The Earl of Phantomhive (DemonCielXLizzy fic)

Chapter Twenty Three

The Contract 

~

Elizabeth found Ciel in an attic full of old dolls, wooden rocking chairs, and memories. There was a floor full of black feathers around his feet,, and he was staring off into space. "Ciel?"

Red eyes sharply came to her attention, as he jumped a little from the sound of her voice.  It wasn't like him to be so dull to his surroundings. "What is all of this? What are you doing up here?" He didn't answer her. He only stared at her, as if he were incapable of speaking. What rendered him? Anger, sorrow, or just defeat? Had he really given up? He must have because he had already released Sebastian to do as he pleased. 

Elizabeth stared down at him, "Well?" He looked absolutely pitiful, though she hadn't felt much better than he. She curled her lip and drew in a deep breath, "That's enough. Get up and stop this pity party rubbish!" His brows raised dangerously and even though he frightened her in this state, she swallowed hard and continued, "Don't give me that look. There is a time for crying and reminiscing and this is not it. Granted I don't have room to talk, I apologize for that. I'm sorry for crying and showing my weakness, displaying it, for everyone to see. In turn, I, unintentionally, made you seem weak and you are the furthest thing from it. I can tell, I made you feel like your hands were tied, because I am a weakness to you, I know that. I can't help being human, but you shouldn't tip toe around me."  Ciel only stared up at her silently from his seated position. The silence was eerie between them. "All of that aside, we are a family and I do not blame you for mother's passing. You were doing what you thought best for this family. You are the head of this family and I will follow you for how ever many odd number of days I have left on this earth. Nothing will change that."

Ciel inhaled deeply and shook his head, "You shouldn't get yourself so worked up."

"I'n not finished." She glared down at her demon husband harshly, he closed his mouth with surprise. "You see, Ciel, I want to play a game." Once again, he was surprised, "A game?"

"Hear me out? You are good at games, no?"

~~~~~~

No one could hunt vampires quite like Sebastian, that was for certain. He honestly hated to get his hands dirty while searching for his culprit of choosing. Another lifeless body fell to the floor from his grip.  He ran a hand through his dark locks and released a heavy sigh. He just couldn't seem to come across the right informat. 

It was very rare that his master released the reigns completely, and he wanted to make the most out of the situation. With a flick of his wrist and snap of his long fingers, the building behind him burst into flames. You couldn't just sever a vampires spinal cord, you had to burn the remains just to make sure they were good and dead. Deceptive little bastards, really... 

Once again, he was off into the distance in search of another lead. He would dispose of this vile vermin, even if he had to burn down every creature infested cottage on this side of England. 

~~~

"You want me to do what? Elizabeth, have you lost your mind?"

"It doesn't have to be a repeat of you and Sebastian ... I'm not going to barter my soul off to you."

"Then what? You realize that somewhat the point of a contract?" Ciel gave her a much too confused look and arched a brow, "you're honestly serious?"

"Yes." Ciel burst into manic laughter, "And what are you laughing about?!"

"You're mad, Elizabeth. Absolutely and utterly mad and I am in love with every single part of you."

"Oh hush it up, will you or not?" Ciel stood form his seated position and popped his neck harshly, "Alright, I've thought about it. Here is the contract I will offer you: I will serve your every unspoken desire for as long as you shall live in exchange for your eternal heart."

"Eternal heart?" She looked at him sideways, obviously confused. He took a step forward and slumped his shoulders. "Do you like waking up to me every morning?"

"What kind of question is that? Of course I do."

"By giving me your eternal heart, you will do that and more in this life and the next for all of eternity."

"..is there a life after this?"

"With this contract we can find out together." She was silent for a moment before smiling, "All of eternity, literally, with you? Well, I've made it this far I suppose it couldn't be that bad."  He shared a laugh and another moment with her before he cleared his throat and stood silently with his hands at his sides. He drew in a sharp breath of air, "Try not to move too much." After receiving a nod from her, he concentrated for just a moment, as to not hurt her or the baby. He could hear her heartbeat in his head, along with another smaller one.

The floorboards beneath her feet, as well as the windows and walls around them, began to emit a soft red glow. It was almost like someone has glazed over the windows with a layer of slimy red light. "What are you doing...?" She hissed at the burning feeling against her chest. Like a cattle prod, yet not as painful, a small symbol adorned her chest just beneath her collar bone and over her heart.  "There. It's done."

~~~
Two hours later:

"Well this looks promising."  Sebastian mumbled as he kicked in the doors of an old abandoned mansion. "Goodness, where is your butler??" He waved a hand to ward off the dust particles. He wrinkled his nose in disgust and covered his mouth, "Very fitting for a vampire, I must say."

"Can we help you?" A group of red eyed vampires stood before him. It was obvious that they felt they had the advantage because of their sheer numbers. "I'm afraid not, you look too young. Perhaps I'm on the wrong side of England." He disposed of them as if it were child's play before burning that place to the ground as well. "The fire department will certainly have their work cut out for them." 

Sebastian walked down a narrow path through the vast woods as he hummed some odd tune. "Oh where would I hide if I were a vampire?"

"Still haven't found him? I thought more of you than this, honestly."  Sebastian turned around at the familiar voice, "You're getting better at sneaking up on me Ciel, I must say it's unsettling."

"I learned from the very best."

"What brings you out of the attic?"

"Direct orders, I'm afraid. I'm not to return until I have the head of a certain vampire."

"Direct orders? From whom??" Sebastian gave him a questioning look. Who was controlling the Earl of Phantomhive, and was that even possible. "Explain."

"I don't have time for that. I was ordered to find you and complete my objective."

"You're talking rubbish, Ciel. Who would order you to do such a thing and why would you listen." Ciel smiled and looked up at Sebastian with glowing red eyes, "The lady wants us to make haste." Sebastian stared for a moment. At first it was out of shock, then his fists tightened in anger and he clenched his jaw, "what have you done?"

"It's just a contract. You've been gone for a few hours, you know? She wasn't going to send me out but she got worried."

"Send you out?" Sebastian couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Are you both completely insane?"

"You formed a contract with me before, surely it's not that bad."

"You were a young boy who was not carrying a child."

"No need to worry about that, its not the same type of contract." Ciel smiled and shrugged. Sebastian took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose, "We will discuss this once we complete our objective."

"Agreed."

"Who is watching Elizabeth?"

"Don't worry, we had a last minute visitor."

"Oh?"

"You'll see."