When I woke, the first thing I felt was warmth.
Ciel's arms were wrapped tightly around me, his chest rising and falling gently beneath my cheek. His hold was protective, like even in sleep he couldn't let go.
I stirred slightly, blinking against the dim glow of morning light filtering through the curtain of falling water. My body ached, but the pain had dulled — a distant echo compared to what I remembered.
Slowly, I looked up at him.
His eyes opened, silver and soft with emotion. For a moment, he just stared — as if making sure I was real.
Then his voice, hoarse with relief:
"I'm so glad you're okay… my love."
Before I could answer, he leaned in and kissed me.
His lips were warm, trembling slightly as they pressed against mine. Then deeper. His tongue moved with gentle desperation, swirling against mine, drawing me in, pulling me closer.
I melted into him, my hands fisting the fabric of his cloak, my heart pounding against his. I kissed him back without hesitation, tasting relief, sorrow, and something more — something fierce and tender.
All around us, the world was still.
The only sounds were the hush of wind, the soft rhythm of our breaths, and the endless splash of water cascading behind us — a private song that belonged to only us.
Ciel kept kissing me — deep, unrelenting, and hungry — like he needed to feel every breath I took. His tongue danced with mine, stealing the air from my lungs with every movement.
I gasped softly as his lips left my mouth and traced a slow, burning path down to my neck.
"Ahh…" I moaned, the sound escaping before I could stop it.
His tongue moved slowly, sensually against my skin. Every touch sent heat rushing through me. His hands slid over me — from my waist to my hips, up my spine and across my chest. His touch was bold, reverent, like he was memorizing every part of me.
I clung to him, heart racing, completely lost in the moment—
Until he froze.
His lips stilled against my collarbone. His entire body tensed.
Then slowly, he lifted his head, his expression shifting from passion to something colder… sharper.
He looked past me, toward the waterfall's entrance.
"They're here," he whispered.
My breath caught. I felt the blood drain from my face.
"Those people?" I asked, voice barely audible.
"Shh," he said, his hand gently covering mine. "Don't let them hear you."
Fear gripped me. My body trembled.
What if they found us again? What if they—
"Don't worry," Ciel said softly, his voice low and calm despite the tension in his posture. "I've concealed our presence. They can't sense us here."
His fingers squeezed mine gently. "Just breathe. I won't let anything happen to you."
His voice was soft, reassuring.
"They won't find us."
Something about the way he said it made my fear ease, just a little. I let myself relax into his warmth.
Then I heard it — faint, but clear.
Footsteps. Voices.
The clinking sound of metal reins.
"Their chariot is here," one of them said.
Panic surged in my chest again. I clung closer to Ciel, burying my face against him.
The footsteps grew louder.
Closer.
Then one voice murmured, "They're not here."
I held my breath, muscles tensed.
Silence.
Then — the sound of footsteps fading.
Farther… and farther… until they were gone.
"They're gone," Ciel whispered, gently stroking my hair.
"They just left," I exhaled, my whole body finally releasing the fear I'd been holding in.
"Ciel… who were those people?" I asked, my voice shaking with fear and curiosity.
"I don't know," he replied quietly.
He fell silent, his expression distant, deep in thought. The weight of it hung in the air.
Then he looked down at me, his voice soft again. "You should sleep. Rest a little. We'll go home once I'm sure it's safe."
I nodded and rested my head on his chest.
But I couldn't sleep.
Who were those people?
Why were they attacking us?
Were they the ones watching me at the festival too?
My thoughts spiraled in panic. But then…
The steady sound of Ciel's heartbeat.
The warmth of his arms around me.
His presence — strong, unwavering.
It calmed me. The chaos in my mind began to quiet.
And slowly, gently…
I drifted off to sleep in his arms, the last sound I heard being the soft whisper of the waterfall beside us — peaceful, endless, and safe.
I woke to the gentle sensation of movement — the feeling of strong arms wrapped around me.
My eyes fluttered open.
Ciel was carrying me, his gaze focused ahead, his arms cradling me with such care it made my chest ache.
"Ciel…" I whispered softly, looking up at him.
He glanced down, and when our eyes met, a warm smile curved his lips.
"You're awake," he said gently, his voice light with relief.
He carried me to the chariot — its dark-winged horses already waiting patiently by the water's edge — and lowered me carefully into the seat.
I sat down slowly, blinking in surprise.
The chariot looked completely intact.
"You fixed it," I murmured, running my fingers along the smooth edge.
Ciel stepped in beside me and took the reins, casting a glance at the sky.
"I repaired it with magic while you were sleeping last night," he said, as if reading my mind.
Before I could respond, the chariot lifted smoothly into the air. The horses beat their great wings, sending wind rushing around us as we soared through the misty morning light.
For a moment, there was silence — just the wind, the rhythm of wings, and the steady beat of my heart beginning to calm.
We flew through the sky for a while, the cold morning air brushing against my skin as I leaned against Ciel.
Below us, the kingdom stretched out like a living painting. The rooftops glowed under the soft touch of sunlight, and tiny figures moved through the streets — merchants setting up their stalls, guards walking their routes, children running with laughter in their steps.
Everything looked so peaceful… so alive.
I found myself smiling as I admired the beauty of it all. The people. The lights. The life we were returning to.
Eventually, the chariot descended toward the castle. Its black-winged horses beat their wings once more before landing gracefully in the open courtyard.
Ciel stepped out and lifted me into his arms again, carrying me down with such tenderness it made my heart ache.
"Go home," he whispered, and the horses neighed softly before flying off into the sky, vanishing into the clouds.
I watched them disappear for a moment before Ciel gently guided me toward the castle doors.
He opened them.
Inside, Jason and Lila were sitting in the main hall, both their expressions drawn with worry.
The moment they saw us, they stood up quickly.
"Your Majesties!" Jason said, hurrying forward, his voice filled with concern. "We were so worried."
Lila followed close behind. "Are you alright, Your Majesty?" she asked softly, her eyes scanning me with care.
"I'm fine," I said, offering a faint smile.
Ciel turned to them. "Take her to her room," he said, his voice gentle but firm.
Then he looked at me, cupping my cheek with his hand.
"You should rest, my love."
He kissed my forehead tenderly.
And with that, Lila took my hand and began leading me down the corridor.
I didn't look back — but I could still feel the warmth of his kiss, like a promise lingering on my skin.
Lila led me to my room and helped me into the bath. The warm water washed away the traces of fear, pain, and blood. She dressed me carefully afterward, wrapping me in soft, clean fabrics that smelled faintly of lavender and home.
Once I was laid gently on the bed, Lila tucked the blankets around me.
"Goodbye, Your Majesty," she said softly. "If you need anything, just call."
I nodded, and she gave a little bow before leaving the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
I lay still for a moment, staring up at the ceiling, my thoughts tangled.
Everything that happened the night before replayed in my mind — the festival, the chase, the attack, Ciel's magic, the hidden cave…
And those cloaked strangers.
Who were they?
Why were they after us?
Ciel didn't know. Neither did I. But one thing was certain — they were dangerous.
And something told me they weren't going to give up easily.
The thought of them coming back… of their glowing eyes, their cold presence, their deadly magic...
It sent a chill down my spine.
I pulled the blankets tighter around me and closed my eyes.