Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 45: Closed windows

Music Recommendation: The missing piece - Eleftherios

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Inside the room, Ruelle changed out of her dirt-streaked, disheveled clothes with trembling fingers. Her skin felt clammy, the memory of being locked in that dark, cramped cupboard still weighing on her chest. Buttoning up her nightdress to her chin, she felt a flicker of relief knowing Lucian hadn’t seen Ezekiel’s embrace. But why had Lucian assumed she was married?

When a flash of lightning split the night, illuminating the room with harsh light, she jumped on the couch, instinctively pulling the blanket up to her chin as the rumble shook the window.

Then, just as silence settled again, the door creaked open, and Lucian stepped into the room. For a brief moment, he simply looked at her, his expression unreadable. Closing the door, he spoke, his tone even, carrying just a hint of detachment,

"I informed Blake that you are safe. You should go to sleep. It’s late, and we have classes in the morning."

Ruelle nodded. "I...yes, I was about to." She hesitated, then added, "Thank you for letting Hailey know."

He cocked his head slightly before turning away.

Ruelle took her cue to lay down on the couch, while clutching the blanket and her gaze following her roommate. She noticed him sit on the edge of the bed, pulling out the laces of his shoe, before removing it.

His hand lifted toward the candle to extinguish it, but a sudden crash of thunder shook the room, making her flinch, her heart pounding against her ribcage. His fingers paused, curling back before dropping to his side, the candle left to burn.

Just as Ruelle began to feel herself drifting, she heard Lucian say something but didn’t quite catch it. She asked just above a whisper,

"Did... did you just say something?"

Lucian’s voice, low and almost hesitant, broke the silence. "I said I’m sorry." His red eyes flicked briefly towards her, distant yet intense.

blinked in surprise.

about you," he replied, his tone clipped, but he averted

could only guess what he meant, but the apology itself surprised her. A soft smile formed on her lips. She

the misunderstanding is cleared and we can

his gaze, but it disappeared as

hasn’t changed, and I still count your kind to be conniving and traitors, so don’t expect anything from me," his

his disdain for humans seemed deeply rooted, beyond mere prejudice. As she lay in the couch, she felt an uncomfortable warmth creep

slipped on his coat, casting a brief, dismissive glance at

think all that enthusiasm for study would get her up on time," Lucian muttered, reaching for the door—but then he hesitated. A

intend to make use of that diligent reputation

didn’t wake up. Her breathing was uneven and laboured, and his gaze narrowed, noticing the flush in her cheeks and the sheen of sweat dampening her brow. His eyes flicked back towards the door, instinct

he called again, his

out, his hand moving reluctantly toward her forehead. His cool fingers brushed her skin, and he felt

his mind that belonged to the previous night. Her fingers had clutched to his coat as though her very world had crumbled, while she stood

"How fragile and troublesome."

up. She squinted against the dim light, noticing

light yet edged with mischief, broke through her fog. Dane appeared, his ever-present smile lifting at

murmured,

will do just fine," he replied, his eyes crinkling with an easy grace. "I’m just here to make sure you don’t get up to any more mischief while

flush rose in her cheeks. "I—I’m sorry for causing trouble. I

classes today and was starting to get a bit bored." His gaze wandered to Lucian’s undisturbed bed, and he quirked a brow. "Seems my brother’s a

couch is perfectly fine. It is comfortable," she replied quickly, her face

eyes. After going to tug on the rope to summon some assistance, he settled back in the chair