Saturday arrived quicker than expected for the Elites. Meanwhile, for the Groundlings, the week felt like an eternity under the weight of serving the vampires and living under their constant shadow. Now, the students gathered beside the carriages that were destined for various towns.
"Best wishes to your sister and her husband-to-be. I hope you enjoy the celebrations!" Hailey said warmly, having decided to visit her grandfather before heading home.
"Thank you. I hope you have a safe journey," Ruelle replied with a smile, having come to bid Hailey farewell.
As Hailey rummaged through her satchel, she said, "I think Kevin wanted to attend your sister's wedding."
Ruelle blinked, the meaning of Hailey's words passing over her like the gentle breeze that stirred her hair. "He does seem interested in gatherings. He was talking about the soiree two days ago."
Hailey laughed at this, realising how Ruelle missed the point. She replied, "He does seem sociable, but I think it wasn't that. Not to mention, you gave him homework."
"That's because he has a lot of catching up to do before the tests," Ruelle explained, determined to help him succeed.
Hailey was about to say something when she suddenly pulled out a handkerchief and exclaimed, "How did I pick up Blake's kerchief?"
"Get inside the carriage! We're leaving now," the coachman announced, casting an impatient look their way.
"Wait! I need to return this!" Hailey said, her eyes widening in alarm.
The coachman shot her a sharp glance. "The carriage moves with or without you. Shouldn't have wasted time chitchatting, huh?"
"You can return it on Monday when you're back," Ruelle suggested, aware that once the carriages departed, there wouldn't be another heading in the same direction.
Hailey shook her head, worry creasing her brow. "I would, but I know Blake cherishes this one and never leaves without it. It's important to her."
"How about I return it for you? I still have a few spare minutes before I leave," Ruelle offered. Seeing Hailey's concern, she added, "I'll be very careful with it."
Hailey hesitated for a moment, and asked, "Would you really? I know it's not much, but Blake can be... particular about her things."
"It's no trouble," Ruelle assured her with a soft smile. "I'll bring it to her."
"Thank you, Ruelle," Hailey said, gratefully handing over the kerchief before quickly clambering inside. Moments later, the horses pulled the carriage away, wheels clattering on the cobblestones.
Ruelle watched Hailey's departure with a smile, then turned toward the direction where the Elites' magnificent carriages were parked. Now, where was Hailey's roommate's carriage?
She scanned the area before deciding to walk past the Elites' fancy carriages. Each one stood out in its splendour, making the local carriages look ordinary by comparison. Vampires and vampiresses glanced at her suspiciously, wondering why someone like her was among them.
Finally, she spotted the senior vampiress and quickened her pace, only to slow down again when she noticed the midnight-haired vampire standing next to her. Lucian and Blake were deep in conversation, and Ruelle's heart raced as she approached, holding the kerchief tightly in her hand.
"Senior Blake?" Ruelle called out slightly breathless, to gain both of their attention. She could feel the searing gaze coming from Lucian, which she tried to avoid. She offered a deep bow, and she raised the kerchief, "This is yours. Hailey wanted me to return this to you. She picked it up by mistake."
Blake's red eyes flickered toward the handkerchief in Ruelle's hand, and for a brief moment, something like relief crossed her face. She stepped forward, her movements graceful as ever.
"Thank you," Blake said, her voice composed as her eyes lingered on the handkerchief as she took it from Ruelle's hand. She folded it neatly, tucking it into her dress pocket. "It's considerate of you to deliver it to me."
Ruelle hesitated, then responded with a modest nod. "I didn't mind. It seemed important to her—and to you."
Blake gave a nod, her lips curling into a small, appreciative smile, before turning to Lucian. "Are you sure you don't want to come with us for the weekend?"
Lucian's sharp gaze softened ever so slightly as he regarded his friend, though his expression remained composed. "Enjoy yourselves without me. I have other things to do."
Blake didn't press further but gave another knowing nod. "Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find us."
Lucian's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. "Be safe," he said quietly, as Blake turned to leave. She offered a final wave before walking away, her elegant figure disappearing among the other Elites.
With Ruelle finishing what she came here for, she decided to leave before the awkwardness deepened. She gave a small bow, preparing to walk away, when Lucian's voice cut through the silence around them.
"Quite considerate of you."
Ruelle froze in her steps, glancing back toward him, her expression caught between curiosity and unease. "Pardon me?" Her eyes finally met his dark, brooding red gaze, which sent a flutter of nerves through her chest.
"Coming all the way here to help, when your carriage is about to leave," Lucian remarked, his tone deceptively casual as he glanced at the carriages in the distance. "How thoughtful of you."
For a brief moment, Ruelle thought he was genuinely praising her. But something about the way he said it made her hesitate. She frowned, unsure how to respond.
"You must be very skilled at finding ways to offer assistance," Lucian continued, his tone growing colder. "It's almost admirable, really. A trait that might serve you well... if it's calculated right."
The words felt like a slap, their meaning sinking in. Ruelle's heart stung, but instead of shying away, she took a small breath, steadying herself. "I wasn't trying to calculate anything," she said, her voice still soft but laced with quiet strength. "I was just returning something important…"
Lucian's red eyes hardened. "Of course. Purely out of the goodness of your heart." The sarcasm dripped from his words.
Ruelle's brow furrowed. "I didn't do it expecting anything in return. Should I not have helped?" she asked, her voice soft yet careful, unwilling to provoke the clearly hostile vampire.
Lucian's lips curled into a mocking smile, though his eyes remained cold. He remarked, "Not at all. How else will people like you secure the favour of those who matter? First Sawyer and now Blake."
Ruelle's heart sank, the weight of his accusation hitting deeper. His cold eyes seemed to carry a deep-seated loathing that cut through the air between them. In that single, piercing gaze, she felt his desire for her to vanish, to be gone from his sight entirely.
"People like me?" Ruelle repeated softly, her brows furrowing in hurt and confusion. "You talk about people like me as if you know anything about me." She paused, steadying herself, before continuing, "But what about the others? The ones who do worse—those who chain people or beat them bloody without a second thought?"
The image of Lucian violently pummeling the Halfling in the hallway flashed in her mind, the memory of blood staining the stone walls fresh in her thoughts. She didn't want to confront him, but the words slipped out before she could stop herself. Her gaze dropped quickly when she noticed his eyes darken.
For a brief moment, something flickered in Lucian's eyes—something she couldn't quite decipher. It was as though her words had struck a nerve, but instead of softening, his expression hardened further.
Lucian's voice dropped to a low, chilling tone. "Careful," he warned, the single word laced with menace.
Ruelle's pulse quickened. She whispered, "Maybe you should stop assuming that every human is scheming or looking for favours. You don't know me… to assume so."
For a fleeting moment, the cold mask Lucian wore slipped as he stared at her, something unreadable flickering in his gaze. He then said,
"You are right," his voice flat. "I don't know you. And I don't intend to."