That morning was quiet at Ciel's residence, with the sun gently shining in the clear sky. Everyone was going about their daily tasks, or at least, that's how it seemed. Sebastian, however, made sure to perform everything with exceptional skill and precision, as always. The day passed peacefully, like any other, with no sign of the change that was about to come.
Sebastian was in the garden, slightly bending his body over the beautiful white roses that covered the eastern side of the garden. Their scent, strong and sweet, filled the air. As he pruned the wildflowers, his gaze calmly wandered across the scene of the garden.
Suddenly, a sickle sliced through the air, narrowly missing his left arm. The cold metal near his skin made him shiver and react sharply. Turning his head quickly, he saw William, whom he hadn't noticed at all. William, with his gaze full of intensity and determination, lunged toward him. In an instant, he grabbed Sebastian by his black jacket and pulled him forcefully toward him.
The silence of the morning had been shattered by the sudden event, and now the only sound that could be heard was the sighing of the wind passing through the trees in the garden.
William: "Tell me, where is she?!"
William shouted angrily, his voice echoing through the peaceful garden. Sebastian, not quite understanding exactly what William was referring to, raised an eyebrow with his characteristic expression.
Sebastian: "What do you mean?"
William: "Cut the crap, demon! I know you came to Aurelia's room and you took her! Isn't the soul of your little master enough for you?"
Sebastian was taken aback. William's words carried such a strong certainty that it made him question the situation. With force, he pulled William's hands off him and replied calmly:
Sebastian: "First, keep your hands off me. Just because I don't react doesn't mean I don't have the power to break you... Second, and more importantly, what do you mean by 'you came into her room and you took her'? What happened?"
William took a step back, as though realizing the gravity of the situation.
William: "This is bad... very bad... This morning, when I entered Aurelia's room... she wasn't there... I thought you did something... but if you don't even know where she is... then that means someone else might have..."
He paused, his face twisting with intensity as he pressed his right hand to his forehead, clenching it as if trying to stop the thoughts from drowning him.
William: "It's my fault... It's all my fault... If I had been a little more careful..."
Sebastian, observing William, felt for the first time a hint of concern for Aurelia, the young girl who had disappeared under such strange circumstances. For a few seconds, he stared into space as if thinking, trying to piece together the situation. Then, he looked back at William and spoke with a more decisive tone:
Sebastian: "I'll help you..."
William: "What?"
William, shocked by the demon's offer, stood silent for a moment, wondering if he had heard correctly.
William: "You'll help me? Fine... I'll make sure to repay you soon..."
Although William had always harbored strong disdain for creatures of the dark, he knew that at this moment, he had no other choice. His daughter was lost, and he was willing to cooperate with anyone, even his worst enemy, if it meant he could find her. So, the two men began their search.
As they went their separate ways, William headed toward the city while Sebastian made his way to the forest. Hours passed, and despite their constant searching, neither of them found any trace of Aurelia.
Sebastian stopped at the edge of a cliff, looking out over the vast expanse of forest below him. The sun had begun to set, and the afternoon light made everything appear darker and more mysterious.
Sebastian: "So many hours... so many places, and still no trace... How could she have disappeared so simply..."
He said in despair, looking around. But then suddenly, something made him stop. His gaze fixed on a figure sitting near a calm lake. It was Aurelia, alone, tossing small flowers into the water, silent and lost in thought. He smiled slightly and started walking toward Aurelia. When he reached her from behind, she hadn't noticed his presence. She was lost in her thoughts, and her face wore a sad expression, almost invisible under the shade of the forest.
Sebastian: My lady?
Aurelia was startled and turned quickly, facing the dark-haired man behind her. Her gaze softened, and a small smile appeared on her lips.
Aurelia: How did you find me here?
Sebastian: I've been looking for you for hours... William and I were very worried about you...
Aurelia: William...
Aurelia looked down sadly, realizing that what she had done would shake her father deeply. But as she thought about it, a wave of guilt washed over her. She didn't feel good at all about her decision.
Aurelia: Do you think, if he sees me, he'll be really angry?
Sebastian: On the contrary, my lady, I believe he will be very happy...
Aurelia: What makes you say that?
Sebastian, with his usual calm demeanor, extended his hand to the young woman. Without thinking, she gently took the hand of the tall, dark-haired man and rose with his help. Sebastian made a smooth motion, brushing away a small lock of hair that had fallen in front of Aurelia's face, and with a gentle gesture, he lifted her chin to look her in the eye. She, a little embarrassed, met his gaze, and Sebastian, with a calm yet emotionally charged voice, said:
Sebastian: A demon knows very well how to recognize someone's fear, regardless of whether that someone is human or not. William had fear inside him, and just the thought that something might have happened to you terrified him more and more. The truth is, this is the first time I've seen him like this. So, let me take you back...
Aurelia's cheeks turned that beautiful soft pink again as she looked at him with eyes that couldn't hide the intensity of the emotions overwhelming her. She felt so strange, yet at the same time, so wonderful. In the end, together they set off to find William. Since he was searching in the town, he would likely spot them eventually and come to them.
As they walked side by side, Aurelia couldn't contain her curiosity and stole glances at Sebastian. His eyes, his features, gave him such a likable air... Yet, every time that thought crossed her mind, she felt a knot in her stomach. If all the feelings she had were attraction... then she had to somehow stop it. William would be furious if he knew Aurelia had feelings for a demon. Besides, one of the rules William had set for her was this:
"Never fall in love with a demon. Demons have no emotions and cannot feel love."
That thought hurt her, but she had to accept the truth. At least, she could be friends with Sebastian and see him often. However, at that moment, a voice from behind them made both of them turn.
William: AURELIA!!!
Sebastian and Aurelia turned and saw William running toward them. When he reached them, he hugged Aurelia tightly.
William: Aurelia, I was so worried... Did you hurt yourself? Did anything happen while you were gone? Are you hungry?
Aurelia smiled and kissed her father's cheek.
Aurelia: Father, I'm sorry I left so suddenly... I promise I won't do anything like that again... I just...it was unf--
William: Unfair... I know... I'm sorry... Aurelia, I did all this because I was just scared... I didn't want anything bad to happen to you... What would I do without you?
Aurelia looked down, feeling her father's love and concern. Sebastian, his arms crossed, smiled and said:
Sebastian: Would you like to come to my young master's estate for a cup of t--
William: We would prefer not, Sebastian... Thank you for your help, and as I said, I will make sure to return the favor soon... But for now, Isabel and I must be going...
Sebastian shrugged indifferently, keeping the same soft and friendly smile on his face.
Sebastian: Understood and absolutely reasonable.
Aurelia smiled and slowly lifted her gaze toward the tall man. He looked at her with a calm and friendly expression as well. With a gentle tone in his voice, he said:
Sebastian: I hope to see you again soon, my lady. It would be my great pleasure...
And with one final smile, he said: have a goodnight.
With a quiet movement, he stepped away from them, disappearing into the darkness of the night. William didn't want to add anything, as he didn't wish to disturb the relaxed atmosphere that hung in the air at that moment. So, the two of them—William and Aurelia—returned home, this time without needing to lock the door again.
That night, when Aurelia wished William goodnight and went upstairs to lie down in her room, her thoughts kept swirling endlessly around the tall man with the dark hair.
Could she really have him as a friend? she thought. Or was it something more than that?
Her thoughts became tangled as her eyes grew heavy, and eventually, she drifted into a deep and sweet sleep, filled with dreams and images from that encounter.