got rid of her nightmares. Another trick he stored in his reserves. It had to be. "No need to fear. I can assure you, he will not dare to come near you here." A glimmer of pride reflected in his golden eyes.

xxx

Lips parted, revealing fangs in a growl. The cracks at the feet broke to small potholes.

xxx

"AAHH!" Alliahnna winced, smashing her hands to her head. "STOP! STOP IT!" She begged.

"Alliahnna?!" Ciel sprang to his feet. The loose nightshirt he wore almost fell from his slender shoulders. He grabbed Alliahnna by the shoulders. She was clawing at her scalp, whimpering heatedly. "Alliahnna! What's wrong? Talk to me!" Too much! Pressure crushed on the whole of her skull. Her neck felt like it would break under the weight.

"Not...right…" 'Sebastian...fire...her parents...the bridge...a white wing?' What is that? The wing. A white wing. Sebastian's are black. So familiar.

"It's more than familiar! You know who that is!"

"I...do…" She moaned. The room titled to the side.

"ALLIAHNNA!" Ciel threw his arm under and around her, catching her against him. He stumbled back to the bed, easing half of her onto his lap. Claude's brow knit. Aggravation was hidden behind his gleaming spectacles. He obscured the irate hiss biting his lip. "Alliahnna! Alliahnna!" He shook her.

"Not right! Not right! Wrong! Is all wrong!" She was awake, but clearly delirious. Her dry mouth mumbling something. "Illu...tian...reap...LIES!"

"HANNAH!" Claude clapped his hands. Hannah raced in, taking Alliahnna from Ciel. "Return her to her room at once!"

"Yes, of course!" Hannah lifted her in her arms like a bride.

Alliahnna broke into a sweat. Her mouth was moving in the shape of words, only dry whimpers sounded. Her breath was heavy and uneven. Hannah rushed Alliahnna to her room, minding to not jostle her too fiercely. The girl fidgeted in her arms. Incoherent rambling escaping her lips. "Not right...fought...Claude...Angel…illusions!" She was delirious. Hannah felt her hammering heart through her back. She grasped at Hannah's dress, curling into her. Hannah was caught off guard by the curling. "Sebastian…" She pleaded.

Hannah's eye widened. A sneaky smile stretched to her lips. "It would seem your spell is wearing off, Claude."

xxx

Claude bore rancorous holes to the door Hannah whisked Alliahnna through. 'Lies...not right!' Those words echoed in his ears. He bit his lip. Damn you, Alliahnna Phantomhive. Still she fights, even after she cast him aside. She fights to be back with her precious demon. And she's not cognitively aware of it. As far as she's concerned, she's suffering from headaches. The Young Master will soon follow. The whole reason he brought her along was because as a complete set, neither twin will leave. Together, they are pristine and pure. Also, the look on Sebastian's face was priceless. The way he almost gave into his demon instinct to kill as he held his lover in his arms. Pure perfection. SHE and her brother are perfect. Still, her stubborn will is proving to be a thorn in his side. She will not ruin my dinner plans! He adjusted his glasses. He exhaled harshly through his nostrils. Stay calm! Stay calm. She won't interfere. She won't be able to. All is still on track. He just needs to keep his head about him. Besides, he would hate to be rid of his one treat in the manor.

"Claude!" A hand slapped Claude across the cheek as he addressed the call. Fury highlighted Ciel's eyes. "Don't you ever stare at her with such lecherous eyes again!" He frothed at the mouth. Claude was captivated by the passion. "And never subject her to a disgusting display! Am I clear?"

"Of course!" Claude scrambled to one knee, bowing his head low. Such a frail hand possessing indomitable strength! Blissful! "Sincerest apologies, My Lord!" He won't be able to contain himself for much longer.

xxx

Sebastian gasped in amazement, wide eyes locking to the manor. He felt something just now. A spark from fervid obstinance sent a jolt shooting through him. Alliahnna? It had to be. He can detect her stubborn will from the middle of the ocean through a lead box. There was another spark. More powerful this time. Strong enough to nearly drop him to a knee. Sebastian balanced himself with a hand to a tree. He placed a hand at his chest, regaining his breath. This is her! She's fighting! He gasped in his mind. Elation glossed his eyes. She may not be aware, but she's fighting Claude's spell. Please, Alliahnna! Keeping fighting. I'm right here.

xxx

Hannah set a pot of steaming hot water to the end table. She placed a tiny strainer to a teacup, sprinkling tea leaves and a dash of honey. Alliahnna was placed back in her bed, propped to an angle to alleviate the stress. The fresh air from the opened window soothed her savage migraine. The flapping curtains were pleasant to hear. The strong smell of the brewing tea added to the bliss. However, as her head started to clear, Alliahnna started thinking on the strange feelings she had back in Ciel's room.

That was odd. Alliahnna sensed something vicious close by. She couldn't almost meet the eyes of whatever caused it. The thirst for blood was ripe in the air. She's only sensed this a couple of times before. It's never good. The sense that someone somewhere was shattering the earth. Or was it more of an ominous strike of lightning tearing the land apart. Regardless of the description, it's only ever come from one place. Sebastian…?

"I hope Earl Grey is to your liking, My Lady." Hannah poured the tea, minding to spill.

It might be her delirium, but Alliahnna admired how elegantly she tipped the kettle. "It's...alright…" She mumbled. Hannah's tender expression embarassed her. She's very attentive too. She hasn't left Alliahnna's side, in spite of them not being on the friendliest of terms. She began to wonder why Alois treated her like scum. She then noticed folded clothing on the edge of the bed and raised a brow to it. This raised the question to where her white uniform went.

"Your old clothing was torn. I understand you dislike dresses. I hope these will suffice." Hannah practically read her mind.

The design was similar to the ones those three boys wear. "This is the same as the triplets, correct?" She unfolded the vest, shirt, and pants. She likes the color enough. She's just not crazy about pants. Too restricting.

"Yes. I altered them to fit your figure."

Altered...to my figure? Alliahnna blushed. She wrapped her arms around herself. She's nervous to imagine what Hannah and the others did to her while she was asleep. "Th-thank you! You didn't have to." She remembered her manners in the middle of her daze. Hannah was pleased to hear her say so. Alliahnna rose to her feet to start changing. She was startled by Hannah starting to untie her robe. "Wait, stop!"

"Just relax. I will be swift." Hannah reassured her. It's not about being swift. She opened the robe. It was happening so slow. Alliahnna's heart was pounding. Warm air was brushing to her mildly clothed body. Her cheeks darkened to red. Her mind played a trick, transforming the deadpanned Hannah into a foxily smiling Sebastian. Those pools of blood drinking her up.

"I said stop, Hannah!" Alliahnna snapped her hands to Hannah's pushing her back. You only wish it was him. It can never be him again. She edged away from Hannah, holding her robe closed. She seethed at the ground. Hannah may be doing her job, but it didn't make her feel any better. Instead she felt...dirty. Unfaithful even.

"Now why would you feel unfaithful if you threw your lover aside?"

Will you - whatever you are - SHUT UP! She was starting to get really sick of that voice in her head. It's like Phoebus only aggravating to listen to. "You don't need to wait on me! I'm not your master." And she isn't in the mood to be seen naked anymore than she was when they put her in the nightgown.

"Perhaps not. But you are nobility." Hannah folded her hands in front of her, ensuring Alliahnna realized she meant no harm. "Therefore it is my duty to serve you, regardless if you despise me."

That hurt her to hear. "There seems to be a grave misunderstanding between you and I." She curtly replied. She threw the robe off to the bed. Too fumed by Hannah's decree to care, Alliahnna tossed her nightgown to the bed. Hannah raised a brow not just at her response, but her physique as well. She fills out more than her clothing reveals. Must be a welcomed treat for Sebastian. "Claude is the one I despise. I bear no ill-will towards you, Hannah." She slipped on the white shirt, rolling the cuffs to her elbow. She was impressed by how well it fit in the chest area.

"It would appear I am confused." Hannah folded an arm, propping her elbow and curling her knuckles under her chin. "I would swear your murderous impulse was at its peak whenever you and I crossed paths."

"That wasn't out of malice. It was the principal of a personal matter." Alliahnna pouted, buttoning the black vest. She moved for the pants, admiring the sleek fabric. She has to admit, the triplets have good taste.

"Oh? And why is that?" Hannah crooned.

The pants slid on like a glove. They buttoned easily. Hannah did an amazing job. "I dislike not being taken seriously." She rumbled.

"With all due respect, My Lady, had I taken you seriously, you would be dead and feeding the scavengers." She moved behind Alliahnna, brushing her hair while she fiddled with the uniform.

"I don't doubt it." She shrugged. She parted the white shirt's collar low for added leverage. Her neck felt empty, so she put the pendant Schneizel gave her on. "But still, I would have loved to face you at your best." She giggled excitedly. The mere thought of facing Hannah on the battlefield made her tingle.

"Let us abstain until you have fully recuperated." Not a no, but not a yes. A firm maybe. Hannah will certainly look forward to the near future. She finished tying Alliahnna's hair into a bun, leaving her bangs, and some hair draping to her ear. "Done. You look immaculate."

"Thanks. For everything." She added. Perhaps Alliahnna was wrong about them. Well, about Hannah, anyway. The triplets - jury's still out. Claude - there isn't a word in the English Dictionary to properly describe how much she despises him. She can see Hannah isn't too fond of him either. On top of other obvious attitude contradicting her behavior towards him. "Can I ask you a question? I'm not your master, or your superior by any title. You're under no obligation to answer me." Alliahnna wants that to be perfectly clear.

"Go ahead." Hannah welcomed.

"Why is someone so powerful taking orders from Claude?"

Hannah gasped in amazement. Verbatim, that is the same as Sebastian's inquiry. "What makes you assume I am the superior?" She tried to dismiss, sounding flattered in order to hide her rising apprehension.

"Laevatein - the sword you carry." Alliahnna's stomach churned thinking about how Claude reached inside of her and yanked it out. Again, if ever something so large is put inside of her, she would bite the hand that put it in her and use it as a toy. "Sebastian told me wielding the weapon is a strain on the most elite of demons. Becoming its sheath would very well tear them to ribbons. Mind and body." Hannah ran a hand over her stomach. She traced the hand up, closing her eyes to see the sword nesting within her. "I watched Claude use it. It was like watching a barbarian with a club. A barbarian with training. You aren't bothered by it in the least."

"That's quite the astute observation. Have you taken an interest in me?" She cupped a hand to her flushed cheek.

"More like a morbid curiosity." Hannah has jokes. Alliahnna's starting to like her more and more. But all jokes aside, Alliahnna wants the truth. "Are you going to answer me? Or am I going to have to twist under the suspense?" Either way, Alliahnna will discover the truth. She always does. Phoebus's lessons never go to waste.

"Watching you twist would be enjoyable. I don't think I've ever witnessed you squirm." She purred.

"I try not to. It's not very attractive."

"I disagree. I think a bit of unease would make you all the more adorable."

"Sebastian loves watching you squirm underneath." Alliahnna blushed madly. Hannah was baffled by the response. She didn't think what she said was too embarrassing. "Especially when he tickles your-" SHUT UP ALREADY!

xxx

Sebastian arched a curious brow. There was a pleasant tingle teasing his insides. He smirked wolfishly. Having dirty thoughts, My Lady?

xxx

Alliahnna shook it off. That voices was very audacious. Not nearly as audacious as the three patches of purple hair poking from outside. Alliahnna laughed impishly. "Careful, Hannah. The triplets outside the door might be jealous of all the attention you're giving me." She directed a thumb to window. Hannah titled to the side, not seeing anyone. "Come on! I know you three are there! You've been there since I woke up!"

Hannah squinted to see who she was yelling at. She was surprised. Fingers wrapped to the edges of the window sill. Thompson, Canterbury, and Timber poked inside. The trio were pouting at being spotted by an immature demon. And Hannah investing all of her attention in Alliahnna didn't improve their mood. "Please pay them no heed. Like me, they are becoming accustomed to a former enemy living amongst us."

Former enemy, huh. Alliahnna folded her arms, leaning to a wall. "Do not placate the situation."

"My Lady?"

"We can live under the same roof for the next several centuries, and you and the triplets would still hate me." Her candor caught Hannah and the Triplets off guard. For one reason or another they were expecting her to show naive optimism. Display a blind sense of faith it can workout. Then again, perhaps they are the naive ones for believing a Phantomhive would sugarcoat. "You're only dealing with me and Ciel because Claude wishes it. And, conversely, I'm being amicable for the sake of my brother." That has to be the reason Claude brought her along. Although, she should show him some gratitude. He saved her too.

"He didn't save you! You were never in danger!"

Please stop talking!

"You're in a home with a butler who killed his master! You're in danger and you refuse to acknowledge it!"

"With Alois gone, having Ciel to wait on will occupy your days." Hannah and The Triplets relaxed. As if a weight that's been bearing down on them was lifted. Alliahnna made a mental note. She anticipated discomfort, or a some sort of discontent for their master being gone. Instead...they were relieved? Relieved that their meal was dead and gone? That...doesn't make a lot of sense. None at all. Then again, a lot wasn't making sense. Like Claude and Hannah referring to Ciel as Young Master, or calling her My Lady. The most suspicious is the sincerity behind their honorifics. There was more compassion for them than Alois. Alois...

'You've merged their souls into one. I never thought of that.' Sebastian's words from the previous night repeated. What does that mean? Merging their souls into one? Was Sebastian talking about Alois and Ciel? He uttered those words just as he discovered Claude in the room. Claude...he was waiting for Sebastian. He brought Ciel to me. Alliahnna thought back on Ciel the other night. Aside from being ragged from the treatment he endured, he was the same as he ever was. Nothing was out of the ordinary. So why does she feel so uneasy?

"I'd like to be by myself, if you don't mind." She politely requested. She placed a hand to her forehead for effect.

"Of course." Hannah bowed. She motioned her hand at the Triplets. They nodded and vanished. "Excuse me, My Lady. I will return at a later time."

As soon as Hannah left the room, Alliahnna closed the window and curtains. She went to the door, locking it tight. Not that locked doors can stop demons. But it offered her some sort of security. She pressed her forehead to the cold wood. She pounded a fist, trying to jostle her mind to think straight. Everything was everywhere. The moment she thinks she's developed a logical answer, a loop takes form and sends her hurtling in another direction. She loses that train of thought, and is bombarded by a dozen others. Nothing stays the same. Everything is changing. The only commanilty that is irreversible is the atmosphere in the Trancy Manor. Hannah and Claude can bow, curtsy, and use every honorific they know. They're hiding something. They know what's happening, or what's about to happen!

This whole thing...is a mess. None of it makes sense...none of it. So many questions. Her head was starting to hurt again.

"Are you ready to listen to me now?"

"NO! SHUT UP! EVERYONE JUST SHUT UP!" She needs to think. She needs silence. She needs air. She needs...Sebastian!

xxx

Sebastian…

Warmth pooled to Sebastian's ear. She needs me...He sighed. Sebastian curled his gloved hand to his beating heart. An ache in his chest he prayed he'd never feel again was pulsating. She needs my help. The loss he has suffered is worse than being whipped by Angela, or being burned by Lucifer's fire. And there's not a thing he can do. Not while she fears him so vehemently. Regardless, he will never leave her side. He will not abandon her to these scavengers.

"I am right here for you, Alliahnna." He confessed devotedly. "I am here for you, my love." He reached a hand to her window, curling his fingers to hold her soft hand, bring it back to his chest. "Just as I always will be."

To be continued.

Not a lot. But more to come later.