Ciel Phantomhive is growing older than he ever thought he would as the search for clues to gain his revenge are few and far between. His nightmares become worse in a way he never expected as the man who has served him hand and foot becomes something...
(Author's Note: I know it's late but I love Halloween and you get TWO parts of this chapter, so enjoy!)
"People will begin to believe that you're an incredible artist." I remark as my lover's gentle hands place the finishing touches as he lines my eyes with expensive makeup.
"If I was as good as they say, I would be capable of painting your eyes exactly as I see them now. But no canvas could ever capture the life within them." He says matter of factly, as though it's the gospel truth. Granted, he is completely obsessed with me. His infatuation knows no bounds. But I choose to believe it's because the emotions brought about by love are too strong to handle all at once, obsession may have been the product of a life without love.
Even I loved as a child.
It took almost nine years to finally love again, and quite frankly I'm obsessed with this feeling.
Obsessed with the demon who answered my prayer when not even God himself could.
"You always seem to know exactly what to say to take my breath away."
"Words cannot describe what you make me feel when you speak of such things."
"Hopefully happiness."
"And so much more..."
And, as he leans into a welcomed kiss, we are rudely interrupted by knocking on the door.
Damnit. I won't be able to touch him for hours. Why must my society be so cruel?
I would wish to be a girl to marry the bastard if I could!
"Welcome to the Phantomhive Manor. You are the first to arrive to this house of horrors, what awaits inside these walls is a night you will never forget. Enjoy your evening and good luck."
He sure does love putting on the dramatics.
I decide to greet the small family of farmers personally. My vampiric cloak trailing behind me as I make my way over.
"Good evening my friends, I am Earl Phantomhive but tonight, I am Count Phantomhive as you can see." This causes a genuine chuckle from the man and his wife as they begin a conversation about wanting to birth a child. More specifically, asking for my help in creating a line of baby and midwifery products.
"I've never thought about such a thing, but after all you've done for this family I would happily create some appliances for you."
"I'm lucky to have been able to meet you, Count Phantomhive." The wife announces as she prepares herself for a rather hard hitting sentence. "After all, I was the midwife who aided in your delivery. Seeing how wise and handsome you have become has been a pleasure from seeing the little baby that Lady Phantomhive so lovingly held in her arms."
The care in her voice sends a wave of emotion through me as I realise who this woman is. The midwife who had saved a woman who was brought close to death during childbirth when I was nine years old. The woman who not only helped the birth of myself, but the birth of Elizabeth as well. The woman who Lord Phantomhive promised to commemorate but was murdered before he could do so.
"If you don't mind, I would like to award you for your accomplishments in midwifery tonight. As my predecessor wanted to do before his untimely demise."
"You needn't fuss over me-"
"No, it would be my pleasure."
"Well, I suppose we'll just have to stay. Thank you Lord Phantomhive."
"Have a good evening."
As I work my way through the ever growing number of guests, I find that only two children have arrived. A very quiet little boy and a taller, more excitable little girl. And as I look into blue eyes I feel myself growing downtrodden. Seeing myself in him, and Elizabeth in her.
That's when a gentle hand rests on my shoulder.
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"Elizabeth?!"
"Ciel! You look so cute!" She mentions, holding a large prop rifle over her shoulder.
"So do you. These are the children under your care. This is handsome prince Astre and this adorable little princess is Eliza."
"You little cuties look just like us when we were your age!"
"Really?!" Eliza asks rather excitedly.
"Yes, really!"
"That means I can be as beautiful as you, Lady Midford?" She tilts her head like a confused puppy as she awaits Elizabeth's answer.
"Of course you can sweetie! All little ladies are beautiful but you are the most beautiful of all." Elizabeth kneels down in front of her, only to be wrapped into a big hug.
"Thank you my Lady, Mommy doesn't think I'm pretty enough..."
"I would never lie to you little one, not even for a second."
"You promise?"
"I pinky promise." Elizabeth answers sincerely, wrapping her pinky around the child's only to find something rather alarming as the sleeves of the little girl's dress reveal large, dark bruises.
"Oh my, what happened to you darling?"
"Daddy said I wasn't pretty enough to marry a rich man... and because I talk too much..."
"What did Daddy do to you?"
"He hurt me...I haven't seen Mommy since he dragged her out of the house..."
"Where do you think she is?"
"Daddy told me she was in Heaven...
"Astre...Are you hurt too?" I ask as concern begins to grow within me.
Without a word, he lifts up his shirt to find cigar burns on his stomach.
