Last mission. (Elizabeth x Ciel)

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"There are two young masters?!"

"He's an imposter!"

"An imposter? How amusing."

"I am but his spare."

That day, everything changed irreversibly. The true Earl of Phantomhive had reemerged from the abyss, reclaiming his rightful title and name.

My brother, Ciel, was alive—a miracle I never thought possible. I had witnessed his death with my own eyes and seen his soul consumed by the demon who had served me as a butler.

Everything I believed in, everything that grounded my reality, had been a lie.

Ciel Phantomhive was alive. The enemies I had fought—whom I had seen as threats and often vanquished—had actually been trying to save him from the clutches of death.

Death that I had inflicted upon him, repeatedly.

Now, I—referred to as the spare, the unworthy younger brother, the one who deceived everyone by assuming the mantle of the earl, the one deemed useless—was left to endure this suffering.

Yet, even as I was weighed down by the crushing burden of truth, I found it impossible to summon any resistance. Because all the accusations hurled at me felt undeniably true.

Perhaps it was karma, or perhaps it was divine retribution for my transgressions.

All the glares, the looks of revulsion from my relatives, the pitying stares from the servants, and the whispered contempt from the deceived public—I had earned every bit of it.

The venomous look Soma cast before departing to his homeland, Aunt Frances's doubtful gaze, Edward's look of profound betrayal, and the disappointment from everyone who once held affection for me—I had brought this upon myself.

But why?

It wasn't meant to end like this. I was not supposed to feel this way. Wasn't I prepared for the moment when my soul would be claimed by the demon?

Yet, why does my heart feel as though it's being shattered? Why does it feel as if my very essence is being dragged into a void?

I had longed for my brother's return and hoped for our reunion since escaping the cult.

I didn't care about the wealth, the title, the domain, or even the Funtom Company I had established. Anyone could take it all away without a second thought.

Everything I did, every accomplishment, every effort, was driven by the hope that Ciel would be proud of me.

I didn't care about my soul being claimed. All I wanted was to avenge my family, my brother.

But why?

Why does my heart tighten with agony as Elizabeth—no, Lady Elizabeth Cordelia Midford—walks down the aisle with her father, Alexis, in the most exquisite gown she has ever worn? Why does it feel as though my very soul is being wrenched when Ciel kisses her, as instructed by the priest?

Why do I want to scream at Ciel, demanding that he can have everything but not her? He can have the title, the land, every possession, but not her. Anything and anyone but her.

Yet, I had always pushed her away, calling her bothersome and trying to rid myself of her in our youth. And now...

Now she is Ciel's wife.

She must be overwhelmed with joy. Ecstatic, even.

"Let us all welcome, Lord Ciel Phantomhive and his wife, Lady Elizabeth Cordelia Midford Phantomhive," the priest proclaimed.

The cheers of the guests echoed throughout the grand hall. They were dressed in their finest for the celebration of my brother's wedding to my first love.

"Young master, it is time," Sebastian's voice broke through my thoughts. I nodded in acknowledgment.

Years had passed since Ciel's return. Months since the manor was destroyed on our tenth birthday. Now, my final duty for the demon was complete.

To ensure that Ciel and Elizabeth's wedding proceeded flawlessly.

As my two most cherished people were celebrated, the demon and I quietly slipped away.

I had lived a life full of experiences I never imagined—becoming an earl, serving as the queen's watchdog, meeting genuine people, creating a toy store, battling celestial beings, and triumphing in Weston. I had lived through it all.

I had been so eager to surrender my soul to the demon, but now, as the end drew near, regret and dread overwhelmed me. The irony of it all was almost laughable.

With one final look at the clear blue sky, I removed my eyepatch. I let a solitary tear fall, not bothering to wipe it away as I breathed in London's air for the last time.

I smiled as the demon enveloped us in eternal darkness.

"Young Master Ciel will take care of everything," the demon said, maintaining his butler's facade.

"Ah, you're right."

"Of course, I never lie."

For the last time, I allowed my mind to drift—bright green eyes and golden locks filled my thoughts, and a genuine smile graced my lips.

"I'm ready."