Black Butler: The Lich's Compass

Chapter 6

The fog curled through the narrow alley, wrapping the scene in a chilling silence. William, Grell, and Ronald were on high alert, their weapons ready. Ciel stood behind them, closely guarded by Sebastian, who had positioned himself defensively in front of his young master. The tension in the air was suffocating as they awaited the arrival of their opponent.

A tall, shadowy figure emerged from the mist—Elenora. Her long coat flowed behind her, and her saber gleamed in the dim light. Her presence was overwhelming, exuding an aura of both power and malice.

"Well, what a gathering," Elenora said with a slow smirk, her voice soft but filled with venom. "The Queen's watchdog, the reapers, and... dear Sebastian. All united, I see. How quaint."

Grell twirled her chainsaw, her red hair swaying with each movement. "Oh, darling, I've been waiting for another chance to carve my name into you. Don't think you'll get away so easily this time!"

Ronald flipped his scythe with a confident grin. "Yeah, we're not the same pushovers as last time. Hope you're ready for a real fight."

Elenora's smile grew wider as she unsheathed her saber, the blade catching the faint light. "I'm always ready."

In a flash, she attacked. Her saber met William's scythe first, the clash of metal ringing through the air. William, ever composed, parried her strikes, but Elenora's speed was relentless. She moved like a shadow, slipping through their defenses, her strikes sharp and precise. Every time William blocked, Elenora countered with greater force, pushing him back.

Grell swung her chainsaw at Elenora, but Elenora sidestepped effortlessly, slashing at her side. Grell let out a hiss of pain as blood trickled from the cut, her playful demeanor faltering.

"Damn, she's fast!" Ronald muttered as he launched himself at Elenora, aiming for her legs with his scythe. But Elenora danced out of reach, her saber cutting through the air and slicing Ronald across the chest. He grunted, the force sending him crashing into a nearby wall.

William, sweating from the effort, swung his scythe in an arc, but Elenora met it with her saber, sparks flying. She twisted her wrist, disarming him with a brutal slash that sent his weapon clattering to the ground. Before he could recover, she struck him across the chest, knocking him to his knees.

With William down, Elenora turned her attention to Sebastian.

Sebastian's gaze darkened, his body poised to strike, but he didn't move. His sole focus was protecting Ciel. "You will not harm him," Sebastian said coldly.

Elenora's smirk grew, sensing his hesitation. "Still playing the obedient dog, I see." She lunged toward Ciel, but Sebastian blocked her path, taking the blow meant for his master. Elenora's saber cut deep into his side, black blood spilling onto the cobblestones.

"Sebastian!" Ciel's voice rang out, filled with panic.

Sebastian winced but didn't falter. "It's nothing, my lord," he said through gritted teeth, though the pain in his voice was unmistakable.

Elenora laughed, the sound sharp and mocking. "Is this what you've become, Sebastian? A shield for a mere human? How pathetic."

Sebastian stepped forward, intercepting another strike, his blood splattering onto the ground. Despite Ciel's orders to retreat, Sebastian refused to back down, taking blow after blow to protect his young master.

"Sebastian, stand down! That's an order!" Ciel shouted, but Sebastian ignored him, his eyes locked on Elenora.

"I cannot," Sebastian replied, his voice strained. "Not when your life is at risk."