Clara's POV
I kept thinking of different ways to get closer to Ciel. I knew what he liked now—his routines, his favorite places, and even his strange habits. A plan began to form in my mind, piece by piece, and though I didn't know where it would lead, I had to try. If winning his trust was my only chance of escaping, then I had to play the part… perfectly.
Just then, the door creaked open. It was Lila.
"His Majesty told me to start preparing you for the outing," she said softly, bowing her head as usual.
"Okay," I said, sitting up from the bed.
She bathed me gently, her hands careful as always, then slipped me into a flowing gown that shimmered faintly in the sunlight streaming through the windows. The scent of the oils she used clung to my skin like wildflowers in spring. My hair was brushed until it gleamed, and then twisted into a delicate braid over my shoulder.
Once I was ready, she led me down the long staircase, the sound of our steps echoing against the stone walls. My heart thumped faster with each step, wondering what kind of "outing" he had planned this time.
At the bottom, Ciel stood waiting, a soft smile on his lips. When he saw me, his eyes lit up. That smile… it made something in my chest tighten.
He walked toward me slowly, his silver hair falling gracefully over his shoulders, eyes like moonlight glowing under the high arches of the hall.
"You look beautiful," he said, his voice low and sincere.
I didn't respond. I couldn't trust myself to say anything without sounding conflicted.
"Let's go, my love," he said warmly, reaching out and gently taking my hand.
I let him. And without another word, he led me outside—into the light, into the unknown.
He led me outside, and I stopped short when I saw the carriage waiting for us. It was breathtaking—coated in gold and silver, with delicate carvings of roses and stars etched into its sides. The horses were midnight black, their eyes glowing faintly like embers, adorned in royal harnesses that shimmered under the light.
Ciel stepped ahead and opened the door for me.
"Come, my love," he said gently, his voice laced with that same patient affection I didn't quite know how to respond to.
I nodded and climbed in. The inside was even more lavish than the outside—cushioned in soft velvet with golden embroidery lacing the edges. I sat down quietly.
He followed me in and, to my surprise, sat across from me. For a moment, I hesitated, staring at him… trying to read him.
Clara, you have to get closer to him. Remember what Lucien said.
I repeated those words like a chant in my mind.
Then, before I could second-guess myself, I stood up and walked across the carriage to sit right next to him. I saw the flicker of surprise in his silver eyes as he turned to look at me. He looked… stunned. Like he didn't expect me to do that.
But then his expression softened. A slow, warm smile stretched across his lips, and he moved just slightly closer, closing the small space between us.
He gently took my hand in his.
His palm was warm, his grip careful—almost reverent.
I didn't pull away.
"My love," he said after a long pause, his voice low and probing, "why are you acting so different all of a sudden?"
His silver eyes searched mine, skeptical but not cold—more curious than accusatory.
I hesitated, trying to keep my voice steady as I met his gaze.
"I… started thinking," I began softly. "What if everything I remember isn't real? What if you've been telling the truth all along?"
He blinked, not expecting that.
"I've been confused for so long," I continued. "But lately, I thought… maybe being closer to you might help me. Maybe if I try to understand you, try to be near you… my memories will return. And if they don't, at least I'll know the truth for myself."
I gave him the most sincere expression I could manage, hoping it masked the twisting anxiety in my stomach. I hated lying. But this wasn't just about survival anymore—it was my only chance to escape.
His gaze lingered on me, unreadable for a long, tense moment.
"I see," he finally said, voice quiet.
But he didn't let go of my hand.
He didn't smile this time. He just looked at me—long and hard—as though trying to decide whether to believe me or not. And in that silence, I couldn't tell if I had convinced him… or if I'd just made him more suspicious.
It was quiet for a while. I could feel the tension in the air, thick like fog.
Trying to break it, I shifted and asked, "So… where are we going?"
He looked up at me, his lips curling into a small smile. "It's a surprise," he said gently.
I tilted my head, curious. A surprise?
Then he reached up and pulled the curtain of the carriage window aside.
"Look," he said.
I leaned forward—and gasped softly.
Outside, the world wasn't at all what I expected. The streets were clean and lively, lined with glowing lanterns and charming shops. Markets buzzed with energy, demons walking and talking like normal people. Lakes sparkled in the distance, framed by lush gardens and majestic hills. Everything shimmered in a strange, almost magical way.
"This is the demon realm?" I whispered in disbelief.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Ciel said, watching my reaction. "I thought you'd like it."
I didn't respond right away. Because what caught me off guard wasn't just the beauty of it all.
It was how… familiar it felt.
The streets, the scent in the air, even the way the sunlight filtered through the trees—it stirred something deep inside me. Something I didn't understand.
"You used to love this realm," Ciel said, his voice soft and full of memory. "The people, the streets, the lakes, the mountains… everything."
He looked at me, hopeful. "Do you remember anything?"
I turned my gaze away, a strange ache settling in my chest.
"No," I whispered.
I didn't have to look at him to feel the disappointment settle over him like a shadow. It clung to the silence between us.
But strangely enough, the place felt familiar. Too familiar.
Why?
I frowned, trying to grasp at the shadows of recognition clawing at the back of my mind. But before I could make sense of it, the carriage came to a gentle stop.
"We're here," Ciel said, his voice breaking through my thoughts. He smiled as he stepped out, then turned and offered his hand. "Let's go."
I took it, letting him help me down.
The moment my feet touched the ground, I froze.
Before me stretched a street bathed in golden light and soft music. Lanterns floated in the air like stars, casting an otherworldly glow over the cobblestones. People—no, demons—walked around in masks and robes, laughing, dancing, playing instruments. It felt like a dream.
A parade?
Ciel slipped a dark cloak around my shoulders, pulling the hood gently over my head.
"Put this on," he said, adjusting his own cloak. "It's the Festival of the Blue Moon. It only happens once every five thousand years."
I blinked. "The blue moon?"
"Yes," he said, eyes gleaming. "It's a symbol of new beginnings… of change. And tonight, it shines for us."
Before I could respond, he gently tugged my arm, pulling me into the crowd.
And just like that, we disappeared into the music and light.
As he led me into the dazzling light of the parade, I was momentarily blinded by its beauty.
If only I had known what this night would awaken.