Page 3 of Checks & Bonds

She flipped her hair back, her green eyes glinting with something unreadable. "Like I said, Henry and I have a complicated relationship. Anyway, if someone claims you, Henry can't touch you. You'd be protected for the next two years, as long as you keep your Master happy."

"Master?" I echoed, my voice rising in disbelief.

The librarian's sharp "Shh!" cut through the air, making me wince.

"Look," Rebecca said, the first flare of annoyance creeping into her voice. "Do you want out of this engagement or not?"

"You still haven't shown me how I'm supposed to get out of it," I retorted, feeling my patience fray.

"I'm getting there," she replied, her tone insistent. "Henry must abide by the rules. He cannot touch you for two years. When are you supposed to get married?"

"This summer," I murmured, the weight of those words settling heavily on my chest.

"Exactly," she said, her eyes narrowing with determination. "If Henry wants to remain a Ravenwood, he can't marry you."

"What if he just moves the date back?" I asked, a note of desperation creeping into my voice.

Rebecca's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Both parties would have to agree. Would your parents agree to that?"

I chewed my bottom lip, uncertainty gnawing at me. The truth was, I didn't know what my parents wanted from me anymore. They barely spoke to me as it was.

Rebecca leaned back in her chair, studying me intently. "Think about it," she said quietly. "This could be your way out."

I stared at the law book in front of me; the words blurring together once more. A secret society? A Master? It all sounded so far-fetched and yet...it might be my only option.

"How do I even get someone to claim me?" I asked finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

Her smile widened as if she had been waiting for this question all along. "I happen to know someone who completely loathes Henry.”

I arched a brow, waiting for her to continue.

"Jensen Ackerman," she said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "He and Henry have been rivals since they were kids. They hate each other. He knows who you are. I'm surprised he hasn't approached you. But I can go to him and tell him you'll be at the ceremony. He'll claim you for sure."

"Ceremony?" I asked, my skepticism creeping into my voice.

"It's this weekend," she replied smoothly. "After the game." She reached into her bag and pulled out a glossy black card, handing it to me with a flourish. "Here. It's an invitation. You won't get in without it. Everything you need to know is on that card."

I took the card, feeling its smooth surface under my fingertips. My mind raced with the possibilities and dangers that came with this new information.

"If I were you," she continued, "I'd see if your parents are willing to put up with Henry reneging on the deal by moving the date back. Then again, Jensen might try to marry you himself, just to piss off Henry. He may talk your parents into a new contract, especially if Henry violates the contract first."

My gaze dropped to the card in my hand, its dark sheen reflecting the dim light of the library.

"Think about it," she said, standing up and preparing to leave.

"Wait," I called out, my voice wavering slightly. "When you say I have to belong to someone..." I let my voice trail off, unsure of how to finish the sentence.

Rebecca paused, her expression turning serious. "Protection isn't free," she said simply. "But unless you want to marry Henry, you have to be willing to pay the price."

With that, Rebecca turned and walked away, leaving me alone at the table with my thoughts and the weight of her words pressing down on me.

I stared at the black card in my hand, feeling a mix of fear and determination. This might be my only chance at freedom, but it came with its own set of risks and uncertainties.

The library seemed even quieter now as if holding its breath along with me as I considered what my next move should be.

I stood up, clutching the black card in my hand, and left the library. The heavy wooden doors creaked as they swung open, releasing me into the bright, spring air.

Campus buzzed with life. Cherry blossoms painted the pathways in shades of pink and white, their petals fluttering down like delicate confetti. Students lounged on the grass, some laughing, others absorbed in their books or conversations. The air smelled of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers—a stark contrast to the musty scent of old books inside the library.

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