The Hunt for Jack the Ripper (The Phantomhive Diaries #1)

17. Ciel Phantomhive

Considering that yesterday was Ciel Phantomhive's birthday, I decided to post his segment earlier as a way to celebrate. So I do hope you enjoy :) 

++++++++++++++++++++++++

The blackened and burnt door was carefully removed off its rusty hinges, revealing Ciel and Sebastian standing behind it. Despite the fire being extinguished three years ago, the lingering smell of smoke and ashes mixed with the current dampness and mustiness filled the air. The unpleasant odour made Ciel wrinkle his nose, prompting him to cover it with his gloved hand. Once the door was pried open, Sebastian effortlessly threw it aside and cleaned his hands.

Upon peering through the door, Ciel discovered it led to the decrepit old kitchen, or rather, what remained of it. Soot covered the walls and ceiling, evidence of its destructive blaze that ravaged everything within. From the table to the counters, everything else had succumbed to the flames, reducing them to mere ashes. Deserted for so long, moss and vines had taken over, reclaiming their rightful place in this forsaken space.

"Are you sure you wish to do this, young master?" Sebastian expressed his concern. "I don't think coming back here is good for you. Besides, I'm quite certain this place is unstable."

Ciel confidently replied, stepping into the kitchen, "That's precisely why I brought you along." He observed the floors, relieved to find them sturdy after three years. A promising sign that they wouldn't give way beneath him. "Besides, it will only take a moment. I just need to retrieve something from the wine cellar."

Sebastian nodded. "Into the past we go."

And so they proceeded. They entered the kitchen and together; they ventured deeper into the ancient Phantomhive Manor. The same one that burned down three years prior.With utmost care, the duo navigated towards the wine cellar.

Naturally, as they advanced, the surroundings grew dimmer. Ciel had no fear of the dark, but stumbling and tumbling in such a location would certainly be bothersome.

"Do you have the oil lamp with you?" Ciel asked.

"Yes, my young lord," Sebastian said. With a flick of his wrist, he raised the oil lamp, illuminating the kitchen as they entered.

As they reached the entrance to the wine cellar, they came to a halt. The darkness that lay beyond the few steps below was impenetrable. Ciel could only make out three steps ahead, and nothing beyond that. The thought of tumbling down those steps sent a shiver down his spine, knowing it could cause a serious injury.

"Allow me to go in first, my lord," Sebastian said.

Ciel nodded in agreement. "Very well."

With that, Sebastian went ahead of him, using the flickering oil lamp to illuminate their path as they descended the stairs

If he falls and breaks his neck, at least he'll live through it, Ciel thought.

The boy trailed behind Sebastian. The walls, like the rest of the mansion, were covered in a layer of soot. However, since they were constructed from sturdy stone, the damage wasn't as extensive. The wine cellar seemed to be the only part of the house that had escaped the raging flames. Only the ceiling, which served as the floor above them, bore the marks of burnt holes, allowing thin rays of warm daylight to filter through. Although the stairs were made of solid stone, the dust and ash that coated them made them slightly slippery, forcing Ciel to follow Sebastian's lead.

"If demons can see in the dark, why did you bring an oil lamp with you?" Ciel asked, his voice echoing throughout the empty chambers.

"The lamp is for you, master," Sebastian said. He looked over his shoulder with a smirk on his face and his eyes were glowing red. "Unless you wish to be in complete darkness. Though I don't think it would turn out well for you at the end. With your little head twisted around and your neck snapped in half. I can guarantee it would be an ungodly sight for everyone."