Eighteen-year-old Ruelle Belmont has learned to be useful and grateful, because in her family love is given only to those who earn it. When her father’s debts grow beyond saving, she is sent to Sexton, a prestigious vampire institution that accepts one human from every household.

But Sexton is no place for a human.

Inside its halls, humans are not students. They are Groundlings, valued for their blood and how easily they can be broken. Favour is currency and cruelty is entertainment. And failure means being sold.

Ruelle soon discovers that the cold and dangerous pureblood she once crossed paths with is here as well. Worse, she is forced to share a room with him when she is hunted by a couple of vampiresses. 

Lucian Slater watches her too closely for a man who claims to despise humans. Yet when Sexton’s predators begin to circle, he is the one who steps in to help her.

And for the first time in her life, Ruelle is learning something she was never meant to believe. That she may be worth wanting.

And in Sexton, being wanted is the most dangerous thing of all.

———————

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 dress, 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 light caught his eyes, revealing a glint of predatory intent. "Or must I remind you whose touch you truly crave?"

Ruelle had never seen the man before, yet he knew her name. 


"I thought you had more pressing documents to attend to than revisiting an old treaty," Lucian said, his gaze settling on the elder minister, cold as frost. 


She felt him guide her to the couch and have her sit beside him.


The elder minister replied, "With the treaty now in effect, there is little that could take priority. It is time we saw it through. Lord Azriel is in agreement." His eyes returned to the young woman and he added, "I believe it would be wise to address that before it becomes a matter of concern."


It was only after a second that Ruelle realised the minister was staring at the markings on her neck. She heard Lord Azriel ask Lucian, 


The elder minister's thin eyebrows rose. He questioned, "Where are the Belmonts? I thought she was already informed, especially with the soul bond you gave her." 


Chapter 166 - Conditions Of The Treaty