Cecilia was sitting in the room looking at her hands. She was beyond frustrated. Not only had her spell been interrupted, it had been ruined. It was an extremely difficult one to perform much less succeed, and someone decided to kill her in the middle of it. She hadn't lied when she told them she didn't get a good luck, but she hadn't provided the whole truth.
She needed to get back to her flat. She had what she needed to fix her wounds enough to allow her mobility. Then she would just have to try again. However, if the culprit was what she suspected, she would have to proceed carefully.
A soft knock brought her back to the small gray room. She looked at the door and watch the Undertaker and the Butler enter the room. She straightened up in her chair, trying to regain some semblance of dignity. While the Undertaker's behavior was wildly inappropriate, it wasn't particularly unwanted. But this was not time for that.
"I have brought you something to wear until you are well enough to move about." The butler said with a soft smile and set the package on the bed. He began opening it and laying out the different pieces. "I assume her boots are still useable." Sebastian spoke to the Undertaker.
"Of course." The Undertaker giggled, "Once you're finished here, I'll bring you up something to eat. Heaven knows how hungry you must be." He teased and left. Cecilia noticed the butler's twitch at the heaven comment and she smirked a bit to herself.
"You really mustn't be so visibly bothered by reference to religion in this day and age." She teased him. He gave her a chill smile.
"Whatever do you mean, Miss?" He asked, not really asking for an answer. She just returned the smile with a hum. He went back to organizing the pieces of clothes. "I must admit, I haven't come across one of your kind in decades. You all usually prefer more rural areas. So tell me," He said, looking at her with his blood red eyes, "What on earth is a witch doing in the city?" Cecilia was not phased. Of course he, a demon would know what she was. She had worked with and against enough demons to become fairly familiar with them.
"I could ask you the same thing." She pointed out. "What is a demon doing as a butler to a young boy?" He stood up straight and smiling.
"I am afraid that is my personal business." He told her, "However, I am impressed you know what I am. How long have you known?"
"I've experienced enough demons to be able to recognize them when I see them." She explained. He was before her in a flash, hands on the arms of her chairs, trapping her there. She kept her face calm. She wasn't scared, but demons were not ones to take lightly.
"Then you should know just how dangerous we can be." He spoke slowly and lowly. Cecilia hummed and offered a small but confident smile.
"Of course." She agreed, "And a demon as old as yourself should know full well the dangers of coming across the wrong witch." She told him and with a hand, pushed him back. He allowed this and stood before her. "I assume you have more questions for me, know that we may speak more freely."
"You are correct," He told her with his fake smile and turned to the bed and picked up a few undergarments. "However, I believe that conversation is best suited for when you are dressed."
"I can dress myself." She told him and began to stand when her stomach twinged in pain. She bent over, trying to relieve the pain bit. She needed to get home.
"To provide you some privacy, I can allow you to put on your more intimate garments." He told her and put them in her hands. "However, I will help you with the rest. The young master would be most displeased if you injured yourself during such menial tasks." She accepted the clothes with a small sigh. Of course.
Cecilia was able to slip into the clothes with relative ease. Her abdomen hurt but she was able to work past it. Her throat hurt as well, but it was no where near as bad as her missing organ. She was surprised she was able to come back as quickly as she did. No doubt the Undertaker's work had a role.
Sebastian turned and extended his hands with his fake smile, offering her help in standing. She accepted and he gently pulled her into a standing position.
"The young master thought this may help during your recovery." He explained as he place a simple cane in her hand. She put her weight on hit and found it was helpful.
"He is a very kind young man." Cecilia commented. "How considerate." Sebastian only hummed as he helped dress her. He took care with the corset, not wanting to put too much pressure on her wound. The shirt was a simple white blouse with a high neck and very litte frills. The sleeves puffed out slightly before being cinched at the wrists. The skirt was a simple grey wool one with a small bustle on the back. It was high waisted and stopped just under her bust. He helped her sit once more and picked up the shoes the undertaker had left by the bathroom.
They were silent during the dressing. Cecilia's throat hurt and it took more effort than she cared to admit to talk. Sebastian seemed to not be in a rush and took his time making sure she was properly dressed. While he laced up her boots expertly, she pulled her hair into a knot at the top of her head and small whisps of hair framed her face.
Sebastian stepped back and looked at her. She appeared to be a young woman in her early twenties. She wore no jewlery, unmarried. She had a soft face but piercing brown eyes that seemed to be full of mystery and knowledge. Though she was dressed plainly, she was quite lovely. Once more he helped her stand.
"Now, I do believe your host has a meal prepared for you." He explained. "I shall escort you there. We can discuss your situation more during dinner." Cecilia nodded and let him lead her down the steps to the undertaker's private living area. He had a small dining area. She noted his place was not made with the hopes of many visitors. Unsurprising, really. Not many people want to dine in a funeral parlor.
Cecilia was surprised at Sebastian's gentleness and professionalism. She had met many demons who are rather rough around the edges and rough with others.
"I suppose caring for a child can teach you to value patience and gentleness." She commented as they walked down the stairs.
"Yes, I suppose it does." Sebastian agreed. The reached the end of the steps and she used her cane to help her move about, grateful for something to keep her upright.
They entered the small dining area and the Undertaker had placed a casserole dish on the table. It was set for three and Sebastian frowned slightly.
"Come, come. Surely you can spare a meal with us. After all, I feel we will all become the best of friends." He giggled and Cecilia could feel his eyes on her. She couldn't help but to think back on the bath, feeling his nails on her skin, his light touches. She felt herself blush slightly but pushed it down.
Sebastian did not argue with him and helped seat Cecilia, being the gentleman he is. She was surprised when the dish was a simple meat and potato dish with a vegetable side. How had he cooked this so fast? Sebastian, ever the butler, served the drinks and the food to the three of them and placed food on his own plate. It was a simple meal but it smelled delicious. Cecilia was careful to eat slowly, despite how hungry she was. She was surprised at the taste. It was wonderful. She glanced out of the corner of her eye at Sebastian as she sipped her wine. He was sitting politely, not eating though it looked as though he had taken a few bites.
"Not bad for your first meal back in the world of the living, is it?" The Undertaker sang as he leaned forward and rested his chin on his fingers.
"It is quite delicious." She told him, trying to remain proper and trying to ignore that both of the men sitting at the table with her had seen her nude, or semi-nude. It was unsettling since one was a demon, and the other had a dangerous air of knowledge hanging around him. He didn't seem quite human. "I believe you both have some questions for me?" She asked as she daintily whipped her mouth. The Undertaker giggled.
"Such politeness." He giggled, "Did you forget your little tantrum when you woke up?" He asked here and she glared at him and leaned back in the chair.
"While it was unfortunate you witnessed it, I will not use it as an excuse to be rude in my host's home." She explained and she saw Sebastian smile out of the corner of her eye. "Now, what would you like to know?"
"First, I would like to know what you remember from your death. Did you see your killer?" Sebastian asked simply.
"Honestly, not really." She started. "I saw some things. But I am not sure how much of a help this information will be."
"Any information will be greatly appreciated." He assured her. She swallowed and idly played with the collar of her neck. She remembered the tearing sensation on her neck.
"Red." She almost whispered and let her head lean back a bit. Her eyes unfocused as she tried to remember everything she could. "There was so much red. My blood was everywhere, but there was someone in red. A shrill laugh and some kind of mechanical noise. I don't know what was used on my neck. It tore at my flesh unlike anything I had ever seen before." She paused here and closed her eyes.
"Quite." The Undertaker added with a smile. "I had quite a trouble with your neck. Your stomach was much easier. The blade was almost surgical." Cecilia opened her eyes.
"It was terrible." She told them. "Watching as a part of you is ripped from you."
"Ripped?" Sebastian asked. She nodded and looked at him.
"While the cut was quick and precise," She paused ad shivered, "I could see some of it. I could feel them rip it out of me as I was dying."
"What on earth were you doing in a cemetery anyway?" Sebastian asked as he poured her another glass. She accepted it and drank from it. She had been trying to avoid the memory. She had experienced some gruesome deaths, but nothing quite like this.
"Can't you guess?" She asked him, the wine helping her feel a little playful. He looked at her, preferring she answer. "I am a witch. A witch normally choses a path and devotes their life to the craft. Others dabble in many paths. While I am knowledgeable and skilled in several disciplines, my specialty is necromancy."
"Necromancy?" Sebastian repeated, slightly impressed. Necromancers were rare. Experienced necromancers were even rarer.
"Divinitation through spirits and communing with the dead." She explained.
"My, my, my," The undertaker giggled. "You were trying to talk to the victims of the murderer, weren't you?" He asked. She nodded.
"were you successful?" Sebastian asked. She shook her head.
"Calling spirits to you is difficult enough. Most spirits want to be left in peace." Cecilia explained. "Reaching the specific spirit you seek is extremely difficult and rare. But, they talk. They communicate with one another. In most cases, spirits may know just enough." Cecilia took another sip of the wine. It was a delicious red. Between the dinner, the wine, and bath, she was feeling more relaxed than she expected. "Unfortunately, whoever decided to end my life interrupted the spell and scared away the ones who were finally answering my call." Cecilia scowled at the table. She had been calling them for weeks and had just gotten an answer. "I had been trying for weeks. I had to tweak the spell a bit."
"How so?" Sebastian asked, curious. Witches were mysterious creatures and very private. They sparked the curiosity and scorn of many creatures ranging from demons to angels. "I would be very interested in seeing your methods." He told her, not really expecting much from it. She rolled her head to face him.
"It's in my grimoire." She told him bluntly. "I can show you. It won't work again. It was tailored specifically to those spirits and they have no interest in seeing me again."
"I always thought witches had their books with them when they cast spells." The Undertaker spoke up, startling her. He had been eerily quiet. She frowned at him.
"Depends on the spell." She told him. "I had it with me. I had brought a bag with me." She explained as she sat up. "Where is my bag?" She asked, her words beginning to slur. She set down her glass.
"The police did not find anything with you." The undertaker told her as he watched her. She stared at him wide eyed and shot up. She lost her balance and slammed her palms on the table.
"I need…my bag." She told him. Cecilia felt her heart racing. It was getting harder to move. Her head was swimming. "My book….what…what did you do?" She asked, glaring at the two of them. "I can't…..move." She pushed off of the table and stepped to the side, leaning on the cane she was borrowing.
"Ah," Sebastian exclaimed as though he just realized something. "I was wondering why the wine tasted off." He said with a smile to the Undertaker. They two just sat there while Cecilia panicked.
"What the hell?" She slurred and stumbled away. Her legs gave out and her legs gave out. Her hands caught her and the cane skittered away. Undertaker stood and slowly walked over to her. She glared at him.
"I figured you would appreciate something to help you sleep, dearie. You've had quite a day." He explained and Cecilia found her vision blurring. Above her stood the Undertaker and his form swirled in front of her.
"Bastard." She mumbled as her body went limp. As she fell forward, the Undertaker stooped to keep her sitting upright. He picked her up gently and turned to Sebastian.
"I assume you found what you were looking for." Sebastian stood and smiled.
"Yes, thank you." He walked over to the two. "Though I must ask, why did you drug her rather than offering her the sleep aid?"
"It was much funnier this way." The Undertaker giggled. "She does get so indignant. Besides, this will help her stay still in her sleep. Don't want her bleeding out in her sleep do we?"
"I suppose not." Sebastian agreed. Undertaker walked away and Sebastian followed him. "If she does not have her book, then it could be in the hands of the killer. The last thing we need is someone using such powerful magic to help murder these women."
"Ah, that would be quite unfortunate." The Undertaker agreed. A witch's book often held old and ancient magic as well as more modern spells, tailored to fit the time. It has been known of witches to burn their books if the risk of them being stolen was even hinted. For hers to have been stolen, it could very well pose a very tiring and irritating challenge. "Though, I hear there is commonly a spell on the books to curse those who steal it." Sebastian looked at him with a polite smile.
"We shall come and collect her tomorrow around noon." He explained. "We greatly appreciate your hospitality on her behalf."
"It has been entirely my pleasure." He laughed and headed up the stairs. "Feel free to see yourself out." He giggled as he disappeared from sight.
Sebastian took his leave and stepped out into the cool evening. He had one more task before returning home.
He stood in the graveyard, looking over the crime scene. Her blood had soaked into the ground but the grass had been ruined in a clear struggle. Her blood had splattered onto nearby headstones. A breeze rushed past him and he felt a presence. He turned to see a small girl, no older than five. She looked up at him, curious.
"Hello." He smiled and bowed politely. "May I help you with something?" He remained polite, hoping she would be able to provide him some information. It was rare of a ghost to appear before someone, much less a demon.
"Are you her friend?" She asked, her voice sounding as though she stood several yards away. He knelt down to her level.
"Do you know something that could help me?" He asked her. The little girl looked at him. She knew what he was. She also knew she had no reason to fear him. Her face was blank and emotionless as she stared at him. "I am looking for something. The woman who was killed here had a bag and a book with her." The girl pointed to the right and Sebastian looked to where she pointed. There was a line of bushes nearby. Another gust of wind blew past them and the girl disappeared. The breeze shook the bushes and Sebastian saw something underneath of them. He walked over and pushed the branches out of the way. He smirked to himself.
Even in death, humans are so trusting.