Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 4: Invitation to attend the privileged

One morning, as the dawn light spilt softly across the small kitchen, Ruelle stood at the table, setting the breakfast for her family. The air was thick with the aroma of freshly baked bread, when her sister Caroline burst into the kitchen, breathless.

"Mama! You cannot believe what I just found out!"

Mrs. Belmont closed her eyes. Ruelle caught sight of Caroline holding a parchment, waving it like a flag of victory. Curious, she asked, "What do you have there?"

"This is everything anyone is talking about in the village right now!" Caroline exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over as she thrust the parchment into Ruelle's hands. "The institution where vampires and select humans study has changed its rules! They are now going to allow one young man or woman from each family, between the ages of fifteen and eighteen, to join. Sexton is opening its doors to all families!"

Sexton.

The establishment had been founded two hundred years ago, during the era when vampires expanded their dominion, conquering vast lands that had once belonged to humans. Word had it that vampires from high-ranking families were sent there to hone their skills in various disciplines.

It was no secret that the establishment evoked a mix of curiosity and envy among humans. Even suspicion. Because the humans excluded from its doors could only speculate what went inside its privileged walls. Even the humans who did attend Sexton never revealed what went on inside.

But one thing was for sure: the humans who did attend Sexton often ended up working directly for the vampires, earning them a higher position and status than those enjoyed by the regular humans.

Ruelle's eyes skimmed across the words written and sealed on the parchment. "Where did you get this?" She couldn't help but wonder why the sudden change had been made and if there was a hidden agenda behind it.

"The men from the capital arrived this morning! They've been spreading the word all over town, " Caroline replied, unable to contain her excitement. She then turned to their mother, her eyes wide with hope. "Mama, please! I need you to sign my name on this so that I can attend! The registration ends by next weekend, and needs to be mailed in by then!"

"Let me see," Mrs. Belmont said, her tone suddenly serious as she reached for the parchment. Ruelle quickly handed it over.

"How wonderful would that be?" Caroline turned to Ruelle, her eyes sparkling with the dreams of possibility. "Just think of the opportunities!"

"Are you sure about this?" Ruelle asked, a gentle warning lacing her words. This wasn't just any school; it was a sanctuary for vampires, where danger often lurked beneath the surface, cloaked in elegance and charm. Those creatures were not only dangerous but also known for their cruelty.

"I am," Caroline replied with fervent determination. "Everyone knows that attending Sexton is a guaranteed pathway to elevating one's status. I thought it wouldn't be something you'd want for yourself, so I'll be more than happy to apply. Right, Mother?"

Mrs. Belmont stared at the inked words on the parchment for a moment before smiling and saying, "I will discuss it with your father."

"Thank you, Mama! You are the best!" Caroline exclaimed. ecstatic in the response, unaware that her mother had no plans of sending her anywhere near Sexton and had other plans in mind.

In the following days, the town buzzed with gossip and excitement over Sexton's announcement of accepting new students.

Families found themselves grappling with mixed emotions. Some viewed this as a promising opportunity for their children, a chance to rise above their current circumstances, while others recoiled at the thought of sending their precious ones to a school filled with bloodsucking creatures who ruled over them.

The whispers grew louder, echoing from one household to another, until fear settled. Despite the appeal of potential advancement, only a handful of families dared to send their children, oblivious to the fate that awaited each of them beyond the walls of Sexton's hallowed halls.

One afternoon, as Ruelle made her way home from the market, her mind was preoccupied with worry about whether her parents would grant Caroline permission to attend Sexton. Today was the last day to submit her name for enrollment, and the mere idea of her sister navigating a world filled with vampires triggered a surge of worry through her. But she also knew how much Caroline looked forward to going, which was one reason Ruelle had kept her concerns to herself.

"Miss Ruelle!"

gloom like sunlight

her spirits lifting at the sight of him. She returned his smile. "What brings you to the village

to meet someone—nothing urgent," he said, adjusting the satchel slung over his shoulder. She caught the soft clink of glass from within it. "I had hoped to

and it's all thanks to you," Ruelle responded

with work—my employer

business. It's small

family then, transitioning from friends to something even more significant."

imagining it? Just then, she heard him

charged, though his gaze remained steady on her. "Everyone has been busy

eyebrows furrowed

young lady or young man from each family for admission." Ruelle said, her brow arching in

a good idea for anyone to attend that place—especially not for your family. You're good folks, Ruelle. Those who go there often

hung in the air, wrapping around them like morning mist. Ruelle took a breath, pondering his warning. "I thought it could be like that," she admitted

his. "I only mean well for you and your family, Miss Ruelle. I truly hope you can discuss my concerns with them before any decisions are made." He released her hand, and stepped back slightly. "I should go now. I'll see you next

leave before she stepped inside her house. This exchange did not go unnoticed by their neighbour, Mrs. Finch. As Mrs. Belmont stepped outside briefly to inspect the

finally decided to send one

any decisions about sending Caroline to Sexton yet," she replied, her voice steady but with a hint of tension beneath the

Finch chuckled softly, her eyes gleaming with delight. "Oh, I'm not talking about that at all. I meant Ruelle's marriage to the young man! He is handsome and holds a decent

seemed like it was time that

Belmont carefully filled out the application that accompanied the

who had eagerly delivered the letter to the postman's house, was practically floating on cloud nine the next morning. As

attend Sexton, I will need new clothes! And don't forget about shoes!" she gushed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "It's wonderful that the academy allows

with debt, and additional expenses for her sister's clothing and shoes would only add to their burdens, even without their existing financial struggles. As Caroline naively detailed her elaborate plans for what she would wear on her first day and how she envisioned life at the academy, continuing to ramble, she said,

new clothes or shoes," Mrs. Belmont interjected, placing her

frowned, caught off guard. "I was just

Sexton," Mrs. Belmont cut her

processed her mother's words. She could hear Caroline's incredulous voice ask, "What do you mean? We delivered the application letter you wrote

breakfast, spoke with a sombre tone, "Caroline, it will not be you who will attend Sexton." As the realisation began to dawn on the sisters— one's expression filled with shock, while the other one turned pale in

fell over the Belmont Family dining room, as disbelief etched across the two

she must have misheard. She glanced between her parents, and as their serious expressions

be serious..." Ruelle

like a bucket of icy water doused over her dreams. Turning to her

mother and I decided it would

in her mind. This couldn't be happening. It wasn't supposed to be

to go?" Caroline turned her hurt gaze towards

shook her head resolutely. "I don't want to attend

discussion," Mrs. Belmont interjected firmly. "We are in need of money, and having one of you attend Sexton would

to do that!" Caroline shouted, leaping to her feet and slamming her hand against her chest for emphasis. "Why are you sending her? I'm the one who's most suited for it! I even said I wanted to go! Why are you

father already mentioned, Ruelle is the oldest, Caroline." Mrs. Belmont said, maintaining her calm demeanour despite the rising tension. "You have