Page 133 of Rite of Unity

“Back to The Eden?Somewhere new?”His fingers tapped lightly on the wheel as he pulled onto the empty street.

This was my chance to ask for anything, but my mind was full of only one thing.

“Does it matter?”

I bit down on my lip, but it was too late; the words were out.

Elias’s fingers stilled.A stone settled in my stomach, and I closed my eyes, wishing I could take it back.

The car drifted to the right.Stopped.

I swallowed, opening my eyes.He was staring at me, sharp eyes cataloging whatever my face had given away.He wasn’t Calden, but his discernment could be unnerving—when he was paying attention.

“Did you want to come on a date with me?”The words were soft, a little broken.

My heart squeezed involuntarily.“Yes.”

He frowned.“Even I can’t convince myself that was true.”

My breathing faltered as my gaze dipped to his hand squeezing the steering wheel.

“I heard about the new law.”I tore my gaze away, staring out the window, everything I’d been carrying too heavy tonight.Something cracked inside me.Something dangerous.

I blinked several times, turning to face him.“Why are we made to go through all this for a chance at happiness, if it can all be wrenched away in an instant?”

My eyes burned, but this time I didn’t blink the tears away.

Elias stared, saying nothing.

Stupidly, I went on.“What hope is there for any woman?”

We looked at one another, the silence more damning than any words.

When my tears had stopped, and still he said nothing, I clasped my hands in my lap, my thumb tracing the edge of each of my fingers.

“I want to show you something.”

He faced forward, both hands back on the wheel, and we lurched ahead.

I exhaled a slow breath, eyes drifting to the window.My thumb continued its path over each of my fingers, and I fixed my gaze on the blackness outside.

We stopped at the wall, and my stomach dropped.In the back seat, our silent chaperone sat forward.Elias raised a hand, and she slid back once more.

The door cracked open, and Elias rolled down his window.“We’re going to visit my match’s parents.”He smiled; it was all teeth.

I longed to tear my glove off and feel the rough edges of my nails.

On dark streets, people walked in pairs or groups, moving aside as we passed.We turned down a road I didn’t recognize, passing the one to my house without a sideways glance from Elias.

My pounding heart beat harder as we left the Middle and approached the Lower.

“Elias,” I breathed.

He glanced at me but said nothing.

I unlaced my fingers, digging my nails into the armrests as our speed increased.Out here, so far from the Center, the buildings became one long row of windows.No lights.No people on the street.

My tablet buzzed, and I glanced down.A red box flashed around a warning message.