Page 204 of Rite of Unity

Dad stepped forward, tucking his hands behind his back.“How’s my angel?”

I smiled, throwing my arms around him.“I missed you.”

He unclasped his hands from behind him and wrapped me in a tentative hug.I released him, searching for any sign of the shakes.He was steady, clear-eyed.

He glanced over my shoulder, and I followed it to Elias.

Elias stepped forward once more, holding out a hand.

Dad took it, shaking firmly, and Elias nodded in approval.He straightened, standing a little taller.Dad stepped back, tucking Mama into his side, and Elias grabbed my hands, squeezing.

“I knew it would be you.”

I searched his face.“Was it ever going to be fair?”

His cheeks flushed, and he looked over his shoulder at my parents.“I would never cheat.”He tipped his head toward me, breath hot against my ear.“Okay, I had her stylist give her something to make her a little less clear-headed.”

He backed up, releasing my hands.“I’m sorry.”

Seven,I thought.But it wasn’t her lack of focus that killed her, so could I truly countthismurder against Elias?Someone else wanted me to win.

I stepped forward, brushing a kiss along his jaw.“You really love me.”

He nodded.“For better or worse.”

I reached for his hand again, lacing our fingers together.“Can I have a moment with my parents?”I squeezed his hand.“Just a moment and then… forever.”

He smiled, his lips stretching wide.“Forever.”

Dipping his chin to my parents, he stepped out of the room.Outside, Elias’s name erupted, but I couldn’t think about that now.

I searched my parents’ faces, but before I could say anything, Mama turned to Joel.“Honey, can I speak to our daughter alone for a moment?”

He nodded, looking relieved, and slipped out behind Elias.

Then it was just the two of us.

She rushed forward, wrapping her arms around me.Her hug was tight, crushing, and she pressed her lips to my ear.“Nowhere is safe.”

“What?”I struggled in her hold.

“Don’t believe them.Just because they say there are no cameras doesn’t mean there aren’t.”

I wriggled in her grip, but she only held tighter.

“The mission has changed.”

I stilled, ice racing down my spine.

“You’ll marry him, and together… we’ll change the world.”She released me, patting my sleeve and smoothing the fabric where she’d wrinkled it.

“But…” I glanced around.“Did Lucen…” I mouthed the words.

“He has no part in this.Not after what happened.”

My heart raced as I stumbled over the meaning behind her words, searching her face.

She wrapped her arms around me once more and leaned close.“I didn’t raise you to be blind to the atrocities of this world.You know how they treat us.But we’re worth more than wombs.”