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!"

through the gloom like sunlight breaking through heavy

replied, her spirits lifting at the sight of him. She returned his smile. "What brings

shoulder. She caught the soft clink of glass from within it. "I had hoped to visit your family sooner, but work kept me

is doing well too, and it's all thanks to you," Ruelle responded as they began walking side by side

swamped with work—my employer has been wanting me to put in overtime, and the travel has

join our family business. It's small at the moment, but one day it will flourish, and

transitioning from friends to something even more significant." His words caught Ruelle off guard, and she stared at him, puzzled. "We

it? Just then, she heard him ask,

saviour," came her lighthearted reply, which made the moment feel less charged, though his gaze remained steady on her. "Everyone has been busy

eyebrows furrowed in

young man from each family

darkened slightly at the mention of Sexton. After a moment, he replied, "I need to be honest with you. I don't think it's a good idea for anyone to attend that place—especially

them like morning mist.

by reaching out and gently taking her hand in 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

unnoticed by their neighbour, Mrs. Finch. As Mrs. Belmont stepped outside briefly to inspect the outer walls of her house, which needed repainting, Mrs.

began, her tone casual but laced with curiosity."It seems you have finally decided to send one of

a frown creasing her brow. "I haven't made any decisions about sending Caroline to Sexton yet," she replied, her voice steady but with a

marriage to the young man! He is handsome and holds a decent position in society, does he

Finch's words settled heavily in her mind. It seemed like it was time that a decision needed to be

filled out the application that accompanied the parchment

postman's house, was practically floating on cloud

she gushed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "It's wonderful that the academy

happy for Caroline, but worry etched her features. Their family was already struggling 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

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

guard.

to visit Sexton," Mrs.

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

who will attend Sexton." As the realisation began to dawn on

dining room, as disbelief etched

erupted into laughter, unable to contain her amusement at the absurdity of the news—surely, she must have misheard. She glanced between her parents, and as their serious expressions began to sink in, her laughter faltered, replaced by a

serious..." Ruelle uttered, her voice

Caroline's voice pierced through the silence, filled with disbelief. Their parents' decision felt like a bucket of icy water doused over

mother and I decided it would

her mind. This couldn't be happening. It wasn't

you tell them you wanted to go?" Caroline turned her hurt gaze towards Ruelle, her blue eyes beginning to cloud

head resolutely. "I

isn't up for discussion," Mrs. Belmont interjected firmly. "We are in need of money,

chest for emphasis. "Why are you sending her? I'm the one who's most suited for

already mentioned, Ruelle is the oldest, Caroline." Mrs. Belmont said, maintaining her calm demeanour despite the rising tension. "You have other responsibilities to tend to that are