The Spider's Kiss (Alois x Reader)

8: Letters From Boys

"Please don't hit Alois like that again, especially if it isn't necessary." I sigh as I lean on my butler's sturdy shoulder. The carriage ride back to the manor was a bumpy one thanks to the unpaved dirt roads. With great consideration for my well-being, Ellis wraps an arm around my waist and holds me close and steady.

"YN, it was very necessary. Because you were injured and I was busy, I allowed him to stay in your room. To come back to see him doing such a thing to you," he clenches his fists. "I should have done worse." Ellis has raised me since I was about five. He acted as my father, but I don't dare to call him as such. Even before I met Claude, I quickly learned how cold demon butlers can be.

I lay my hand on top of Ellis' and his fingers slowly unclench. "What is this?" I ask as I smell the black rose. It smelt of corruption and decay.

He rubs my back and states simply, "A promise." Over the years, I've learned there are some things that I just shouldn't ask about. This was one of them.

That night Ellis informed me once he had completed his cleaning of the large home that Claude and Sebastian had dropped off papers at the mansion. Along with the papers, he left a dinner of stir-fry vegetables from the garden, with a traditional sauce he learned the recipe for during our time in South America. We would not be eating together tonight.

While eating the savory meal, I untied my corset with some difficulty and retrieved the report from Phantomhive. With my trusted knife I split the wax seal and began to read over the papers. The victims of this 'zombification' were all suffering from some kind of head trauma. That is where the similarities between the victims end. Some were young, others old. Some rich, some poor. There were just about as many men as there were women, the list goes on. I take the last bite of my food as I place my quill. Tomorrow, we will be visiting the freshest victim's wife.

I sigh as I open up Alois' letter. When I had visited India, the boy had sent me a letter that was so inappropriately worded, I had almost fainted. When Ellis saw what the letter said, he immediately burned it. With great courage, I allow my eyes to feast upon the words.

Dear YN,

I would like to start off by saying that you are the absolute worst kisser I have ever encountered. Still, your lips were the sweetest. Your taste is the only one I crave more of. You're going to keep me up all night, YN.

But that's not what this letter is about. This is a warning. Do not ever be alone with anyone from the Phantomhive mansion. I know how strong you are. But, please keep your guard up. They have something up their sleeves and I don't want to find out what.

Stay safe.

P.S. The safest place is within my arms.

Hugs, kisses and much more,

-Alois Trancy

I stand up and stretch my arms as I digest the weight of his words. I will be bringing extra knives with me tomorrow.

That night, I dreamt of what could have happened between Alois and I, had Ellis not interrupted us.