Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 104: There Is No ‘We’

Almost a week passed in the Slaters’ Mansion and Ruelle spent most of her time in the library. As if idleness might invite fate to notice her and take back the peace she had received.

There had been hours when she followed Maude through the corridors while trying to be helpful. Right now, the housekeeper wore a stern expression and said,

"Miss Ruelle, please sit in the drawing room. The back of the kitchen is unsuitable for you."

"But I am used to that side. I used to work back at home," Ruelle reasoned.

"If you require anything, I will bring it," Maude said firmly. The housekeeper guided Ruelle toward the other wing of the mansion and had the young woman sit on a plush chair beside the tall window where she could admire the garden.

Ruelle added, "But Brother Dane said I am family."

Maude paused with her mouth pressed into a thin line as if she could tell what Ruelle was trying to do. She replied,

"Then that is more the reason to avoid it." After a pause the housekeeper informed her, "Lord Azriel will not be returning until night. If you wish to walk in the garden please wear a shawl before stepping out. The wind today is chillier than it was two days ago."

Maude must have noticed her slipping away whenever she heard Lord Azriel’s heavier footsteps echo through the halls.

"That won’t be needed as it is time we will be heading back to Sexton," Dane informed, standing at the doorway with his warm and bright smile that made one forget the gloominess that had settled outside the walls of the mansion.

Maude lowered her head in a respectful bow.

"Ready to leave?" Dane asked Ruelle to which she nodded.

The bruise along her cheek had faded to a faint shadow, and the deeper aches that had once throbbed through her shoulders and ribs now lingered only as dull reminders when she moved too quickly.

Finally it was time to return to Sexton.

When her trunk was loaded at the back of the carriage, Maude brought Ruelle a little box of snacks to eat on the way. The gesture warmed her heart.

Ruelle had known more comfort here than she had expected, and she was grateful for their hospitality, even though Lord Azriel’s words sounded like a warning. Once they sat inside the carriage and it began to move, Dane asked her,

"You look troubled. Something on your mind?"

But when he continued to look at her, waiting, she gave in, "It’s just that a few days ago, Lord Azriel said something to me. I think he meant more than he said but I

bursting into laughter.

laughing because that sounds exactly like my father." He shook his head, still smiling as he tried to contain his

Lucian in days, as he had

a thoughtful expression. "I think I

kind woman," Ruelle guessed, because that’s how Dane appeared

eyes crinkled with quiet amusement. His paternal grandmother was a person, who

Perhaps it was because Dane had kept her company by talking about the most mundane

to your

small smile. "Thank you

grin. "I have some matters to attend to. I will see you tomorrow," and with that he made his

Meant to Belong: Shiro

towards her room, she stopped dead in her tracks upon seeing Caroline

"Ruelle!"

doing in Sexton at this

front of her skirt and a smile stretched too wide across her face. Her eyes flicked left and right before settling on Ruelle, relief flashing there as

step back, Caroline threw her arms around her elder sister and

good

or didn’t see you in any classes. I thought—" She reached for Ruelle’s hands, but Ruelle pulled them out of reach. "But you look well. You’re safe and

calm but the softness Caroline had grown up

blinked, thrown off by the distance more than the question. She

almost a day and made to scrub their mess. I couldn’t catch hold of Ezekiel—" Her eyes darted over her shoulder. "And after that vampire said I had to be bought because

over itself in complaint and fear, but the words faded

am telling you?" Caroline

for her sister’s actions or words purely out of the love she had for her. But she didn’t have the

what I am thinking is we

is no’we’ here, Caroline," Ruelle murmured

you mean?" Caroline blinked.

me, yes. I brought them home," Ruelle said, holding her sister’s gaze. "Like I said before, Mother took them without asking and you chose to wear them. If you’re looking for someone to

before letting out a tired sigh and agreed, "Fine. My fault. Mother’s fault. Whatever you want to call it. But I need

muttered,