Sebastian's master was dancing with a lady in the center of the floor. They were at a ball, the butler was watching the young Earl who, throughout the evening, talked business or trivial chatter with the guests. He maintained his relationships and created new ones. Then the daughter of a nobleman asked him for a dance, which he accepted. But he knew Sebastian was going to make him pay. Maybe the demon won't wait for them to return to the domain. Sebastian's expression grew darker and darker as he watched the young earl dance with the girl. Even the air became suffocating around him. He hated seeing women near his master, their laughter and flirting was exasperating. Despite this, he remained calm and patient. But tonight, with this noblewoman's daughter dancing with his master, he has reached his limit of tolerance. The demon's scarlet eyes were fixed on them, his jaw clenched and his usual calm replaced by seething jealousy. The young master shivered as he felt Sebastian's icy gaze on his back. The seal of their Faustian contract, engraved on the side of his neck, tingled him. He could already imagine the demon's claws and fangs on him. Finally, the dance stopped. He kissed his dance partner's hand and left her politely after a few minutes. He returned to his butler, who greeted him with a stern expression that hid much more. 'Don't worry, we will leave soon.' The Earl said softly to his butler, as if to soothe him. The Butler narrowed his sharps eyes...

The air crackled with a tension that had nothing to do with the ballroom's festive atmosphere. You, the young Earl, felt it most keenly. Sebastian's presence was a palpable weight, a cold shadow in a room full of warmth. The butler's usual impeccable smile was gone, replaced by a tight, unreadable line. 'Is something wrong, Sebastian?' You asked, your voice low. You knew perfectly well what was wrong. The tingling on the back of your neck was a constant reminder. 'Nothing at all, my lord.' Sebastian replied, his voice smooth as silk, yet with an edge of steel. 'I was merely observing the... festivities.' You didn't press the matter. The walk back to their carriage was silent, the sound of your footsteps on the cobblestones the only break in the oppressive quiet. Once inside, the carriage door closed with a definitive click. Sebastian turned to face you, the dim light of the carriage lamp glinting in his scarlet eyes. 'My lord, it seems you've been having quite the evening.' He said, the words a velvet-wrapped threat. You swallowed hard. 'It was business, Sebastian. As always.' Slight pause. 'Was it?' Sebastian's tone was dangerously soft. He leaned in, his gloved hand reaching for your neck. You flinched, but the butler's touch was gentle, his thumb stroking the contract seal. 'That dance... it looked like more than just business.' Your breath hitched. You couldn't deny the moment of lightheartedness you allowed yourself, the fleeting pleasure of the dance. It was a momentary lapse, a brief escape from your grim reality. But Sebastian had seen it. Sebastian saw everything. 'I am your butler, my lord.' Sebastian whispered, his lips inches from your ear. 'I am bound to serve you, to protect you. But I must also remind you of our contract. And tonight, I feel... neglected.' The word hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. It wasn't just a physical threat; it was a psychological one. Sebastian was playing a game of dominance, a reminder of the power dynamic between them. You knew the price of your carelessness would be paid in the confines of their isolated domain, far from prying eyes. 'It will not happen again.' You said, your voice barely a whisper. Sebastian smiled, a chillingly beautiful curve of his lips. 'I should hope not. Now, let's go home, my lord. I believe we have much to discuss.' The carriage began to move, carrying you toward a reckoning that you knew would be both painful and inescapable. You closed your eyes, listening to the rain.