RONAN'S POV

The next day, Mercer confronted Chen and Kieran in the hallway outside the dining hall.

We weren't there. Heard about it from Marcus who witnessed the whole thing.

"Mercer walked right up to them," Marcus said. "Asked about their bond. When it happened. Why so suddenly. He was aggressive."

"What did they say?" I asked.

"Kieran stayed calm. Said it was private. That the bond was legal and registered. Chen looked scared but didn't say anything."

"And Mercer?"

"Pissed. Really ...