The show was spectacular. I've never had a chance to see an opera before, although my experience would be much more pleasant if it wasn't for the fact I was surrounded by demons. Night only started, yet my will to stay here grew weaker by every second. The club gathered in a private, white room. It was spacious, yet it felt incredibly stuffy with all the smoke from cigars, yellow lights and expensive decorations and odd paintings that had people in it feeling as miserable as I did. I stood behind my lover's chair, demons discussing their research, disgusting views and opinions. I've heard all of this before, and yet everytime slurs hit my ears, I felt sick. I looked up just to find that the other servants were as appalled as myself. I felt for them. I wasn't the only minority in the room, and the way they spoke of all of us made me feel numb.

Suddenly, a whistle snapped me back to my physical body.

- All of you, out. - Said Sir Burton and pointed to the door. I bowed and obidiently started to walk away, but Duke grabbed me by the waist of my pants to stop me.

- You stay, Allan. Come. - He said, and offered me a spot in his lap. I was surprised, but didn't question my boss' decision. It turned out, that one of the other servants got stuck in the same situation.

- Right gentlemen! Let's get to what we truly gathered here for. Sir Arundel, would you like to start?

Duke's grey eyes brightened up with pride. He confidently put a hand on my hip and spoke out. My ears were no strangers to graphic detail, but as he spoke I felt sick. Not from disgust, no. From guilt. I did this. I condoned it. I helped him do it.

- I've been doing this research in secret with my trusty servant, and I am very happy to inform you all, that I'm getting closer to success. I highly recommend, that you pay us a visit, and see my precious subjects for yourself.

- Well, I suppose you won't have to wait long for that. All of us were thinking of coming to your mansion later this week. Thursday, perhaps, if that works for you? - Said Sir Burton, stroking his mustache and eyeing me, seemingly not paying too much attention to everything what Duke was saying. His dead, black eyes met mine, and my stomach turned. I let my sight drop onto the table as he spoke to my master.

- Of course. I'll be expecting you.

- Pretty thing. How did you get him? - Said the monster. Duke stiffened for a second, making me a little nervous, but continued the conversation.

- I've met Allan 4 years ago at Baron Dormer's masquarade. I couldn't help myself when I saw him. - Spoke the blonde demon, rubbing my thigh and sipping gin from his glass. Strangely enough, I felt the safest sitting in his lap right now in this house of terrors.

- Why a mutt? - Roared a deep voice in the chair at the end of the table. General Hunt's old, wrinkly, bearded face emerged from a gust of cigar smoke in his hand. Blue eyes peaked from under his thick, silver eyebrows looking quite judgementally at my master.

- With all due respect Sir, but do you blame me? Have you seen a mutt like this? - Duke grabbed my chin and directed my head towards the rest of the monsters. I felt like a doll on display, a thing. I felt him squeeze my thigh twice under the table. It was my cue, time to put on a good show.

I relaxed my body and forced a gentle smile.

I placed my hand on his palm that held my chin, putting it on my chest, and looked him in the eyes with as much passion as I could fake. Pleased, the demon groped it gently. I unbuttoned my vest and shirt, his hand slipping onto my bare skin. I playfully kissed and nibbled his pale skin, making him feel desired in front of his aristocratic friends. They laughed, sipped gin and let loose their twisted minds as my dignity waltzed into the abyss.

When the sun was about to rise we decided to leave the opera and finally drive back. I helped the drunken mess of a demon get into the carriage and sat down across him, as I knocked on the roof of the wagon with my hand. We were finally on our way home. Still tense after this wild night, I looked out the window to watch the sun kiss the clouds in the distance, making them blush. However, my body did not have time to relax. I started to feel something, making me uneasy. The demon starred at me, his hazy gaze studying my face. I knew this look, it terrified me. I saw the heavy vaults close in Duke's eyes, I no longer had insight, I was in fate's hands.

We've arrived at the mansion. I jumped out of the carriage, fresh, cold air filling my lungs. My nose was so happy to smell something else than hell. There was nothing out here but us, dark woods and rose pink clouds above our heads. Demon placed his hand in mine, jumping out of the wagon after me. I peeked inside one last time, checking for lost things and sent the carriage off. Black horses neighed and stomped away as I followed my master. We walked through the gate together, yet he made sure to have me in his sight. I wouldn't dare to escape Duke, he's not very comprihensive right now. He needs me.

Both of us walked into the mansion, I took my companion's coat, helped him get his shoes off and took him to the bedroom.

- Thank you for taking me with you, Sir. I think the show was spectacular. Their costumes were stunning, don't you think? - I said, releasing demon's long, blonde hair out of the blue bow as he sat in the chair in front of a big vanity. Reaching for his silver brush, my slender fingers already started gently combing through the silky gold. I found myself envying the demon, this man's beauty was something special. Tall figure, gently countoured body, cold grey eyes and voice so warm it could melt ice. I remeber seeing him for the first time, how my knees turned into cotton, how my heart beat faster than the one of a finch, how he smiled and lit fire on my face. I looked up to meet his cold vaults in the mirror. Where did this man go? My dear Duke is gone.

I braided his hair and put the brush back on it's place, walking away to make the bed comfortable. Lifting and puffing up feathered filled pillows, I continued. - It seemes like the meeting went well. They really liked your research. Do you want me to prepare something special when they visit us?

- Why do you always talk so much? - grunted a hoarse voice behind my back. Surprised, I stiffened for a minute that felt like eternity. When I finally turned round, Duke grabbed me by the throat and threw me down. Landing on the bed, a gasp escaped my mouth but before I could do anything, his body pinned me down. A shining blade of a dagger caught my eye in the darkness. Trapped under my lover I starred at him with dread filled eyes. - You useless thing, if I cut your pretty face, what else will be left of you? - He growled and smiled mockingly, as I tried to pull his hand away from my neck.

- You don't mean it! Stop it! - I cried out, tears running down my face, but demon flipped the dagger in his hand and pulled it close to my cheek.

- Do you think crying will help you? They were very interested in you, you know? Do you think they will still find you cute, if I pluck these black shiny little bullons out?

- Duke, my love, please... I would not dare to look at another. Please, you don't mean any of it! - Choking on my tears I squirmed under him. My windpipes were tight, and the weight of a monster on me made it hard to breathe.

- Liar! - He screamed, stabbing the duvet. I managed to dodge it, blade cutting my ear as I wimpered. Both of his hands immidiately locked on my throat, my body growing numb and cold. - If I wasn't there, you'd be on your knees under that table, you slut! - The man roared, crushing me further. My vision got blurry, consciousness leaving me slowly, and as the world grew black, I felt warm liquid dripping onto my face.

There was cold, darkness, pain. My body drifting in abyss.

- Allan. - My name echoed.

- Allan, my boy. - Female voice followed.

I felt someone embracing me. A warm, big hand stroking my cheek. I almost did not recognise the voices, but when I finally opened my eyes, my heart skipped a beat. A dark haired, pale, freckled woman had my torso propped on her lap, her smile warm, but eyes filled with tears. Beside her, a tall, skinny man with light brown mustache and round glasses hunched over my body and holing my hand.

- Mother... Father? You're here.. - I wipered, confused.

- You're all grown up, plum. Ah, what did this monster did to you? -Mother said, stroking my hair. I reached to my throat.

- Am I dead?

- No, Allan. It's not your time yet, but you have to listen to me, boy. - Said the man, grabbing my face and turning it towards him. Jade green eyes starred at me with worry as he spoke. - You have to wake up. You have to run. Take the girl with you to Emilia and James, and let Charlie guide you through the forest. You have to leave that wicked demon, you hear me?

- Go Allan. Run. - My forehead met my mother's lips and then, everything went dark and cold again.