Page 85 of Rite of Unity

Abi broke from the line, going to stand with him.He bowed low, kissing her hand.“I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, Abi.”

She nodded, but it wasn’t sadness I saw.She was… relieved.

Vera’s words in my room came back to me.

Elias escorted Abi away, and I watched.

Nami turned to me.“First!That’s impressive.You beat Sera.”

I stood very still.It should have been impossible.And yet—

I faced her.“You did great, too.”

In moments, Elias returned, striding across the dance floor.

He held out a hand to Rakel.

Nami and I moved off the dance floor and I watched them spin, heads tipped together.

***

In my room, I slid my shoes off at the door and crossed the room, flopping onto the bed.

I lay for a moment, face down.

Slowly, I pushed up onto my elbows and slid off the bed.I lifted the mattress, tugged out the black folder and climbed back onto my bed, glancing at my window.

After the strange meeting with Calden that night, I half expected him to climb through my window a second time.

When no face appeared in the dark, and the hall remained silent, I flipped it open.I ran my thumb along the edge of the first page.Slicker than synth.Thinner.

Blood Test

Elaine Veil—former rebel operative.Elaine Veil to provide blood sample to Geneticist Knox.Result: Success.

I turned the page.

Bio Signature Entry

Access requires one of three Hale family members.

Inside the home: Blight and Ruin.Elite trained attack dogs.Command word: Unknown.

Halls monitored by camera and guard 24/7.

Private wing: Dogs and one guard only.

Office: Desk, chair, wall of old war photos.Two guards stationed outside.

I slid off the bed, reading the contents a second time, memorizing them and tiptoed to the bathroom, folder in hand.

I turned on the faucet, holding my wrist under it, waiting for the water to warm.

Then, I thrust the folder under, watching as the contents began to dissolve.Dark sludge pooled in the sink, circling the drain.In moments, it was gone.

Someone had put that folder together.Someone who had been inside Hale house.I stood for a moment, water still running.

I washed my hands and reached up, tugging the bow loose from my neck.My dress slid to the floor.I stepped into the thin fabric laid out on my bed and climbed in, exhaling a long sigh as I stared up at the crack I'd drawn in the ceiling.