Page 75 of Rite of Unity

My hands slid to my lap, and I ran my thumb over my fingertips.Slowly, my vision cleared.

I swallowed to steady my voice.“In the Middle, we get meat on Fridays.It’s usually fish, but occasionally, we get chicken.If we’re lucky.”

I stilled my hands in my lap.

“I had steak for the first time on my eighteenth birthday—a special dinner for reaching the age of eligibility.”I blinked several more times.“Dad saved for a month to celebrate my big day.”

He said nothing, so I continued.

“It’s fitting that the second time I’ve been served the rarest dish in the Covenant, is when I’ve been matched to you.”

Elias’s easy confidence drained away.He laid his fork and knife down.

My pulse spiked.

He glanced at the waiter beside my chaperone and the man moved swiftly.“Yes sir?”

“Take this away.”

I opened my mouth, but his look silenced me.“Give me a second plate.”

My plate disappeared, and in moments, a new one appeared in front of Elias.

I swallowed, saying nothing as he picked up his fork and knife and began cutting.

He stabbed the larger half and slid it onto the empty plate, scooping a forkful of vegetables onto it and slid it across the table between us.

His eyes met mine.“The only thing we’re celebrating,” he exhaled a slow breath.“Is that I was lucky enough to attend Josh’s social ball the night you were there.”

Under the table, my hands shook.I laced them together to stop their trembling.

Elias sliced his fish and held it to his mouth before setting it down again.“I’m sorry.I’m not upset with you.”

I nodded, my vision blurring for the second time in one evening.

“Maryn, please.I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

I nodded again.

“I just hate this damn process so much.It’s almost as if they want you to feel inferior.”

I said nothing, blinking until my vision was clear.I hated how long it took.

“Please eat.I only wanted to enjoy a nice evening with you.”

I unlaced my hands and lifted my fork and knife.

“I can cut it for you.”

“No.Thank you.”

He set his silverware down and lifted his wine glass to his lips.

I mirrored his movements.The rich, dark flavor burned away the lingering taste of leech venom.I took another sip, and another.

My shoulders relaxed, and the idea of Elias sharing his food with me suddenly seemed very funny.My lips tipped up as I lifted the glass, taking a long drink before setting it down and slicing into my fish.

Flavor exploded on my tongue, and I had to bite back the moan.