Page 132 of Rite of Unity

Sera gave a dry laugh.“Who do you think passed the new law?”

The sound of a bowl crashing against Sera’s wall made me wince, and I ducked my head back into my room as Sera’s door flew open.

I pressed the door closed softly, leaning against it, my heartbeat loud in my ears.

A tap against the door made me jump.I held my breath.

“Eavesdropping, Middle Girl?”

I pressed my palms flat against the door, planting my heels.

The door handle rattled.“Even if he chooses you, you aren’t safe,” Lydia sneered.“None of us are safe now.”

Footsteps sounded as she retreated from my door, and my breath escaped in a rush.

“Five years is all we get,” she shouted as her door slammed shut.

I leaned against the metal at my back, eyes sliding closed.My heart raced, but it wasn’t Lydia’s threat.It was the threat to all women.

My tablet buzzed.I pushed off the door, lifting it from my bedside table.

Private Message.

Frowning, I touched the screen.

Elias Hale glowed in white letters.I tapped his name, my pulse speeding.

I want to see you.Tonight?

I read it twice.Then a third time.My thumb hovered over the screen.

Yes.

My fingers drummed the side of the device.

Six?

I glanced at the time.My heart hadn’t slowed.

Perfect.

***

A black car rolled to a stop, and Elias stepped out.His bright eyes lit as he took me in, none of the coldness from our last interaction present.

Had he forgiven me?

I descended the steps, pasting a demure smile on my face.

He reached for my hand, lifting it to his lips.His gaze drifted to my ears.“You wore them.”

I touched the chip of blue at my ear.“Yes.”

He held the door wide, and I sank into the passenger seat.

“Where would you like to go?”

His question took me by surprise.But it wasn’t one I could answer honestly.I pursed my lips.