Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 52: The Accusation

The Henley house was still, the silence broken only by the steady tick-tock of the grandfather clock in the drawing room. Caroline stood before the clock’s glass, tilting her head to admire the ruby necklace around her neck. She murmured, "How fortunate I am..."

Upon hearing footsteps, she turned swiftly, her face lighting up with an eagerness that bordered on desperation. "Ezekiel, you’re finally home!" she exclaimed.

Ezekiel leaned forward to brush a superficial kiss against her cheek, his lips barely grazing her skin. "Caroline," he greeted smoothly, slipping off his coat and draping it neatly over a chair. "It’s rather late. Shouldn’t you be resting?"

"I couldn’t sleep," Caroline replied, her tone wistful, a small pout forming on her lips. "You’re always working... always away. I wanted to wait for you. Maybe we could have dinner together?"

Ezekiel’s eyes flicked briefly to the untouched dining table before settling on her face, his smile practiced and faint. "Of course."

Caroline brightened. Together, they moved to the dining room. A maid appeared silently, pouring a stream of dark, crimson liquid into Ezekiel’s crystal glass. The deep red hue caught the faint candlelight, glinting like liquid garnets as Ezekiel raised it to his lips. He took a slow sip, the silence between them stretching.

Caroline fidgeted, her fingers twisting together in her lap, before she began, "Ezekiel, I have been wondering... when will you turn me into a Halfling?"

The question hung in the air, and for a fraction of a second, the faintest twitch of amusement ghosted across Ezekiel’s lips. He lowered his glass and replied, "Your parents would never forgive me. And the process... it’s unpredictable. Dangerous. I couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to you."

Her breath caught, the rehearsed care in his tone momentarily melting her doubts. "You truly care for me, don’t you?" she whispered, her insecurities bubbling beneath her words.

"Of course," he replied, leaning forward to place his hand on hers. The touch was gentle, his fingertips cool against her skin. "You’re my wife. My responsibility. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you."

Caroline’s cheeks flushed, a shy, hopeful smile lighting up her face. "You’re so good to me, Ezekiel. I don’t know what I’d do without you."

Ezekiel’s answering smile was faint, detached. His gaze shifted, sliding past her to the flickering candlelight.

Ruelle.

Her name slipped into his thoughts, threading through his mind. Knowing that Ruelle was sharing a room with Lucian Slater—gnawed at him. She didn’t belong under the roof of another man. She belonged with him. Protected. Watched over. Claimed. The idea of her, night after night, in that room... it made his blood simmer.

As Caroline chattered on about her day, Ezekiel’s mind churned. He needed a plan—something clean and irrefutable to remove her from Lucian’s proximity. His gaze flicked briefly to the necklace around Caroline’s neck, and a glint of cunningness sparking in his eyes.

A theft. His mind sharpened with the idea. If Ruelle were implicated in something significant enough, she would be forced out of an Elite’s room. Out of Lucian’s reach.

Caroline tilted her head, her voice cutting through his reverie. "Ezekiel? You’ve gone so quiet. What are you thinking about?"

Ezekiel turned to her, his smile slow and calculated.

"Just admiring how lovely you look tonight," he replied, his voice rich with practiced warmth. He raised his glass once more. His eyes glinted over the rim as he took another sip. He then continued, his voice slipping into a low murmur, the words trailing like a spider’s silk,

seems to

a very agreeable person," Caroline replied, before taking

Ezekiel responded back and then said, "Though,

curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?" she pressed, tilting her head.

with June..." Ezekiel

lacing her voice. "Who is she with,

morning light filtered through the high arched windows of the Sexton dining hall, casting golden streaks across the long wooden tables. The students sat scattered in clusters, the clink of utensils and quiet murmurs creating a lively

They’ve betrayed me," Hailey groaned, her

is time for you to stop eating dessert for every meal, Hailey," Kevin replied

soft smile, placing a comforting hand on Hailey’s arm. "It’s probably just nerves. These tests are

powder room before I disgrace myself here," Hailey muttered,

offered immediately, concern flickering in her eyes. She stood and said to Kevin, "We’ll be quick." Helping her

eyes flicked towards the table where Ruelle’s bag rested, surrounded by the remnants of breakfast plates and a few distracted students.

approached the table casually. He stopped beside

How’s

looked up, surprised but pleased by the attention. "Oh, Mr. Henley!

chuckled softly. "They’re meant to be. Builds character." He rested his hand briefly on the edge of the table, his eyes sweeping across the surface as though idly scanning for

is yet to come, right?"

sense many of your peers will scramble at the eleventh hour. Tell me, have you prepared yours

yet. I thought I would

you can execute it properly. Remember, this task isn’t just about submission—it’s about control and precision.

nervous chuckle escaped before he could stop

the young man fiddled with his cup, Ezekiel’s fingers brushed against the strap of Ruelle’s bag, slipping something into one of its compartments. The movement was seamless, unnoticed even

subject than meets the eye, Kevin. I trust

fervently. "Yes, Mr.

turned to leave, his pace unhurried. The object was in place. Now, all

smile to himself as he stepped out of the room. I am sorry,

A thief in their midst? It would be unforgivable. Even Lucian Slater,

accusations began, when the cold stares and whispered insults broke her fragile resolve of staying

of compassion. Ezekiel would remind her that she wasn’t alone. He could already imagine her soft, teary eyes looking up at him, grateful and vulnerable. And in that moment, she would see the truth: he was the only one who cared. The only one who

the staircase, his steps echoing in the empty corridor. She would belong to him—mind, body, and soul. It was only a matter of

dining table with Hailey, the latter

asked raising

handing a