Page 12 of A Debt of Darkness

“Ivy, he’s yours. You’re his. This ceremony doesn’t change that. Nothing will. Stop fighting this.”

He lets go and I move away, walking down the corridor. Ryan darts in front of me and I follow him. I’m slow. I don’t want to trip in this dress I don’t want to wear. I don’t want to behere and I don’t want to be heading towards this ceremony.

I’m walking to my own funeral, heading to my execution.

I wish the walk was longer and it’ll never be far enough.

Mia stops me before we step through the next set of doors, adjusting my dress and hair. Ryan waits patiently and I close my eyes, pretending for a moment this isn’t happening.

“You look beautiful,” he says, offering me his arm.

I’m not ready.

I’m not ready.

I’m not fucking ready.

I’m reaching for his arm and I’m still not ready. Ryan smiles and squeezes my hand, and I want to run. I could refuse. I could kick and scream and fight against this, but we’ll be back here again. Henry’s decided this will happen and he’ll find a way to get what he wants.

I’ve struck my deal. It keeps Izzy safe. It isn’t what I want, but it’s what she needs. I’ve made my bed and it’s time to lie in it. Until I can find a way out.

Ryan leads me into a small, beautiful room. Its stone arches are lit by candles and fairy lights, and it’s covered in peonies. It’s magical, intimate and perfect for a wedding. For any wedding other than mine. My pace slows and Ryan’s doesn’t, leaving me trailing behind him awkwardly.

“I’ll take it from here,” Henry says, walking towards me from the far side of the room. He covers the distance quickly, beaming as he stares down at me.

He’s almost beautiful. Tall, lean and powerful. The muscles underneath his immaculately tailored suit are strong and he’s fit. He’s elegant, streamlined and his dark blond hair is cut perfectly, styled to be as timeless as his presence. His sharp, bright blue eyes complete an appearance I’d find attractive in any man other than him.

“Your hand?”

I shake as I slip mine into his and his fingers close around mine. I’m trapped and there’s only this, only this way forward. Henry nods and pulls me toward him, staring at me as he leads me to the priest waiting for us. He doesn’t look like any I’ve known. He’s older but looks younger and it’s like he sees straight through me, instantly knowing all my deepest, darkest secrets.

“Are you ready?” he asks.

I draw a deep breath as Henry nods. His fingers tighten around mine and I wince as his grip hurts.

“You need to answer, Ivy,” the priest says.

My mouth forms a small but perfect circle as Henry’s eyes demand obedience. I shake a little as I look between him and the priest, uncertain and confused.

“She’s nervous,” Henry says, smoothly as he pulls me towards him. “Ivy, a nod will do.”

He doesn’t deserve it, and it’s more than I want to give. But there’s something in his expression that screams it’ll create a problem beyond my worst nightmare if I don’t. I bring my lips together, roll my teeth over the bottom one and nod.

“Good,” the priest continues. “It’s fine, Ivy. We’ll go slowly.”

I nod again and my heart shatters. This is too fast and Henry’s grip tightens again, reminding me not to fuck around.

“Let’s skip anything unnecessary,” Henry says. “We don’t need every prayer or blessing. Just the binding.”

The priest's eyes narrow and he glares at Henry, slowly turning his attention back to me. His head tilts and I dislike the way he’s staring at me. It’s unpleasant, unnerving. It’s like he wants to eat me for breakfast and he’s circling his prey.

“Is this what you want?” he asks.

No. It isn’t what I want.

“Yes.”

Henry smiles and pulls me against him, wrapping his arms around me. It’s more than I want and it’s far too personal. It’s the closest we’ve been, and I don’t like it. It’s firm and unrelenting, it’s uncomfortable and awkward. It’s the kind of hold you’ll do anything to escape from, except it isn’t.

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