Chapter 41: Suspicion on her
Ruelle followed the guard towards Mr. Oak’s office, where soft footsteps echoed in the corridors. She hadn’t expected to be summoned—at least not today, and especially not right after the game. Her eyes flicked up to the walls, noting the portraits of staff and other important people who all appeared to be either vampires or vampiresses.
At last, they arrived at a large, intricately carved wooden double door. The guard turned to her and instructed,
"Wait here. Mr. Oak is currently occupied. You will be called in soon."
Ruelle nodded, folding her hands in front of her. What could the head of the Sexton possibly want her? Perhaps it was about June? She was still lost in thought when the distant murmur of voices drifted closer, echoing softly through the corridor.
Turning, she saw two familiar figures approaching—it was Mr. S—Dane Slater, and Ms. Gemma Gilbert. Dane’s light-hearted tone carried through the air as he conversed with Ms. Gilbert, his easy grin making him look strikingly different from his younger brother, Lucian. Ruelle couldn’t help but wonder if they didn’t share different parents—because there was something strikingly different in the brothers’ demeanours and energy.
"I must say, I seem to keep finding you in one office or another, Ms. Belmont," Dane remarked with a grin when he caught sight of her, slowing his pace slightly. "Getting acquainted with the staff, are we?"
Ruelle managed a polite smile. "Not voluntarily."
Dane’s grin widened. "I heard your team won today," he said, offering a congratulatory nod. "Quite the achievement."
"Thank you, Mr. S. It was a team effort," Ruelle offered a modest smile, feeling both flattered and slightly self-conscious at the praise. She hesitated a moment before adding, "If I may, the nature of the match does put people like me at a disadvantage. Facing experienced hunters and Stakers who are in their final year—it feels a bit more than uneven."