Claimed by the Prince of Darkness novel Chapter 182

Chapter 182: Interrogating the Dead

Lucian’s gaze stayed on Harold Belmont. As the human spoke to his wife, every mannerism and word that left his lips was the same. Yet the wounds inflicted upon him a few nights ago were gone. The longer the pureblooded vampire watched him, the less he understood.

Because dead people didn’t come back.

"Contrary to what I came to hear, you seem to be in good health, Mr. Belmont," Minister Carnifex remarked after giving a quick sweep at the human. There had been information on how Lucian Slater had something to do with Harold Belmont’s broken hands, but it didn’t seem to be the case. It seemed that people were trying to actively null the treaty, thought the elder minister to himself.

"H—Harold has very good health," Mrs. Belmont uttered before her husband. "Why wouldn’t he be in good health?" she laughed in the end.

"That’s good to hear. It would have been a headache if it weren’t so," Minister Carnifex murmured the last words under his breath.

Mrs. Belmont smiled, trying to keep a sound mind as she was in the presence of too many pureblooded vampires. She replied, "It is very kind of you to worry about it."

"It is strange, though. I thought the Belmont had only one daughter," one of the ministers commented with a thoughtful expression.

"Mrs. Belmont," Lucian interrupted when Mrs. Belmont’s eyes widened. "We will inform you if we hear anything about Mrs. Henley."

Mrs. Belmont nodded. "Thank you. I pray all of this is resolved quickly."

"Then we will take our leave," Mr. Belmont murmured as if he had somewhere else to be than in the courthouse.

But Minister Sylvan had other ideas as he stopped the human by saying, "I believe Mr. Slater would like to interrogate you before you leave, is that not right?"

Mr. Belmont’s eyebrows furrowed and he asked, "What for?"

Minister Sylvan turned amused at the question. Lucian then spoke, "Mr. Belmont, we need to discuss the murder case your daughter has been accused of. Your wife has already given her statement and we would like to hear from you."

"Okay. Anything that will help Caroline," Mr. Belmont nodded. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Issac, lead Mr. Belmont to the assigned room," Lucian ordered and the officer behind him gave a firm nod.

Mrs. Belmont was right on her heel, following her husband and disappeared at the end of the corridor.

"Has there been any progress on yesterday’s mishap?" Minister Carnifex asked the people around him.

"We are still looking for answers, Sire," one of the men informed.

Minister Carnifex’s tongue clicked in faint annoyance. "One would think the courthouse capable of guarding its own prisoners."

"Word has already been sent to the fortress to send men who will be replacing the current guards to enforce security," Sawyer informed what his father had told him.

Minister Carnifex gave a short nod, while his expression continued to remain grim.

Lucian didn’t stay behind as he walked away from there.

Away from the ministers and in Lucian’s officer room, Ruelle had finally woken. The pounding behind her eyes had dulled into a faint ache and the heaviness in her limbs had lessened after sleeping for what felt like hours.

The office was quiet except for the occasional turn of a page that came from Dane, who was reading a book across from her.

When a soft click came from the door, Ruelle looked up and saw Lucian step inside. A soft smile found its way onto her lips before she could stop it and she murmured,

"You are back."

Without a word, he crossed the room and sat beside her.

She then felt his cool palm press against her forehead.

And just as Lucian began to pull away, Ruelle found herself leaning after the touch. Only when his hand slid from her forehead to her cheek did she realise what she was doing.

Heat rushed to her face and her eyes flew open. She immediately straightened before her eyes fell on Dane.

"Don’t mind me. Please carry on. I am too engrossed in the book," Dane remarked without looking up from the page.

"By the way, your parents are here," Lucian informed.

The warmth in Ruelle’s face faded.

"They must be panicking," Ruelle said, her eyes lowered. Things were happening to Caroline continuously, and it wasn’t something her parents were used to.

Dane, who had returned to his book, paused after five seconds of what Lucian said. His eyes raised and looked at his brother.

"Do you think you will be fine in their company?" Lucian asked Ruelle. "It is going to be a short investigation. But you don’t have to if you aren’t up for it."

Ruelle looked mildly surprised. She wasn’t scared of them, but they did make her uncomfortable. Her lips pursed before she nodded,

"I will be fine. Did you find anything about Caroline?" Pushing the blanket away from her lap, she stood up.

"It was one of the humans. Most likely the one who occupied the cell opposite your sister’s," Lucian answered. "Blood was found splattered inside the cell."

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