Sweet Insanity [Black Butler]

Chapter Eighteen

~Willow's POV~

The angel of death, the demon, the Earl and I were comfortably seated in a large furnished carriage strolling through the countryside. The young Earl informed us that there were a string of disappearances happening in various small towns outside of Derby.

The rest of the Phantomhive servants were in a separate carriage. Their loud raucous laughter brought a smile to my lips. They were having so much fun. Sebastian informed everyone we were going to the countryside for a holiday.

Over the past few days, Sebastian, Ciel, the angel of death and I had been cooped up in Ciel's study pouring over maps. We'd found a pattern in all the disappearances they made a perfect circle around a Bed and Breakfast just on the outskirts of Derby. The Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast.

Our carriage rolled to a stop and I anxiously peered out the window. There was nothing but a sea of green out my window, endless rolling hills with plush tall grass rippling like waves in the country breeze. Sebastian opened the door on the opposite side of the carriage and offered his hand to Ciel.

I peered behind Sebastian to the large luxurious manor. There was a freshly painted sign out front with beautiful scrawling violet script that read 'The Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast'. Sebastian offered me his hand next and I allowed him to help me from the carriage not realizing how stiff my body had become during the long carriage ride.

Once I was safely on the ground next to Ciel I was able to take in all the sights. There was a big barn made of rich mahogany and stone a short distance away from the magnificent inn and a wide-open pasture littered with horses. Beyond the luxurious Bed and Breakfast was a vast stretch of woodland.

"Looks like they get some good game around here." Ciel's rugged cook, Bard, noted as he hopped down from the servants' carriage and indicated a small meat shack with a string of wild game dangling between two posts out front.

I grimaced distastefully at this.

"Apologies, my lady." A warm gentle masculine voice sounded from the direction of the Bed and Breakfast.

I turned curiously to find a handsome young man with sandy golden hair and bright blue eyes smiling ruefully as he rushed up to greet us.

"I'll have them taken down, right away." He offered me a welcoming smile and a gracious bow as he stopped a few feet before us. "Welcome guests, to the Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast."

"Oh My." The maid, Mey Rin, shuddered beside me as she took a good look at our host.

"And you are?" Ciel asked coolly not impressed with the man's lack of manners for failing to introduce himself.

"My apologies, young sir." The handsome man grinned as he ran a nervous hand through his sandy locks, "The name's Jack. I'm the groundskeeper."

"Then I suppose you can help with the luggage." Ciel waved him off dismissively before heading toward the luxurious Bed and Breakfast. "Come along, Willow." He called over his shoulder. During our stay he was having me act as if I had status so I could remain at his side in the event a Polong appeared.

I quickly scampered off after Ciel after giving Jack an apologetic half curtsy. When I fell in step beside Ciel I pinched his arm causing him to hiss in pain.

"What was that for?" He glowered and I threw him a pointed look. Deciding better than to try and argue with me he pursed his lips and continued up the steps of the grand manor.

Just as he reached the top step the double doors swung open revealing a middle-aged woman with stray wild auburn curls poking out from beneath a simple white bonnet. She was plain in every way from her drab attire to the simple features of her face. She offered us a smile and a bow.

"Welcome to the Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast, I'm Hildi the matron of this establishment. How may I assist you today?"

Ciel looked bored, "My guest and I require rooms."

Hildi turned her smile to me. Her gaze lingered to the servants rushing to unload the luggage. "Will your servants be needing rooms?"

Ciel shrugged, "Whatever you can manage." He was being rude again. I pinched him once more on the arm causing him to jump. "Y-yes, please." He corrected himself in a strained voice receiving a warm smile from Hildi.

"I have four rooms available. Will that be alright?"

"We'll make due." Ciel noted tonelessly before adding, "Thank you."

I giggled silently beside him.

"No need to hide your voice here, poppet." Hildi smiled warmly thinking the big city life and all the nobles kept me silent.

I looked to Ciel for help.

"She's mute."

"Oh, you poor thing." Hildi frowned.

I smiled and made my best attempt at waving my hands in a way to show her not to fret over it.

"Let me show you to your rooms." Hildi beckoned us inside.

As soon as I stepped over the threshold I sensed a strange aura. There were more than one; they were all fairly similar to the angel of deaths but slightly different, weaker somehow. I lightly tugged on Ciel's arm to let him know I sensed something.

"Polong?" He whispered so only I could hear.

I shook my head.

Hildi turned to the right to a welcoming lounge as soon as she stepped inside and Ciel and I hesitantly followed after her.

"Oh, good afternoon Mr. Sutcliff, how are you enjoying your stay?" Her warm voice rang from the next room.

Ciel froze in place nearly causing me to walk right into him. "What did she just say?"

I threw him a curious look.

We rounded the corner into the room Hildi had disappeared into and Ciel groaned from beside me as he spotted a young man with vibrant red hair that hung clear to the middle of his back. His bright green eyes snapped in our direction and he stared in awe at Ciel. The aura around him was similar to the angel of deaths, but slightly off.

"What are you doing here, brat?" He glowered.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Ciel snarled suddenly causing me to jump.

I looked between the glaring pair in confusion. Who was this strange man?

Video- In The Woods Somewhere By Hozier (because random)