Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 8: Few meters away

KNOCK! KNOCK!

The knocks echoed through the house, pulling Mrs. Belmont from her afternoon chores. As she moved towards the door, she wondered who it could be. It couldn't be the debt collector—her husband had seen to their scheduled payment that morning. And Caroline was out enjoying herself at the seamstress's shop, spending the academy's compensation on a new gown.

Wiping her hands on her worn apron, she opened it with a smile. "Mr. Henley, what a pleasant surprise to see you at this hour. Please come in."

Ezekiel stood there, his expression taut with an unspoken frustration. He offered a courteous bow but declined her invitation. "That's quite alright. I am running short on time today."

After a loaded pause, he got to the heart of his visit. "Mrs. Belmont, I'm here regarding my request for Ruelle's hand in marriage. I'm puzzled as to why you have sent her to Sexton instead."

Mrs. Belmont returned his gaze with an apologetic sincerity. "I am sorry, Mr. Henley. Mr. Belmont was swift in his decision due to the strain of our financial situation, and I didn't have the opportunity to discuss the proposal with him beforehand. I did mention it yesterday, and he has agreed to give his blessing for the marriage to proceed."

Ezekiel's mind raced. He knew about Sexton more than these mere humans did. Ruelle's admission couldn't be easily cancelled. "And how do you propose we address this?" he pressed her.

"Caroline is arranging the wedding attire as we speak," Mrs. Belmont assured him with practised patience. "We will hold the ceremony in two weeks. Does this sound agreeable, Mr. Henley? We can make the necessary arrangements in the meantime. Ruelle will be home, and there will be ample time for all of us to prepare."

The assurance that Ruelle would indeed be ready for the ceremony seemed to pacify Ezekiel. His features relaxed marginally. "You will need to return the compensation to the academy within the end of this week; otherwise, it will be too late. I'll see to it that you have the necessary funds," he replied with resolve.

"That is most generous of you, Mr. Henley!" Mrs. Belmont responded, inwardly more than pleased.

She had guessed the man held a decent standing, judging by the polish of his shoes and the tailored cut of his coat. Yet, realising he had enough resources to pull Ruelle out of the academy confirmed the wisdom of her decisions.

Before evening set in, Ruelle completed her classes with Hailey, and they made their way through the bustling corridors of Sexton Academy, moving from the east wing towards the west.

"It is strange to have vampires and humans studying the same subjects," Ruelle mused, reflecting on their fifth class of the day.

to ensure no one was listening. "I spotted this one vampiress in the library reading about psychology and emotional manipulation. I guess the curriculum is different for them than it is for humans, to better cater to the

like it," Ruelle

"You're so good at art, Ruelle. You are truly gifted." At Sexton, art had been

replied, brushing off the compliment with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She longed to do better, feeling

added, "I am so glad to have made a

a harsh clinking of metal echoed through the corridor, slicing through the

turned their gazes down the hall, Ruelle's heart sank at the sight before

her, a human Groundling followed, a stark contrast to his elegant captor. A metal collar was clasped tightly around his neck, a chain trailing behind him like

spine were the evident bruises marring the human's skin—visible reminders of his repression. Beside the masked woman walked another regal vampiress, their demeanour exuding superiority, while a

vampiress and her chained follower passed by and disappeared at the far end of the corridor, a ripple of whispers broke out among the students. The murmurs

was that? Who was she?" one voice quavered, filled with

unmasked and standing confidently among his peers, replied with an air of arrogance, "That's the Duke's daughter, Lady

to regard the young vampire as he continued, "That's what happens when you fail in more than two subjects. You're put on sale because everyone knows worthless things need to be sold quickly before

a chord within Ruelle. The harsh reality of their world loomed before her—failure was

Ruelle's hand drifted to the locket nestled against her chest, safely hidden beneath the fabric of her dress. The locket, a cherished keepsake from her deceased mother, and it

the rest of the syllabus and our schedule starting

I completely forgot about it!" Hailey exclaimed. They quickly made their way down the corridor, navigating through the crowd of students to go to

Sawyer, the pair adorned in their respective masks. The subtle elegance of their attire and the intimidating air they exuded made it easy for junior students to

you're moving so fast,"

you to follow me," Lucian replied, his voice flat and clipped as they marched down the corridor, the dim lighting casting shadows over

to your cousin!" Sawyer shot back, disbelief creeping into his expression as he turned to meet Lucian's unwavering gaze. "You seem crankier than usual

Lucian and Sawyer walked past glass walls that glimmered in the dim light, the upper panes shimmering like crystalline barriers above the sturdy, cemented lower walls. Stepping inside, Lucian's

playful surprise. "Didn't expect

day easing slightly as he replied, "I