Yohan stood at the edge of the academy's highest tower that night. The stars blinked faintly—some bright, others dim, as if still learning their new rhythm.
A voice drifted from behind him—Ciel's.
"You know it's still inside you, right?"
He didn't turn.
"I know."
"Doesn't that scare you?"
He exhaled.
"…No. It makes me honest."
A faint smile. A rare peace.
And then, far beyond the horizon, the shadow's red eyes opened again—in the reflection of the stars.