Once everyone was back at the Phantomhive manor, Sebastian carefully placed William into a room, settling him on a bed. His crimson eyes studied the unconscious man, his mind racing to determine what could have possibly happened to him. As Sebastian tried to piece together the mystery, a memory surfaced William had taken a glass of wine from a waiter carrying a tray. It had been the only glass on the tray, and the waiter had been walking directly toward them. Was that just a coincidence?
His thoughts continued to swirl when suddenly, an image of the silver-haired man with piercing ice-blue eyes flashed in his mind. A sharp pain shot through Sebastian's head, forcing him to his knees. He clenched his teeth as dizziness clouded his senses, but the pain faded just as quickly as it had come. Standing upright again, he steadied himself. Something was definitely wrong. A bad feeling settled deep within him. Determined to ensure all was well, Sebastian exited William's room and began patrolling the manor. Aurelia was in her room, Ciel was in his study, and William remained unconscious. Yet, despite everything appearing normal, he couldn't shake the overwhelming sense of unease.
As he walked through the dimly lit halls, he heard something, or at least, he thought he did. A faint whisper. Footsteps? He moved soundlessly, following the disturbance. Then, instinctively, he spun around.
There he was.
The man with silver hair and piercing ice-blue eyes stood before him once again. He was taller than Sebastian, with broader shoulders, his expression calm yet unsettling. A slow, knowing smile crept onto his face. Sebastian took a step back. Silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating. Neither moved, locked in an intense eye contact.
Finally, Sebastian broke the silence.
Sebastian: "Who are you? Why have you broken into my young master's manor?"
The silver-haired man tilted his head slightly, his eyes gleaming.
???: "I could ask you the same thing, demon. But instead, I'll ask something more intriguing—what is your business with the man with the scar?"
Sebastian narrowed his eyes.
Sebastian: "I have no business with him."
The silver-haired man chuckled softly, the sound laced with amusement.
???: "Then why are you with him?"
Annoyance flickered in Sebastian's gaze.
Sebastian: "That is none of your concern. Now, leave this manor immediately, or I will remove you by force."
The man smiled wider, nodding slightly.
???: "Very well. Let's see if you can."
In the blink of an eye, he attacked. Sebastian barely had time to react before the silver-haired man was upon him. Their battle erupted in a flurry of rapid movements, punches, kicks, and parries clashing at inhuman speeds. But within moments, Sebastian realized the horrifying truth.
He was outmatched.
The silver-haired man was not only stronger but significantly faster. Every strike Sebastian landed was countered with overwhelming force. Every attempt at evasion was met with ruthless precision. The sheer power of his opponent sent him crashing to the ground. Blood dripped from his wounds as he struggled to stand. He had never encountered an opponent like this before. The silver-haired man's expression twisted into something sadistic as he approached.
???: "Weak and pathetic," he sneered.
Sebastian tried to push himself up, but his body wouldn't obey. The man raised his hand, preparing to deliver the final blow.
Then—
A sharp sound.
A blade piercing flesh.
The silver-haired man's body stiffened. Slowly, he turned his head to see the cause of his pain. Behind him stood William, barely able to stand, his weapon buried deep in the stranger's back.
Sebastian's eyes widened.
Sebastian: "William..."
The silver-haired man, unfazed, smirked even as blood trickled from his lips.
???: "Ah... so you still have some fight left."
With a swift motion, he wrenched himself free from the blade, turning to face William. The two engaged in combat, but William, struggled to keep up. He fought fiercely, but the silver-haired man was relentless, landing blow after devastating blow. Just as William was about to succumb, Sebastian mustered what strength he had left and lunged at their foe, attacking in tandem. Together, they fought with everything they had.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed down the hall.
Ciel: "Sebastian!''
Aurelia: ''Father!"
Ciel and Aurelia came rushing in, their eyes widening in horror at the scene before them.
Sebastian lay on the floor, bleeding. William was barely standing, blood dripping from multiple wounds and the silver-haired man stood among them, still smiling.