Falling to Hell

Silent Defeat

~Ciel~

The warm tea passed his lips and lightly burned his tongue. He didn't mind it, wanting the sensation of pain to make him forget what happened earlier. Ciel was finding it increasingly difficult to believe the girl who was found almost dead in his front yard could be the daughter of the subject of his revenge. That meant his part of the contract was already completed, for it was obvious this traitor was killed gruesomely.

All that was left, was for a certain demon to take his soul.

He put the tea cup down and ran a hand through his hair for the umpteenth time that evening. Now that he knew his wishes were complete, he found he didn't truly want to die. Why had he believed giving his soul away was a good idea in the first place? Even as he asked the question, he knew the answer. He had been desperate, seeking someone - anyone - who could help him. It just so happened that he summoned a demon with his call.

He stood from the oversized chair and walked to the window. The silver moon barely had enough light to shine through the thin layer of clouds, giving the forest a haunting atmosphere. The lone gravel road that cut through the middle seemed like the path to a nightmare no one had ever escaped from, and in his mind he could hear the constant screams of the sinners. Subconsciously, he rubbed his fingers over the blue jewel of his ring, feeling the terror and death of every one of his predecessors.

He wholeheartedly admitted to himself that he was terrified.

Just keep it hidden. At least for a few more days.

The young noble's thoughts drifted to another girl. One that radiated happiness, joy and virtue. Her smile and laugh filled his mind, temporarily driving away the shouts and shadows. Tomorrow, he would see her again, his sweet fiancee.

Ciel could almost feel the absence of Elizabeth's presence when he thought of her. What would happen to her, when the time came that he had to go? The sight of her devastation and teary eyes made his heart yearn to hold her. Even after so many years of trying to distance himself, he wouldn't have traded her for the world... because she never failed to be his world.

He shook off the emotions, knowing that it would have to be this way anyway. He would try to enjoy her stay at the manor, for deep down, he knew it would be the last time.

****

"Ciel?"

The silence of a soulless corpse.

"Ciel...I'm so sorry I failed. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you."

A single, heart breaking tear.

"Oh Ciel...What am I to do without you?"

The hiss of a sword slicing through air.

"It's okay...I'll just follow you, and protect you there."

A silent prayer.

"Dear God...please help me."

The tearing of flesh, the crushing of bone and the gasp of a life's end.

"Ciel..."

The thud of a body destroyed by protective love, and the clang of a sword that once symbolized strength and honor.