Page 105 of Rite of Unity

“Rest, Mom.”

In the hall, I reached for my tablet.

Chapter 25

Maryn

Isteppedoutoftheshower, inhaling the scent of my oat and honey soap.It was quickly becoming my favorite little luxury in the Center.I dressed quickly, stretching out my sore muscles after my Tuesday morning workout.

Opening my door, I padded down the long hall, past several closed doors.

When I reached the bottom step, Lydia’s voice rang out.“Our next date will be even more special, I’m sure of it.”

I stopped in the doorframe of the kitchen, and her gaze shot to me.“What about you, Middle girl?I bet you’re looking forward to another chance to eat like us.”

My lips pressed firmly together as I pushed off the frame, never breaking eye contact.I didn’t trust either of the Cannons, but especially Lydia.The way she watched the other matches was calculating, but underneath it was desperation.And there was nothing more dangerous than a desperate woman.

As I approached, her eyes darted away.I smirked, marching past her to open the cabinet, reaching for a bowl.

A spoon appeared beside me.

“She’s a bitch.”

“Nami.”I couldn’t hold back my grin as I accepted the spoon.

She shrugged.“I’ve had to deal with plenty of women like her since we arrived in the Center, but she might be the worst.”

The reminder that Nami had come from the Middle, like me, even if it had been a few years now, settled over me like a warm blanket.

“You feeling okay?I thought you’d been at morning workout.”

Her eyes sparkled.“I got a pass.Perfect health.”

I smiled.“Have you had breakfast?”

“I was just coming down.Want to eat together in my room?”As she asked, she grabbed a bowl of her own.

I shot a glance at Lydia, who was staring at both of us, eyes narrowed, but she wasn’t brave enough to take on two at once.

“Yes.”

Nami’s room was identical to mine.The pristine white bed was centered on a white wall, and her vanity was set in the corner beside her bathroom.I looked up: no hand-drawn crack.

Nami patted her bed, and I sat beside her, resting my bowl in my lap.

“Did you see the Middle girl’s date with Elias yesterday?”

I shook my head, blowing on my spoon.

“I couldn’t watch Elias on a date with another girl either,” Nami confided.

Something cold slithered down my spine.I swallowed my oats.

“How long have you been in the Center?”

“My brothers are five.”Nami stirred her oats in a circle, looking down.“Sounds like long enough to be considered one of them, but even the miracle of twin boys wasn’t enough to erase the stench of Middle on my name.”

My mouth fell open.