You stood outside the door of the Trancy home, afraid to knock on the door. Why had Sebastian chosen you of all people to run an errand here? You summoned your courage and swallowed hard, finally knocking on the door. A few seconds later the door opened. There stood Claude, glaring down at you like you'd insulted his tap dancing. “Hi, I believe your master received a cane that was order for my master. I was sent to pick it up.” You were surprised at how calm your voice sounded.

“Yes, indeed we did. My master was hoping that the Earl would come to retrieve his order himself, but I knew that was doubtful.” He opened the door further, allowing you inside the large estate. “Please, follow me.” He walked up the staircase and walked to the end of the hallway. I believe I stored it in here.” He opened the door to a very dark room that looked like it was being used for nothing but storage.

“I'll help you look, if you don't mind.” You really didn't want to be there any longer than you had to. You were still nervous around Claude and being in a dark room with him only made the memories of your last encounter come flooding back.

Claude nodded. “That's fine. This is all junk anyway, nothing important or breakable.”

You didn't say anything else, just quickly went to work looking for the cane. The door to the room slammed shut, blocking out the little light you had. You immediately went into a panic. He had to be doing this on purpose, it couldn't be a coincidence. Still in a frenzy, you ran for the door, clashing straight into Claude's back. You fell to the floor with a thud. “Ouch.”

“Careful, we wouldn't want you injured.” Claude's voice sounded cold, and cruel. “Just sit there, I'll find a way to open the door.”

“Wait, so it's locked?” Complete and total panic set in. You jumped from the floor, found the door through the darkness and started banging on it.

Claude roughly grabbed hold of you, pulling away from the door. “Stop that. This is nothing more than a childish prank my master decided to play. Now calm down. If he thinks you're scared, he'll never let you out. Understand?”

“I understand.” You nodded.

“Good.” He slowly let go of you, still staring at you with those piercing eyes. “Now try to be quiet. He'll get curious.” Claude quietly left your side, finding the cane. “Here, I believe this is why you came.” He handed you the item.

“Your a lot different than last time we met.” You blush. “I was honestly scared to come here because of what you might do to me.”

“Doing something the same way over and over yields the same results. If I were to try anything in this closet with you, there's a very high chance I'd get stopped.” He stared down at you, smirking slightly. He held your chin in his hand, moving his face close to yours. “I don't like being halted. So you're safe, for now.”

You clutched tightly to the cane, just in case you needed to use it. The door slammed open. “You are so boring. I plan this whole thing and nothing happens!” Alois was standing in the doorway, arms crossed wearing a scowl.

Claude grabbed hold of your arm, leading you from the room, down the stairs and out of the house. “You have what you came for. Now leave before I change my mind and keep you here.” He gently stroked your cheek with the back of his hand.

You could hear Alois yelling for Claude to bring you back inside. “Thank you, I think.” You took off as fast as you could.