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

She hadn't hurt herself. At least, not enough to bleed like this. Nor had she crushed some fish under her feet. Perhaps the riverbed beneath her stirred something murky? Ruelle's thoughts flickered wildly, grasping at logic, but the deeper side of her mind told her it was something else.

Most of the other women began inching away. Not with panic, but with a quiet unease, skirts gathered in hands, eyes darting to the water as if it might touch them. A ripple of separation formed, and Ruelle stood at its centre.

The blood oozed a metallic scent into the air, primarily attracting the attention of the Halflings. They stepped closer to the bank, their predatory instincts flickering in their eyes.

A loud voice spoke through the hush.

"Well, well, well. How thoughtful—you've turned the river into your personal washbasin. Some of us were actually enjoying it," Alanna remarked mockingly, confirming the suspicion.

When Eyes Turned to Her