The room was dark, the air heavy with despair, as Ciel Phantomhive kneeled on the cold stone floor, his frail body trembling. The summoning circle etched into the ground glowed faintly, pulsating with eerie energy. Shadows stretched and danced along the walls, writhing like serpents. And then she appeared.
Sadako emerged from the void, her hair cascading in a tangled black curtain that nearly brushed the floor. Her face was partially obscured, but what could be seen was haunting—pale, sallow skin that clung tightly to her bones, and deep, sunken eyes that seemed to pierce directly into the soul. She moved without sound, her presence suffocating, the stench of death clinging to her like a shroud. She was not merely terrifying; she was a creature born from nightmares, an onryō, the vengeful spirit of legend.
Ciel gazed up at her, his one good eye filled with determination despite his fear. He was no stranger to monsters, not after what had been done to him, but Sadako was something far beyond human comprehension.
"You are the one who summoned me," she rasped, her voice like the grinding of brittle bones. Her head tilted, her long hair shifting to reveal her unearthly face in full. "A broken child calling out to the abyss for salvation. Do you even know what you ask of me?"
Ciel steadied himself, his fingers digging into the stone floor. "I know exactly what I ask. I want vengeance. I want to destroy those who took everything from me. And in exchange, you may take my soul." His voice did not waver, though his body quaked under her oppressive presence.
Sadako regarded him with an emotionless stare. She felt his anger, his grief, his desperation—emotions that radiated from him like a beacon. Her empathy, her curse, let her taste his suffering, and it was intoxicating. Yet, she frowned.
"You are bold, little one," she said softly, the ghost of a smirk curling her lips. "But boldness does not mean wisdom. You would bargain your soul for a fleeting satisfaction. Do you not fear eternal damnation?"
"My soul is already damned," Ciel replied bitterly. "I care nothing for what comes after."
Sadako's smile widened, but it did not reach her hollow eyes. She had only been summoned once before, and that betrayal had anchored her to this mortal realm, trapped in a vessel that fought her at every turn. This boy, however, offered her an opportunity. A pact with his soul would bind her more fully to her demonic nature, suppressing the humanity she despised within her vessel.
And yet, a shadow of doubt lingered. Should she simply kill him now? It would be so much easier. But no, his suffering would be a far sweeter sustenance. Besides, he didn't need to know that she had no true intention of devouring his soul. Nor did her human vessel, slumbering deep within, need to know.
Sadako extended a skeletal hand, her nails black and curved like talons. "Very well. I accept your contract, Ciel Phantomhive. But know this: your revenge will cost you everything, and when your task is complete, you are mine."
Her hand brushed against his, sealing the pact. The summoning circle flared with a brilliant light before fading into darkness.
Xxx
The next morning, Kurisuta Hikawa—Sadako's human vessel—awoke in the servant's quarters of the Phantomhive manor. Her sharp blue eyes blinked open as the first rays of sunlight crept through the window. Unlike the demon that resided within her, Kuri's demeanor was warm and lively, though tinged with a quiet intensity.
Carrying a silver tray of breakfast, she approached her young master's room. After a brief knock, she entered, the rich aroma of tea and freshly baked bread preceding her.
"Master, it's time to get up," Kuri said, her voice soft but firm. She set the tray down on the table and moved to open the heavy velvet curtains, allowing sunlight to flood the room.
From the bed, a groan of protest sounded. "Must you be so loud?" Ciel muttered, his face buried in the pillows.
"Master, you have a busy day ahead," Kuri replied as she approached him. She began assisting him out of bed, carefully arranging his clothes and ensuring every button was properly aligned.
As she adjusted his coat, her hand brushed against his wrist. She felt the slight tremor in his fingers, and with a subtle flicker of her power, a soothing warmth passed from her to him.
Ciel pulled back abruptly. "What are you doing?" he snapped.
"My job," Kuri replied smoothly. "Keeping you healthy, of course. Though I must say, you seem quite skilled at falling ill."
"Perhaps it's because I have to endure your incompetence," Ciel retorted.
Kuri smiled faintly. "And yet, you're upright and breathing." She stepped back and gestured to the desk. "Now, no more excuses. Your studies await, and we're expecting Sir Clause this afternoon."
Ciel sighed but didn't argue, taking his place at the desk. He picked up a dart and threw it at the target on the wall. Without breaking stride, Kuri caught it mid-air.
"Well thrown, my lord," she said with a smirk. "But let's save the games for later."
Xxx
Sadako's crimson eyes burned from within Kuri's mind, a constant presence that lingered just beneath the surface. The demon waited, patient and calculating, for the cracks in Ciel's armor to widen. Her vessel, Kuri, moved with efficiency through the Phantomhive manor, her serene expression masking the battle for control waged inside her soul.
Xxx
The evening was a quiet one in the Phantomhive manor, with the staff bustling to prepare for the next social engagement. Ciel sat at his desk, engrossed in the latest reports regarding the family's affairs. The scratching of his pen was the only sound in the room until Kuri entered, her steps measured and deliberate.
"My lord," she began, her hands clasped in front of her, "if a lady asks you to dance at the ball tomorrow, you cannot refuse her. It would reflect poorly on the Phantomhive name."
"What now?" Ciel said without looking up, the irritation in his voice clear.
"I know I've never seen you dance before," Kuri continued, her tone laced with faint amusement, "but I assume you can? Oh, I see…" Her expression turned sly. "That explains why you're always such a wallflower at social engagements."
Ciel glared at her. "I have too much work to do. I don't have time to waste on dancing."
"With all due respect, dancing is a necessary skill for a person of your position to possess," Kuri countered. "Social contracts are vital to maintain, and the world expects any noble gentleman to possess at least rudimentary dance skills. If you turn down too many invitations simply because you cannot dance, your reputation will suffer."
Ciel sighed heavily, finally setting his pen down. "Fine, I'll do it. Now stop lecturing me. Call in a private tutor. Mrs. Bright or Mrs. Rodkin should suffice."
"We don't have sufficient time to call in a tutor, my lord," Kuri replied, her lips curling into a faint smile. "There's only one option: I will be your dance instructor."
Ciel's glare sharpened. "Don't be ridiculous! I'm not taking dancing lessons from you. Besides, do you even know how to dance?"
"Of course, Master," Kuri replied with a grin that bordered on insolence.
"What is that look for?" Ciel demanded.
"You need to learn to dance," Kuri said smoothly, stepping forward in a flash and pulling him to his feet. Before he could protest, her arm was around his back, and her other hand caught his. "And honestly, try not to be such a submissive dancer. The man is supposed to dominate."
"Don't be vulgar," Ciel snapped. "The phrase is 'the man is supposed to lead.'"
"Sure," Kuri replied with a smirk. "But that way, it's not as much fun. And you're easy to dominate."
Ciel's irritation flared. Without a word, he tightened his grip on her hand and waist, suddenly taking control. He began to lead her across the room in smooth, precise steps. Despite his smaller stature, his movements were commanding, his expression one of fierce determination.
"What was that you were saying?" he asked, his voice low, his face mere inches from hers.
Kuri's expression flickered, a rare crack in her composed demeanor. His lips brushed hers as he leaned closer, his breath warm against her skin.
"You are MY maid," Ciel hissed, his voice quiet but brimming with authority. "I am dominant. I am YOUR master. So stop being so damn insolent with me."
Kuri forced herself to remain calm, though her heart pounded in her chest. Ciel had clearly practiced for this moment, and his sudden control took her by surprise.
He dipped her low, their faces so close their noses nearly touched. For an instant, his lips pressed lightly against hers, the briefest of kisses meant to punctuate his dominance.
"You will always belong to me," he whispered, his voice soft but laced with steel. "Until the day your other half takes my soul."
He released her abruptly, stepping back with a satisfied smirk.
Kuri straightened, smoothing her skirt. "I'm sorry, sir," she said softly, her composure restored.
Ciel turned away, returning to his desk as if nothing had happened. "Fine then," he said. "About the portrait in the hallway…"
"Yes, my lord?"
"Take it down. I am Ciel Phantomhive, son of Vincent, and I am the head of this house now."
Kuri inclined her head. "Consider it done, my lord."
Later that night, as Kuri returned to her quarters, Sadako's voice echoed in her mind, cold and amused.
"He believes he has control," the demon murmured. "Such arrogance for a child."
"He's stronger than you think," Kuri replied silently, her fingers brushing against the wall as she walked.
Sadako laughed, the sound like the crackle of ice breaking. "We shall see, little vessel. We shall see."
For now, Kuri allowed herself to focus on her role as a servant. Tomorrow, the Phantomhive name would once again be tested, and she would ensure that no shadow touched her young master—except, of course, for her own.
Xxx
The manor descended into chaos as the household staff prepared for the day's visitor. Finny had uprooted half the garden, Bardroy had nearly set the kitchen ablaze, and Mei-Rin had shattered another vase.
Kuri surveyed the scene, her arms crossed, her expression calm but sharp. "So," she said, "you've made a mess again?"
The three servants nodded sheepishly.
"There's nothing for it, then," Kuri sighed. "We'll simply have to fix it."
She directed the repairs with precision, her powers subtly aiding in restoring the garden and salvaging the day's meal.
By the time Sir Clause arrived, the manor sparkled with perfection. Even when Mei-Rin nearly spilled the wine, Kuri intervened effortlessly, ensuring the evening went off without a hitch.
Xx
Later that evening, Ciel sat in his study, finally enjoying a moment of quiet. He stared at the crackling fire, his mind wandering to the contract he had made.
Kuri entered with a tray of tea and dessert. "Master, I brought your refreshments."
"Leave them and go," Ciel said without looking up from his work.
"Of course, my lord," Kuri replied. But as she turned to leave, she paused.
"Are you certain you're all right, young master?" she asked softly.
Ciel glanced up, his blue eye narrowing. "Do you question my strength?"
"Never," Kuri said, her voice calm and steady. "But even the strongest can falter when they carry too much alone."
For a moment, Ciel's mask slipped, the weight of his burdens showing in his expression. Then, just as quickly, his composure returned.
"Leave me," he said curtly.
As Kuri exited the room, the shadows flickered. Sadako stirred within her, the faint glow of crimson eyes flashing briefly in the dim light.
"You are mine, Ciel Phantomhive," her voice whispered in the darkness. "Do not forget the price of vengeance."