Page 188 of Rite of Unity

As I approached the foyer, voices grew into a steady hum, and I wrapped my arms around my middle, glancing at the dozens of men in black uniforms standing, pacing, talking into their devices.Drones buzzed up and down halls, scanning the space until a green light flicked on.

I moved between them, ribs aching from how tightly I squeezed.

“Maryn.”

Elias stepped around a group of men in suits, wrapping an arm around me.“I’m so sorry.I shouldn’t have left you alone so long.”

“What’s happening?”I whispered low so no one else would hear.

He herded us out of the main room and into the dining room.

Releasing me, he turned toward me.“It’s the rebels.”

I stiffened.“What?”

His hands came up, rubbing my arms.“Don’t worry.They aren’t here anymore.”

He squeezed my arms, still wrapped over my chest.

“I don’t know how they got in, but no one else was hurt.”He paused.“Except… Blight and Ruin.”

I nodded, not having to fake the pain in my chest.I understood why he’d done it.If the dogs hadn’t attacked, only someone who knew the command word could have done it.I’d made him a killer four times over now.Who would be blamed for this?Who would be killed?“And your father?”

His mouth was a grim line, and tears threatened to spill, but he stood taller.“Dead.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat.“What does that mean?”

He shook his head.“His advisors are here now.They have a lot of opinions.They only agree on one thing.I’ll need to declare myself president as soon as possible.”

I dipped my chin, tugging out of his hold.“I’ll go.You’re busy.”

“No.”He grabbed my arm, pulling me into him.“Please.Don’t go.”

He curled around me, holding me in place.I was reminded of my mom, of the way Joel always wanted her close when he was sick.She sat very still until he calmed.

I did the same now.

When Elias had taken what he needed from me, he straightened, releasing me.“You’re right.I’ll have meetings for hours.Go change.Get something to eat.”

I stared up at him, and his lower lip trembled.

“I’ll change and come back.”

Something in his eyes lightened, his shoulders relaxing.He nodded, saying nothing, and we moved to a side door, away from the front entrance and the guards.

Outside, he moved to a free-standing building, tugging his tablet out of his pocket, and a massive door rolled up, revealing a row of black vehicles.

Elias strode to the first and tugged the passenger door open.“I’ll drive you.”

I shuffled forward, setting bare feet on the floor mat.I waited as he strode around to the other side.I stared at him as he moved with the ease of a man who found comfort in repetition, in the things that still made sense.

Tentatively, I stretched a hand toward him, resting it on his arm.

He jumped, as if remembering I was there for the first time.His gaze fell to my hand, lifted to my face.He stared at me.Lost.

“If you want to wait in the car while I change, I’ll come back with you.”

He nodded.Shook his head.Nodded again.“Okay.”