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.

month or two, the winners from today’s games

field or prevented

saying "I will place a small wager on your

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

can appreciate a well-played game. Besides, Stakers

if he would think

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 the very Stakers he now

by her 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 strategy—it sharpens

door creaked open, drawing their attention. Alanna stepped out, her expression irritated, and she rolled

guard reappeared and gestured towards the open door.

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. Both had their

suspicion had been right. It

broke through the silence, calm yet piercing. Seated behind his imposing mahogany desk, he regarded her with steely

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

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

staying with a friend in her village for the weekend—Hailey Elliot. I doubt there was anyone at home since my sister is married and my parents were

line. She stated, "June mentioned how you were causing her trouble, claiming it was unbearable to share a room with

Ruelle replied, keeping her tone respectful. "June and I haven’t spoken to each other in days. In fact, the truth

you decided to take matters into your own hands, is that it? Alanna told us