"My name is Verena Phantomhive. I have come to see if the rumors are correct. Is my younger brother, Ciel Phantomhive, truly alive?"

-------

The man gapes at me, clearly disbelieving of my words. 

"My master's older sister, unfortunately, perished the night of the fire three years ago. I highly doubt there is any truth to your words," he coldly affirms, keeping a steady hand on the door. 

"Please, you must let me see him. I managed to escape from the back door in the kitchen. The Milfords have graciously taken care of me these past years," I beg, exasperation clear in my voice. 

His crimson gaze upon me is hard. Though he tries to intimidate me, I stare him down with equal determination. I was not going to allow him to prevent me from seeing my brother.

"Follow me, Milady. I shall lead you to my master's study. If what you are saying is nothing more than fiction and deception, I promise the most severe punishments will be placed upon you. Am I clear?" He demands as he begins to widen the entrance. 

Tentatively, I take a small step and cross the threshold. "Crystal clear."

To my astonishment, the manor is completely restored to its former glory. Every painting takes its former place on the walls. The furnishings in the rooms are almost exact, with new styles here and there. We make a left past the staircase and stroll down the corridor before making a stop in front of a mahogany door. The butler raises a gloved hand and softly knockd twice.

"Young Master, a woman claiming to be your deceased sister currently requests an audience with you. Shall I escort her into your study?" The butler asks.

"Bloody Hell, how dare she impersonate Verena. Bring her in. I'd like to know what kind of sick person pretends to be my dead sister," he commands, anger laced in his voice.

The butler turns to me with a look in his eyes, as if he is attempting to tell  me this is my last chance before all Hell breaks loose. My confidence does not waver. I give him a nod, and the door opens.

I step inside. I am greeted with the scent of pastries and warm tea. Behind the oak desk, which is strewn with various papers and letters, is a sizable window overlooking the front of the estate. The desk itself is situated upon a plush, green carpet with golden embroideries. A small table is positioned next to the desk, along with a chair. 

"Your taste in decorations and furniture is still as bland as ever, Ciel," I tease.

He has yet to look up at me, but I can tell by the redness overtaking his ears that I have angered him even more.

"How dare you address me so casually, much less insult my taste in-"

Time stops. Ciel gazes at me with his right eye. His left eye is covered by a black patch, most likely because of an injury he sustained three years ago. His eye widens in surprise, and he drops the silver pen in his hand.

"Verena," he breathes out softly. "Is this reality? Is that truly you?"

Tears well up in my eyes. I cannot do anything to stop them from flowing. "It truly is me, brother."

I walk towards his desk and he gets up from his chair. We stare at each other for a few seconds before I wrap my arms around him in a hug. The hug breaks minutes later.

"You've grown," I say as I pat his head.  "I expect you'll be taller than me in no time."

Ciel gives a small smile. "Many things have changed these past three years."

"Indeed. I never believed you would have to become head of the Phantomhives so early in your life. You've matured so quickly," I say.

I turn to see the butler wearing an astonished face. As soon as he notices my gaze, he resumes his stoic expressions.

"Forgive me, Milady. It appears my assumptions about you were incorrect. My sincerest apologies," he says with a slight bow.

I smile. "No need for apologies. I would have reacted the same had I been in your position. You were acting in the best interest of my brother."

"Indeed. I'm glad you understand. I am sure the two of you must want to reacquaint yourselves. I shall return with a light snack and refreshments, then take my leave," he says.

The butler leaves the room. Only my brother and I are left. I turn to Ciel and smile. It now dawns upon me just how much I missed my dear brother.

The room we are currently in- Ciel's study- used to be that of our father's. Memories flood my mind as I reminisce my childhood. There were many days in which my father would allow me to roam around his study as he worked. He had many books, which I enjoyed reading as I grew older. I loved to sit on the ground near his desk and read while he worked. Other times, I would sit under a tree in the garden to enjoy some reading.

Ciel, on the other hand, had been a very playful child and always loved to play with toys in the foyer while our mother watched him. Occasionally, I would play with him, though because I was five years older, we were not interested in each other's hobbies.

A knock on the door wakes me from my reverie. The butler enters with a tray. He places it on the desk in front of me.

"Here we have a slice of lemon cake accompanied by a fruit salad, along with a cup of black tea," he says.

"Thank you," I reply.

He bows. "My pleasure, Lady Verena."

The way he says my name sends a chill down my spine. He takes a silent leave and disappears. I turn to Ciel and he shrugs.

"So, what have you been working on these past three years, brother?" I ask.

Ciel sets his cup of tea down. "We spent a year rebuilding the manor to its former glory. I wanted everything to be as it was before. Once the manor was done, I worked on rebuilding the Funtom Company and acquiring contracts to help us expand. We've been quite successful in spreading our popularity."

"That sounds wonderful," I respond.

"And what of you? How have you been the last three years. I assume life has been good with the Midfords."

I let out a chuckle. "Actually, it has not been all that great. The Midfords of course treated me wonderfully, but after the fire I... I was unconscious for quite some time. Lizzy had told me they were unsure I would survive. My injuries were more severe than they looked. After a week, I woke up but I was still bedridden because of how injured I was. Then there was the fact I lost my memories for quite a while. It took nearly two years to remember everything. I had barely remembered my own name, much less everyone I cared for."

We stayed silent for a while. The past three years have been a struggle. All my injuries had taken a toll on my body, and I did not even know who I was. Thankfully, the Midfords hired some of the best doctors in England to aid me.

"As soon as I remembered everything," I continued, "I made immediate plans to come back home."

"I see. I suppose neither of us knew the struggles we went through over the past three years. Though, it doesn't matter anymore. We have reunited at last," Ciel says.

I nod my head. "Indeed. I am glad to be back. If you don't mind, I would like to explore the manor and reacquaint myself with it once more."

"Of course. I shall have one of the servants fetch you for supper when it is ready."

With that, I take my leave and began exploring the manor. Everything feels so familiar, yet different. Everything is as it was, but our parents are no longer. The difference is not in the manor itself, but in its inhabitants.

After exploring inside the manor, I go outside and walk around the gardens. The flowers smell fresh and lovely. The various flowers paint the garden in rainbows. As I continue walking along, I notice a boy with a straw hat on the back of his head tending to the roses. He notices me and waves.

"Are you the gardener?" I ask.

He nods his head. "Yes. My name is Finnian, but everyone calls me Finny. Are you our master's sister? We were told she's come back to the manor."

"I am. It is nice to meet you. My name is Verena Phantomhive, Ciel's older sister."

We shake hands. Finny's turquoise eyes glint with happiness. He does not seem much younger than I am. His messy blond hair is held back by three red bobby pins on one side and two on the other.

"I suppose I shall leave you to your work. It was very nice to meet you Finny," I say.

We part ways and I continue walking. Before I know it, the skies begin to darken and the butler beckons me inside for supper. 

Ciel and I eat with minimal conversation. It was nice to just be able to enjoy his presence.

After supper. I go into the library and pick out a book to read. My eyes grow tired and I head back to my room to get ready for bed. I begin to undress but struggle untying my corset. I open my door to see if there are any servants nearby to assist me. Ciel's butler notices me and walks my way.

"Excuse me, but is there a maid nearby? I need assistance in removing my corset," I explain.

"Unfortunately, our maid, Mey-Rin, has already retired to her room. If you would allow me, I can help with your corset. If you would like, I can blindfold myself if that makes you more comfortable, " he replies.

"Alright. Thank you..." I trail off, not knowing his name.

He does not reply, instead begins to undo my corset. His cold hands against my bare skin cause me to shiver.

The butler finishes, and I quickly change into my nightgown before he takes off his blindfold. He begins to exit the room but quickly turns around.

"It is Sebastian. Sebastian Michaelis," he says in a low voice. "Sleep well, Lady Verena."

With that, he closes the door and leaves me with my thoughts.

How odd, I think to myself. Sebastian was the name of our family's dog before he passed away of old age a year before the fire.

---

Well now, it certainly has been long since I've last touched this story. 

I won't go into too much detail, or else we this author's note would be longer than this chapter. This has been a crucial year in my education, and I sincerely have not had the time, nor the mind to write. 

I hope everyone has been well through this whole pandemic. Stay safe, and practice social distancing and good hygiene.

-krystallic