Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 130: All of Them

The pain in Ruelle’s back had dulled, her senses completely absorbed by what was unfolding in front of her. Beside her, Kevin’s expression had turned ashen and hadn’t moved from his spot. More than the gore, it was what Lucian had said about Ruelle that lingered in his mind.

"Bastard, d–don’t you dare," Bowen warned, his voice unsteady now. Panic flickered across his face. "Oak and Mortis won’t be pleased with this. You’ll end up in a detention centre for this."

The greatest humiliation any vampire could face was being defanged. Even execution would have been kinder.

Orpheus silently cursed his luck. Lucian had never openly claimed the human for himself, which was why the younger vampire had never expected things to escalate this far.

The pureblooded vampire was weaving them into his punishment so carefully that even if one of them tried to report the others, they would all be dragged down together. He would be either in the detention centre... or be on the bed for months recovering from whatever Lucian would do.

When Lucian reached for the iron stoker that had pinned Bowen earlier, the latter growled as it was pulled out with blood dripping from its end.

Bowen tried to push himself up, his arm trembling as he forced his weight against the ground. But the effort lasted only a moment before his strength failed him as blood continued to ooze from the torn wound at his side, spreading darkly across the floor beneath him.

When the iron stoker scraped again, the sound alone was enough for Orpheus to lower himself beside Bowen.

"Orpheus... don’t," Bowen rasped before threatening. "You touch my fangs and I’ll gut you the moment I heal."

"You were the one who touched and wanted her, Bowen," Orpheus gritted through his teeth. "This is out of my hands now."

"Fucker, you—" The threat broke off into a choked cry when Orpheus’ fingers slipped into Bowen’s mouth. And the next moment, a sickening snap followed as he ripped Bowne’s fangs.

And while the young vampire was following the orders, the people who noticed what was happening, their stomachs fell.

Orpheus turned, holding the bloodied fangs in his hand.

the fangs—" The words died in his throat. Lucian stood right behind him, the iron stoker still in his hand. For a heartbeat, neither of them moved. "Wait—Lucian, I did

it—only the dull clang of metal against bone was heard. Orpheus collapsed onto the floor. He clutched his head as a sharp ringing filled his ears

Orpheus quickly curled on the floor with his body drawn into a foetal position as he tried to shield his ribs. The pureblooded vampire looked down

when hot

again! I swear," Orpheus shook violently, clutching his head as the world still rang around him.

Coming from the weaker side of the food chain meant always considering the

care about retaliation. In this moment, he appeared to exist only to punish those who had dared to disrespect her. His voice came

"You talk too much."

name could leave Orpheus’s mouth again, Lucian brought the iron stoker down.

her face. Even from where she stood, Ruelle could tell that Alanna was frightened—frightened of

could step toward Alanna, the vampiress gathered herself

we should discuss what you said

before speaking, "I am almost glad you did

furrowed in confusion and she

she would be here tonight. Then everything is fine between us... right?" she asked quickly,

capable of tampering with my drink could do the same with anyone close to me," Lucian remarked, his gaze cold and unreadable. "That is not a

treat me the same way as them then?" Alanna asked, her hands

one day Lucian might notice her. She had believed that patience and loyalty would eventually earn his attention. Yet tonight, for the sake of a human girl who had appeared out of nowhere, he stood before her as though she were no different from the others he

toward Ruelle before returning to Lucian. A bitter knot tightened

He pulled out the top before he

answer to that," Lucian replied with a

brave, saying, "Then there’s no point pretending otherwise. Go on. Do whatever you think

his hand. He