ash_knight17

The clock struck midnight when Ruelle heard the echo of footsteps. She tensed, the fine hairs on the back of her neck standing on end in the cool night air.

"You shouldn't be here," Ruelle whispered, her voice a breathless murmur. The silhouette finally came to stand under the moonlight, his dark red eyes watching her and his inky black hair ruffling.

"Shouldn't I?" His voice was a dark caress, and she stood there captivated by the danger he exuded like perfume.

"I haven’t seen you for the last two days," his tone low. His hand reached out, fingers brushing against the silk of her nightgown, tracing the trembling outline of her collarbone. "Tell me, were you avoiding me, or perhaps... entertaining other offers?"

Ruelle’s heart raced, her breaths shallow. She declared, "I don't belong to anyone.”

"A bold claim," he murmured, his breath a tantalising chill against her skin as he leaned in. "Yet here you are, pulse racing, your body tensed as if in anticipation of my touch."

His fingers gripped her chin, tilting her face towards his. The moonlight caught his eyes, revealing a glint of predatory intent. "Or must I remind you whose touch you truly crave?"

Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

At the other side of the Elites' table, Lucian sipped his tea, his expression unreadable, seemingly unaffected by the growing commotion around him. Though the room buzzed with whispered gossip and students began casting furtive glances in his direction, he appeared seemingly uninterested in the growing whispers and speculation.

"Seems like everyone's heard about your new roommate," Blake remarked casually, her tone light as she glanced around at the curious students.

Lucian gave no outward sign of acknowledgement, his face as impassive as ever.

Sawyer, seated beside Blake, clicked his tongue in exaggerated disappointment. He complained, "Of course, the one year I decide to have a roommate is the year I shouldn't have one. So, does this mean… humans are o—Ow!" he yelped as Blake kicked him under the table.

Wildfire at the tables