Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 26: Hardwork lost

The light from the window was dim as the sun had begun to set. Ruelle stood by her drawers, her brows knitting in frustration. Hailey, standing behind her, suggested,

"Maybe you put it somewhere else?"

"No," Ruelle responded, shaking her head, her voice laced with quiet certainty.

She had tucked the scarf inside this very drawer before leaving for class. She was sure of it. Her eyes scanned the room once more. The scarf was gone. And with it, the sense of accomplishment and personal victory that had come from knitting it. It wasn’t just the scarf—it was her time, her effort, and her hope.

Her mind raced back to the only possibility that made sense. Her roommate. She was the one who had access to this room. Not to mention the trouble she had caused before, which was enough to make Ruelle suspect her.

"I should check with June," Ruelle whispered to herself, almost reluctantly. She didn’t want to accuse anyone without proof. Especially not someone she had to live with.

Hailey crossed her arms, her frown deepening as she replied, "It wouldn’t surprise me if she took it."

With only the two of them there, they began to search, pulling open drawers and rifling through cupboards. Ruelle’s movements became more frantic as the seconds passed, lifting the mattress, checking every hidden corner as though the scarf might be hiding, waiting to be found.

The door creaked open behind them, and both Ruelle and Hailey paused. June stood in the doorway, her arms crossed. "What do you think you are doing, touching my things?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing with suspicion

Ruelle straightened, and explained, "My scarf is missing. Have you seen it?"

"You thought I took it? Why on earth would I want your silly little scarf?" June rolled her eyes as she stepped into the room, and said, "So, naturally, I’m the thief because I’m your roommate? Please. If I wanted something from you, trust me, it wouldn’t be that cheap piece of fabric."

things, not without proof. Instead, Ruelle tried to keep her calm and replied, "No one’s accusing you. I’m just asking if you’ve

tossing her hair over her shoulder. "I haven’t. And honestly, it sounds like you’re just looking for someone to blame. I already had a bad day

something from her cupboard and left the room.

sighed as if remembering something. "I will

I will be fine." As Hailey left, she sat down on the edge of her bed, staring

her knitting supplies and headed to an empty classroom to start over. And though fuelled by determination, her hands trembled as she tried to focus on the intricate motions, flying faster than usual, the yarn slipping between her fingers

for the

needles might start a fire," a voice teased softly, carrying an easy

head snapped up, startled by the

His blond hair gleamed faintly in the lantern’s soft glow, while the edges of his lips curled into that permanent half-smile that never

didn’t mean to disturb," she said, her voice a little too quick, realising how noisy her knitting had

see someone this dedicated, even if it does sound like you’re trying to burn the place

hungry," Ruelle replied, the hesitation in her voice betraying her inner state.

know," Dane murmured, his voice so soft it almost seemed like he wasn’t speaking to her at all. He shifted, his expression returning to its usual lightness as he asked, "How’s Sexton treating you?

knives. Waiting for someone to get beheaded,"

to dress things up to make

vampires. And some humans," Ruelle

the playful edge as he said, "You know it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture when things feel... overwhelming. It’s like looking through a keyhole and only seeing the worst parts. But the funny

had a presence that seemed to fill the room without being overbearing. She

in the emotions of the day.

for a second it felt like he wanted to say something else. But then he said, "I enjoy giving