Surrendering into the Darkness

School had just ended, and Kate was reviewing her notes from Criminology class. It would soon mark her third year at this academy; another year, and she would be able to get her bachelor's degree.

Sipping her coffee, she glanced at the clock hanging on the wall.

'Five-thirty…I need to meet 'that' person at seven,' Kate frowned.

She took a shower and opened her closet, trying to find something suitable to wear tonight. She was tempted to wear casual clothes, but chances were, he would look down on her.

Sighing, she chose to wear a black cocktail dress. She combed her hair and applied some make-up. Looking at the mirror, she put on a pair of earrings and a necklace. The reflection of a stunning young lady with reddish-brown hair cascading down her shoulders stared back at her.

'Perfect.'

She glanced at the mirror one last time before she left her room.

-----------------------------

Saint Clare Academy has its own city on the academy grounds; an academy city, the City of Zinnia. It used to be a small city where students of the academy could go to have fun or gain experience in their respective professions. Over the years the city has grown and flourished due to the influence of many famous celebrities. All graduates of Saint Clare, these celebrities started their careers in the City of Zinnia. Many, if not all, can say with certainty that the city played a vital role in their success.

There were many dining, shopping, and entertainment establishments in this "Academy City" of Saint Clare. In a private room of a high-class restaurant, Ciel was leaning on a chair with his eyes closed. He was waiting patiently for his guest to arrive.

A soft knock on the door made him open his eyes.

"Come in," Ciel said.

The door opened, and Kate made her entrance. She slowly closed the door behind her and gave Ciel a brief nod.

Ciel looked at the young lady in front of him. Her pretty face, her curvaceous body, and those glossy lips of hers that were begging to be ravished made her a very attractive woman.

Ciel smiled and gestured to the chair beside him, "Ms.Williams, please take a seat."

Kate headed towards her seat and sat down obediently. She glanced at the dashing man in front of her and held back a sigh.

'He was still breathtaking. But time had changed a lot of things.' Kate organized her thoughts and greeted him respectfully.

"It's been a while, Mr. Summers, what can I do for you today?"

"We can talk about business later, for now, let's enjoy dinner," Ciel said, smiling.

He picked up a small bell and rang it. As if on cue, waiters opened the door and pushed a cart inside. They carefully arranged the dishes and the wine on the table. Once done, they retreated to the side, awaiting further instructions.

Kate looked at the dishes on the table. There was Lamb Salad with Fregola, Coquilles Saint-Jacques, Soupe à L'oignon, and a few other dishes she liked. She almost cursed at the young man sitting beside her as she realized the purpose of this dinner.

'Don't tell me…he found another one.' Kate had a complicated look on her face as she waited for this farce to begin.

Ciel saw her expression and chuckled. He waved his hand, and the waiters began to serve them. The dinner lasted for half an hour, but for Kate, it felt like years.

When the waiters finally left, she sighed and looked at Ciel, "Mr. Summers, who is it this time?"

"Tut-tut, Ms. Williams," Ciel said. "Why are you looking at me like I'm some criminal?"

'I refuse to believe that you are one, and yet…' Kate clenched her fist under the table.

Her reaction amused Ciel. He knew that she understood his intentions, so it was no use trying to hide it. He took something out from his pocket and placed it on top of the table. Kate picked it up and identified it as a bookmark. She carefully read the words written on it.

[Lyle Adams, BioMed Major.]

'I don't know who you are, but I pity you for crossing paths with this man.'

She read the name on the bookmark a second time and felt helpless. She knew things would not end well for this boy.

"Ms. Williams, I would like to remind you that this is a proper business deal," Ciel said. "Right now, I'm your employer, so you better keep that in mind."

Kate took a deep breath and regained her composure, "Mr. Summers, I don't think I will be able to do this investigation. If possible, I would like to turn down this request."

Ciel nodded his head and gave her a carefree smile, "I see, then it can't be helped. Have a good night Ms. Williams."

Kate suddenly felt a chill run down her spine. She didn't expect him to drop this matter so quickly. Having known this man for many years, she knew he would do anything and everything he could to get what he wanted.

She sat there in a trance as Ciel stood up from his seat and headed towards the door. His sudden movement brought her back to her senses, and she immediately grabbed his hand.

"Mr. Summers, please wait!"

"Mmm? Do you need anything from me, Ms. Williams?"

She stared at his light-blue eyes; the innocent boy she once knew was no longer there, replaced by a cold and callous man. She knew that if this wasn't resolved properly, something terrible might happen to her in the academy. Ciel's father was one of the Board of Directors, and a word from Ciel could make her life a living hell.

"I-I agree to do this investigation."

"Oh? You've changed your mind?"

"Yes, please let me do this investigation!"

"Ms.Williams, I'm afraid it doesn't work that way." Ciel brushed her hand away and sneered. "You're not the only investigator in this academy, what makes you think you're so special?"

Kate's legs gave in, and she was on the ground, kneeling, but she paid no heed to her current state and immediately held onto Ciel's leg.

"I'm sorry it was my fault for being short-sighted," Kate said, pleadingly. "Please forgive me, Mr. Summers!"

"Mr.? Who is this Mr. Summers you speak of?"

Kate shivered, it had been ages since she saw him act this way. Memories of her past flickered before her eyes. A rainy night in an alley, a girl that was only ten years old shivered in the dark. Starving and begging for any passersby for a few coins, it was a time of desperation and pain.

A small yet strong hand pulled her out of that darkness and showed her a world filled with light. A young boy with the most beautiful of eyes. A boy that made her feel safe. A boy that held her hand when the world had turned its back on her.

-----------------------------------

"What is your name?"

"Ka-Kate, Kate Williams."

"Do you want to leave this place?"

"Who are you?"

"My name is Ciel, Ciel Summers," The boy smiled, and the rain seemed to stop. "Nice to meet you, Kate."

-----------------------------------

Kate raised her head, tears stained her cheeks. She looked so hurt and vulnerable. 'Young master, why did you become like this?'

He stared back at her; his cold and indifferent eyes were like arrows piercing her heart.

"Master, please forgive this unfaithful servant," Kate said.

The coldness in Ciel's eyes thawed slightly, "Never disobey me again, Kate." He reached out and patted her head. "There will be no next time, do you understand?"

Kate held Ciel's hand and kissed it, "Yes, Master."

"Not Master, call me Sir."

"Yes, Sir."

He pulled her up and the two of them left the restaurant. Walking under the moonlight hand in hand, they headed towards a high class hotel. She knew this path would only lead to bitterness and tears.

Still, she decided never to let go of this hand ever again. They entered a luxurious room and Kate walked ahead in a daze. A strong hand embraced her waist from behind. She turned around and found herself staring at those beautiful eyes of his. He planted a kiss on her forehead as his hands caressed her body sending shivers down her spine.

Before she knew it they were both naked. Ciel gently laid her down on the bed as his hands wandered freely. His touch gave her warmth, his lips gave her pleasure.

The moment he entered her, a tear rolled on the side of her face. She didn't resist and allowed him to have his way with her body. He softly bit her neck and a moan escaped her lips.

Their union brought her to the peak as endless waves of ecstasy washed over her. She subconsciously held onto him while Ciel made love to her until she was filled to the brim. Kate found herself surrendering into the darkness, and the darkness held her firmly in its embrace.