Page 150 of Rite of Unity

I woke hours later, sticky from humidity, the hood and sleeves of my black coat warm to the touch.I registered his shoulder under my cheek a half second before I straightened, putting space between us on the bench.

The sun had surpassed its zenith and was making the long trek toward the horizon once more.In the daylight, sunlight sparkled across the lake, white waves crashing over its surface.Overhead, a seagull spread its wings wide, dipping low and diving beneath the waves.It emerged moments later with a fish caught in its yellow beak.

I smiled.

“About an hour to go,” Calden called over the howling wind.

I didn’t look at him.I wasn’t ready for whatever his face would tell me after hours of my weight against his shoulder.

I should be grateful to him for giving me the thing I needed most—answers.But another part of me, a part that had been growing these weeks since I’d entered the Center, burned hotter.He had no right to dangle alternatives in front of my face.No right to give me the illusion of options.

The shore came into view, buildings taking shape on the horizon.We slowed, and the boat rocked, making my stomach flip.

Calden reached into his pocket, tugging out his tablet, and ahead, metal doors slid open.

In moments, we were inside, the boat gliding over calm water and gently touching the slip before coming to a stop.

Calden jumped out, bringing a rope with him that he tied off expertly.I watched him, something bitter rising in my throat.What would it be like to have his status, his access, his freedom?

He leaned down, holding out a hand.

I took it as he hefted me up, my legs like jelly, and swayed into him before I could find my footing.

Backing up, I tugged my hand free of his and stumbled along the path to land.

He caught up to me, tucking his arm through mine, catching me before I nearly tipped into the water.“Careful.”

I lifted my chin, but didn’t pull away a second time.

When we reached his car, I collapsed into it, resting my head against cool fabric.It had been nearly twenty-four hours since I left my house for my date with Elias, and even though I’d napped for several hours on the boat, exhaustion was tugging me down.

I blinked twice, eyes sliding closed before the car pulled out onto the street.

“Maryn.”

Gentle hands shook my shoulders, and I stared blearily around in the dark.“Are we home?”

Calden smiled.“We are.Can you make it through your window?”

I nodded, reaching for the door handle.

“Perhaps it would be better if you went through the front door.”

I shook my head groggily.“The alarm.”

His grin widened.“I can take care of that.”

A less tired me would have questioned that, but I only groaned.“Housemates.”

“The window, then.”

I sighed, meaning to reply, but before I could, my door was lifting, and Calden appeared, reaching across my lap to unbuckle my belt.He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me up.

His arms were solid around me, his heartbeat steady under my cheek.I felt safer than I had any right to.Just for a moment, the weight I’d been carrying since we left the farm lifted.

“No.Let me go.”

I pulled away, some of the fatigue dissipating.This wasn’t the farm.Here, there were consequences for my actions.