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

The dining hall doors groaned as they swung shut behind Ruelle and Hailey, swallowing the lingering chatter within.

The rain from the previous evening had not stopped. It pattered softly against the stone pathways, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and candle wax from the candle holders lining the walls. The cold clung to her skin, slipping beneath her sweater as she pulled it tighter around herself.

As they turned the corner, she caught movement of a blurry figure lingering at the forest's edge. But the next second the figure vanished. Her steps faltered. Had she imagined it? It was probably the shadows playing tricks at night.

"—if I fail the Cultural Studies test tomorrow, I swear, I'll throw myself into the lake," Hailey declared dramatically, flinging her arms up. "Mr. Lundy has it out for me. I just know it."

Ruelle hummed absentmindedly in agreement, her gaze lingering on the spot where the figure had vanished.

A Pinprick of Fear