Claimed by the Prince of Darkness novel Chapter 114

Chapter 114: What I Touch, I Keep

The last thing Ruelle had expected was for Lucian to walk into her class and ask her to step outside. But then again, she hadn’t expected him to bite her either.

Maybe classrooms weren’t as safe as she had once thought.

As Lucian turned and stepped out of the room, she felt several eyes land on her, which were half curious and half carried a look of pity, as if she were a lamb being led to be beheaded.

Rising from her seat with stiff legs, she stepped out into the corridor. Glancing back toward the door of the classroom, she took ten hurried steps before walking straight into Lucian’s back, his broad frame swallowing her from view. For a second, all she saw was dark fabric and felt the solid heat of him through it.

She was going to apologise, when she heard someone else’s voice—

"Lucian Slater," came the mock concern of a man. "Struggling, are we? First-year lessons must be more your level. Best master the basics before involving yourself in work meant for adults. Or, if you need help, you can ask me."

The person’s voice stirred an uneasy familiarity in Ruelle’s memory, even though she couldn’t see who it was.

Lucian stared at Minister Griswold, who walked to where he was with Mr. Mortis’ attendant. He agreed calmly,

"I am struggling with something."

When Ruelle shifted out of reflex, Lucian’s hand reached back and clasped around her wrist. "If Sexton ever introduces levels below first year, Minister, I’ll be sure to recommend you for placement."

Ruelle stilled as she felt Lucian’s fingers wrap around her wrist, keeping her where she was. Heat rushed to her face as he was holding her hand in the middle of the corridor and when she tried to tug it free, it only tightened.

Minister Griswold’s jaw flexed. For a moment, a sneer threatened to surface, but he smoothed it into a smile.

"Your wit is remarkable. But there was something I wished to ask you." His gaze drifted just past Lucian’s shoulder before continuing. "The human Dane brought to Slater Mansion. Who was she? She was about this tall." He gestured vaguely. "Though I can’t seem to remember the colour of her hair."

Ruelle’s body stiffened and the realisation made her pulse thud painfully in her ribs.

"My brother has a habit of bringing several women to the mansion," Lucian replied, his tone almost bored. "You’ll have to be more specific, Minister."

"She lied to me. Said her name was Alanna Beckett," Ruelle heard the minister’s words, fury creeping into his voice. "But Alanna Beckett was someone else," he sneered, remembering the slap.

The minister gritted his teeth before deciding to end the conversation and stepped forward, intending to pass.

At the same time, Lucian moved with just a small turn of his shoulders and a slight shift of stance. It was subtle, as though he were merely watching the minister, while something behind his eyes calculated.

Ruelle, who had hidden behind Lucian, peeked just in time to see the minister disappear into the classroom. Her stomach dropped. If the instructor told him she had stepped out—

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify