Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 91 : Held too close

Though the sky still held light, lanterns had already been lit around the grounds of Sexton, their glow stretching across the paths. It was six in the evening. The leaves from a nearby tree rustled before falling on the ground from the wind.

Right now, Ruelle waited for Edward, as he had told her that they would meet at this hour near the maze. But so far there was no sign of him.

She murmured, "Sexton seems quieter at this hour than usual. I should probably return." She didn't want to run into a bored vampire who would want to snack on her.

But at the same time a thumping sound answered her. It came from deeper within the trees—heavy, uneven, closing fast. Before she could take another step, something silver-black barrelled into her.

"Oomph!" She hit the ground hard, the breath knocked from her chest. For a moment, all she saw was lantern light spinning above her and then something wet brushed her cheek.

"Zhenya?" The wolf whined, tail wagging wildly as he licked her face. She laughed before saying, "You're going to crush me at this rate."

Zhenya shifted, just enough for her to breathe again. Sitting up, she scratched behind his ears. The wolf leaned into her touch as it closed its eyes. Curious, she asked softly, "What are you doing here?"

When she heard the crunching of leaves from someone's footsteps, without looking up, she said, "Don't be scared of him. He's harmless."

"I know. I raised him," came the cool reply.

Ruelle turned and caught Lucian standing not too far from where she was. The lantern light caught his sharp silhouette. She watched him walk towards them, holding a bag in his hand. She asked curiously,

"What's in the bag?"

"Carrots."

Eh? Ruelle blinked twice before asking, "Are you going to feed the rabbits with it…?"

"No. They are for the one sitting next to you," Lucian looked at the wolf, and Ruelle's frown deepened.

Were wolves vegetarians? She asked herself in doubt. She watched the wolf in quiet amazement.

There was an obvious hint of amusement in his eyes even though he didn't comment further. He opened the bag and pulled a red carrot. He broke it in half and tossed it without looking at the wolf, who was quick to jump and catch it in its mouth.

She then heard him ask, "Do you want to feed him?"

"I can?" she asked, surprised.

the entire bag

it into small pieces, as if trying to be mindful and handed it to the wolf, who was more than happy

I mean—I thought wolves usually go for the meat," while she took a comfortable seat

owner for feeding him carrots," Lucian murmured with a shake of

watch her brushing her fingers through the wolf's fur every once in a while, before she idly

are you taking

"No one."

too soon, Ruelle thought before asking, "What

one," he answered

Zhenya's tail thumped once against

his scrutiny settle on her. He

Is that something you're

for a moment longer than necessary, then looked away.

prince asked me

had always drawn affection without

as his dance partner, she did not

behind them and noticed there was no

should have told me if he wasn't

in her voice. He could have told her why Edward wasn't coming, but he chose not to. He had meant to keep his distance, but some actions slipped past intention before reason could

books with his eyes

supposed to be out of courtesy. But why do I feel like I have been tricked by you and father, hm?" Edward

before replying, "Y–Your Highness,

Edward gestured toward the scattered parchments on the desk. "An assignment.

men come here and start digging to construct separate quarters for Miss Belmont. Why else would there be

came to digging then,"

then ground

bury everyone in assignment?!" He asked with a

ground with Zhenya's head on her lap. She didn't know how long she sat in that position until a dull

head back. The weather is picking up," Lucian stated, his voice calm. Then, more firmly, "Zhenya.

wolf obeyed at once, lifting his head and moving away. The sudden absence of weight made the numbness in Ruelle's legs sharpen and she quickly

checking whether he had noticed her feet go numb. Before she could steady

before she could hit the ground, Lucian's hand caught the back of her scarf before

can let me go now," Ruelle said

the scarf at