Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 10: Owned by it

The following morning, as the sun's gentle light filtered through the curtains, Ruelle woke with a lingering sense of unease. Memories of last night clung to her like morning mist, reminding her to tread carefully and keep a wary eye out for the vampiresses she had cleverly yet recklessly deceived. She knew it was best to dress quickly and make her way to class before trouble had a chance to find her.

A soft yawn broke the silence from across the room, drawing Ruelle's attention. June stirred slowly, stretching as if she were used to mornings that promised more rest and less haste.

"Morning," June greeted, her tone surprisingly soft.

"Morning..." Ruelle replied, wondering how June was coping with the humiliation she had endured the day before.

June hesitated, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "I... want to apologise for the last time with the sweaters. I didn't realise how hard things could be for us humans until last night," she confessed, fidgeting slightly. "We really need to support one another."

Ruelle considered her words carefully before offering a reassuring smile. "We should. Let bygones be bygones, right?"

June nodded, relief softening her features. "You are kind. I was thinking, if your family sells sweaters, maybe I could help. We could find ways to make things better for both of us."

The suggestion sparked an idea in Ruelle, lighting up her face with a bright smile. "The sweaters... That's it! I could actually earn some money by selling them."

June noticed the shift in Ruelle's voice, her relief evident, which seemed to affect her own guarded demeanour for a moment. "Also from now on, I'll be quick when it's my turn for the bath. This way, you will have enough time, so you won't have to rush so much."

"That would be great..." Ruelle replied.

As June gathered her clothes and prepared to head to the bath, she paused, turning back to Ruelle. "You know what? You should go first today. I've left my bed a mess anyway."

"Really?" Ruelle asked, her tone laced with uncertainty, unsure if this was truly a gesture of goodwill or if there was something else behind it.

June shrugged casually. "It's only fair, considering I went first yesterday. Plus, it'll give me some time to sort my things out," she added with a light wave of her hand.

Ruelle stepped into the bathroom, closing the door with a soft click that resonated in the quiet space. She unbuttoned her nightgown, allowing the fabric to drift gracefully to the floor. Preparing herself for the familiar, sharp chill of the morning bath, she lowered herself into the tub.

However, as she turned the faucet, she was met with a cascade of murky water, its surface swirling with dark tendrils of grime. Her eyes widened in shock as she quickly stepped out, reaching for a towel and wrapping it tightly around herself. With the dirty water still pouring into the tub, she hurriedly exited the bathroom, driven by a mix of confusion and anger.

"Oh, good, you are done with your bath—" June began, her voice dripping with faux-pleasantness, but her eyes widened theatrically as Ruelle re-entered the room, clearly dishevelled. "What happened to you?"

Ruelle stared at the June. "Is this your doing? Is that why you let me take a bath first?"

"What? Me? I wasn't even in the bathroom, Ruelle. How would I know what happened?" June feigned innocence and a look of hurt crossed her features. "It must have been the senior vampiress! They were very mad at you yesterday, remember? They must have sneaked in while we were asleep."

For a moment, doubt flickered in Ruelle's mind. It was possible, given what occurred last night. However, she caught a fleeting smirk tugging at the corners of June's lips—a silent confession of her trickery. "It wasn't them—it was you! I knew your kindness was too good to be true. I haven't wronged you, so why are you trying to sabotage my life here?"

June sighed dramatically, her performance skilful and seemingly heartfelt. "I don't know what you're talking about. It's very rude of you to blame me, Ruelle. I thought we could leave the past behind, but clearly, you don't want to," she shot back, her tone dripping with faux sincerity. Before Ruelle could respond, June added, "I'm going to get ready now. Excuse me."

The sheer pettiness and malice left her stunned. She pursed her lips as she

no choice but to find a way

from yesterday, picked up her fresh ones, and darted out of the room. In her hurry, as she pulled the door closed

only adding to her mortification. She finally reached Hailey's room and knocked on

eyes widened in surprise

bath, please?" Ruelle asked, her voice mingling hope with a hint of pleading. She cast a glance past Hailey into the room

to invite her in. "Blake had some classwork and left early, so it's just me. My things are on the right if

or the pipes. She won't admit it, of course." She couldn't help

to endure her," Hailey sympathised, offering a comforting smile. "Let me go get something for you to eat while you shower. It will

gratitude at Hailey's

her clothes, the fabric clinging to her skin where the grimy water had left its mark. She tossed her sullied clothes into a bucket of water, deciding to let them soak while she

she imagined leaving this place behind. She could return to the simplicity of previous life rather than compete in this toxic race where everyone seemed intent on pulling each other

thoughts danced around the idea of escape. After thoroughly rinsing, she wrapped her hair in the towel, squeezing out the excess water before securing the same towel around her body. As

the far side of the room—a tall, dark silhouette against the glow of the morning sun rays. Her heart began to race, the rapid

a stack of books. His movements were precise and indifferent, as if she wasn't present. Ruelle fidgeted nervously, shifting her weight before quickly grabbing her dress to cover her shoulders, desperately trying to cover

here!" Ruelle's voice trembled. But Lucian didn't so much as flinch, his long fingers continuing to flip through the pages of a book as though

deep and cold. He didn't bother turning to look at her, his disinterest evident. "I heard you the first

control, but the words faltered in her throat. She had to get dressed—she needed to, if she was going to make

her voice shaky yet louder this time, "I—I

have no interest in what a human like you does." His voice was like silk, deceptively gentle but dripping with the same icy detachment

courage, she asked, "Do you always barge into

onto hers,

doors unlocked?" His voice was soft, laced with a patronising undertone that sent a shiver down Ruelle's spine.

one you..." her voice trailed off, her eyebrows furrowed as she watched him casually resume his search through the cupboard. "The one you told to change her name. Acting

turned to face her completely. The light from outside cast a faint glow around him, highlighting his dark, tousled hair and

his voice barely audible yet laced

quickened. She bit her lip, her throat dry as she forced herself to speak. "You have

of something dangerous flashing across his face. He stepped toward her, each movement deliberate and unhurried, pulling the room's warmth with him, leaving

barely above a whisper. "And you, human,

hands trembling. "You don't have to say it like that," she whispered,

felt suffocating.

I?" he said, his voice low. "Do you think you're special because Sawyer paid a little attention to you? Do you think you're different from the rest of the pathetic, desperate humans who crawl their way here, grovelling for a place where

to say, though her voice faltered. "I'll be leaving Sexton as soon as I can." It was something she decided while in the bath. She avoided his gaze, her body still embarrassedly aware of

a place for her and she was

There was a dark

stand her ground, but the intensity of his gaze left her utterly speechless. She could feel her resolve crumbling under the force of his words, her confidence slipping away like sand through her fingers.

instinct screamed at her to move, to do