Black Butler: Sands of Eternity

Chapter 1

The grand parlor of Trancy Manor was dimly lit, the eerie atmosphere fitting for the strange discovery Alois had brought upstairs. Neitha stood tall near the fireplace, her golden skin shimmering faintly in the flickering light. Her regal bearing made the decadent furniture and ornate decor seem ordinary by comparison.

Hannah Annafellows was the first to enter. She paused in the doorway, her single eye widening slightly at the sight of the girl. Her hands tightened on the tray she carried, though her expression remained as placid as ever.

"Who is this, Your Highness?" Hannah asked, her voice as soft as a whisper.

Alois grinned and flopped onto the couch, lounging as though nothing unusual had happened. "She's my newest treasure," he said, his tone laced with mockery. "Isn't she fascinating?"

Neitha turned her head toward Hannah, her green eyes cool and assessing. "Another servant, I presume?"

Hannah inclined her head slightly, her gaze flickering briefly to the scarab pendant at Neitha's throat. There was an unease in her movements, as though she could sense the otherworldly power radiating from the girl. "I serve this household, yes."

Neitha's lips curved into a faint smile. "And yet you seem more than what you appear."

Before Hannah could respond, the Triplets entered in their usual silent procession. Timber, Thompson, and Canterbury stood shoulder-to-shoulder, their identical expressions betraying only the faintest hints of curiosity. Their crimson eyes flickered to Alois for direction.

"Well? Say something, you idiots!" Alois snapped, waving a hand toward Neitha. "She's not going to bite... yet."

The Triplets exchanged glances before Timber stepped forward, his voice low and monotone. "A rare find, Your Highness."

Thompson added, "She exudes an aura... unusual even for this household."

Canterbury, the most observant of the three, tilted his head. "Her presence disrupts the natural flow. She is neither living nor truly dead."

Neitha's gaze sharpened, her regal composure tinged with irritation. "I am a guardian of balance, not a mere oddity for your commentary."

Alois clapped his hands together, laughing. "Oh, I like her! Claude, don't you think she'll liven up this dreary place?"

Claude, standing silently in the corner, adjusted his glasses. "If that is your desire, Your Highness."

Hannah finally stepped closer, setting the tray on the table with deliberate care. Her eye never left Neitha. "Will she be staying?"

Alois leaned back, his grin widening. "Of course. I've decided she'll be part of my collection. Doesn't she fit right in?"

Neitha straightened, her expression unreadable. "I am no one's possession, boy."

The room fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut. The Triplets seemed to freeze, their movements synchronized as they turned toward Alois. Hannah's hands clasped before her, though the faintest twitch of her fingers betrayed her unease.

Alois met Neitha's gaze with a defiant smirk. "You're in my house now. We'll see how long you can keep that attitude."

Neitha didn't respond, her expression serene yet resolute. The firelight danced across her features, making her appear both ethereal and untouchable.

The Triplets retreated to their usual corners, whispering amongst themselves, while Hannah lingered by the tray, her watchful eye fixed on the new arrival. Claude remained silent, his expression inscrutable as always.