Time itself halted upon the firm, edged command.
The Queen's flaming ray, aimed at the shoreline, stopped a few feet short, like a missile frozen in mid-air.
Ciel's bloody vision cleared, her eyes shaking even as all strength was supposed to leave her.
She was forced to remember: a unique kind of relief, back when a firm grasp forced her out of the black sea, leaving the comforting stillness of its depth.
The one that made her think: she was glad to have held onto her memories for this long.
"...he…he…"
Her chuckle didn't reach Miss Dragon, who flashed into the scene without a sound.
The firm back facing against her kneeling self was silent, shielding Ciel against the Queen's flaming lance.
With
The river's waves stilled with harmony, the tree's leaves nodded with respect, and the earth's sands smoothed with awe.
Ciel watched as Summer tilted her head, revealing the flame lance right above the broad shoulder.
