Sebastian cast a wary glance at his master, Ciel, who gave a slight nod. Understanding his silent command, Sebastian set off, trailing the man with the scar. The bustling crowd made it difficult to keep a close eye on his target, and just as he was maneuvering through the sea of people, someone collided with him, sending him off balance.
A firm hand gripped his shoulder, steadying him.
???: "Oh, I'm so sorry, sir, I didn't see you!" a deep yet gentle voice said.
Sebastian turned to face the man who had grabbed him. He was taller, with broad shoulders, shoulder-length silver hair, and piercing ice-blue eyes that seemed to look right through him. There was an elegance to his demeanor, a calm authority that unsettled Sebastian in a way he couldn't explain. For a fleeting moment, he felt disoriented, lost even, before regaining his composure.
Sebastian: "Don't... worry, sir, I am alright," Sebastian responded, shaking off the strange feeling.
The tall man gave a slight nod before walking away. Sebastian barely had a moment to collect his thoughts before he realized the worst had happened, he had lost sight of the man with the scar. Panic threatened to rise, but he forced himself to remain calm, scanning the area desperately.
???: "You lost him?" a familiar voice came from behind him.
Sebastian turned to see William, his expression disapproving as always.
Sebastian: "Unfortunately, yes," Sebastian admitted with a sigh.
William narrowed his eyes.
William: "You really cannot do anything right... How did you lose him??"
Sebastian's jaw tightened.
Sebastian: "Someone bumped into me. I got distracted."
William huffed in irritation, looking around, but there was no sign of the man with the scar. Knowing further search would be futile, they made their way back to where Ciel, Aurelia, and Lizzy were waiting. Lizzy, ever the social butterfly, had been keeping Aurelia entertained by taking her to the buffet, while Ciel remained observant. Though the mysterious scarred man had unnerved them all, they attempted to enjoy the evening regardless.
A waiter passed by, and William grabbed a glass of wine, taking a long sip as if to wash away his frustration. The group eventually decided it was time to leave. As they exited the grand manor, Ciel prepared to bid Aurelia farewell. But before he could speak, William suddenly winced, his hand going to his temple.
A sharp gasp escaped his lips as he staggered.
Aurelia: "Father?! Are you alright?!" Aurelia's worried voice rang out.
William opened his mouth to respond, but the words never came. His body swayed, and before anyone could catch him, he collapsed.
Aurelia: "Father!" Aurelia screamed.
The shock in the group was palpable. Sebastian was the first to react, kneeling beside William and checking for a pulse. His breathing was shallow, but he was still alive.
Ciel's mind raced.
Ciel: "We have to help him. Sebastian, carry him into the carriage."
Sebastian obeyed immediately, lifting William effortlessly. Aurelia, still in shock, looked at Ciel with pleading eyes. He placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring nod.
Ciel: "You and your father should stay with us tonight," he said.
Aurelia hesitated for only a moment before nodding. Lizzy and her maid left in a separate carriage while Aurelia, William, Ciel, and Sebastian rode together. The journey back to the Phantomhive estate was eerily silent, aside from the occasional rattling of the carriage wheels. William remained unconscious, his head resting against Aurelia's lap as she stroked his hair with trembling fingers.
Sebastian, sitting across from them, studied William closely. There were no visible injuries, no signs of poisoning. Yet something unnatural was at play.
Ciel, seated beside Sebastian, watched the exchange.
Ciel: "Sebastian, can you tell what's wrong with him?"
Sebastian: "Not yet, my lord," Sebastian admitted. "But this is no ordinary fainting ..."
Aurelia's voice was barely above a whisper.
Aurelia: "What do you mean? What's happening to him?"
Sebastian's red eyes flickered to her, assessing her concern.
Sebastian: "I need to examine him properly once we reach the manor. Until then, remain calm."
Aurelia nodded, though her grip on her father tightened.