Claimed by the Prince of Darkness-Chapter 110: The Rearrangement

Dark clouds hung heavily in the sky, leaving a shadow over the grounds of Sexton. Lanterns hanging on the lampposts burned as if they would drive away the shadow the winter had brought in.

Ruelle stood in the garden beside Dane, the chill brushing against her cheeks. Her thoughts lingered on what he had told her. She had never heard of anyone surviving corruption until now. Lucian had always seemed too composed for anyone to suspect something like that living quietly beneath his skin.

She asked softly, "What are the chances... that the corruption takes full effect, even if it is separated?"

"Considering it was our experiment that worked, it is hard to say," Dane replied. And when he noticed the look of worry on her face, he placed a gentle hand on top of her head. He smiled faintly, "Lucian’s will is stronger than his corruption. He will survive."

Ruelle nodded, but a thin thread of unease curled through her chest. Bringing nothing but misfortune, her father’s voice echoed in her mind.

Just then, the rumble of wheels broke her thoughts and she watched a carriage made of teak wood and wrought iron roll through Sexton’s gates. Changing the subject, Dane asked,

"Do you know how many people your father owes money to?"

Ruelle shook her head. "I am guessing quite a few over the years."

Previously, she had believed she could run away from Sexton. But now it seemed the world beyond Sexton carried just as many traps. With the way things were, the chances of her crossing paths with someone her father owed felt frighteningly high.

Then a thought crossed her mind and she looked at Dane. He had asked her to call him Brother Dane... yet he had never once spoken of ending her time in Sexton.

Dane noticed her gaze linger and tilted his head slightly, a faint question in the gesture. Before she could ponder more about it, one of her classmates called her,

"Ruelle," and she turned in the direction. "Mr. Mortis said to meet him at his office once you return."

"Looks like you have to leave. I need to get back to my meal too," Dane smiled, before adding, "Save me a dance tomorrow, Ruelle."

Ruelle returned his smile and replied, "I will."

And while Ruelle made her way towards Mr. Mortis’s office, the vampire already had a visitor.

"Looks like Sexton hasn’t given you a moment’s rest, Edmond," the minister remarked as he stepped into the office. "One would think you might grow old in this office."

"Minister Griswold," Mr. Mortis greeted from behind his desk. "To what do we owe the pleasure? The Winter Ball is not until tomorrow."

"I am not here for the ball," Griswold replied, removing his gloves finger by finger. "I am here regarding one of your students."

"I see," Mr. Mortis responded.

"I understand she is not scheduled for formal placement until later next month," the minister continued casually, as though discussing a delayed shipment. "But with the festivities tomorrow, I thought it might be agreeable to arrange her company for the evening. A pleasant drink is all the night requires, don’t you agree?"

Requests like these were not unfamiliar within Sexton’s walls. With the proper price, some students were introduced early. Mortis adjusted his glasses on his nose and asked, "Which student?"

"Alanna Beckett. I made her acquaintance at a recent gathering and was quite taken by her," Griswold said, a faint smile touching his lips.

"Alanna Beckett?" Mortis repeated as he raised one of his eyebrows. "Are you certain?"

"I am," Griswold replied unfazed. "I am aware she has connections with families but I am prepared to be generous where her family is concerned."

Mortis hesitated a moment because this wasn’t about a human. He began, "I don’t believe her father—"

"I will handle her father," the minister interrupted, waving a hand as though brushing aside a minor inconvenience. "Just have her sent to the private room tomorrow evening. Let her know the minister wishes to see her. If this is beyond your reach, I can always speak to Oak directly."

Mr. Mortis gave it some thought before responding, "I will inform her."

"Excellent." Griswold smiled as he walked towards the door. "Do you know if she is on the grounds today?" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"I cannot say. Many students have gone out for the ball preparations."

"No matter," the minister replied. "I can wait until tomorrow."

As the minister stepped out of the office, his gaze moved absently down the corridor before it paused on a pair of humans.

A young man and a woman stood, with the woman’s back turned to him, while they spoke to each other. The minister’s eyes lingered and the young man noticed.

When Griswold sent an asserting glare, the young man’s posture stiffened and he lowered his head. A quiet harrumph left the minister’s throat before walking out of there.

After a minute, Mr. Mortis’ attendant called, "Ms. Belmont, you will be seen now."

Ruelle turned at once. She gave a small smile to the person she was talking with and said quietly, "You will find Hailey in her room," before hurrying inside the office.

Upon seeing Mr. Mortis behind the desk, she offered him a polite bow. He then said,

"Miss Belmont," Mr. Mortis said, placing his fingers against each other to form an upward-pointing V. "It seems Prince Edward has been attending his classes with far more consistency these past few days."

Was that why she had been called?

"He has a history of neglecting his academic responsibilities," Mortis continued evenly. "But recently there have been improvements. At least he hasn’t left Sexton."

"I didn’t do anything," Ruelle replied quickly. "The prince is earnest when he’s motivated."

Mr. Mortis hummed. He then stated, "I am also informed you will be accompanying the prince to the Winter Ball," before going on, "I am guessing you have an appropriate gown for it?"

"I do," Ruelle replied, understanding people of high status were going to attend tomorrow’s ball. She then heard him inform,

"Also, with the new quarters nearing completion, you will be moved there once they are ready for use."