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17.3% Claimed by the Prince of Darkness / Chapter 9: A price to pay

Chapter 9: A price to pay

Once Ruelle had secured the syllabus, her next destination was Sexton's grand library. She and Hailey made their way up the winding staircase at the far end of the corridor to the designated floor. The corridors were dimly lit with flickering lanterns, casting shadows on the stone walls.

Upon reaching the entrance, Ruelle caught the faint, musty scent of old books wafting through the air, mingling with the slightly damp chill of the library. The quiet ambiance was occasionally punctuated by the distant echo of footsteps on the stone floor.

Two classmates stood whispering to each other with anxious expressions, their voices hushed and tense as Ruelle and Hailey approached the towering double doors. Just as they were about to step inside, a figure emerged to block them. His greasy hair was slicked back, and his spectacles perched precariously on the bridge of his nose.

"And where do you think you're going?" His voice was smooth but laced with contempt, dripping with a superiority that made Ruelle clench her fists reflexively.

"To fetch books for the syllabus listed for our year…" Ruelle replied, holding up the scroll as if showing him evidence that she was a student here. Hailey nodded beside her.

"Did you bring the fee?" he asked, arching a thin eyebrow. The curve of his lips suggested he already knew the answer.

"The fee?" Ruelle echoed, her voice filled with confusion. At her naivety, the man chuckled—the sound was as condescending as it was dismissive.

"Everyone who wants to access the library needs to pay a fee of fifteen shillings," the caretaker explained with a scornful flick of his fingers. "If you don't have it, move aside and don't crowd the entrance."

Ruelle found the demand absurd. Wasn't an academy established for teaching supposed to provide books to read for free? Her heart sank at the thought of failing her classes because of such a barrier.

As an Elite vampiress swept through the doors unhindered, her lofty gaze not even acknowledging them, Hailey asked, "Is it because we're humans?"

"This applies to every student," the caretaker remarked, looking her up and down. "The difference is, the Elites' families have already paid their share, unlike you Groundlings."

"Maybe we can borrow the books from others," Ruelle suggested, a note of desperation creeping into her voice as she tried to grasp at solutions.

But the caretaker was quick to extinguish any hope. "Groundlings are not permitted to leave the library with books. If you wish to do so, it will cost you twenty gold coins," he declared, his words cold and definitive.

"…!" This left the two girls in shock. 

The sum was more than their families could conjure up at once. Images flashed through Ruelle's mind—of chains, oppressive shadows, and an endless cycle of submission. Her fingers tightened around the scroll. 

To witness the ease with which the privileged glided through life was to understand a devastating truth—the burden of suffering disproportionately weighed upon the shoulders of the less fortunate. 

"We don't have the money now, but we could pay after the weekend," Ruelle proposed, her voice wavering yet defiant.

"No," he interjected bluntly, his refusal like a door slamming shut.

"How are we going to study then? Only rely on the classes?" Hailey's eyes brimmed with worry.

"If you want access here, you should start working," came the curt reply from the vampire. "And by work, I mean for the Elites, as they are the ones with the resources. You can ask anyone and they'll tell you the same."

With that, he turned to stop another human student, dismissing their plight as if it were of no consequence. Ruelle's thoughts whirled with uncertainty as she considered their limited options. Sensing a gaze upon her, she turned to glance into the library, her heart quickening as she spotted a silhouette slipping behind a tall rack of books.

"I could ask my roommate if she needs any help. She might have something for us," Hailey suggested.

"That would be helpful," Ruelle said, though doubt tinged her words. Could a vampiress have any work for two humans? "We can also see what others plan to do."

"That sounds like a good idea," Hailey agreed.

During dinner at the Groundlings' table, the air was thick with unease. Ruelle observed her fellow students, their faces painted with worry. Their gazes flickered toward the Elite and Halfbloods' tables, eyes assessing, as if weighing which vampire appeared least intimidating to approach.

To think one's life could get better upon arriving at this place was a folly. The vampires sat at the top pedestal, while the humans sat on the lowest ground. 

The human families had either sent their golden child to achieve greatness, or used this as a convenient place to offload the less favoured. It was a cruel system designed to break and mould individuals to serve the needs of vampires. 

Over the clinking of silverware, Ruelle overheard June's complaint. "If I knew I'd need money, I would have brought more with me. Now I'm short!"

"Look there! Briony is approaching the Elites' table!" whispered a voice in awe.

"Of course, she's fearless. She's from a higher social standing, unlike us," a boy remarked.

Ruelle, along with the others, turned their eyes towards the spectacle unfolding at the Elites' table—a sea of masked vampires and vampiresses. Just in time, she caught one of the masks changing, allowing the vampiress to eat while the upper half of the mask remained in place. Her eyes widened at the magic. 

"You want to work for me?" an Elite vampire with striking grey hair asked, his tone laced with superiority as he regarded the human girl before him.

The girl bowed deeply. "I would be very fortunate to be able to do that."

"If you're so eager to be my servant, who am I to refuse?" said the Elite, a smirk playing on his lips. A glimmer of hope washed over the humans at the Groundling's table, mirrored by the girl's triumphant smile. But then he added, "But I must ensure you're fit for the task."

The exchange sent a shiver through Ruelle, even though she wasn't the one standing before him. The smirk on the vampire's face filled her with dread.

​​The vampire picked up a bowl of soup and deliberately poured its contents onto the floor, causing the girl to instinctively step back. Heads turned, everyone's attention captured by the unfolding drama.

"Clean this. Lick it clean."

Ruelle's lips pressed into a firm line as everyone around her gripped their seats, suspended in a mix of horror. 

"I need to know you're worth my money. Remember, you came to me," he taunted.

With no avenue for retreat, the girl knelt, shame blazing on her cheeks as she lowered herself to the ground, the murmurs of her peers rippling through the hall.

"Why aren't the staff intervening?" Ruelle asked, a frown creasing her brow. The indifference around her was unsettling.

A second-year student shrugged. "Why would they intervene? She asked for this herself. Wanted the job and the money. It is better to bow your head now than later," she said dismissively. "You should consider finding work too, or risk falling behind."

The harsh reality of Sexton weighed heavily on Ruelle. It was nothing like her sister Caroline had envisioned. Each new revelation peeled back layers of her ignorance, revealing deeper layers of exploitation and cruelty. In the grand design of power, humans were merely threads, pulled and twisted to form patterns dictated by those above.

After a dinner that left her deeply unsettled, Ruelle returned to her room, her appetite lost to worry. As she placed the scroll on her desk, her roommate June burst through the door, her presence a whirlwind of frustration.

"I can't believe this! I'm here to be a partner of a duke, viscount, or earl—not a servant!" June fumed as she stormed into the room. She stopped, waving a piece of paper furiously. "What's this?"

Ruelle turned and replied, "I don't know."

"You were the only one here, so if you wrote it, that isn't funny," June accused, eyes narrowing.

A sigh escaped from Ruelle's lips, simply because she had other things to think about than write whatever the girl had in her hand. When her eyes fell on her own bed, there lay a folded piece of paper. Frowning, she opened it: 'If you're looking for a job, there's one available. Meet at the edge of the maze at ten.'

June's tone turned dismissive. "Oh, you got it too? I should hurry and take the job."

Where did this come from? Ruelle asked herself, staring at the note. 

Before the clock had a chance to strike ten, a cluster of Groundlings convened near the maze, the night air thick with anticipation. They huddled together, voices low and tinged with curiosity, their breath forming tiny clouds in the cool dusk. The soft rustling of leaves merged with their whispers.

Hailey's voice broke through the murmurs, disappointment lacing her words. "I asked Blake if she needed a servant, but she didn't." Her sigh seemed to dissipate into the crisp air. "Do you think the note came from an Elite?"

"Probably. There are only girls here," Ruelle observed, a knot of unease tightening in her stomach. She needed the money like everyone else, but part of her longed to retreat back to the safety of her room.

As they exchanged worried glances, the serene moonlight was suddenly overshadowed by the arrival of a vampiress draped in a flowing crimson robe, followed closely by three others clad in black. The vibrant fabric stood out sharply against the darkened landscape.

The lead vampiress, strikingly beautiful with long, sleek brown hair cascading over her shoulders, addressed them in a voice that was both captivating and commanding. "Welcome, dear juniors."

"What work do we need to do? How much will we be paid?" demanded one girl, impatience spilling from her lips. The sincerity of her question hung in the air, demanding answers.

"Work?" the Elite vampiress repeated, "You aren't here for that," a mocking smile flickering at the corners of her mouth. A murmur of realisation rippled through the group, the harsh truth dawning on them. They had been lured into a trap. "Now, I expect everyone to start removing your clothes—one by one. Let us see what Sexton has chosen this year."

"What?!" came the collective outcry, a symphony of shock and disbelief.

"No!" protests erupted among the humans as dread washed over Ruelle. Her face turned pale. The last thing she wanted was to strip in front of others, especially in the middle of the academy, where every shadow seemed to leer.

"Shut up!" the Halfblood snapped at them. "You will follow what Lady Alana says unless you want to be sucked dry."

The Elite's gaze sliced through the chaos like a blade, instantly imposing silence. Then, as if to soften the blow, she forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "This is nothing you won't be doing in your future. Pleasing the Elites will be what you will be learning here anyway. Taking off your clothes will be the easiest of tasks. I'll give you a shilling if you do it right." As she spoke, she pulled out a pouch of coins, allowing the sound of jingling metal to hang in the air.

"We should have stayed in our room," Ruelle muttered under her breath, her heart pounding against her ribs.

"I don't understand why they're doing this..." Hailey's voice quivered, mirroring the fear etched on the faces of the other humans around them.

"It's to eliminate competition," a voice whispered from behind, low and conspiratorial. "Any human who poses a threat could take their place in the hierarchy. By doing this, they ensure we remain less valuable and stuck in the lower class."

How insecure were these creatures that they felt the need to destroy the confidence of others? Ruelle pondered, a knot of despair tightening around her chest. A thought flickered through her mind—perhaps if she inched backward, she could slip into the shadows and avoid the spotlight.

"Hey! You there! Move your hands, or do you want me to help you?" barked a Halfblood, directing her frustration at one of the girls at the front.

"Where's the enthusiasm? Alright, let me be generous. The first one to strip down to your undergarments will earn a silver from me," the Elite vampiress announced. 

This statement stirred a grim sense of encouragement among some of the girls, prompting a few to shuffle uncertainly as they weighed the cost of their dignity against the lure of coins. One of the girls reluctantly stripped down to her undergarments, exposing her skin to the biting cold air. The Elite vampiress, with a cruel smile, tossed her a silver coin. It fell on the floor, rolling away and out of reach. 

"I'll consider turning you into a Halfblood for your obedience," the Elite taunted, her gaze sweeping the crowd as laughter bubbled among her companions.

Ruelle's hands trembled at her sides, instinctively moving toward the hem of her sweater. Panic surged through her as an overwhelming dread settled in. She had no desire to participate in this humiliation. As the Halfbloods and the Elites turned their attention to the other girls, revelling in their entertainment, Ruelle seized Hailey's hand, pressing her other hand over her lips.

'We are leaving,' Ruelle mouthed silently to Hailey. Hailey's eyes widened in alarm.

'They will catch us and punish us worse!' Hailey responded, her fear a silent echo in Ruelle's mind. And no one knew how much harder it would be to survive here, let alone earn any money. 

Nearby, the Elite vampiress enjoyed the humiliation of a girl who trembled with tears streaming down her cheeks, while her underlings circled like vultures. In that moment of distraction, Ruelle clasped Hailey's hand tightly and pulled her towards and through the entrance of the maze. 

And though Ruelle had momentarily slipped free from the clutches of the vultures, the tattletale parrot could not keep its beak shut. June, who was still deliberately fumbling with her second button, noticed the absence of the two girls. She exclaimed, "She ran away!"

The Elite spun around, fixing her gaze on June and demanded, "Who ran away?"

"Ruelle Belmont and another girl! One is my roommate with long blonde hair and the other short black hair," June supplied eagerly, offering information like a dutiful faux underling, desperate to curry favour.

"Wasn't she the one who spoke to Sawyer last evening?" one of the Halfbloods remarked, reminding everyone of the cunning way in which the human had tripped next to the Elite's table.

"Now that you mention it, she was the only one who caught the future duke's attention. And now she dares to escape?" Alana, the Elite vampiress, was far from pleased. A human trying to outwit her, the nerve! "Find her!" she commanded, her voice sharp with irritation.

Inside the twisting paths of the maze, Ruelle and Hailey moved with a silent urgency, their hearts pounding as they navigated the dimly lit labyrinth. The weight of her family's expectations pressed heavily upon Ruelle. As the eldest daughter, she felt a profound sense of obligation to carry out her responsibilities despite the growing urge to flee. But she wasn't ready to undress in front of other people. 

The path before them was shrouded in darkness and a creeping mist. Suddenly, they heard a rustle from the other side of the maze wall. 

'Is it them?' Hailey mouthed, her eyes wide with anxiety.

Unbeknownst to them, this maze was merely the beginning of a larger puzzle, leading them toward an almost infinite expanse of forest—a bewildering realm of endless possibilities and looming dangers.

"RUELLE! COME OUT BEFORE YOU MAKE US ANGRY!" shouted one of the Halfbloods who had just entered the maze, the female's voice echoing ominously through the twisting passages.

Ruelle's heart pounded harder, each beat threatening to betray her hiding place. A chill of doubt crept over her as the reality of her impulsive decision began to sink in. Her hands clenched into fists, a futile attempt to quell the tremor of fear.

The Elite vampiress's taunting voice followed, smooth as silk but edged with menace. "I know where you are hiding. I can hear your hearts racing."

Panic surged again as Ruelle realised they needed to keep moving. But in their desperate attempt to escape, they found themselves facing a solid wall—a dead end.

"RUELLE BELMONT!" The vampiress's voice boomed, lingering in the air like a dark cloud. Ruelle's stress climbed higher with each shouted syllable. "I will count to ten, and you better come out and kneel down before me before I'm done or you'll wish you had obeyed."

Ruelle had tried to be brave but it was futile. She slowly made her way to where she could hear the voices of the vampiresses with Hailey. 

"…seven…eight…NINE!" The Elite vampiress then shouted, "Rue—eek!!" An arrow whistled through the air, aiming dangerously close to her mouth, forcing her to stagger back. "What the hell?!"

Ruelle was about to step in the path when she saw something fly past her and her feet paused. She took a peek and her eyes widened. 

Out of the shadows emerged Lucian, his presence commanding, the kind that left whispers trailing in his wake. He wore a different attire from the evening, gloves covered his hands, and a sheen of sweat gleamed on his forehead. His cold and dark brooding eyes glinted with a mixture of disdain and authority that silenced the maze.

"Lucian…" The Elite vampiress's displeasure quickly dissolved into a mix of fear and awe, her posture shrinking under Lucian's piercing gaze. "Thankfully, you have good aim with arrows," she said, though her smile wavered.

"What are you saying? I missed," Lucian remarked calmly, standing tall, his presence demanding attention. "If you want to scream, do it in the dungeon. The maze is not your playground unless you want to be staked," he glared, each word crisp with irritation as more vampires who had been practising in nearby alcoves approached to witness the exchange.

"Yes, of course," the vampiress stammered, her bravado reduced to meek compliance. "Forgive me for interrupting all of you," she mumbled before retreating with her entourage trailing behind.

As they returned to the maze's entrance, a Halfblood turned to the Elite vampiress and asked, "What about those two Groundlings?"

"We don't need to bother ourselves with them," the Elite sneered, adjusting her expression back to its usual superiority. "Lucian will take care of them. If there's one thing people need to know, it's that Lucian despises the very existence of humans," she chuckled.

Inside the maze, as the rustling and murmuring footsteps of retreating vampires echoed around them, Ruelle and Hailey allowed themselves a breath of relief. It felt as though they might finally be able to slip back to their rooms unnoticed.

However, as they emerged, they were met by the intense gaze of Lucian, who hadn't left. His piercing eyes landed on Ruelle, and she felt her heart skip a beat, the intensity of his gaze pinning her in place. A lump formed in her throat, and she swallowed hard, wishing she could shrink into invisibility.

But just as quickly as his eyes settled on her, his attention seemed to shift to look at Hailey disapprovingly—who stood beside Ruelle, looking equally frozen and wide-eyed.

"Lucian, you coming?" A voice called out from behind, breaking the tense silence. It was Sawyer, who appeared with his usual charismatic air. Upon noticing Ruelle, he flashed a bright smile and waved.

Not eager to linger for conversation, Ruelle offered a small, respectful bow, and, with a gentle tug on Hailey's arm, began to make her quiet escape. But just as they turned to leave, a cold, commanding voice halted them in their tracks. 

"You." Lucian's voice carried an authority that had the girls freeze in place. Ruelle squeezed her eyes shut, nervous about what he wanted. When they turned, the intensity in his glare hadn't dropped and it was directed at Hailey. "Change your name," he ordered, the unexpected demand taking both young women by surprise.

Fifteen minutes later, Ruelle found herself back in her room, still reeling from the encounter with the senior vampires in the maze. As she prepared for bed, a heavy cloud of worry lingered above her, the tyrannical-like atmosphere of Sexton gnawing at her thoughts. 

"I wonder what you would have thought, Mother," Ruelle whispered, her voice barely more than a breath as she clutched her pendant tightly in her hand. The cool metal pressed against her palm, a small comfort in the dark. "I am scared…" she admitted softly.

Pulling back the covers, she slipped beneath them, seeking solace in their warmth. Exhaustion washed over her, and despite the turmoil swirling in her mind, she quickly fell asleep.

After thirty minutes, June returned to the room, her demeanour crackling with humiliation and frustration. The sight of Ruelle sleeping soundly in her bed only deepened her anger, and she shot a glare at the girl, but then an idea flickered to life in her mind, and a cunning smile spread across her lips.


Chapter 10: Owned by it

The following morning, as the sun's gentle light filtered through the curtains, Ruelle woke with a lingering sense of unease. Memories of last night clung to her like morning mist, reminding her to tread carefully and keep a wary eye out for the vampiresses she had cleverly yet recklessly deceived. She knew it was best to dress quickly and make her way to class before trouble had a chance to find her.

A soft yawn broke the silence from across the room, drawing Ruelle's attention. June stirred slowly, stretching as if she were used to mornings that promised more rest and less haste.

"Morning," June greeted, her tone surprisingly soft.

"Morning…" Ruelle replied, wondering how June was coping with the humiliation she had endured the day before.

June hesitated, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "I... want to apologise for the last time with the sweaters. I didn't realise how hard things could be for us humans until last night," she confessed, fidgeting slightly. "We really need to support one another."

Ruelle considered her words carefully before offering a reassuring smile. "We should. Let bygones be bygones, right?"

June nodded, relief softening her features. "You are kind. I was thinking, if your family sells sweaters, maybe I could help. We could find ways to make things better for both of us."

The suggestion sparked an idea in Ruelle, lighting up her face with a bright smile. "The sweaters… That's it! I could actually earn some money by selling them."

June noticed the shift in Ruelle's voice, her relief evident, which seemed to affect her own guarded demeanour for a moment. "Also from now on, I'll be quick when it's my turn for the bath. This way, you will have enough time, so you won't have to rush so much."

"That would be great..." Ruelle replied. 

As June gathered her clothes and prepared to head to the bath, she paused, turning back to Ruelle. "You know what? You should go first today. I've left my bed a mess anyway."

"Really?" Ruelle asked, her tone laced with uncertainty, unsure if this was truly a gesture of goodwill or if there was something else behind it.

June shrugged casually. "It's only fair, considering I went first yesterday. Plus, it'll give me some time to sort my things out," she added with a light wave of her hand.

Ruelle stepped into the bathroom, closing the door with a soft click that resonated in the quiet space. She unbuttoned her nightgown, allowing the fabric to drift gracefully to the floor. Preparing herself for the familiar, sharp chill of the morning bath, she lowered herself into the tub.

However, as she turned the faucet, she was met with a cascade of murky water, its surface swirling with dark tendrils of grime. Her eyes widened in shock as she quickly stepped out, reaching for a towel and wrapping it tightly around herself. With the dirty water still pouring into the tub, she hurriedly exited the bathroom, driven by a mix of confusion and anger.

"Oh, good, you are done with your bath—" June began, her voice dripping with faux-pleasantness, but her eyes widened theatrically as Ruelle re-entered the room, clearly dishevelled. "What happened to you?"

Ruelle stared at the June. "Is this your doing? Is that why you let me take a bath first?"

"What? Me? I wasn't even in the bathroom, Ruelle. How would I know what happened?" June feigned innocence and a look of hurt crossed her features. "It must have been the senior vampiress! They were very mad at you yesterday, remember? They must have sneaked in while we were asleep."

For a moment, doubt flickered in Ruelle's mind. It was possible, given what occurred last night. However, she caught a fleeting smirk tugging at the corners of June's lips—a silent confession of her trickery. "It wasn't them—it was you! I knew your kindness was too good to be true. I haven't wronged you, so why are you trying to sabotage my life here?"

June sighed dramatically, her performance skilful and seemingly heartfelt. "I don't know what you're talking about. It's very rude of you to blame me, Ruelle. I thought we could leave the past behind, but clearly, you don't want to," she shot back, her tone dripping with faux sincerity. Before Ruelle could respond, June added, "I'm going to get ready now. Excuse me."

A wave of frustration surged through Ruelle, her hands clenching at her sides at June's unapologetic deceit. The sheer pettiness and malice left her stunned. She pursed her lips as she watched her roommate disappear into the bathroom, closing the door with a composed air.

Left standing there, still damp and covered with remnants of grime, Ruelle realised she had no choice but to find a way to wash it off her as it didn't look like the girl was going to step out of the bathroom anytime soon. 

With a sigh of exasperation, she slipped into her clothes from yesterday, picked up her fresh ones, and darted out of the room. In her hurry, as she pulled the door closed behind her, the hem of her dress snagged on the latch, inadvertently clicking it into a locked position. Oblivious to the incident in her haste and frustration, she hurried down the corridor.

On her way, she could hear the snickers of passing students, their laughter echoing in the hallway only adding to her mortification. She finally reached Hailey's room and knocked on the door with a sense of urgency. 

The door creaked open, and Hailey's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of her. "Ruelle?"

"Can I use your bath, please?" Ruelle asked, her voice mingling hope with a hint of pleading. She cast a glance past Hailey into the room for reassurance.

"Of course! Come in," Hailey replied warmly, stepping aside to invite her in. "Blake had some classwork and left early, so it's just me. My things are on the right if you need them. But how did you—"

"It was June," Ruelle interjected with a sigh, frustration mingling with resignation. "I think she tampered with the faucet or the pipes. She won't admit it, of course." She couldn't help but think that rooming with a vampire would have been less stressful compared to dealing with June Clifford. 

"I'm sorry you have to endure her," Hailey sympathised, offering a comforting smile. "Let me go get something for you to eat while you shower. It will save time. Go on."

Ruelle felt a sense of gratitude at Hailey's offer. "Thank you."

Stepping into the bathroom, Ruelle hurriedly peeled off her clothes, the fabric clinging to her skin where the grimy water had left its mark. She tossed her sullied clothes into a bucket of water, deciding to let them soak while she focused on washing the morning's chaos away.

Cupping her hands, she poured clean water over her head, feeling the water stream down, carrying away the residue of dirt and frustration. For a fleeting moment, she imagined leaving this place behind. She could return to the simplicity of previous life rather than compete in this toxic race where everyone seemed intent on pulling each other down. 

As she lathered the soap through her hair, Ruelle's thoughts danced around the idea of escape. After thoroughly rinsing, she wrapped her hair in the towel, squeezing out the excess water before securing the same towel around her body. As she stepped back into the room, her bare feet whispered against the wooden floor, only to come to an abrupt halt. 

Her breath hitched in her throat as her eyes landed on the figure standing at the far side of the room—a tall, dark silhouette against the glow of the morning sun rays. Her heart began to race, the rapid thudding loud in her ears as she recognised the vampire.

Lucian stood by the desk, his back turned to her, one hand casually flipping through a stack of books. His movements were precise and indifferent, as if she wasn't present. Ruelle fidgeted nervously, shifting her weight before quickly grabbing her dress to cover her shoulders, desperately trying to cover herself.

"This is the girls' room! You shouldn't be here!" Ruelle's voice trembled. But Lucian didn't so much as flinch, his long fingers continuing to flip through the pages of a book as though she hadn't spoken at all. "Did you hear me? This is the—"

"There's no need to shout." His voice was deep and cold. He didn't bother turning to look at her, his disinterest evident. "I heard you the first time."

Ruelle's breath caught, her skin prickling at the dark velvet of his tone. She wanted to demand he leave, to assert some control, but the words faltered in her throat. She had to get dressed—she needed to, if she was going to make it to class—but how could she with him here?

"Can you… can you please leave?" she stammered, her voice shaky yet louder this time, "I—I can't get ready with you standing here."

Lucian let out a low, soft chuckle, the sound as cold as it was dismissive. "I have no interest in what a human like you does." His voice was like silk, deceptively gentle but dripping with the same icy detachment as his gaze. The way he uttered 'human' sent a sharp sting through her, like a subtle insult. He moved away from the desk and strode towards the cupboard as though he owned the place.

Ruelle bit her lip, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Who's bothering who? Gathering her courage, she asked, "Do you always barge into places without warning?" she asked, though her voice wavered, betraying the confidence she tried to project.

A sharp exhale escaped Lucian. He turned slowly, each movement deliberate and exacting. When his eyes finally locked onto hers, they were as sharp and cold as ice—piercing, detached, and utterly devoid of even the slightest hint of warmth. 

"Do you make a habit of leaving doors unlocked?" His voice was soft, laced with a patronising undertone that sent a shiver down Ruelle's spine. "And last I checked, this room doesn't belong to you."

Ruelle blinked, momentarily stunned by his utter lack of regard. "This is my friend's room. The one you…" her voice trailed off, her eyebrows furrowed as she watched him casually resume his search through the cupboard. "The one you told to change her name. Acting mighty as if they have a hold on people's names," she muttered under her breath, half to herself but loud enough that Lucian's keen ears picked up every word.

Lucian's hand stilled before he turned to face her completely. The light from outside cast a faint glow around him, highlighting his dark, tousled hair and accentuating the sharp lines of his face.

"What did you say?" he asked, his voice barely audible yet laced with an unspoken threat.

Ruelle's pulse quickened. She bit her lip, her throat dry as she forced herself to speak. "You have no right to demand that she change her name. It's not up to you."

His eyes darkened, a flicker of something dangerous flashing across his face. He stepped toward her, each movement deliberate and unhurried, pulling the room's warmth with him, leaving an unmistakable chill in his wake.

"I will do whatever I please," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And you, human, would do well to remember your place."

Ruelle's breath hitched, her hands trembling. "You don't have to say it like that," she whispered, her voice smaller now, retreating. As if 'human' was some kind of dirty word.

The air around her almost felt suffocating. His presence was overwhelming her senses.

"Don't I?" he said, his voice low. "Do you think you're special because Sawyer paid a little attention to you? Do you think you're different from the rest of the pathetic, desperate humans who crawl their way here, grovelling for a place where they don't belong or a position they don't deserve?"

Ruelle flinched, her heart hammering in her chest. "I am not trying to grovel for anything," she managed to say, though her voice faltered. "I'll be leaving Sexton as soon as I can." It was something she decided while in the bath. She avoided his gaze, her body still embarrassedly aware of her half-dressed state, feeling more exposed than ever.

This wasn't a place for her and she was ready to pack her trunk. 

"Leave?" he echoed, his voice soft, almost indulgent. "You won't." There was a dark certainty in his words that sent a chill through her.

She wanted to argue, to stand her ground, but the intensity of his gaze left her utterly speechless. She could feel her resolve crumbling under the force of his words, her confidence slipping away like sand through her fingers. But what slipped first was the dress clutched so desperately in an attempt to hide her shoulders, fell softly to the ground with a whisper of fabric. 

Ruelle froze, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. Every instinct screamed at her to move, to do something, but instead, she averted her eyes while standing in just a towel.

Before she could collapse under the weight of his gaze, seconds that felt like an eternity passed in silence. Then, without warning, Lucian turned. The abruptness of his movement left a void in the air. Without so much as a backward glance in her direction, he strode towards the door, his footsteps eerily silent. The door clicked shut behind him. 

Alone at last, Ruelle sagged, her knees weak and trembling, threatening to give way beneath her. She held onto the towel tightly as she tried to steady herself. 

Having already lost too much time, Ruelle hurried to get dressed. Once ready, she slipped out of the door, and as she reached the end of the corridor, she spotted Hailey. 

"I had to sneak in the food because they wouldn't let me take it," Hailey said with a roll of her eyes. "So weird."

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness," Ruelle said, taking the food from her with a grateful smile. As they walked together towards class, Ruelle hesitated for a moment before asking, "Do you, by chance, know where the head office is?"

"I don't," Hailey replied with a curious look. "But we can ask around. Why? Do you want to complain about Clifford?"

No, it wasn't about that, thought Ruelle. But before she could reply, June appeared to block her path. She was the last person she wanted to talk to or see right now. 

"Funny, I was about to head to the office myself—maybe I'll just beat you to it and report how you hindered me from getting to my class by locking the door," June sneered, her eyes narrowing with malice.

Ruelle's brow furrowed. "What door?" she asked, her voice reflecting her genuine puzzlement.

"Don't act innocent." June folded her arms, her stance casual but confrontational. "That little stunt of locking me in my room? Pathetic, really. I wouldn't have expected it from you, but I guess it's always the quiet ones."

Ruelle didn't know what June was going on about, but if it did happen, she didn't feel bad about it considering the dirty water trick the girl had pulled earlier. Steeling herself, she offered a polite smile, "Perhaps it was the senior vampiress who mistook me for you."

"I will make sure you are reported!" June hissed before storming off down the corridor. 

"I guess we can just follow her to find the office?" Hailey suggested lightly.

That was a good idea, and before long, Ruelle found herself standing a couple of steps behind June, who stood before Mr. Mortis. The room around them exuded an air of elegance, with the walls and ceiling wrapped in rich teak wood. Five lanterns hung from the ceiling, their soft light casting a gentle, flickering light that danced across the polished surfaces.

"My roommate, Ruelle Belmont, locked me in my room this morning!" June exclaimed, while the vampire meticulously scanned a parchment in his hand. "I was going to be late for an important class today."

Mr. Mortis lifted his gaze slowly, his expression exuding a weary patience as he glanced at the grandfather clock ticking away in the corner. "This morning?" he asked, his tone even, as though he had heard far more unnecessary complaints this morning in his long career at Sexton.

"Well, yes—this morning's class! She just—" June stammered, her anger faltering under Mr. Mortis' scrutinising gaze.

"So, despite being free before the class starts, rather than rushing to make it on time—which starts in two minutes—you're here?" Mr. Mortis questioned, eyebrows arching in mild disbelief.

June hesitated, realising her complaint wasn't as compelling as she'd hoped. "But she—"

"To the class. Now," Mr. Mortis ordered, his tone brooking no argument. June pressed her lips into a thin line and with a glare aimed at Ruelle, retreated from the room.

"And you two," he remarked, turning his keen gaze to Ruelle and Hailey, "do you require special instructions?"

Hailey shook her head in fear, quickly turning to leave, only to see Ruelle step forward. The latter's heart pounded as she stood before Mr. Mortis's desk.

The weight of the vampire's gaze bored into her, but Ruelle pushed through, her voice just above a whisper. "I—I want to quit Sexton," she informed him. 

Mr. Mortis fixed her with a gaze before he spoke in a tone of finality, "From the moment Groundlings and Halflings cross Sexton's doors, they become its possession. This is not a place you can enter or exit at will. Now, I suggest you return to class—unless you intend to fall behind by choice."


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