Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 31: Collision of Worlds

Ruelle stood outside Lucian’s door, staring at the handle as if it might bite her. Her heart thudded heavily in her chest.

To her side, her belongings were piled neatly at the entrance. She had agreed to this arrangement, but the thought of sharing a room with Lucian Slater was far from comforting. She hadn’t even had the chance to thank him properly—he had immediately left Mr. Mortis’ office without a word.

Just breathe, she told herself, her hand hovering over the door handle. He probably already thought she was a nuisance.

Ruelle hesitated for another moment before finally pushing the door open. The room was dim, the faint light from the hallway casting long shadows. Lucian was absent, and she released a breath.

How had Mr. S even convinced him to let her stay here? She wondered. She had been so sure he would refuse outright.

As she entered the room, hesitantly taking a step, she noticed—Lucian’s room was nothing like hers or Hailey’s room. It was larger than she expected. Dark, sleek furniture dominated the space, with shelves lined with meticulously ordered books and cabinets. Heavy velvet curtains hung across the windows. In one corner, a single bed, draped in black silk sheets, lay against the wall. It was as cold and unwelcoming as its owner.

A shiver ran down her spine as the icy air settled around her. The fireplace was nothing more than an empty, cold relic. Ruelle quickly moved her things inside and shut the door softly behind her. She wanted to let Hailey know she was safe, but the thought of running into Alanna kept her rooted to the spot.

"I’ll tell her tomorrow," she whispered to herself. She hurried to light a few candles to chase away the gloom.

Her eyes darted to the lone bed in the room. It was obviously Lucian’s, and the thought of lying there made her stomach twist with anxiety. She wasn’t going to share the bed with a man. Grabbing a blanket from her belongings, she spread it across the floor, trying to make herself comfortable. The cold seeped through the stone floor, chilling her even as she curled.

Her thoughts swirled with uncertainty and guilt. And though she tried to fall asleep, it was difficult knowing she was rooming with a male.

The next morning, Ruelle woke up early with light filtering in through the cracks in the curtains. Her back didn’t ache as she sat upright, as she was used to the floor.

The room was silent— with no sign of Lucian yet.

Ruelle glanced around, noticing the disarray—some books scattered across the windows, loose parchments strewn haphazardly on the desk, and cushions tossed carelessly on the couch.

"Maybe I should clean this place up," she thought loudly. She didn’t have anything to offer him for letting her stay here, but she could show him she wasn’t a burden.

As she moved to pick up a book, an old memory resurfaced, her mother’s harsh voice echoing in her mind.

clean your own room?" her mother looked at her with

"No,

response she received, who said, "Caroline is busy. You should be grateful you have a room at all. Now stop waiting around and clean up. And don’t expect anyone to thank

memory away, biting the inside of her cheek. She just wanted to

on and stacking it neatly in the corner. Then she gathered the books, carefully placing them back on the shelves in the order they seemed to belong. Loose parchments were smoothed and arranged

She gently picked it up, intending to place

then that door creaked open behind

room, his presence immediately filling the space. His sharp red eyes scanned the room as though sensing that something had shifted. Then they locked onto her—and the pot in her hands. She felt the sudden shift

said, his voice low and dangerous, "do you think

up. I—I thought since I’m staying here, I should help—" Ruelle replied, not knowing what was wrong. The simmering anger beneath his words made her

snatching the pot from her hands with a sharp motion. His glare pinned her in place and he warned her, "Don’t you ever touch my things again. Unless, you don’t

her breath catching in her throat. She explained, "I didn’t mean to invade your privacy. I just

to slits, sharp and predatory. "For someone

embarrassment. She replied, "That wasn’t my intention! I was just trying to show gratitude

trouble and asked my brother to help you find a

her a moment to piece together

breath faltered, hurt and disbelief flooding her chest. She replied, "I don’t know why you keep insisting I am climbing a ladder when I

other humans caught in unfortunate circumstances. How

Lucian stood there, his gaze locked onto hers with a coldness that made

me for touching your things. I’ll stay out of your way," Ruelle finally said, her voice quiet and strained. "I’ll keep to myself and not

He placed the pot back on the side table with an almost deliberate gentleness that contrasted the icy rage simmering in his eyes. He then stated, "And there’s only

blinked, and

narrowed further, a dangerous glint flashing within them. "You have a problem

quickly shook her head. The couch was a luxury compared to what she had

Lucian to finish getting ready. The

Lucian stepped out in his pristine attire, every button neatly fastened, his expression as unreadable as ever. He walked past her, without so much as a glance, while she caught the faint scent of crisp morning air clinging to his clothes

herself, dressing quickly before

the murmur of conversation—and Ruelle’s eyes swept over the sea of faces until she spotted her friend. Hailey’s face lit up

God you’re alive! I was so worried