The carriage rattled down the narrow road toward the remote village of Houndsworth. Mist clung to the ground, shrouding the trees in an eerie silence. Inside the carriage, Ciel sat with his arms crossed, his visible eye scanning the documents on his lap. Across from him, Kuri watched him intently, her fingers lightly gripping the edge of her seat.

"So," Reiko began from the corner, her red hair catching the faint glow of the lantern light. "Let me get this straight. We're investigating a demon hound that's been mauling people, and the Queen thinks a teenager and his maid are her best solution?"

"Not just any teenager," Ciel replied, his voice sharp, his eye flicking to Reiko. "And not just any maid. Stay out of the way, and you might learn something."

Kuri stifled a laugh behind her hand, glancing at Reiko. "You're lucky you're family, or I doubt you'd still be here."

Reiko smirked. "Family perks, huh? So what's the real story behind this 'mission,' little Earl?"

Ciel's expression darkened. "The Queen's orders are simple: stop the killings and put an end to the dog fights. Henry Barrymore is suspected of orchestrating the whole thing, and the so-called demon hound may be his tool."

"And if it's not?" Kuri asked softly, her tone laced with concern.

Ciel's gaze softened as he looked at her, though his voice remained firm. "Then we deal with it, like we always do. Stay close to me, Kuri. I won't have you wandering into danger."

Her lips curved into a small smile. "You worry about me too much, Master."

Ciel leaned forward slightly, his eye locking with hers. "I don't worry about you. I own you, and I won't let anything happen to what's mine."

Kuri's cheeks warmed, but her smile didn't falter. "Of course, my lord. I'll protect you, no matter what."

XXX

Houndsworth was a dreary place, its cobbled streets empty save for a few wary villagers who cast fearful glances toward the newcomers. The air was heavy, the faint stench of decay lingering beneath the mist.

Henry Barrymore greeted them at the entrance to his manor—a large but crumbling estate at the edge of the village. His wiry frame and greasy smile immediately set Ciel on edge.

"Lord Phantomhive," Henry said with an exaggerated bow. "Welcome to Houndsworth. I hope the journey wasn't too taxing."

"Not at all," Ciel replied coolly. "Let's not waste time. I've heard rumors of a demon hound terrorizing this village. Care to elaborate?"

Henry's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered. "Ah, yes. The hound. It enforces the rules of our village, punishing those who break them. A guardian, if you will."

"And who decides these rules?" Ciel asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

"I do," Henry said, his tone proud. "For the good of the village, of course."

Kuri frowned, her empathic senses picking up the unease radiating from Henry. "You speak as though the hound is under your control," she said, her voice gentle but probing.

Henry's smile tightened. "I simply maintain order, dear lady."

Ciel's expression darkened. "We'll see about that."

XXX

Later that evening, a howl echoed through the foggy streets, sending a shiver down Kuri's spine. She stood by Ciel's side, her hand instinctively brushing against his arm.

"The demon hound," she murmured, her voice tinged with both fear and determination.

Ciel placed a reassuring hand over hers, his grip firm. "Stay with me, Kuri."

They followed the sound to the edge of the village, where they found glowing blue-green footprints leading into the forest. A villager lay dead nearby, his body torn apart by something with immense strength.

Kuri knelt beside the body, her hand trembling slightly as she reached out. Her empathetic senses swirled with the man's final moments—panic, pain, and an overwhelming sense of betrayal. She pulled back with a sharp intake of breath.

"What is it?" Ciel asked, his voice softening.

"He knew his killer," Kuri said, her eyes meeting Ciel's. "This wasn't random."

Ciel straightened, his expression cold. "Henry Barrymore has more to answer for than he let on."

XXX

The next day, the village gathered in the square for what Henry called a "righteous punishment." A man accused of keeping an unregistered dog was dragged before the crowd, trembling as the villagers shouted for his execution.

In the center of the square, a massive black hound was brought forth, its red eyes glowing with an unnatural light.

"It's Pluto," Henry announced proudly. "The demon hound that protects us all."

Kuri's breath hitched as the dog snarled, its aura pulsing with raw, chaotic energy.

"He's no ordinary animal," she whispered to Ciel.

Ciel's gaze was fixed on the beast. "No. But it's not invincible."

Before the hound could strike, Kuri stepped forward, her voice firm but calm. "Pluto, stop."

The hound hesitated, its snarls softening into low whines as it locked eyes with her. Kuri reached out, her hand trembling slightly as she pushed her empathy toward the creature.

"You're not a killer," she said softly. "You're scared and hurt, aren't you?"

The hound's growls ceased entirely, its massive frame sinking to the ground as it whimpered.

Ciel stepped forward, his voice sharp. "Enough of this farce, Barrymore. The hound isn't enforcing your rules—it's your tool for terrorizing this village."

Henry's face twisted with rage. "You dare interfere with my authority?!"

At his whistle, Pluto's form began to shift, elongating into a tall, muscular man with wild black hair and glowing red eyes.

Kuri gasped, her connection with the creature snapping. "It's a demon…"

Pluto lunged toward Ciel, but Kuri moved to intercept him. She stood between them, her arms outstretched.

"You won't touch him," she said, her voice trembling with both fear and determination

XXX

Pluto's claws slashed toward Kuri, but she ducked and rolled, her movements fluid and precise. She focused her empathy on him, searching for a way to reach the fractured soul beneath his monstrous exterior.

"Pluto, this isn't who you are!" she shouted, her voice breaking.

But the demon hound's instincts overpowered her influence, and he struck again.

"Kuri!" Ciel shouted, his voice filled with uncharacteristic panic. His visible eye glowed with the mark of the contract. "Stop him now, Kuri!"

The mark on Kuri's forehead flared as she stood, her eyes glowing faintly. Her voice deepened as Sadako surfaced. "You will obey."

Pluto froze mid-lunge, his body trembling as Sadako's power overwhelmed him. The demon hound fell to his knees, reverting to his canine form and whimpering pitifully.

Kuri collapsed to the ground as Sadako retreated, her breath coming in short gasps.

Ciel rushed to her side, his hands gripping her shoulders. "Kuri," he said softly, his voice trembling. "Are you hurt?"

She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I'm fine, Master… but Pluto—he's just as much a victim as anyone else."

Ciel's jaw tightened, his gaze shifting to the subdued hound. After a moment of silence, he sighed. "Then we'll take him with us. Perhaps he can be of use."

Kuri managed a weak smile, leaning against him. "Thank you, Master."

As they left the village, the demon hound Pluto followed faithfully behind, his red eyes now filled with quiet submission.