Black Butler: Book Of Lost

Chapter 4

Ciel's head swam with confusion and fear as he tried to process the surreal events. Just then, Sebastian's voice cut through the haze. "Your death is imminent, Ciel. No one can stop it," he said, his tone void of emotion.

Ciel tried to respond, but the words caught in his throat. The world around him seemed to warp and fade, as though reality itself was slipping away. Panic surged through him as he struggled to discern what was real and what was not.

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder, shaking him gently. "Master? Are you okay?" Finnian's concerned voice broke through the darkness.

Ciel's eyes snapped open, and he found himself back in his bed, drenched in sweat. Finnian stood beside him, looking worried. "You were screaming in your sleep," Finnian said softly.

Ciel took a moment to gather his thoughts, his heart still racing. "I'm... I'm fine, Finnian," he said, though his voice wavered. "It was just a nightmare."

Finnian frowned, clearly unconvinced. "It sounded terrible. Do you want to talk about it?"

Ciel shook his head, sitting up and running a hand through his hair. "No, there's no need. Just a bad dream. Thank you for waking me."

Finnian nodded, though the concern didn't leave his eyes. "If you're sure, Master. But if you need anything, we're here for you."

"Thank you, Finnian," Ciel replied, offering a weak smile. "I'll be alright."

Finnian gave a small bow and left the room, leaving Ciel alone with his thoughts. The earl stared out the window, trying to shake the lingering dread. The line between dream and reality seemed increasingly blurred, and Sebastian's ominous words echoed in his mind. His death was coming, and no one could stop it.

Ciel got dressed, still shaken by the nightmare but determined to regain his composure. He made his way downstairs to the kitchen, where he prepared a cup of Earl Grey tea, hoping its familiar warmth would steady his nerves.

As he sipped his tea, Mey-Rin approached him with a concerned expression. "Master, is there anything I can do for you?" she asked.

Ciel looked at her thoughtfully. "Yes, Mey-Rin. I need you to fetch the Undertaker and have him visit the manor. I have many questions that need answering."

Mey-Rin smiled, her usual clumsiness momentarily replaced by a sense of purpose. "Of course, Master. I'll go right away." She gave a small bow and hurried off to complete her task.

Ciel watched her leave, a mix of anticipation and anxiety churning within him. The Undertaker was an enigmatic figure, but if anyone could shed light on the cryptic threats and his transformation into a demon, it would be him. Ciel took another sip of his tea, trying to calm his racing thoughts as he waited for Mey-Rin to return with the answers he so desperately needed.

Mey-Rin hurried through the foggy streets, the urgency of her task driving her forward. She soon arrived at the Undertaker's shop, its eerie facade as uninviting as ever. Steeling herself, she pushed open the creaky door and stepped inside.

The interior was dimly lit, filled with the scent of old wood and a faint hint of formaldehyde. The Undertaker emerged from the shadows, his characteristic grin already in place. "Ah, Mey-Rin. What brings you to my humble abode?" he asked, his voice a blend of curiosity and amusement.

Mey-Rin took a deep breath before speaking. "Master Ciel needs you at the manor as soon as possible. He has many questions that only you can answer."

The Undertaker chuckled, his unsettling laugh echoing through the room. "Oh, does he now? How delightful! I always enjoy a visit to the Phantomhive manor." He tilted his head, his grin widening. "Tell young Master Ciel that I'll be there shortly. I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Relieved by his response, Mey-Rin nodded. "Thank you, sir. I'll let him know." She quickly turned and left the shop, eager to relay the message.

As she made her way back to the manor, Mey-Rin couldn't shake the feeling that the answers Ciel sought might bring more questions, and perhaps even more danger. Nevertheless, she knew the Undertaker's insights were crucial.