Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 85: A hand extended

"Returning to lessons after the weekend feels tiresome." An Elite vampiress sighed dramatically before deciding, "I am going to skip the rest of the day," she said to another vampiress.

Ruelle watched the vampiress walk away in the other direction.

"Must be pleasant having the world bend for you," Kevin muttered under his breath. His voice sounded tired. "Meanwhile, people like us keep trying only to have no rewards."

Ruelle turned her head toward him. His shoulders looked slumped, his steps steady but his expression looked worn out. She offered softly,

"If you're tired, you should rest."

Hailey, who walked ahead of them, chimed in light-heartedly, "She's right. Missing this won't ruin your grades. No one will hunt you down for missing a ballroom lesson."

But Kevin shook his head almost immediately. He replied, "No. It's only one class before lunch. I can rest later," managing a small smile.

In the last class of the ballroom lessons, he had partnered with Ruelle and he had enjoyed it, despite his awkwardness. He looked forward to the shared time again.

"I have already stuffed cotton into my shoes today," Hailey smiled wide, "No more damage to my poor toes."

Ruelle felt awful about it, and she said, "You and Kevin should partner this time. We don't want you spraining your toes again."

Hailey waved her hand and replied, "Don't worry about it. And just because I am hurt, you shouldn't be too! Today will be wonderful!"

But as they approached the ballroom, Ruelle picked up on the voices coming from inside. They reached the grand double doors and Ruelle's footsteps faltered. The room was occupied by other students.

"Has our class been cancelled?" Ruelle asked with a frown, but they hadn't been informed about it. Maybe it was an end moment change, she thought to herself. Realising, she murmured, "These are the final-year students…"

Her eyes continued searching and finally stopped when she found Lucian standing across the hall. He was talking to one of the Elites. As if sensing her gaze, his head turned and their eyes met. And for a moment, Ruelle felt the room turn quieter with the chatter turning dull.

Confusion flickered in his eyes first as though seeing her there did not make sense. Then, almost immediately, something settled behind his eyes.

"Why are they here…?" Hailey's hands went cold as she whispered, unease creeping through her voice. It was because the final years were filled with Elites and a handful of Halflings, who took pleasure in humiliating humans. "I don't think I stuffed enough cotton…"

"What are you all doing blocking the doorway?" The ballroom instructor arrived with a grim expression as she stepped inside the room.

"There's another—" a Groundling began hesitantly.

"I did not ask for commentary," the vampiress cut in sharply. "Inside. Now. We have a lot to do."

Reluctantly, like cattle guided toward something unseen, the first-years walked inside. The instructor clapped her hands for attention.

"Listen carefully. With the Winter Celebration only three weeks away, first-years and final-years will now train together. Everyone"—her gaze swept across the students—"will participate."

A murmur rippled through the hall.

"And if we don't want to?" A young man asked in doubt.

the instructor's eyes slid pointedly

on a plush chair while he

must strengthen its bonds, what better way than

the instructor said tightly. "Even His Highness agrees. Consider this a gift and do not embarrass me," her eyes were directed at the humans, who had fumbled in the last class.

course, I understand some of you may feel overwhelmed," Edward's gaze drifted to the humans, "but fear not. You are in capable hands. A rare chance to learn elegance from those

believed the world spun a little brighter simply because he was present. Most of the young women leaned in

a step back and then another.

will now

pairing began, Kevin turned instinctively to his side, as if expecting

the back. She

He waved his hand as if summoning a pet he was particularly fond of. "Come here. You and I shall pair. Unless you already happen to have a partner. In that case," he

on the wrong side of the bed

had sought her a few seconds ago, now stood with his shoulders rigid from fear after what the Crown Prince had

noticed the dread in her friend's eyes. And for one fragile second, she felt alone beneath the weight of the

Ruelle replied with a small, strained

pick someone with no partner," Edward declared

gaze drifted past his shoulder. Her eyes found Lucian, who stood there composed

later, he turned toward the instructor, giving the impression that none of this concerned him

Ruelle lowered her lashes.

expect anything from him—no right to imagine he owed her concern or involvement simply because

had she ever given in return except inconvenience? His lack

through the ballroom, which was dark and intricately layered. The prince lifted his chin confidently, holding Ruelle's hand, and then took the first step

obvious, but Ruelle caught him frowning.

Edward scoffed with pride. "Why would

a fraction too long and Ruelle tried to keep

thought Ruelle. This was

has stolen your voice?" Edward wondered aloud, nodding as if answering himself. "Of course it has. It usually does. I try to be considerate but greatness is difficult

a nearby couple, then pretended

likes of commoners. I rarely converse with

"Then you don't have

would be terribly rude of me after what you did for me. I am surprised you didn't

him a small smile. She replied, "I would have helped anyone in your place

her. He asked genuinely puzzled, "Why though? You need money, don't

words. Though the prince's words hit the nail on the head, he wasn't wrong. When her eyes fell on his feet, she finally figured it out and began, "Your

"Edward," he corrected.

repeated. She leaned forward and whispered, "Do you perhaps not

it. I know every dance. I had five instructors to train me," Edward responded immediately while rolling his eyes. His chin lifted in stubborn pride,

a smile before clearing her

instructor interrupted, coming near them and catching the prince's attention. "We aren't

Irritation flashed across his face

begun," the instructor murmured to herself. Then, cautiously louder, "The dance chosen for

don't think I've heard of it," Edward said frankly, brows knitting