Page 189 of Rite of Unity

We rolled down the drive, turning onto the street.

***

In my room, I moved quickly, stuffing things into a bag.My door banged open, and Sera marched in.

“What the fuck is going on?”

I turned back to my bag, putting a toothbrush and paste inside.

She stomped across the floor, grabbing my shoulder and spinning me.

I scowled at her, tearing free from her grasp.“I’m going back to Elias’s.”

“Like hell.We have another trial.Or did you forget?”

I stopped, turning to face her.“You’ll have to take that up with Elias.”

Her face was blank as she stared at me, processing my words.

I moved past her, out the door and down the hall.

“Bitch!”Sera screamed, racing behind me.

I hurried down the stairs, throwing the front door wide.She tackled me to the ground on the top step, and my bag went flying.

Elias was out of his car, shoving Sera off in moments.

“You can’t have it,” she yelled, gaze darting between us.“I earned this marriage!”

“Get a hold of yourself.”Elias stared down at Sera, eyes glacial.

Sera straightened, realizing who he was.Whoshewas.

Elias held a hand out, and I took it.He helped me to the car, stooping to grab my bag.

“What’s going on?Elias?”

Sera’s voice was softer now, plaintive.She was afraid.

She should be.

Elias turned back to her.“The rebels have killed August.I’m canceling the Rite.Go home to your family where it’s safe.”

Elias closed my door and came around, opening his.I stared out the front window.

Tingles started in my back and spread down my shoulders.I hadn’t been free a day in my life until now.Almost.Just get through today, Maryn.

Calden’s face flashed in my mind.

“No!”Sera shouted.“You will not cast me aside like trash.My father paid for your family’s home, for the facility.”

I leaned toward Elias’s door, listening.The Cannons.How many others?How many Elite families had funded the facility, knowing what it meant for women in their own families?August was dead.But August hadn’t built this world alone.

“My father isn’t here anymore.Your father can’t control me the way he did August.”

Sera stomped her foot.“This isn’t fair!”

Elias moved around the car.