Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 5: Social classes in Sexton

Ruelle stood among the tall trees of the forest, sunlight filtering through the leaves above. Beside her lay the trunk she had set down just moments ago. Her parents had abruptly dropped her off midway, leaving her alone.

Her father's words echoed in her mind, "Don't disappoint us."

Despite the crisp, fragrant air that enveloped her, Ruelle found it increasingly difficult to breathe. Each inhalation felt laboured, her anxious nerves constricting like vines around her chest now with uncertainty.

Suddenly, the sound of wheels creaking against the forest floor broke through the quiet place, growing louder as a black carriage rumbled towards her. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she waved her hands, desperate for a ride. But the coachman paid her no mind, driving past with a detached indifference, while inside, a group of young women looked right through her, as if she didn't exist.

"Wait!" Ruelle called out to the next carriage rumbling by, her voice tinged with urgency. But it disappeared behind the trees, leaving her feeling abandoned.

Worried, Ruelle fumbled for her pocket watch, her fingers trembling slightly as she checked the time. It was ten past five. She needed to be at Sexton by six—not a minute later. If not, she would be denied entry.

With no other choice before her, Ruelle grasped the handle of her trunk and pulled it down the winding path, chasing after the ghostly silhouette of the last carriage that had disappeared into the trees. Just as despair began to creep over her, another carriage appeared, its wheels creaking and rumbling. She caught sight of the trunks piled high atop the carriage. Not wanting to lose this chance, she dropped her trunk in the path and leaped into the road so that the coachman didn't miss her.

"Woah, lady! Are you trying to get yourself killed or the poor horses!" The coachman's eyes widened in disbelief as the horses shifted after the reins were pulled.

The coachman regarded Ruelle, noticing the trail left by her trunk on the forest floor. After a moment, he sighed, his expression softening. "Let's get your trunk tied on quickly."

Ruelle's heart lifted at his willingness to help, a warmth spreading through her as she beamed up at him. "Thank you very much!" she exclaimed, the gratitude brightening her voice.

Ruelle's eyes brightened at his kindness and she thanked him, "Thank you very much!"

Once her luggage was securely fastened to the carriage, she climbed inside. Her gaze swept over the interior, landing on two young women around her age. Instantly, a frown creased her brow as she recognised one of them was Ms. Clifford, her expression one of clear distaste, as if the very sight of Ruelle sullied the carriage they shared.

"I paid you to arrive at Sexton, not to pick up strays!" Ms. Clifford scolded the coachman, her tone sharp and condescending. She cast a dismissive glance in Ruelle's direction. "Does she even have the money?"

"I do, Miss Clifford," Ruelle responded calmly, her voice steady. "And if you need it, I will be happy to share."

The young girl shot her a cold glare. With a haughty sniff, she replied, "As if your meagre money could suffice for my living. I should have taken a separate carriage!"

"I can drop you here for you to pick a better carriage if you want, milady," the coachman stated from the front. Ms. Clifford gritted her teeth, clearly irritated by the coachman's audacity, while the other girl snickered.

Ruelle took the seat next to the other girl, who had short brunette hair tied up in two playful low ponytails. The girl smiled warmly at her. "Hello! I'm Hailey Elliot. First year?"

Ruelle nodded, returning her smile with one of her own, "Ruelle Belmont," she introduced herself.

was

a decent job, I guess." A job that might finally bring in enough money to help her

is that of a maid," Ms. Clifford interrupted, her voice dripping with disdain. "Do you really think it's easy to secure a position close to

for the princes or the other high-standing men, Ruelle. In this carriage, you seem more suitable," Hailey stated, already disliking Ms. Clifford, who rolled her eyes. Ignoring the grump, she said to Ruelle, "But I hear there's a series

for it too, then,"

have, but strangely, I've always dreamed of being a head maid. It's been my ambition!" Hailey replied, her tone thoughtful, and she laughed. Ruelle smiled, though a hint of confusion flickered in her eyes. She found

against the window, her heart racing with a mixture of awe and apprehension, much like the others around her who were stepping into this place for the first time. The towering silhouette of the academy

casting a warm, golden glow from within. There was something hauntingly

had once again begun to beat faster. If Caroline were here, she would

in grabbing her bag, her eyes scanning the gathering crowd in search of individuals she deemed to be

and gravely serious as he addressed the two young women. "If you find yourself at the bottom of the social ladder, you'll be bullied to death by the vampires. But if you aim too high, it won't just be the

Hailey murmured, her excitement being pulled down a couple

this because there are a minimum of ten deaths every year at Sexton." The edge in

do then?" Ruelle asked the

elites. Don't soar too high or too low. Just enough to keep you alive and you might survive. You'll soon discover that it might have been better to stay home than to step

was something Ruelle already knew, but her name had been given and there was

the loud and clear toll of the tower bell reverberated through the air, leaving a slight echo that seemed to ripple with urgency. It was a summons, a clear call to enter the grand building and assemble with the others. With a

could hardly wait to seize the first opportunity that

silver mask that hid the person's face. She murmured, "Hm? There's a long time before Hallow arrives to be dressed like

perhaps?" Hailey questioned, who didn't

no older than forty, his striking red eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity. His brown hair was impeccably styled, combed neatly to the side, exuding an air of meticulousness. Clad in dark blue and grey trousers paired with a tailored vest, he

for a

am Edmond Mortis, and I will be in charge of you," he announced, his voice steady and commanding. His face was as impassive as stone, yet his sharp eyes flickered

has welcomed humans of unknown backgrounds this

classes," Mr. Mortis continued, his tone deliberate as he outlined the stark hierarchy. "First, we have the Elites—pureblooded vampires of the highest standing and the highest ranking humans' children. Next are the Halfbloods—the humans turned into vampires, carrying both the weight of our lineage and their former lives. Lastly, we have the Groundlings—that is, you humans," he finished, his gaze lingering on them as

the other humans around her could already feel the heavy difference and the prejudice that were right around the corner, waiting to hammer on them. As beautiful as the place appeared, wrapped in elegance and wealth, she could only imagine what

of a self-assured know-it-all. "Mr. Mortis, when will we receive our masks and

Someone in the crowd interrupted, confusion rippling through the murmurs. "The robes are

wear a mask at all? Unless... It was easy to commit

free garments was the highlight of their day. This only showed the poverty they came from, which had

bluntly, humans don't deserve masks. Simply because you lack any abilities, and two, because you aren't the elite. The masks are each of the pureblooded vampire's signatures. If

better background than hers, while

handed