Page 9 of Checks & Bonds

"Hey, Liam," I greeted him, forcing a smile.

"Freya," he acknowledged me with a nod, still holding Ivy close. "What's this about an Imprinting ceremony?"

"It's something Rebecca mentioned," I explained, trying to focus on anything other than the way Ivy looked at Liam as if he hung the moon. "She thinks it might help me get out of my engagement with Henry."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "Rebecca from Ethics class?"

"Yeah," I replied, feeling slightly defensive again. "She knows things—things that might help."

Liam looked at Ivy, his gaze softening for a moment before she slid out of his arms, her feet touching the ground with a soft thud.

I shifted uncomfortably, knowing Liam wasn't my biggest fan. Ever since I dragged Ivy to that party after their engagement was announced, things had been tense. But honestly, I didn't care.

"Hey," I started, my voice more assertive than I'd intended. "Can you talk to Henry? Maybe if you approach him?—"

"You think he'll listen to me?" He cut me off, his tone skeptical.

I pressed my lips together, frustration bubbling inside me. I didn't have many options left.

Liam’s eyes flicked down to the card still half-hidden in my pocket. "I know what that is," he said.

"You aren't in Ravenwood, are you?" My voice wavered slightly despite my effort to sound confident.

He sneered. "No," he replied, his tone almost mocking. "But my cousins are."

A shiver ran down my spine at the mention of Alexander Wolfe's sons. The thought of one of them claiming me made mystomach churn. The Wolfes were known for their ruthlessness and power, especially Alexander's lineage.

"What if one of them claims me?" I muttered under my breath, the fear clear even to my own ears.

"That's a risk you're willing to take?" His gaze hardened as he looked at me.

Ivy stepped forward, her hand reaching out to touch Liam's arm gently. "Liam, maybe we should help her," she whispered, her eyes pleading. "Do you think maybe you can try talking to Henry?"

He sighed heavily, running a hand through his damp hair. "This isn't any of my business," he muttered. "I don't want it to be my business."

Ivy fiddled with the hem of Liam's shirt, her fingers moving in a nervous dance. "I know," she replied. "But don't you think you should exhaust all options before resorting to... what's that? Some ceremony?" She gestured at the card.

"Did Rebecca give you this?" Liam asked, his gaze piercing through me.

"Well, yes," I replied slowly, feeling the weight of their scrutiny.

"You know she's only doing it so you're out of the way," Liam said, his tone flat and uncompromising. "She's wanted Henry since we were all freshmen."

"I don't care," I shot back, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

"You should," he insisted. "She's vindictive. That ceremony bonds you to someone. Your consent is required to take part, not to who claims you. And once the ceremony is complete, it's implied. You can't change your mind."

"Of course I can?—"

"Freya," he interrupted firmly. "This society affects your future. Don't throw it away because you want to get out of a marriage. Has Henry hurt you in any way?"

"What? Of course not," I responded.

"Then why risk that?" he pressed. "Just marry him."

"Just throw away my entire life? I don't think so." My voice cracked with frustration.

"You're impossible," he growled, moving to the kitchen with long strides.

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