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Chapter Text

With my snow boots laced tight, I kick a spray of powdery snow straight at Bard with a wicked snicker. It splashes up around his legs, clinging to the fabric of his trousers. He shoots me a scowl sharp enough to freeze water.

I duck behind Finny like a child dodging a snowball and stick out my tongue with full dramatic flair.

"Get over here!" Bard shouts, already scooping up a handful of snow. He's definitely about to make a snowball.

"Um…let me think about that." I smirk, pretending to debate it while inching away from Finny's side. I pause just long enough for him to hope—then bolt. "How 'bout no?!" I laugh.

My breath puffs out in visible bursts, curling around my cheeks like fleeting fog. Behind me, I hear the crunch of boots pounding against the snow as Bard gives chase. Bard, you're such a sissy.

I fake a wheeze, slowing my pace like I'm winded. Good thing I'm not actually in a corset right now, or else I would be gasping for real—but he doesn't know that, thanks to the bulk of my winter coat.

"I got you now!" he calls out behind me, triumphant.

I glance over my shoulder, feigning panic. He's a lot closer than I expected—damn, he's really sprinting. Rookie mistake, Bard.

If there's one rule in this world, it's never underestimate your opponent. I juke him hard to the left, aiming straight for the manor.

His yell of frustration echoes behind me—then abruptly cuts off with a loud 'oof.'

I stop and spin around.

He's facedown in the snow.

I throw a hand to my mouth, trying and failing to hold back a laugh. "T-That's what you get!" I call between snorts, pointing shamelessly at his slumped figure.

He rises slowly, snow clinging to his skin like vengeance, eyes locked on me with a glare hot enough to melt the whole damn back yard. "Mey-Rin! Finny! Attack her!"

Oh no.

My blood runs cold. Two familiar forms shift at the edge of my vision, their gazes locked in like predators.

S-Scary!

I wave my hands in surrender. "W-Wait!" I yelp, panic overtaking me.

Too late.

They barrel toward me, unstoppable, and I hit the snow with a shriek. The cold rushes through my coat and pants like a shockwave. They're grinning like maniacs above me as laughter spills out of my chest.

Eventually, they get off and tumble away into another snow fight. I stay where I am, limbs splayed as I start carving out a snow angel. My fingers ache with numbness—but it's the good kind. The clouds above are thick and gray, but I feel light somehow, the kind of weightlessness you only get in the middle of winter.

Then I sense it.

Crunch. Footsteps—measured, deliberate—and approaching.

A shape cuts into my peripheral vision. Black and stark.

Oh no.

I turn my head.

Sebastian stands above me, the picture of judgment. His eyes narrow as he looks down with a sigh. "My lady, what are you doing?"

I move my arms and legs, deepening the angel I've carved. "Playing in the snow. Same as last year."

"You are not a child, no?"

I stick out my tongue, just to be annoying. "I can be."

He sighs again, like a man burdened with impossible tasks. I sit up and brush snow from my coat with a scoff. "Do you even know what fun is?"

"Yes, and I do not care for it."

I scowl. "Do you have seasonal depression or something? Is that what this is?"

"What?"

That gets him. The confusion on his face is almost worth the cold. Maybe he does have it. Christmas is coming up—I don't imagine it mixes well with a demon's aesthetic. I personally only like Christmas for the food and gifts.

Grinning, I bend down and scoop up some fresh snow. I pack it into a ball as I eye him curiously. "Do you like snow, Sebastian?"

"Not particularly..."

Too bad.

I whip the snowball at him. He dodges with a tight scowl, but I'm already moving, taking the opening to rush him. I tackle him to the ground in a thud of tangled limbs and snowy impact, straddling his waist with a triumphant smirk.

His eyes flash with irritation—annoyance, maybe something darker—but his hands land firmly on my hips. Oddly firm. I don't focus on that though. Something cold hits my forehead and I blink.

Snowflakes.

They're beginning to fall—thin and slow at first. I raise a hand to catch one. "Snowflakes are so pretty," I murmur with a soft smile. "Did you know that every snowflake is different in design?"

He sits up beneath me, brushing snow off his coat, watching me with something more like curiosity. "This is common knowledge."

More flakes settle into my hair, melting softly against the warmth of my scalp. I gaze at the ones landing in my palm. "I suppose so. But it doesn't change the fact they're all unique, yet still snow. The same, but not."

"Much like you humans."

That makes me pause. I tilt my head and shift on his lap. "How so?"

He picks up a messy lock of my hair, it's damp. "Humans vary. Whether it be personality, skin tone, hair color, physical features, or emotions. All different from one another. All tasteless beings who are greedy and thoughtless. They all work the same in the end." he adds with a sneer.

I frown. "Idiot." I flick his forehead. "You need to open your eyes more. Judgmental, biased creature. You demons only ever seem to meet the rotten ones."

His eyes narrow, and he glares at the hand I've just used to flick him. "You are blind to your own kind."

I snort, quiet but firm. "No, Sebastian. You're the one blinded by us."

His eyes widen for just a second before narrowing again. "This debate is pointless."

"I know you are."

He scowls and retaliates by shoveling snow in my face. The icy chill makes me shriek and shiver, my teeth chattering as I wipe slush from my eyes.

"Y-You asshol-e," I sputter.

He smirks down at me, victorious. Then he lightly smacks the back of my head.

"Language, my lady."

0o0o0o0o

After a long, hot bath to thaw out from the snow fight, my nose won't stop running. That bastard demon gave me a cold. It's been years—years!—since I've been sick. Not since the twins were little. I wrap myself in soft black pants—heavier than anything I normally wear—and a light pink sweatshirt, both warm and comforting. My body still trembles with lingering chills.

Ciel received a letter from the Queen this morning. Now we're heading to London by carriage. I tug my thick winter cloak tightly around me, hiding my suspiciously casual outfit beneath. If either of them saw the sweatshirt, I'd never hear the end of it.

The ride is long. Freezing. Miserable.

I cough lightly, trying not to draw attention. But it doesn't last.

"Rina, are you okay? You look kind of pale," Ciel asks, folding his paper into his lap.

I nod and burrow deeper into my cloak, the fur tickling my jaw. The coughing only gets worse. His eyes narrow with concern.

"Don't tell me you're sick."

"…Sadly, I think so."

He frowns, hard. I cough again into the fold of my cloak, away from him. I can't risk him getting sick—if his asthma returns, it'd be my fault.

"Why didn't you say anything? I'll have Sebastian prepare medicine and tea when we get back."

My stomach drops. "No! Anything but medicine—!" My protest breaks into more coughing. He starts to get up, but I shove him back into his seat.

"Sorry, I just…I don't want to get you sick too."

"You will take medicine. I don't care if I have to shove it down your throat by force."

I sink into my seat, defeated. God, he's terrifying when he goes full older brother mode. I cry internally.

When we finally arrive in town, Sebastian helps us down from the carriage. I hug myself tightly, breath shallow, limbs heavy with fatigue. I trail after the others, sniffling like a broken faucet, trying not to whine about how utterly shitty I feel.

Then I see it.

Bodies. Hanging from the awning of a shop. Four of them.

I gasp, frozen in place.

Commissioner Randall is already there, ranting at another man. I squint—Aberline, I think. Randall clenches a paper in his fist, jaw tight with frustration. "Damn it! This is the twentieth one now! You haven't apprehended the culprit yet, Aberline?!"

"My apologies!" Aberline says quickly.

"Feh, and the glory of catching Jack the Ripper was stolen from us also by that little brat," Randall sneers.

I roll my eyes and scoff. "Oh look, brother! The poor chief is still terrible at his job."

Randall turns, startled. I stand beside Ciel with arms crossed, foot tapping impatiently. He smirks, adjusting his hat. "Nothing new here then. Sorry for being such a brat."

"Earl Phantomhive! Lady Phantomhive!"

I inch closer to Ciel and cough lightly, hiding behind my cloak.

"Hey, you! How the hell did you get here?" Aberline asks, shocked.

Randall raises a hand to silence him. "Lord and Lady Phantomhive, why are you here?"

"Heh. Isn't it obvious? We're here to clean up the mess made by an old pathetic hunting dog."

I let out a soft snicker. My brother, ever savage. I spot some documents in Aberline's grip and snatch them. His jaw drops.

"What the—?!"

"Hm, is that so…" I murmur, flipping through the contents. I hand the papers off to Ciel.

"A crime targeted only at people who have returned to England from India. I see the victims aren't dead."

I frown deeply. Indians have been in London for a long time now. And yet the British treat them like pawns. Slaves. If there's one thing about being human that disgusts me, it's this: our capacity for cruelty.

I mutter under my breath, "England would be better off not invading other countries in general and staking claims altogether…"

Sebastian, reading over Ciel's shoulder, glances at me. "That's quite an opinion."

I glance up. "It's the right kind. Don't even get me started on this bullshit train of interculturalism in this era."

He raises an eyebrow but continues reading the papers. I lean over Ciel's shoulder, curious about the one he's holding now.

"They are cowards who were too busy with extravagance and indulged in worthless pastimes. Most of the upper-class people in so-called Great Britain." Randall drones after a brief pause.

My gaze drops to the bottom of the page in Ciel's hands. There's a strange symbol printed there, one that oddly reminds me of a tongue. I stick my own out at my brother, and he mirrors the motion with a smug look. "Upper class, how worthless. Anyways, what is this mark?" he asks.

"Reminds me of a tongue," I say plainly, tapping the symbol. "He's either mocking us or it's a legit symbol for something else."

A vein twitches at Randall's temple. "He's making a fool of us—the British! And the Queen! What an idiot! Targeting those returning from India means the criminal can't be anyone other than a vulgar Indian barbarian!" he snaps, voice rising in rage.

I bristle. His words hit like a slap. How dare he? Heat floods my face despite the chill in the air, and I glare at him, fists tightening. "Excuse me?! How do you know it was an Indian?!" I shout, practically steaming.

He glares right back. "Well, who else could it be?!"

I raise my fist and shake it at him. "Maybe if you opened your blinded eyes, you'd have more options to narrow—!"

Suddenly, my breath catches. I cough violently and double over, clutching my side like someone knocked the wind out of me.

"Rina!" Ciel cries, rushing to my side with a hand on my back.

I straighten slowly, gently brushing him off. "I—I'm fine. I'm okay," I manage between breaths.

He watches me, wary, ready to step in if I fall again. Randall looks like a tomato about to burst, which only makes my victorious grin grow wider. One point for me.

Aberline steps closer, and I instinctively stiffen, eyeing him like he's up to something. But he just scratches the back of his head with a sheepish smile and offers me a cough drop. "Here."

I nod my thanks and pop it into my mouth. Immediately regret it. Tastes like chemicals and gravel.

"So that's the reason you called me out here?" Aberline asks, turning to Randall, a visible sweatdrop sliding down his temple.

Ciel pulls me a little closer, making sure I stay by him. Sebastian is right beside us, like a quiet shadow.

"A majority of smuggling Indians have a stronghold in the East End," Ciel says, his voice steady. "I can see even city yards don't know what to do with a dark street like that. It's hard to identify the route and the exact number of smugglers, right?"

He glances at me, then Sebastian. "So I'll make a move in my own way. I want to return to the manor house quickly. Sebastian, did you memorize those documents?"

"Yes." Sebastian replies with a polite smile and a small bow.

"Let's go then, Sebastian, Rina."

I follow beside them, still sucking on that nasty cough drop. It tastes worse by the second. I groan.

"Ugh, it tastes bad."

"That's what you get for playing in the snow," Ciel scolds with a disapproving tsk.

I pout and fold my arms. "Blame your butler. He's the one who literally dumped snow on top of me."

Ciel smirks. "And who's the one who goaded him?"

"Hmph! Not my fault he wasn't on his guard."

"Hah…?"

"That's right! I took him down with my body. You should've seen it. Not every human can say they tackled a demon to the ground." I smirk proudly at the memory.

A chill pricks the back of my neck. Yep. There's that distinct murderous demon energy again.

"My lady." Sebastian's voice slices through the air like glass. I freeze. A shiver races down my spine, and I feel a flicker of fear rise. "I would appreciate it if you did not spread lies about me."

My eye twitches. "What?! I did so tackle you to the ground!" I spin toward him, walking backward now. "Who's to say I didn't?"

He arches a brow, smug as ever. "Who's to say I did not let you?"

I blink. Huh. I hadn't considered that. He thinks he's won, the bastard. But I narrow my eyes and match his smirk.

"Who's to say you're telling the whole truth?"

He looks intrigued. "Please, do enlighten me."

I yank him down by his tie, bringing his face to mine. His eyes go wide.

"I think you didn't fully expect my mode of attack," I say slowly. "Because why would you let me push you down? A full-grown demon letting a puny human knock him over? Not likely. So, either you didn't expect it…or you wanted it. There's no in between."

Before he can respond, Ciel cuts in sharply, "You two, honestly. Stop your bickering!"

I release Sebastian with a shrug and walk alongside Ciel again. One annoying demon, one cranky brother—what a day.

I can feel Sebastian's glare burning holes into my back as we walk. I roll my shoulders, trying to shake it off. Eventually, curiosity gets the better of me.

"So, where are we headed?" I ask.

"Lau's den."

I blanch. "You're kidding, right?"

"Does it sound like I am?"

My face twists with distaste. "I forbid you from entering that—that place."

He glares up at me. "You can't tell me what to do."

I raise a brow at his sass. "You will listen. Don't forget who you're talking to."

He meets my stare, defiant. "You don't get to order me about."

I scoff. "Excuse me? Wanna repeat that?"

He falters for a moment, then firms his expression again. "I can do what I want, when I want."

"Oho!~ Look at you. And who told you that?"

He ignores me, so I grab his elbow and yank him to a stop. "Please, enlighten me. What gave you such an idea?"

"You say it all the time."

I gape at him. "That's because I can. You, on the other hand, cannot."

"I have earned it!" he yells.

"You're grounded when we get back home," I say flatly.

"What?! You can't ground me!"

"I can and I will. You clearly need a reminder. Sebastian and I have been spoiling you way too much."

"You're not my mother!" he shouts.

That stops me cold. He storms ahead without looking back. I stare after him, the words lingering like smoke in the air.

His mother…huh.

I sigh, the fight draining out of me. Sebastian steps beside me, his gaze also on Ciel's retreating back.

"You are not wrong," he mutters.

I glance at him, caught off guard.

"That boy needs to learn not to be selfish."

"You humans are all selfish," he replies, tone unreadable. "It does not matter how much."

I frown. "I don't care. That mindset's dangerous—especially at his age."

"Does he not deserve such rights?" he muses. "Perhaps you don't realize it."

"What do you mean?"

"The young master will die at some point. Is it not acceptable by human standards to be selfish in that regard?"

His eyes glitter, something mysterious and dark simmering beneath his smile.

I start walking again, Sebastian falling into step beside me. "In my eyes, no. What right does a child have to be so selfish that no one can push back?"

I glance toward Ciel's slumped figure.

"If there's one thing you should know about my kind, Sebastian…It's that no human learns without being told no. 'No, you can't do that.' It's how we figure out the world. It's how we learn how to be human."

"So simpleminded," he comments with a slight smirk.

"Yet, so useful." I rebuke, returning it with a small smile of my own. "I don't know how long you've been alive, but you still have a lot to learn. I wouldn't mind being the one to teach you."

His eyes widen just a fraction—there's a faint intake of breath—before he masks the reaction behind a calm, unreadable face.

"My, my. It seems you have enraptured me with your knowledge. You are the most unique in many ways."

"You're not the first to say that." I chuckle, momentarily drawn back into memory—Vincent's startled face the day he met my younger self. That memory will never lose its shine.

Ciel halts ahead of us by a weathered door, ignoring my presence entirely as usual. He waits just long enough for us to join him.

"We have arrived," he announces flatly.

I fold my arms with a frown. "If you need information, send Sebastian inside to gather it. I won't allow you to go into an opium den."

Predictably, he shoots another glare in my direction before turning toward the demon. "Sebastian, open the door. We are going inside."

Sebastian bows, his smirk sharpening. "Yes, my lord."

He lifts his hand toward the door—but I grab the back of his coat, yanking hard. Or...trying to. He doesn't budge an inch. It's like trying to pull a statue from the earth. Did he superglue his boots to the ground?

My brows knit in frustration. I dig deeper, calling up my superhuman strength, and pull again. This time he shifts—barely—before cementing himself in place once more.

"Sebastian, don't listen to him!" I growl, trying to wedge myself between him and the door.

He simply smiles at me, infuriatingly serene. "But the young master commands me to."

I let go, fingers slipping off the dark fabric as I step back in defeat. Ciel knows he's won this round, and the smug look on his face says everything. I narrow my eyes at him. "You think I'm going to roll over that easily? Fine. Go on. Breathe in every poisonous chemical you can. But once we're back at the manor, you'll wish you hadn't." I hiss, and shove past them both, reaching for the damn door myself.

Untying the scarf around my neck, I rewrap it over my mouth like a makeshift mask. That miracle cough drop from earlier is still doing its job, but I can already feel the air in here threatening to undo it. The opium stink is going to wreck my lungs.

Stupid brother. Stupid demon. Neither of them ever listens.

And why would they? I'm just a girl—one who happens to be smarter than the both of them combined. But oh no, logic is no match for masculine ego.

The staircase beneath my feet echoes with every step I take, sounds ricocheting off the walls. I can hear them following behind me, the cadence of their footfalls calm, calculated.

At the base, I exhale sharply and reach for the heavy double doors. They creak on their hinges, moaning like the place itself resents our intrusion. The wave of smoke and stale perfume that hits me is...suffocating. I cough, gagging lightly into the scarf. It's thick in here—hazy with human heat, incense, and opium.

Men moan from hidden corners. Somewhere, someone laughs. A shadow stirs near the back.

"Lady Phantomhive? It is a surprise you are here as well as finding this place." Lau's voice slices through the fog like a blade.

"I'm not here for what you think," I respond flatly. "But I am not here alone."

"What an awful smell," Ciel mutters behind me.

"Earl. It feels kinda weird for you to see this way. However, I knew the day would come." Lau croons.

Through the thick haze, I finally make out Lau's figure—and instantly regret doing so. He's buried in women, limbs tangled together like a brothel centerpiece. I sputter, a bit horrified.

"And what kind of day is this?" I ask, trying not to look too closely.

"Welcome Earl, Lady! Long time no see!" Lau says cheerfully, dodging my question completely.

The women slip away one by one until only Ran-Mao remains, nestled calmly in his lap, her fingers lazily wrapped around a smoking pipe.

"How you been? Ah! Wasn't it your birthday recently? Congrats. ~" Lau adds with a grin.

Ciel shifts slightly. "I don't really care about such things. I have something to ask you, though."

As they speak, a woman drifts toward Sebastian and me, holding out a pipe already trailing smoke.

"Want a smoke?" she purrs, looking me up and down.

I recoil instinctively. "No, I'm good," I mutter, resisting the urge to wave the smoke away. Sebastian, always polite, raises a hand and declines as well. She disappears into the haze.

"The president of the British Branch of the Chinese trading company, KunLun...no. Shanghai mafia, Qingbang executive, Lau." Ciel recites with a stern expression.

"What? I didn't know you ran a mafia in Shanghai," I blurt, blinking in disbelief.

"Hoho~ Surprised, little lady?" Lau's grin sharpens with amusement.

I scowl. "I am surprised. I didn't think an idiot like you could run such a business."

He gasps theatrically, pressing a hand to his forehead. "Ouch! The lady is so mean! I don't really like being addressed as so though—it's too formal. Right, Ran-Mao?" He lifts her chin gently, smiling.

I exhale in exasperation. Moron.

"I'll leave the East End in your care. The numbers of people who move in and out of this street are in your control, right?" Ciel asks, steering the conversation back.

"Of course, I have done as you asked. It's the bribe that allows me to do business in the underworld of this country."

"So."

"Well firstly, I also want to ask you one thing."

I tilt my head. "And that is?"

"What exactly is 'that' incident?" Lau asks innocently.

I drag a hand down my face. Of course. Of course he has no clue.

"You…" Ciel mutters, visibly annoyed.

"Typical of a yes-man," Sebastian adds, sighing lightly.

Great. Now we have to explain everything from the top. Again.

0o0o0o0o

The streets of London bustle around us, lined with people preoccupied by routine—shopping, hurrying to work, living simple lives. For a moment, I envy them. Just for a moment. My cold lingers like a curse, and the chill air worsens it. All I want is a blanket and silence.

I trail behind the group—a Chinese man, a British child, and a demon. Sounds like the setup for a very bad joke.

Lau hums thoughtfully. "I see. You want to arrest that mischievous kid. Since there are no casualties it must be because he's targeted upper-class citizens or soldiers. Setting an example for the common people? It must be tiring for you, Earl."

"Nonsense." Ciel answers automatically.

"Nonetheless, we have walked for a long time now. So where is this stronghold of Indian people?" Sebastian asks, tone still pleasant.

The buildings grow more crumbled the farther we go. This part of London bears its poverty in plain sight—broken windows, soot-stained walls. A harsh place to survive.

"The quicker we get out of here, the faster we can return home. Let's hurry this, yes." I plead, rubbing my arms.

"I agree. I wish to return as well," Ciel echoes.

"Sorry, I think I got lost in the conversation. So it seems that we are lost now!" Lau admits with a ridiculous grin.

I stop in my tracks. "Great, just what we need." My glare could sear through stone.

Ciel bristles beside me. "Why you…"

"I guess we'll have to go back to the manor and—" I start, until something crashes into me from the side. Hard.

A man in rags—grimy, angry—staggers back. His eyes catch on my jewelry.

He drops to the ground with a pained cry, clutching his ribs. "It hurts! My ribs cracked!"

"…Hah?" I deadpan, already fed up.

"Someone come and help!" he screams, drawing a crowd.

Fingers point. Accusations fly. My temple throbs with fury. I am done. I am beyond done. I wanted to rest, not this circus.

I ball my fists at my sides, shaking as a ring of strangers surrounds us. The man looks up and smirks.

He lunges, grabbing my cloak and yanking me close. "Showing up in a place like this…you're asking for it! That's quite a nice necklace you got there, woman. A noble, eh?"

His breath reeks. His voice scrapes my eardrums.

"Rina!" Ciel hisses beside me, but I don't look away. My blood is thrumming.

The man snarls, "Pay me consolation money! Strip off everything you have and give it to me!"

Then—snap.

A gloved hand closes around his wrist and peels him off me with graceful ease.

"Please, do not touch my lady so carelessly," Sebastian says, smiling that dangerous smile of his. His touch crackles against my skin, grounding me. Something in his tone is...furious.

"It seems we are caught amongst some irritating punks yet again, young master. Shall I…?" he asks calmly, but the promise beneath his words is anything but gentle.

"Dispose of them right away." Ciel orders.

"As you wish."

The man who faked his injury isn't done yet. "I'll tell you, all of us here despise nobles. They all brought us all the way to England and then they dumped us like trash!" he shouts, veins bulging in his temples. "All you British are selfish!"

A chorus of angry agreement rises from the other Indian men around us. I feel a flicker of sympathy—no one deserves to be treated like garbage, not by anyone. That much, I get. But it doesn't excuse what this man just tried to do to me. The fury still burns hot under my skin.

"Our country was walked all over by your shoes! We'll give you a taste of how it feels to be plundered and humiliated!" His voice sharpens with hate as he lifts a dagger into the air, filled with righteous anger.

I watch, arms crossed, unimpressed despite myself. It's not that I don't understand their pain—I do.

But there's something self-righteous and arrogant in the way he speaks that grates on me. All of them nod along, caught up in their collective resentment, and it pisses me off more than I expect.

Then the man starts rambling about food, and the tension fizzles out with confusion. Everyone sweat drops. What? Where is this even going?

"Wait a sec! That's not how it goes...!" The group swivels, shouting in unison, and turns to glare at two Indian men standing behind them—men we all mistook for the original loudmouth.

"So, yea, guys, we're searching for someone. Have you seen any Indians who look like this?" the younger man asks casually. He wears opulent, formal Indian clothing and looks like he's around my age, maybe a bit younger. His companion is a towering man with white hair—so tall I momentarily wonder if he's moonlighting from the NBA.

But the image the younger man holds up? Not what I was expecting.

I snort softly and tug on Sebastian's sleeve, rising onto my toes to whisper, "Am I allowed to laugh?"

He glances down with an amused smirk. "It is quite the sight," he murmurs, and I can't help the quiet snicker that escapes me. It turns into a cough, though—my throat's still raw. Sebastian's eyes flick to me briefly, almost concerned, but I probably imagined it.

The thug who slammed into me earlier suddenly lunges forward, dagger out. "What the?! You're in the way, you bastard!"

The young Indian man barely flinches. He leans back, arms folded. "Eh? How rude…calling me such impolite things." His gaze shifts to us, narrowing as he scans our attire. "He has a butler...you are British nobles?"

"So, what if we are?" Ciel replies coolly.

The young man doesn't move an inch. "Then, I shall side with the people of my country." His voice carries a new sharpness. "Agni…"

The tall man bows, fist to heart like a knight in shining armor. "Yes."

"Defeat them."

I tense as Agni calmly begins to unravel the bandages around his arms. "Your wish is my command. I will swing this fist blessed by the Gods for master's sake." he says with eerie calm.

He moves faster than I can register. I barely have time to react, but Sebastian is quicker—he pushes me aside and raises his arm, blocking Agni's blow with ease. My breath catches. No one moves like that—no one except Sebastian. And now...this man?

"What the—!" Ciel yelps, startled, but Sebastian scoops him up effortlessly, cradling him with one arm.

He turns toward me next, hand reaching out to carry me too—but before he can, the same thug from earlier grabs me and yanks me close. I shriek, his foul breath hot in my ear. It sends waves of disgust through me, makes my skin crawl. He chuckles, low and husky, and for a moment I forget all about the fight behind us.

Then I see the other men circling us, eyes gleaming with sick curiosity.

"Looky here, fellas. A noble bitch, what should we do with her?"

"She looks mighty pretty, just what you expect from the higher class."

"I wonder what's underneath that fancy garb..."

One of them yanks at my cloak as I struggle, but another presses a knife to my throat. I freeze, trembling, my cloak falling to the dirt. I start coughing again—too much exertion for a body barely functioning through fever. They stare, confused by my strange, loose clothes.

That's when I strike.

I slam my head backward into the man holding me. He yelps in pain and loosens his grip. I grab the wrist of the one with the knife and twist hard—there's a sickening snap.

He screams and drops to the ground. The others gape at me, fear slowly replacing malice in their eyes. I grin coldly as they scramble away like rats.

I stalk back to the first guy and plant my foot on his chest, pressing down with enough force to draw a strangled gasp from him.

"P-Please h-have mercy!" he whimpers.

I tilt my head, feeling a little sadistic. "Honestly, men are pathetic." My voice is ice as I push harder, hearing something crunch beneath my shoe.

"Oops! ~ I think your rib really is broken." I coo.

He howls.

"My lady!" Sebastian's voice cuts through the moment. I look up, startled—and just in time to see a blur of white hair flying at me. Sebastian intercepts the attack again, blocking Agni with practiced ease.

Agni frowns, momentarily thrown. "I've hit all your Marman countless times. Your arm should be paralyzed. How is it that you can still fight?"

"Sebastian, are you okay?!" I ask, my concern slipping through before I can stop it.

He glances at me and offers a small, almost fond smile. "Yes. I do not deserve your concern, my lady."

"Well, I am thankful either way. It's the least I can do."

Ciel interrupts with a scowl, still cradled in Sebastian's arm. "Hey! Sebastian, let me down!" he snaps. "We had barely stepped foot in this place and those guys picked a fight with us! Do all Indians act like barbarians and indiscriminately attack the British?!"

The young man raises a brow, confused. "What?" He turns to his countrymen. "You lot! Did you actually attack this kid for no reason?"

"More like he attacked me personally…" I mutter, dusting off my cloak. The two men I fought are groaning in pain, barely able to stand. Good.

"Eh? Reason?" one of them echoes dumbly.

"That's not right! Picking fights without reason is childish!" the young man scolds, then looks at Agni. "Agni! Our brothers are the wrong ones here. We shall help this kid now!"

We all gape at him. The sudden turn in allegiance leaves us speechless. Is this guy serious?

"Yes, sir!" Agni replies without hesitation.

In a matter of seconds, Agni subdues every last thug, piling their battered bodies neatly. "It is done, Lord Soma!" he announces proudly.

We stare, dumbfounded.

"That's right! So, I hope you guys aren't hurt or anything?" Soma says cheerfully, retrieving Ciel's top hat and jamming it back onto his head.

"Er, no," Sebastian replies with a sweatdrop.

"Not particularly…" I mutter, still dazed.

"Also, kid," Soma says, turning to Ciel and slapping the hat into place. "This kind of area isn't the place for a kid to wander about. Anywhoo, I'm in the middle of a search so I need to split. See ya."

What…just happened?

As they walk off, the silence lingers like an aftershock.

"Yaa, those two are amazing," a voice drawls from above.

I glance up. "Ah! That's where you went!" I shout, spotting Lau lounging on a rooftop.

"And what exactly have you been doing?" Ciel asks, visibly irritated.

Lau hops down with a smile. "Meh. Just waiting for the right chance to jump in."

"I call bullshit," I mutter, glaring at him.

Lau throws an arm around my shoulder playfully. "Why, little lady, I wouldn't dare lie. ~"

I shove him off. "That's not something I'd believe from a man who never smiles with his eyes open."

His smirk widens impossibly. I roll my eyes and drift toward the moaning pile of men. Most of them are out cold. I poke one gently with the toe of my shoe, half-listening to the others.

"By the way, who exactly were those two men?" Ciel asks, still rattled.

"They are definitely not people who live in the East End," Lau answers. "Also, they wear pretty dresses. Their English accent is pretty too."

Sebastian comes to stand beside me. I glance sideways at him as he kneels beside the unconscious men.

"Something's not right about that man," I murmur.

"Perhaps," he says, smirking faintly.

"Oh well," Ciel sighs. "It looks like our first job is to deliver these people to the Yard."

0o0o0o0o

We decide to go to the townhouse, not wanting to travel all the way back to the manor. I'm utterly exhausted—the second my foot crosses the threshold, I feel ready to collapse.

As I walk further inside, I start undoing the tie of my cloak. "Ahhh, I'm so happy to be home and warm." I murmur, letting my voice soak in the comfort of it.

Even though I'm warm now, my head still throbs like a bitch. Pretty sure I've got a low fever. That snowy trip earlier definitely didn't help. Ciel looks just as tired. "How tiresome." he drawls, voice flat.

Unfortunately, Lau decided to tag along with us. Sebastian takes my cloak without a word. I give him a small, tired smile in thanks—only for it to get interrupted by a cough.

Ciel glances over with slight concern. "Rina, you should go rest upstairs. You look horrible."

I scowl, dragging a hand through my tangled hair. "Gee, thanks."

He crosses his arms, instantly irritated. "Feh! Fancy calling me out to London because of this boring case."

Lau chuckles and steps closer to my brother. "Well, you can't help but bark if there is any sort of threat to the Queen. This is part of being a pitiful watchdog, isn't it, Earl?"

Before Ciel can spit back a retort, the servants rush into the main foyer in sync, "Welcome back!"

"I see you brought all the servants this time." Lau observes with mild surprise.

I sweatdrop. Yeah, there's a reason we brought them—leave them alone in the manor and the place would be wrecked by morning. Sebastian seems to share the same thought. His expression turns grim.

"Yes, they would end up more of a burden eventually if we left them at home," Sebastian explains.

"More like there wouldn't be a home to come back to." I toss in.

I glance over at Mey-Rin, noticing her discomfort because of Lau. I decide to take Ciel's suggestion to heart. "Mey-Rin, can you draw me a bath in my bedroom?" I ask, coughing lightly into my sleeve.

Her brow furrows in concern. "Yes! Are you alright?"

I approach her, and we begin climbing the stairs together. "I caught a cold."

She gasps and places her hand against my forehead. "Oh dear, yes! You are burning up quite a bit."

I sigh, letting my head hang. "I had a feeling."

Once we reach my room, she slips into the adjoining bath. I start undressing quickly behind the bed curtain—thank god I wore a dress today.

A couple minutes later, she returns just as I'm tying the sash on my fuzzy blue robe. "It's ready to go!" she announces brightly.

"Thanks, really." I murmur, walking past her.

"Is there anything else you need?" she asks just before I head inside.

"Hm…maybe ask Sebastian to bring me my favorite tea later?"

She nods and curtsies before slipping out.

I sigh as warm steam curls from the open door. A bath sounds perfect right now. I shrug off my robe and ease into the water. Holy shit, this feels divine. I dunk my hair under and lather in the hair soap, letting it sit while I rest my head against the back of the tub.

My eyes drift shut, but soon I hear muffled voices outside the bathroom. They're loud. My eyes snap open. The door—I left it cracked to let out the steam. Oh my god. Who the hell is in my room right now?! I told everyone I was taking a bath!

Rinsing the soap out of my hair in record time, I shoot to my feet, snatch a towel, and scrub myself dry as fast as I can. I wrap my hair into a towel turban and yank my robe back on, the tub still full behind me.

I can't make out the reply, but I definitely hear Ciel: "You can't stay in this room! This is Rina's bedroom! Who the hell do you think you are, anyway?!"

I storm out, pushing the door open wide. My glare sweeps across the room. The entire group falls silent at the sight of me in my robe—cheeks going red. Well, most of them. Sebastian just glares at me instead.

And that's when I spot Soma and Agni. In my room. Apparently staying with us now?

I sigh and press a palm to my forehead. My fever's definitely worse. And frankly, I don't give a damn about my outfit right now as long as I'm covered.

"What is everyone doing here?" I groan loudly.

Soma beams at me. Why is he smiling? "Ciel will be hosting us in turn for saving him."

I blink, incredulous. "You can't stay here," I say flatly. "Find another room."

His smile falters. Clearly not used to being told what to do. Great. Another spoiled brat—this one more entitled than Ciel, which is really saying something.

"I like this room though; I shall sleep here."

My eye twitches. I'm ready to claw him out of my bed. "Miss Rina! This person's a prince!" Finny exclaims in awe.

Whatever rage I had fizzles into disbelief. I stare at Soma. "You're joking?"

Finny shakes his head, eyes still wide as Soma lounges smugly on my bed. "I'm going to stay here for a while, midgets."

Did he just call us midgets?

"Then, as a symbol of our new friendship, this Agni will serve you, Chai!" Agni announces, chipper. Ugh, not Chai. I want my favorite tea. The kind Sebastian makes. "On a cold day, Chai tea with ginger can be great!"

Agni bolts out. Sebastian follows quickly. "Er, wait. Serving tea is kind of my thing." he mutters.

"Amazing! ~ So, you really are a prince!" Finny gasps, starstruck.

"A...prince," Mey-Rin echoes dreamily.

"Hmm, this is like, my first time seeing a real prince," Bard mutters.

Soma smirks. "I shall allow you to come closer."

The room explodes with questions until Ciel and I both reach a breaking point.

"Get out!" we shout in unison.

0o0o0o0o

Naturally, I'm kicked out of my own bedroom and into a guest room. I'm sick, and yet somehow he gets my bed? Unbelievable.

I bury myself under stiff linen blankets, glaring at the wall. They smell sterile. I miss the natural scent of my own sheets.

I sneeze hard. "Ugh. Bless me," I mumble to myself.

There's a knock, and I jolt slightly, head still foggy. Sebastian enters without waiting for an answer, pushing a tea cart.

I blink as I sit up slowly. Did he actually…?

"I believe you requested your favorite," Sebastian says, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

I smile, nodding once. "Indeed. I appreciate you making me some."

He parks the cart beside the bed and pours a cup. "If the young master's sister requests such a thing from me, I must abide."

"Now you make it sound like I'm forcing you." I accept the cup carefully, fingers grateful for the warmth. Green tea with a couple drops of honey—perfect.

"It is an order either way."

I frown, lifting it to my lips and taking a cautious sip. "Sebastian, I don't want to force anything on you."

"It is in my nature to do so as the young master wishes me to."

I sigh. This conversation's going nowhere. I take another sip and shift the topic.

"Thank you again for earlier. I think you saved my life twice—or at least stopped me from getting hurt."

He stands motionless by the cart, smiling faintly. "Do not think much about it. I was simply doing my job."

"If you weren't…would you let me die?" I ask, genuinely curious.

His eyes glow faintly, then dim. "I cannot say."

I sweatdrop. "Good to know."

Silence stretches between us. A little awkward, honestly. I drink slowly—until a sharp cough jerks through me. I gasp, nearly spilling the tea as some splashes onto my hand.

Sebastian's there in an instant, napkin in hand. "My lady!"

He takes the cup from me and dabs my hands gently, his other hand resting on my back. My eyes widen at the contact—heat prickling through my spine. I freeze. He stiffens too, glancing at me sharply like he's trying to decipher something.

I push his hand away, unsettled. The touch…felt good. Relaxing, somehow.

"W-What is that?" I whisper.

"I'm afraid I do not understand what you mean."

I rub the spot he touched, my back still burning faintly. "What is this feeling?"

"My lady, I think you fear me to some extent."

I stare at him, stunned. "…What?"

"You tense under my touch and much of the time under my true eyes. It is a natural response to such a thing though, as I am a being of darkness."

"Oh…" I mumble. Fear? That doesn't seem right. That's the last thing I feel around him. If anything…I'm comforted.

Maybe this is just how humans react. Maybe I'm lonely, and the feeling of his presence registers as safety by accident. Everything's so confusing when it comes to him. What's real and what isn't?

My back still tingles. "You're so confusing. A damn mystery," I grumble, rubbing my temple. My head aches even more.

He smirks and leans closer to eye level. "A demon should hide things, no?"

"I'll solve you."

His smile widens. "In exchange, I shall do the same to you."

…Welp. That escalated.

"Oh yeah, Sebastian."

"Hm?"

"Tell my brother he gets no sweets or desserts of any kind for two whole weeks. Message from me. And if he disobeys, tell him I'm running away and never coming back. I won't forget my vows."

Sebastian sighs, sweatdropping. "Yes."