Page 30 of Rite of Unity

She glared at me, pressing the pencil to the crease of my eye.“Wanting to become a Hale isn’t any less foolish.”

“You had a real chance, though.”

“Stop talking.You’ll ruin all my hard work.”

“Let’s go, ladies!Time is ticking,” Paul shouted from the living room.

She applied my second line and leaned back.“There.A Middle goddess.”

My lips pressed into a flat line.“That was almost a compliment.”

“Keep dreaming.”

I stood, brushing out my skirts and turned.I truly looked like a bride.My breath caught as I spun and small jewels winked in the light between the folds of my skirt.

“Oh yeah.The cameras will eat that up.”

I smiled.“Thanks, Vera.”

“Get out of my sight.”

I spun toward the door.

“You better not lose in that dress.It’s one of a kind.”

***

The curtain parted, and I stepped into a room that put Josh Silva’s home to shame.Glittering lights encircled the room, and a massive chandelier hung at its center, casting diamond shapes onto every surface.

It was darker than any of the social balls I’d been to, and I wondered absently if it was because women weren’t here to be selected.This party was about one man.The man who would choose someone’s fate tonight.

“Maryn!”

I turned, my voluminous skirts swaying with the motion, and Ruth crashed into me, wrapping me in a tight hug.

“Your speech was inspired.I cried.I mean, I literally cried.You look like a princess.”She spun us in a circle and gasped when the gems tucked into my skirt caught the light.“A princess.”

I laughed, sliding my arm in hers.“I missed you.”

“I can’t believe you invited me.”

I gaped.“Why wouldn’t I?I need you here by my side.”

She lifted a fan to cover her mouth.“You know.In case you’re eliminated.I wouldn’t want anyone I knew watching that live.”Her mouth fell open.“Not that you will be.That one girl.Ten?There’s no way they keep her over you.”

Deena stepped around the corner, her eyes red-rimmed, and rushed past us into a dark corner before either of us could speak.

“I forgot she would be here.”

I nodded, patting her hand.“It’s okay.”I scanned the room full of people I didn’t know.The other contestants dotted the crowd, sticking closely with their friends or family members.It was my first time seeing most of them in person.Apart from the trial.But we were all nervous, sweaty messes then.None of us had time to study one another.Tonight, sharp eyes cataloged and filed away every detail.

“Let’s get punch.”

“Oh.I guess we can.We don't need anyone to bring us drinks tonight, do we?”

It wasn’t like Ruth to be nervous at a ball.These events were her element.But as we crossed the room, it was clear that most of those in attendance were Upper-Middle and Elite.I’d never been in a room with so many Elite in my life.

Ruth smoothed her skirts, fluttering her lashes, and I yanked harder on her arm.“Stop it,” I hissed.This wasn't a social ball.Flirting here was just embarrassing.