Chapter 16: You don't know me

Saturday arrived quicker than expected for the Elites. Meanwhile, for the Groundlings, the week felt like an eternity under the weight of serving the vampires and living under their constant shadow. Now, the students gathered beside the carriages that were destined for various towns.

"Best wishes to your sister and her husband-to-be. I hope you enjoy the celebrations!" Hailey said warmly, having decided to visit her grandfather before heading home.

"Thank you. I hope you have a safe journey," Ruelle replied with a smile, having come to bid Hailey farewell.

As Hailey rummaged through her satchel, she said, "I think Kevin wanted to attend your sister's wedding."

Ruelle blinked, the meaning of Hailey's words passing over her like the gentle breeze that stirred her hair. "He does seem interested in gatherings. He was talking about the soiree two days ago."

Hailey laughed at this, realising how Ruelle missed the point. She replied, "He does seem sociable, but I think it wasn't that. Not to mention, you gave him homework."

"That's because he has a lot of catching up to do before the tests," Ruelle explained, determined to help him succeed.

Hailey was about to say something when she suddenly pulled out a handkerchief and exclaimed, "How did I pick up Blake's kerchief?"

"Get inside the carriage! We're leaving now," the coachman announced, casting an impatient look their way.

"Wait! I need to return this!" Hailey said, her eyes widening in alarm.

The coachman shot her a sharp glance. "The carriage moves with or without you. Shouldn't have wasted time chitchatting, huh?"

it on Monday when you're back," Ruelle suggested, aware that once

worry creasing her brow. "I would, but I know Blake cherishes this one

I still have a few spare minutes before I

and asked, "Would you really? I know it's not much, but Blake can

assured her with a soft

over the kerchief before quickly clambering inside. Moments later, the horses pulled the

then turned toward the direction where the

out in its splendour, making the local carriages look ordinary by comparison. Vampires and vampiresses glanced at her suspiciously, wondering why someone

down again when she noticed the midnight-haired vampire standing next to her. Lucian and Blake were deep in conversation, and Ruelle's heart raced as she approached, holding the kerchief tightly in

She could feel the searing gaze coming from Lucian, which she tried to avoid. She offered a deep bow, and she raised the kerchief, "This is yours. Hailey

handkerchief in Ruelle's hand, and for a brief moment, something like

handkerchief as she took it from Ruelle's hand. She folded it neatly,

modest nod. "I didn't mind. It

nod, her lips curling into a small, appreciative smile, before turning to Lucian. "Are you sure you don't want to come

his expression remained composed. "Enjoy yourselves without me. I have other things

gave another knowing nod. "Well, if

safe," he said quietly, as Blake turned to leave. She offered a final

leave before the awkwardness deepened. She gave a small bow, preparing to walk away, when Lucian's

"Quite considerate of you."

glancing back toward him, her expression caught between curiosity and unease. "Pardon me?" Her eyes finally met his dark, brooding red gaze, which sent a flutter

is about to leave," Lucian remarked, his tone deceptively casual as he glanced at the

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