I didn't want to go to the banquet.
The thought of being in a room surrounded by demons—monsters in elegant clothing—made my skin crawl. But I had no choice. I was trapped here, and the walls of this golden palace felt more like a cage with each passing day.
I just wanted to go home.
But Ciel wouldn't let me. And Lucien, no matter how kind he was, refused to give me any clear answers. All he ever said was: "Get closer to him. It's the only way to survive."
Maybe he was right.
Maybe if I made Ciel trust me… maybe if he believed I loved him… I could find a way out.
I glanced up from my plate and looked at him.
He was eating quietly beside me, his silver hair catching the soft light that streamed in through the tall glass windows. His expression was calm, content. He looked too perfect—too inhuman. And yet, when I looked at him now, I didn't feel the same burning hatred as before.
I hated that.
"Ciel," I said softly.
He looked up from his food, blinking. "Yes, my love?"
I hesitated for a second. Then I smiled faintly and said, "I'd like to spend some time with you today. I… had a good time yesterday. I want to go somewhere else with you."
His eyes widened, surprise flashing across his face, but it melted quickly into something warmer.
Joy.
A light sparkled in his silver eyes, and his smile stretched slowly, gently, like he was afraid I'd take the words back.
"Okay," he said quietly, almost in disbelief. "I'll arrange something. Something special. Just for you."
He reached for my hand across the table and squeezed it gently. His warmth seeped into my skin, but I didn't pull away.
I forced a smile and nodded.
This is a game, I reminded myself. I just have to play it well enough to win.
He let go of my hand and quickly finished his food. Then he stood up, leaned down, and kissed my forehead.
"See you later, my love," he said before walking out of the dining room.
"Lila, take her back when she's done," he added without looking back.
Once I finished eating, Lila quietly led me back to my room. She dressed me in an elegant robe, brushed out my hair, and tucked me into bed like always. I stared up at the high ceiling, watching the flicker of candlelight dance across it.
How was I going to do this? How was I going to get Ciel to trust me enough that he'd let his guard down?
Lucien said getting close to him was the only way to survive. The only way to escape. But it was hard. Ciel was confusing—kind, then cruel, warm, then terrifying.
I turned my eyes to Lila, who was quietly folding a fresh set of towels.
"Hey… Lila?" I said carefully. "How long have you been working here?"
She didn't turn to look at me, but her hands paused for just a second.
"For thousands of years, Your Highness."
My eyes widened. Thousands? That meant she had seen everything—she probably knew more than anyone.
She knew Ciel. She knew this world.
I sat up slightly, lowering my voice.
"Can I ask you something? But you have to promise to keep it between us."
Lila turned her head just enough to meet my gaze, her expression unreadable.
"Of course, Your Highness," she said softly.
CIEL'S POV
I sat down heavily in the chair in my study, running a hand through my hair.
"Jason," I called.
"Yes, Your Highness?" he responded immediately, stepping forward.
"Have you confirmed the information you gave me the other day?"
"Yes, Your Highness. I did. The man who infiltrated Her Majesty's illusion… was a fallen angel. His name is Lucien."
Lucien.
My hands clenched into fists on the armrest.
A fallen angel? Why would one of them sneak into Clara's illusion and pretend to be her brother? I stared at the far wall, my mind racing.
Could it be…? No.
Only three people knew the truth—me, Jason, and Serena.
Jason wouldn't betray me. I know him. He's loyal.
There has to be another explanation.
But if Lucien didn't know the truth, why would he go through all that trouble? Why her? Why the illusion? Unless—
"My lord," Jason interrupted gently, breaking me from my thoughts. "I think… he may have found out about Her Majesty."
I looked up at him slowly. "Yes," I said, my voice low. "I think so too."
"But how?" I muttered, more to myself than to him.
"I'll find out, Your Majesty," Jason said.
"Good," I replied. "Find out. I want answers."
He bowed slightly before leaving the room. I sank deeper into the chair, staring out at nothing, the storm in my head growing louder.
If Lucien knows…
Then everything is at risk.
CLARA'S POV
"I want to know about him," I said suddenly.
Lila turned to look at me, confused.
"About Master Ciel," I clarified. "His likes, dislikes… everything."
She blinked, clearly taken aback by my request. For a moment, I thought she might refuse. But then she nodded slowly.
"Alright," she said softly. "Let me see…"
She folded her hands neatly in front of her. "Master Ciel likes to take midnight walks in the garden. Always alone. He never misses a night."
"Midnight?" I repeated, surprised.
She nodded. "It helps him think. And… calm himself."
She continued. "In the evenings, he enjoys boat rides on the lake. Especially at sunset. That's when he's most at peace. In the mornings, he usually stays in his study. Reading, writing, sometimes just staring out the window."
I listened intently, filing away every word.
"Occasionally," she added, "he'll visit the library, though not often. Other times, he disappears into the hall at the far end of the castle. No one really goes there."
"What's in the hall?" I asked.
She hesitated. "I don't know, Your Highness. No one's allowed inside except him."
That piqued my curiosity even more.
"Does he have any dislikes?" I asked.
Lila smiled faintly. "Crowds. Noise. Unnecessary formalities. He prefers solitude… and honesty."
Honesty. That felt ironic.
I nodded, letting it all sink in. Every detail brought me one step closer to my goal. To gaining his trust… and escaping this place.
But somewhere deep inside, a small voice whispered:
Are you trying to escape? Or understand him?
I ignored it.
For now.
I was happy… happy that I had at least gotten some information about him. It felt like a small victory — one step closer to earning his trust. Maybe even his heart. That was the plan, after all.
"You can leave," I told Lila softly, still staring up at the ceiling once she was gone.
If this works…
If I can make him trust me, maybe even love me…
Then I can find a way back home.
"I'm coming back, Mom… Dad…" I whispered into the stillness.
"Just a little longer," I promised, as I slowly closed my eyes and let the silence of the room swallow me whole.
LUCIEN'S POV
I descended from the heavenly realm, a satisfied smile tugging at my lips.
He took the bait.
Of course he did — there's no one in existence who loathes the Demon King more than Ael. I replayed his words in my head:
"Fine. I will help you… if you find a way to revert her back to her true form."
That was all I needed.
The skies of the demon realm darkened around me as I landed softly on the barren soil.
But I wasn't worried. My plan was already in motion. My little spy was deep in the heart of the castle, gathering everything I needed.
And Clara…
If she could truly win Ciel's trust — better yet, his love — then the rest would fall into place.
The truth would come out. The heart would awaken.
And when that happens… I'll finally return to where I belong. Back to heaven. Back with my wings.
And the Demon King?
He'll finally fall.