Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 41: Suspicion on her

Ruelle followed the guard towards Mr. Oak’s office, where soft footsteps echoed in the corridors. She hadn’t expected to be summoned—at least not today, and especially not right after the game. Her eyes flicked up to the walls, noting the portraits of staff and other important people who all appeared to be either vampires or vampiresses.

At last, they arrived at a large, intricately carved wooden double door. The guard turned to her and instructed,

"Wait here. Mr. Oak is currently occupied. You will be called in soon."

Ruelle nodded, folding her hands in front of her. What could the head of the Sexton possibly want her? Perhaps it was about June? She was still lost in thought when the distant murmur of voices drifted closer, echoing softly through the corridor.

Turning, she saw two familiar figures approaching—it was Mr. S—Dane Slater, and Ms. Gemma Gilbert. Dane’s light-hearted tone carried through the air as he conversed with Ms. Gilbert, his easy grin making him look strikingly different from his younger brother, Lucian. Ruelle couldn’t help but wonder if they didn’t share different parents—because there was something strikingly different in the brothers’ demeanours and energy.

"I must say, I seem to keep finding you in one office or another, Ms. Belmont," Dane remarked with a grin when he caught sight of her, slowing his pace slightly. "Getting acquainted with the staff, are we?"

Ruelle managed a polite smile. "Not voluntarily."

Dane’s grin widened. "I heard your team won today," he said, offering a congratulatory nod. "Quite the achievement."

"Thank you, Mr. S. It was a team effort," Ruelle offered a modest smile, feeling both flattered and slightly self-conscious at the praise. She hesitated a moment before adding, "If I may, the nature of the match does put people like me at a disadvantage. Facing experienced hunters and Stakers who are in their final year—it feels a bit more than uneven."

Dane’s expression softened. He replied, "That’s fair. But keep in mind, today’s game was just the preliminary round. Consider it a first round."

"You mean there’s more?" Ruelle asked, her brows furrowing.

would end so quietly, did you?" Dane chuckled. "In a month

field or prevented Lucian from looking for the feather, Ruelle thought to

saying "I

Gilbert crossed her arms, while teasingly questioning Dane, "Playing favourites now, Mr. Slater? Isn’t that a bit unbecoming for an

replied, "Oh, come on, Ms. Gilbert. Surely you can appreciate a well-played game. Besides, Stakers need a little extra support now and then—I feel for them. Also, we need

was here, Ruelle wondered if he would think it was talent to

him fool you, Ms. Belmont," Ms. Gilbert said with an amused smile, leaning closer and her voice dropping to a near whisper. "He may seem charming, but he’s no stranger to strategy. Back when he was a student, he was rarely a Staker. In fact, he made a name for himself hunting

teasing. A hint of nostalgia creeped into his tone as he said, "There’s a thrill in the hunt that’s hard to explain. That rush of adrenaline, the focus, the

door creaked open, drawing their attention. Alanna stepped out, her expression irritated, and she rolled her eyes. Before walking away, her eyes met Ruelle’s and without a word,

and gestured towards the open door. "Ms.

of tall, flickering candles cast deep shadows across the room, while additional candles perched on iron stands. Her eyes were quick to catch Mr. and Mrs. Clifford standing in the room.

been right. It was

Belmont, is it?" Headmaster Oak’s voice broke through the silence, calm yet piercing. Seated behind

responded, giving a respectful bow. Her gaze briefly drifted to Mrs. Clifford, whose eyes flashed

a matter that troubles the Cliffords," Headmaster Oak continued, his gaze flicking to the couple. "Their daughter, June Clifford, has gone missing. Also, your previous roommate, I heard. Mrs. Clifford informs me that June was sent on an errand to your family’s home this past Sunday. She sent a note stating she’d be heading to Sexton

about June’s disappearance, but I have been unaware of her visit to my house. I was staying with a friend in her village for the weekend—Hailey Elliot. I doubt there

lips pressed into a tight, thin line. She stated, "June mentioned how you were causing her trouble, claiming it was unbearable to share

haven’t spoken to each

hand tightened on her husband’s arm as she stared at Ruelle, eyes hard with suspicion. "So you decided to take matters into your own hands, is