Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 99: Hand that Held her

Hearing the bone crack, Ruelle’s heart pounded louder than before, her vision blurring with anxiety. For a fleeting second, she wondered if coming here had been a terrible mistake.

Gasps escaped from the other customers, yet no one dared to move after what just happened.

The vampire who had touched Ruelle before, now had his cheek pressed hard against the wall. He struggled to pull free but the hand holding him did not budge.

"Unhand me this instant! How dare you put your hands on me?" the vampire hissed, trying to gather his remaining dignity.

Slowly, Ruelle turned her gaze to the person and her breath caught.

Lucian.

For a moment she could only stare at him, her thoughts scattering like frightened birds. What was he doing here?

When Lucian’s gaze found hers, Ruelle stared right back at him with wide eyes, unable to form a single word. But then his attention shifted to the faint bruise shadowing her face and something in his expression hardened.

"Do you have any idea who I am?" the vampire snarled, "I–"

Without a word, Ruelle watched as Lucian pulled the vampire’s head back before driving it into the wall with ruthless force and then again. A chill ran down her spine. The vampire collapsed instantly, sliding to the floor in a limp heap, blood dripping down against the white wall.

The two companions of the fallen vampire, seeing him unconscious, stood up at once, their chairs scraping against the floor.

"You are going to regret this," one of them warned, though his voice wavered. "You—"

"Step out," Lucian warned, his voice devoid of emotion. "Unless you wish to join him."

Before either man could reply, one of them caught sight of an officer entering the inn and seized the chance.

"Officer!" he called out hurriedly. "This person attacked our friend for no reason and tried to kill him. You must charge him for it!"

Lucian did not so much as glance in their direction as he took a step closer towards Ruelle, his eyes smouldering.

The officer who had just entered paused. He was the same person who had accompanied Lucian into the town earlier that morning, before the pureblooded vampire had abruptly disappeared from his side.

"You seem to have caused a ruckus here. Come out. Also, someone get that fallen one too," the officer ordered, ushering the two men outside and within moments the inn was almost empty again.

Inside the inn, Ruelle didn’t meet Lucian’s eyes out of shame as she looked at the side even though he stood in front of her.

She wished he hadn’t seen her in this dishevelled and pitiful state. She hid her trembling hands behind her.

When Lucian’s hand moved to her face, Ruelle flinched with the instinctive fear of being struck again surfacing before she could stop it. His hand halted midair, his jaw clenching.

"Who did this to you?" Lucian asked, his voice hardened.

Ruelle forced herself to meet his gaze and the moment she did, the fragile composure she had clung to all day shattered. A tear slipped down her cheek.

"Ruelle..." Lucian said, his eyes softening.

sound of her name on

she had left Sexton this morning, she had been spoken to with anger and dismissal. And now, standing before her, Lucian did not look at her

was all it took for her composure to break. A small, helpless sob escaped before she could stop it and tears followed faster than she could hide

Lucian’s chest as the weight of

Lucian went still.

not move at all, his hands hovering uncertainly at his

it on the back of her head.

finally settled and her thoughts grew quiet again, she took a small step back, her lashes wet

arms. His eyes flew to the bloodstained wall.

have someone come to repair the damage," Lucian stated, offering compensation

you, sire." Then the man’s gaze shifted to the young woman and he instructed, "Go

back at Ruelle and remarked, "I would prefer she sit with me at the table. And bring something for her to

innkeeper blinked in confusion, clearly

the innkeeper could say something to offend Lucian by mistake, his wife appeared from the kitchen, took hold of his sleeve and dragged him back inside to explain what had truly

other at the table. The inn turned completely empty, where the customers had quietly gathered their things

her lap, feeling Lucian’s intense stare that didn’t leave

know you worked here

voice small. She looked at

face as he watched her carefully. He then suddenly asked, "Was it your family who did this to

pause before she gave

silence that followed was

from Sexton." She paused before adding what he must have already known, "They wouldn’t come off. Mother

came out with the food for Ruelle and placed it before her. He

"You should

small, courteous bow and reached

stand idly. The man felt it immediately and

his movements stilled. His gaze lingered on her

caught the faint scent of blood on her,

"There’s more," he murmured.

catch Lucian’s eyes that had darkened. He

else did

like nothing less than baring

answer it and

it before he turned to look outside the inn through the window, his

reached for the fork and knife. But when she tried to cut a piece, her hand trembled and the knife slipped. She tried again, but the knife sliped once again.

worse it becomes. Some things are better to be taken care by someone else," Lucian stated, taking the knife and fork from her. He cut the meat

head to Slater mansion,"

Ruelle echoed in her mind. She refused right away,

believe that it is wise

her lips and let him know, "You

misfortunate myself," Lucian replied, his eyes holding hers without a

was placed at the back of Lucian’s carriage. She thanked the innkeeper and his wife with a polite bow. Then she climbed inside the carriage, the soft cushions welcoming her weary body. Lucian followed shortly after handing the inn couple a pouch

and Ruelle

Slater mansion, Maude appeared at