A month had passed since the incident with the demon. Aurelia now spent every day with her father, William, learning his work and accompanying him everywhere. Being with him every day made her feel happy, as the desire for this closeness had finally become a reality. However, there was something that constantly occupied her mind, something she couldn't shake off: that demon. He was the only man who had ever affected her in this way. Many Shinigami had tried to win her over, some with offers, others with kind words, but none had been able to impress her. The only one who had managed to pierce her heart was Sebastian.
William, noticing her behavior, began to worry. Aurelia seemed to be living in her own world, absorbed in her thoughts. He felt that it was as though she had fallen in love with someone, and this made him feel both happy and scared. Who was this person who had stolen her heart? Did he know him? Who was the one who left such an intensity within her? Was it a demon, as he feared? And what if it was Sebastian? No, he didn't want to think about it. He prayed that she wasn't thinking of someone like that... especially Sebastian, who was so useless. Despite all of this, the joy of finally being together with her, in the same space, was enough to prevent him from letting these thoughts ruin the moment.
That day, as they were walking down the streets, returning home, they saw a man holding a huge sack full of letters. He was handing out letters to passersby, and their curiosity led them to approach him. The man informed them that he was distributing invitations to a ball that would be held that very night, around 10 PM, at the palace of a wealthy man.
William, wanting to spend a beautiful evening with his daughter, decided to take her to the ball. So, they went shopping to choose a beautiful dress for Aurelia. After some time, they settled on a white dress with black imperfections that truly made Aurelia shine. The dress was gorgeous, and when she wore it, she looked absolutely dazzling. William then put on his best suit, and together they headed to the ball.
The venue was filled with people. Some were dancing to the rhythm of a soft melody, while others were enjoying food and drinks from the lavish buffet. Aurelia looked around in awe, a smile on her lips. Seeing the expression on her face, William couldn't help but notice the excitement that had taken over her.
William: "So, what do you think of this place? Do you like it?"
Aurelia: "Oh yes, it's beautiful here! Look at all these people! Everything feels so alive!"
She said with joy, her eyes scanning around as she observed the couples dancing. Then, suddenly, they heard a high-pitched voice full of excitement.
Elizabeth: "Oh my goodness! This is the most beautiful dress I have ever seen!"
Aurelia and William turned around and saw a young girl with blonde, curly hair and a bright red dress running toward them.
The young girl stopped right in front of Aurelia, her emerald eyes shining with excitement. A sweet, playful smile formed on her lips as she looked at her in awe.
Aurelia felt a little embarrassed. She hadn't expected such enthusiasm for a simple dress... Or maybe it wasn't just the dress that had impressed the blonde girl?
Elizabeth: "This dress is absolutely stunning on you! You look so sweet and elegant!"
Aurelia blinked in surprise, but quickly smiled politely.
Aurelia: "Aah... Th-thank you so much for your kind words..."
Before she could say anything else, a stern male voice interrupted the moment.
???: "Elizabeth!"
A young boy approached, his appearance refined and aristocratic. His deep blue eyes had an intense gaze, but one was covered by a black patch. Aurelia felt a cold shiver.
She had seen him before.
As she looked at him more closely, she realized who he was. He was the young aristocrat from whom... she had stolen the ring.
William seemed to clench his teeth.
If Ciel Phantomhive was here... then his butler must be nearby.
Ciel: "My apologies for my cousin... I'll make sure she doesn't disturb you again."
Aurelia blinked, surprised by his statement.
Aurelia: "What are you talking about? She didn't bother me at all! How could such a sweet girl bother me?"
Elizabeth: "Ciel! She called me sweet! I have a new friend!"
Ciel quickly glanced at Aurelia, bringing his hand to his uniform as though he were contemplating something.
Ciel: "I'm glad to hear that, then."
Before anyone could continue the conversation, a familiar figure appeared behind the young lord.
Sebastian emerged from the crowd, walking with his usual grace, holding a glass of juice that Elizabeth had asked for before she ran off.
Their gazes met.
Time seemed to stop for a moment.
Aurelia felt a strange dizziness a mix of embarrassment, anxiety, and... something else.
Sebastian's expression remained unreadable for a moment, but then a playful smile appeared on his lips.
Sebastian: "Ah... What a pleasant surprise. I'm very glad to see you again, my dear lady~"
William felt his blood boil.
He just wanted to have a peaceful evening with his daughter, and suddenly, this arrogant demon had appeared again, ruining everything.
William: "I wish we could say the same... But we can't."
Ciel looked up at his butler, confused.
Ciel: "Sebastian, did I hear that correctly? Do you know this young lady?"
Sebastian turned his smile toward his master before returning his gaze to Aurelia.
Sebastian: "Of course, my lord."
His red eyes never left her.
Aurelia felt a slight pressure in her chest, but she maintained her indifferent facade.
Ciel looked at her again, this time with a faint, enigmatic smile.
Ciel: "May I have the honor of knowing your beautiful name~?"
Aurelia: "My name is Aurelia."
Her voice was soft, but steady as she looked at the young lord before her. Ciel gently took her hand and, with a slow, aristocratic movement, brought it to his lips. A soft kiss touched the back of her hand before he raised his gaze to meet hers with his blue eyes.
Ciel: "A beautiful name for a beautiful young lady~"
His smile was almost imperceptible, but his words held a particular warmth.
Ciel: "My name is Ciel Phantomhive~"
Aurelia smiled gently, feeling an inexplicable sense of familiarity with him.
Aurelia: "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Phantomhive~"
Ciel seemed to feel an inexplicable fondness toward the girl. It wasn't something he often experienced. There was something about Aurelia... A shadow of his mother, an aura that brought memories of the past.
He wasn't thinking anything inappropriate, he wasn't one to be easily swept away. But... perhaps... perhaps they could become friends.
On the other hand, William hadn't taken his eyes off Sebastian. His gaze darkened every time he saw him looking at Aurelia.
Sebastian, of course, was fully aware of the gaze... but he didn't seem bothered by it. All he did was let his red, penetrating eyes roam over the beautiful young lady.
Aurelia, Ciel, and Elizabeth were talking amongst themselves about various topics from dances and formal events to Elizabeth's strange adventures in her endless quest for dresses.
Suddenly, the music in the hall changed.
A sweet, romantic melody began to fill the room, soft and melodic.
Elizabeth's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Elizabeth: "Ciel! Come dance with me! Please!"
Ciel sighed lightly, but he knew he couldn't refuse.
Ciel: "...Alright. Just for a little while."
He took her hand and led her to the grand dance floor, letting her happily pull him along.
Aurelia watched them with a smile. There was something... warm about the scene.
Then, William saw his opportunity.
He turned his gaze toward Aurelia and offered her his hand.
William: "Well then, my dear... How about a little dance?"
Aurelia looked up at him, her eyes slightly gleaming with the joy of the offer.
Aurelia: "I would love that very much!"
She gently took his hand, and together they walked toward the dance floor.
Aurelia was enjoying every moment. The movement, the music, the rhythm—it was all magical. William guided her effortlessly, and for a few moments, she forgot everything around her.
Until...
As William twirled her gently...
A shadow moved between them.
Before she could understand what had happened, she felt a hand wrap gently around her waist and another catch her hand with a firm grip.
Her heart skipped a beat.
The familiar, devilishly attractive smile of Sebastian formed on his lips as he looked down at her.
Sebastian: "I don't think you'd mind... if I steal this beautiful young lady for a little while~"
His voice carried a hint of playful challenge, but his eyes hid something else—something darker.
William half-closed his eyes, his blood boiling. He was ready to react, but...
Aurelia's gaze met his.
A silent plea.
"Everything is fine."
William gritted his teeth... and stepped back.
Sebastian smiled, satisfied.
And with one smooth, flawless movement, he pulled her deeper into the dance space, leading her to a rhythm that only he knew how to control.
Aurelia: "You're an excellent dancer~"
Her voice was almost a whisper as she felt the rhythm of the dance sweep her away.
Sebastian smiled slyly, with that enigmatic smile of his that always hid something more than it appeared.
Sebastian: "Ah~ Thank you very much, my lady. I could say the same about you~"
Aurelia blushed slightly and avoided looking him directly in the eyes. There was something about this man that made her feel strange... as if he were playing with her senses, guiding her not only in the dance but also in something deeper, something more inexplicable.
The music slowed.
Sebastian seized the opportunity and, with a gentle movement, drew his body closer to hers.
Aurelia felt the warmth of him enveloping her. Without thinking much about it, she gently rested her head on his chest. She closed her eyes, letting him lead her, letting herself be swept into the rhythm, as if they were the only two people in the room.
Sebastian's breath was calm, steady. His hands held her with perfect precision, as if this dance had been designed exclusively for her.
However, not everyone in the hall shared this tranquility.
William couldn't stand with his arms crossed.
He had already invited a young lady to dance, but the truth was that he had done so just to be close to his daughter. And when his eyes fell upon Aurelia and Sebastian...
...he had reached his limit.
His nerves were beginning to flare dangerously. His blood was boiling.
So close...
Sebastian had the audacity to hold Aurelia like this, to have her pressed against him, whispering words he couldn't hear.
William felt his anger rising.
He didn't like this.
Not at all.
What if Aurelia started to feel something for this creature?
What if this damned demon... managed to sweep her off her feet, as he had done with so many others?
No.
He couldn't allow it.
He had to do something.
He had to separate them.
Before it was too late.