Chapter Text
The study of the Phantomhive manor was dimly lit, the flickering glow of a single candle illuminating Ciel as he sat behind his desk. His hands were folded in thought, his visible blue eye sharp and calculating.
“Aleister Chambers,” he said softly, his voice carrying an edge of contempt. “His name has surfaced repeatedly in connection with suspicious activities in the East End. Opium smuggling, illegal auctions… and now, whispers of human trafficking.”
Kuri stood by his side, her expression calm but attentive.
“You believe he might be involved in the Jack the Ripper case as well, my lord?” she asked.
“There are too many coincidences,” Ciel replied, his tone icy. “Aleister has hosted events that catered to some of London’s most depraved circles. If he isn’t Jack the Ripper himself, he’s undoubtedly profiting from the chaos.”
Reiko, standing near the door, tilted her head. “And you think this auction of his will give you answers?”
“The auction is the perfect opportunity to gather information,” Ciel said, his voice calm but tinged with irritation.
Kuri stood beside him, her expression neutral. “Of course, Master,” she replied.
“You will be my escort,” Ciel continued, glancing at her briefly. “As the host favors the company of… refined ladies, you’ll have to blend in. Seduce him if necessary.”
Kuri’s eyebrows rose slightly, but she said nothing, her silence speaking volumes.
Reiko, standing quietly by the doorway, let out a low whistle. “You’re asking her to seduce Aleister Chambers? That’s rich.”
“Stay out of this, Reiko,” Ciel snapped.
Kuri’s lips curved into a faint smile, though her eyes betrayed her unease. “As you wish, my lord,” she said, inclining her head.
XXX
Kuri stood in front of the mirror, her usual maid uniform replaced by an elegant evening gown of deep emerald silk that clung to her figure and shimmered in the dim light. Her hair, usually tied back in a neat bun, now cascaded down her back in soft waves, a few delicate strands framing her face.
Reiko stepped back, admiring her handiwork. “Well, well. You clean up nicely,” she said, grinning.
Kuri turned to face Ciel, who stood by the door. For a moment, he was silent, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. A faint blush crept across his cheeks, though he quickly masked it with his usual stern expression.
“Passable,” he said shortly, though his gaze lingered a moment too long.
“Thank you for the high praise, Master,” Kuri replied dryly, though her lips twitched in amusement.
Ciel cleared his throat, straightening his jacket. “Remember, you’re to stay close to me. Don’t let him get too familiar with you.”
“Of course,” Kuri said, though the corners of her mouth twitched upward.
XXX
The grand ballroom of Aleister Chambers’ estate was a dazzling display of wealth and decadence. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting shimmering light over the marble floors and elaborately dressed guests.
Kuri moved gracefully through the crowd, her arm lightly linked with Ciel’s. The young Earl, dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, exuded an air of authority despite his small stature.
From across the room, Aleister Chambers noticed them immediately. His sharp eyes locked onto Kuri, and a predatory smile spread across his face.
“Ah, the infamous Earl Phantomhive,” Aleister said as he approached, his gaze never leaving Kuri. “And who is this enchanting creature at your side?”
Kuri curtseyed, her movements fluid and practiced. “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Chambers,” she said, her voice soft and melodic.
“The pleasure is entirely mine,” Aleister replied, taking her hand and pressing a lingering kiss to it.
Ciel’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening as he fought to maintain his composure.
“Would you grant me the honor of a dance?” Aleister asked, his eyes gleaming.
Kuri hesitated, glancing at Ciel, who gave a curt nod. “Of course,” she said, allowing Aleister to lead her to the dance floor.
XXX
The grand ballroom was a dazzling display of wealth and decadence, illuminated by the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. Music from a live orchestra filled the air as couples waltzed across the polished floor.
Kuri moved gracefully among the crowd, dressed in an elegant gown of deep emerald green that shimmered in the flickering light. Her hair was swept into a soft, sophisticated style, with delicate curls framing her face. She exuded refinement, a perfect image of a noblewoman accompanying the Earl of Phantomhive.
Aleister Chambers, their target for the evening, approached with a predatory smile. His sharp eyes flicked between Ciel and Kuri, lingering far too long on the latter.
“Ah, Lord Phantomhive,” Aleister greeted, bowing slightly. “Your reputation precedes you.”
“And yours precedes you, Mr. Chambers,” Ciel replied coolly, his visible eye betraying nothing.
“And who is this exquisite companion of yours?” Aleister asked, his attention fully on Kuri now.
Kuri curtsied with practiced elegance. “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Chambers,” she said softly, her voice calm and poised.
“The pleasure is entirely mine,” Aleister replied, taking her hand and pressing a lingering kiss to it. His fingers brushed against hers as he held her hand a moment too long.
Ciel’s jaw tightened, though he said nothing.
“Would you grant me the honor of a dance?” Aleister asked, his smile widening.
Kuri glanced at Ciel, who gave her a slight nod, though his lips pressed into a thin line. “Of course, Mr. Chambers,” she replied.
Aleister led her to the center of the ballroom, his hand firm against the small of her back. The orchestra struck up a waltz, and they moved together in time with the music.
XXX
“You move beautifully,” Aleister murmured, his hand tightening slightly on Kuri’s waist.
“Thank you,” Kuri replied, keeping her tone neutral.
“You’re quite the mystery,” Aleister continued, his dark eyes gleaming. “A stunning woman like you, accompanying a boy like Phantomhive? Surely you deserve better company.”
Kuri forced a polite smile, though her discomfort grew with each passing moment. Aleister’s grip on her waist wandered lower, and she subtly shifted away, maintaining her poise.
From the edge of the ballroom, Ciel watched with barely concealed rage. His fists clenched at his sides as he saw Aleister lean in, whispering something into Kuri’s ear that made her stiffen.
When the dance ended, Aleister took Kuri’s hand and led her toward a side corridor.
“I must show you something truly special,” he said, his tone dripping with false charm.
Kuri hesitated, glancing back toward Ciel, but Aleister’s grip tightened on her hand. She had no choice but to follow.
XXX
Aleister led Kuri down a dimly lit staircase, the air growing colder and heavier with each step. When they reached the bottom, a shadowy room opened before them, filled with cages and restrained figures. Wealthy men and women stood in clusters, their whispers and murmurs carrying an air of depraved excitement.
Kuri’s breath hitched as she realized what she was seeing: a human trafficking auction.
“Quite the spectacle, isn’t it?” Aleister said, his voice low and smooth. “The finest selections in all of London, available to the highest bidder. And now…” He turned to her, his eyes gleaming. “You’ll be our star attraction.”
Kuri froze as two guards grabbed her arms, forcing her toward the center of the room.
“Let me go,” she said sharply, her calm demeanor cracking.
Aleister’s grin widened. “Relax, my dear. It’s all part of the show.”
Kuri struggled, but the guards held her fast. She was forced onto a platform, the spotlight illuminating her for the assembled crowd. The whispers grew louder as bidders eyed her hungrily.
“We begin the bidding at five thousand pounds,” the auctioneer announced.
Kuri’s heart raced as she scanned the crowd, searching for Ciel.
XXX
Ciel, meanwhile, was frantically searching the estate, his patience wearing thin as panic crept into his chest. Kuri’s absence filled him with unease, and the growing fear of what Aleister might be doing to her clawed at his mind.
Finally, he reached a servant who mentioned the staircase leading to the lower levels.
“Kuri!” he called, his voice echoing through the empty halls.
There was no response.
“Kuri, answer me!”
The mark of the contract on his eye began to glow faintly. Desperation gave way to resolve as he clenched his fists.
“Kuri, I call you in the name of the contract! Awaken now!”
XXX
The room plunged into darkness. Gasps and screams filled the air as the temperature dropped sharply, frost creeping along the walls and floor.
When the lights flickered back on, Sadako stood in Kuri’s place. Her long black hair floated around her like a living shadow, her crimson eyes burning with fury. Her presence was suffocating, an aura of terror that crushed the will of everyone in the room.
The crowd recoiled in horror, several guests collapsing to their knees as Sadako’s gaze swept over them.
“You vile creatures,” she hissed, her voice echoing unnaturally. “You trade in the suffering of others. You revel in your depravity. You are nothing but filth.”
With a wave of her hand, the cages shattered, and the chains binding the captives fell away. The guards rushed toward her, but they were flung back by an invisible force, their bodies slamming into the walls.
Sadako stood in her place, her long black hair floating around her like a dark veil. Her crimson eyes burned with fury as she turned her gaze on Aleister.
“You sick man,” she hissed, her voice echoing unnaturally. “Your fascination with young girls is abhorrent. You disgust me.”
Aleister stumbled backward, his face pale with terror. “What… what are you?!” he stammered.
Sadako moved toward him, her movements slow and deliberate. The air around her seemed to ripple with power, and the guests at the auction collapsed one by one, paralyzed by fear.
“You call yourself a gentleman,” Sadako continued, her voice dripping with venom. “But you are nothing more than a predator.”
Aleister, trembling, lunged forward and grabbed her by the shoulders. Before she could react, he forced a kiss on her, desperate and clumsy.
Sadako froze, her crimson eyes widening in shock.
Taking advantage of her momentary hesitation, Aleister broke free and fled the room, disappearing into the chaos of the auction.
XXX
When the darkness lifted, Kuri was back to herself, collapsing to her knees in the center of the room. Her hands trembled as she wiped at her lips, her expression filled with disgust and shame.
Ciel ran to her, his usually composed demeanor replaced by raw concern. “Kuri!” he said, kneeling beside her.
“He… he bid on me,” she whispered, her voice shaking. “He kissed me. Master, I’m so sorry. I… I couldn’t stop him.”
Ciel’s fists clenched, his anger boiling just beneath the surface. But when he looked at her, trembling and vulnerable, his fury softened.
“It wasn’t your fault,” he said firmly.
“Make me forget,” Kuri whispered, her eyes welling with tears.
Ciel hesitated for a moment before leaning in, his hand gently cupping her face. He pressed his lips to hers in a soft but commanding kiss. It was protective, grounding, and everything she needed to erase the memory of Aleister’s violation.
When they broke apart, Kuri stared at him, her blue eyes wide with surprise.
“You belong to me,” Ciel said softly, his voice trembling with emotion. “No one else.”
Kuri’s lips trembled, and for the first time that night, she smiled faintly. “Yes, my lord.”
As they sat together in the quiet aftermath, the broken remains of the auction around them, Ciel silently vowed that Aleister Chambers would pay for what he had done.