Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 12: Scars of love

Ruelle's nerves trembled like leaves caught in a strong wind beneath the scrutiny of Lucian's intense gaze, each pass of his dark red eyes seeming to weigh her very soul. Her heart pounded within her chest as the gravity of his demanding demeanour left her thoroughly disarmed.

At the same moment, a sudden breeze swept through the woods, stirring her blonde locks, which brushed against her cheeks and fell softly across her face as she stood in front of the Elite vampire.

"What are you doing here in Sexton?" Lucian questioned, his tone sharpening by an edge she couldn't quite place.

"Attending class like everyone else," Ruelle replied, her voice small and uncertain. In that moment, she felt exposed, her carefully guarded inadequacies laid bare under his scorn. His annoyance was an unspoken accusation, echoing the clumsy moments that had earlier earned his contempt, leaving her to question every flaw she had tried to conceal. "To make a living..."

Lucian's brow furrowed ever so slightly, his eyes flickering with a flicker of something Ruelle couldn't quite decipher. For a moment, he seemed caught off-guard by her response, before his usual aloofness reasserted itself.

"Of course. What else would have brought you here?" He murmured, his voice laced with mockery.

Ruelle blinked, confused as her palms began to sweat. Wasn't that the reason everyone came to Sexton—to make a living? Yet, beneath his seemingly simple statement, his words hinted at an implication she couldn't grasp.

"What are you two doing there?" Mr. Jinxy's voice cut through the tension, his eyes narrowing at Hailey, who rested casually against the rough bark of a towering tree, and Ruelle, who appeared engrossed in a conversation with Lucian. "Both of you, follow me. We are going to the shed to fetch the weapons used for Hunt and Stake."

Ruelle didn't think twice before bolting out of there with Hailey, hot on Mr. Jinxy's trail. As they fled, she couldn't shake the sensation of eyes boring into her back, but she dared not glance back.

Over the next three days, life at Sexton resumed at its relentless pace. The peculiar classes came and went, during which Ruelle dutifully scribbled down every word the instructors uttered until her wrist ached from the constant note-taking.

During this time, a routine began to form with Hailey and Kevin, where they shared meals and discussed their unusual subjects.

Now, in the quiet dining room, which was nearly empty save for a few lingering souls, the scent of dinner hung in the air. Ruelle found herself seated at a corner table, overlooking Hailey's writing, while Kevin sat across from her. It was then when she suddenly sensed someone's eyes on her. Her heart fluttered with unease as she glanced up, bracing for that familiar, intense gaze.

But Lucian was nowhere to be seen, nor did she find anyone looking at her. She couldn't shake the way he looked at her, almost as if it haunted her. And although she was worried about running into him, she hadn't caught sight of him for the last three days.

it!" Kevin exclaimed with a small grin,

on quickly," Ruelle replied, a

"I wonder if we could ask Mr. S for some books out of pity," she sighed wistfully. "Yet we would still

now to clean the Elites' rooms and polish their shoes," Kevin explained, rising from his seat and gathering his belongings. "What about you,

home for the weekend. I'll borrow some wool and knit sweaters or scarves to sell to the Elites," Ruelle replied

for the help, Ruelle," he said with

visit our families. I miss my parents," Hailey said, resting her arms on the table, her eyes filled with a wistful longing. She added with a fond smile, "Last week, my

wavered at Hailey's words, the warmth of her friend's fond memories casting

rules and standards tied to performance. Even so, she never questioned her family's love—it was the only kind she had ever known. Deep down, she clung to the

the thoughts swirled in her mind, Ruelle silently hoped that Caroline wasn't still upset with her and would understand that coming to Sexton wasn't her

lit and filled with an eerie silence. As Hailey and Ruelle made their way to their door rooms, their footsteps echoed softly, each sound swallowed by the encroaching darkness. Just as Hailey opened her mouth to speak, a figure suddenly lunged

the cold stone

eyes gleaming like shards of ice in the dim glow. She loomed over Ruelle, her presence suffocating. Behind her, three Halfling lackeys stood with twisted smirks etched on their lips, their shadows flickering menacingly

vice-like grip. "How bold of you two to be walking about at this hour. Did

protested, her voice trembling with defiance. One of Alanna's lackeys responded by yanking

you two, and you seem to not understand your place. Not an ounce of fear in

go. We just want to return to our rooms," Ruelle pleaded, her voice steady but edged

that echoed down the empty corridor. "You think you were too special to undress in front of the other first-year Groundlings in

them do it here in the corridor, milady," suggested one of the mean girls, eager

came. She struggled against her captors, and with a frantic movement, managed to break free. As she

out again. "I thought you were preserving yourself for the prince with how modestly

to cover herself, pressing her back against the unforgiving stone wall. Her eyes, previously defiant, now

side of Ruelle's shoulder, leaving her even more exposed. Simultaneously, the other vampiress ripped the

like this..." Alanna's voice drawled with smug satisfaction as her eyes fell on another scar. "You're quite ambitious to set your sights on