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 be adjusting in

She is a very agreeable person,"

Ezekiel responded back and then said, "Though, I wonder how she’s managing with the new

fork paused mid-air, her curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?" she pressed, tilting her head.

with June..." Ezekiel

confusion lacing her voice. "Who

The students sat scattered in clusters, the clink of utensils and quiet murmurs creating a lively yet muted atmosphere. Ruelle sat at her usual spot near the end of one table, sitting with

damned berry tarts. They’ve betrayed me," Hailey groaned, her forehead pressed against

eating dessert for every meal, Hailey," Kevin replied wryly,

said with a soft smile, placing a comforting hand on Hailey’s

what it is, but I think I need the powder room before I disgrace myself here," Hailey muttered, getting up from

stood and said to Kevin, "We’ll be quick." Helping her friend, she said, "Come on, let’s get

rose gracefully from his chair. His sharp eyes flicked towards

table casually. He stopped beside

Reynolds. How’s the

pleased by the attention. "Oh, Mr. Henley! Good morning. It’s

hand briefly on the edge of the table, his eyes sweeping

to come, right?" Kevin

Two days remain, yet I sense many of your peers will scramble at the eleventh

the back of his neck sheepishly. "Not yet. I thought I would draw it day after

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

stop it. "I will keep

said, his tone light but commanding. His hand moved with fluid precision as Kevin’s attention was diverted. While the young man fiddled with his cup, Ezekiel’s

composed. "There’s more to my subject than meets the eye, Kevin. I trust you’ll approach it with

fervently. "Yes, Mr.

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

am sorry, Ruelle,

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

and whispered insults broke her fragile resolve of staying at Sexton, where else would she

wasn’t alone. He could already imagine her soft, teary eyes looking up at him, grateful and vulnerable. And in

the staircase, his steps echoing in the empty corridor. She

to the dining table with Hailey, the latter looked slightly less pale, though her

alright?" Kevin asked raising

Ruelle replied, before handing a