Claimed by the Prince of Darkness novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12: Scars of love

Ruelle's nerves trembled like leaves caught in a strong wind beneath the scrutiny of Lucian's intense gaze, each pass of his dark red eyes seeming to weigh her very soul. Her heart pounded within her chest as the gravity of his demanding demeanour left her thoroughly disarmed.

At the same moment, a sudden breeze swept through the woods, stirring her blonde locks, which brushed against her cheeks and fell softly across her face as she stood in front of the Elite vampire.

"What are you doing here in Sexton?" Lucian questioned, his tone sharpening by an edge she couldn't quite place.

"Attending class like everyone else," Ruelle replied, her voice small and uncertain. In that moment, she felt exposed, her carefully guarded inadequacies laid bare under his scorn. His annoyance was an unspoken accusation, echoing the clumsy moments that had earlier earned his contempt, leaving her to question every flaw she had tried to conceal. "To make a living..."

Lucian's brow furrowed ever so slightly, his eyes flickering with a flicker of something Ruelle couldn't quite decipher. For a moment, he seemed caught off-guard by her response, before his usual aloofness reasserted itself.

"Of course. What else would have brought you here?" He murmured, his voice laced with mockery.

Ruelle blinked, confused as her palms began to sweat. Wasn't that the reason everyone came to Sexton—to make a living? Yet, beneath his seemingly simple statement, his words hinted at an implication she couldn't grasp.

"What are you two doing there?" Mr. Jinxy's voice cut through the tension, his eyes narrowing at Hailey, who rested casually against the rough bark of a towering tree, and Ruelle, who appeared engrossed in a conversation with Lucian. "Both of you, follow me. We are going to the shed to fetch the weapons used for Hunt and Stake."

Ruelle didn't think twice before bolting out of there with Hailey, hot on Mr. Jinxy's trail. As they fled, she couldn't shake the sensation of eyes boring into her back, but she dared not glance back.

Over the next three days, life at Sexton resumed at its relentless pace. The peculiar classes came and went, during which Ruelle dutifully scribbled down every word the instructors uttered until her wrist ached from the constant note-taking.

During this time, a routine began to form with Hailey and Kevin, where they shared meals and discussed their unusual subjects.

Now, in the quiet dining room, which was nearly empty save for a few lingering souls, the scent of dinner hung in the air. Ruelle found herself seated at a corner table, overlooking Hailey's writing, while Kevin sat across from her. It was then when she suddenly sensed someone's eyes on her. Her heart fluttered with unease as she glanced up, bracing for that familiar, intense gaze.

But Lucian was nowhere to be seen, nor did she find anyone looking at her. She couldn't shake the way he looked at her, almost as if it haunted her. And although she was worried about running into him, she hadn't caught sight of him for the last three days.

"I think I've finally gotten it!" Kevin exclaimed with a small grin, looking up from his parchment to meet Ruelle's eyes.

"See? I told you you'd catch on quickly," Ruelle replied, a warm smile spreading across her face.

"Ruelle is a great teacher. I already feel like a distinguished lady," Hailey chimed in, stretching comfortably in her seat. "I wonder if we could ask Mr. S for some books out of pity," she sighed wistfully. "Yet we would still be far from accessing the library. I haven't earned anything yet. Every available job seems so daunting. Have you found work yet, Kevin?"

"Actually, I have to go now to clean the Elites' rooms and polish their shoes," Kevin explained, rising from his seat and gathering his belongings. "What about you, Ruelle?" he asked.

"I'm waiting for tomorrow when I return home for the weekend. I'll borrow some wool and knit sweaters or scarves to sell to the Elites," Ruelle replied with quiet determination.

Kevin nodded in understanding. "I'll see you two tomorrow morning, then. Thanks for the help, Ruelle," he said with a grateful smile before waving goodbye and heading out.

"Thank God we're allowed to visit our families. I miss my parents," Hailey said, resting her arms on the table, her eyes filled with a wistful longing. She added with a fond smile, "Last week, my father packed snacks for me to take, as if I were leaving for a month."

Ruelle's smile wavered at Hailey's words, the warmth of her friend's fond memories casting long shadows across her own heart. "That's very thoughtful of him," she responded softly.

Inside, Ruelle felt an ache. In her world, affection was rarely spoken but rather wrapped in rules and standards tied to performance. Even so, she never questioned her family's love—it was the only kind she had ever known. Deep down, she clung to the belief that their love was woven into their expectations.

As the thoughts swirled in her mind, Ruelle silently hoped that Caroline wasn't still upset with her and would understand that coming to Sexton wasn't her choice. After lingering a few moments longer in the dining room, the two friends left the dining room.

The corridors stretched before them, dimly lit and filled with an eerie silence. As Hailey and Ruelle made their way to their door rooms, their footsteps echoed softly, each sound swallowed by the encroaching darkness. Just as Hailey opened her mouth to speak, a figure suddenly lunged from the shadows, shoving her with force. She fell to the ground with a startled yelp.

Ruelle, instinctively rushing to help her friend, was abruptly thrust against the cold stone wall. The impact jolted the breath from her lungs, leaving her gasping.