Claimed by the Prince of Darkness novel Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Stumbling into debt

Year 1781

Though the Belmont family were no lords or dukes, they once lived a life far better than comfortable—until twelve years ago, when a conflict between vampires and humans tore through their community, forcing many—including the Belmonts—to abandon their homes and fall into poverty. In the remnants of what was once their vibrant life, a quiet desperation had settled in the corners of their modest dwelling.

Now, in the cosy living room, the soft ticking of the clock played a lullaby against the backdrop of clattering knitting needles as eighteen-year-old Ruelle sat beside her younger sister, Caroline. Each stitch was a breath of hope wrapped in wool, a silent testament to their struggle for survival and dignity.

"You know, the combination of these colours turned out excellent!" Caroline exclaimed with a bright voice. Leaning closer, she admired Ruelle's meticulous handiwork.

Ruelle held up the sweater, a warm flush of pride colouring her cheeks. "I'm glad they turned out alright! Can you imagine how happy Mrs. Clifford will be? I cannot wait to see their reaction!" A smile tugged at her lips.

"Alright?" Caroline laughed. "Mrs. Clifford is going to be positively delighted! She will pay handsomely for them! Isn't that right, Mother?" Her eyes sparkled with innocent hope.

Ruelle turned her brown eyes to their mother, silently pleading for acknowledgement—a nod of approval that had always felt just out of reach. Acceptance was a rare gift, one for which she yearned for more than the warmth of the sun.

Mrs. Belmont glanced towards Caroline first, a smile lighting up her face. "Oh, absolutely, dear. I'm sure she will be." But when her gaze flickered to Ruelle, it lacked warmth. The distance between them often felt unconquerable and hopeless. "Just make sure you finish quickly, Ruelle. The delivery needs to be done today," she added, her tone slightly curt.

Ruelle didn't pay much attention to her mother's lack of praise, and she nodded with a smile. She replied, "Yes, Mother." Determination sparked within her. No, she thought, she would make a better one!

They had laboured over twelve sweaters, each one stitched with care and hope, intended for Mrs. Clifford—a woman who soared above them, perched comfortably among society's elite. The money from this sale could close the growing rift in their finances, perhaps even restore a fragment of their lost dignity. Ruelle had always strived to help her family, driven not merely by duty but by the quiet whisper of love that hummed in her heart.

"Caroline, today when you go to the Clifford's mansion, you will be the one to speak with her," instructed Mrs. Belmont.

"Why me?" Caroline replied. "Ruelle handles people far better than I do!"

"Precisely why you should be the one to do it. You need the practice," Mrs. Belmont insisted, though the unspoken motivations lingered in the air—rumours of Mrs. Clifford's son, now of marriageable age, had come to her attention. With careful precision, Mrs. Belmont was weaving plans that stretched beyond mere sweaters and money.

Once Ruelle completed knitting the last sweater, she folded it neatly and placed it among the rest, ready to deliver them. But suddenly, their peaceful afternoon was shattered.

"OPEN THE DOOR!" The front door rattled violently. The clamour made Ruelle's heart leap into her throat. "OPEN IT NOW OR WE WILL BREAK IT DOWN!!"

"Caroline, get inside the kitchen. Now!" Mrs. Belmont urged. A flash of anxiety crossed her features as she turned back to the door, dread pooling in the pit of Ruelle's stomach.

Hesitantly, Mrs. Belmont flung the door open, revealing three men standing outside, shadows cloaked in menace.

"What do you want?" she questioned, her voice wavering with worry and caution as the men stepped right into their home.

Ruelle quickly noted they were vampires—once humans but now terrifying with their light red eyes. Fear coiled around her stomach and squeezed tighter as their fangs glinted in the light.

"Where is your husband? Harold Belmont?" the shortest one demanded, with a sneer twisting his lips. "He's been avoiding us. When he needs money, he asks for it, but he can't return it on time. Take everything of any value in here!"

Not again, Ruelle thought, her mind racing. This wasn't the first time a debt collector had knocked on their door, demanding payment.

"He returned the money only last week!" Mrs. Belmont stated defiantly, bewildered by their audacity. "We have been paying on time."

"I was paid back only for what he had borrowed. Who's going to pay the interest?" The debt collector's eyes narrowed as he raised his hand, signalling his men. Panic spread in the room as they began to rummage through the meagre belongings. "Your daughters will be worth something too," he added, and Ruelle's world tilted dangerously.

Dread filled the air, thick and suffocating. Her father had borrowed more than he could repay, and now the time for repayment had come. Vampires—turned or not—were cruel and heartless creatures. She had to do something. Think, Ruelle, think!

"This is not the way to do it!" Mrs. Belmont implored, desperation colouring her voice.

"If you have money, we will take it and leave," the short man sneered, watching as his men picked through their meagre possessions. "You shall come with me too. I am sure we will find decent use of you."

"No!" Mrs. Belmont screamed, her eyes wide with fear.

"Wait! We'll pay you back today!" Ruelle blurted out, her heart racing like a caged bird seeking freedom. She caught the short man's gaze, steeling herself. "Once these sweaters are delivered, we'll pay you back. Please! Just give us a little more time!" All she wanted was for her family to be safe. The very thought of the vampires using them in such a ruthless manner made her blood run cold.

"That's right!" Mrs. Belmont frantically nodded in agreement. "We'll repay you tomorrow."

Turning, Ruelle encountered a striking figure towering above her, casting a shadow that swallowed the light around them. _{freёwebnoѵel.com}