Page 109 of Rite of Unity

He leaned closer, and the green flecks in his eyes seemed to swim in and out of focus.“I’ll tell you what.You answer all my questions, and we won’t put anything up your nose.How does that sound?”

“Great.”

He straightened, gaze moving to somewhere behind me.“We’re ready here.”

Something cold clamped around my finger, and I tried to sit up, but my arms wouldn’t budge.I wriggled a little.Behind me, the nurse began to hum as she moved around the table.

“Maryn, don’t worry.We’re almost finished.”

The doctor’s voice was light, reassuring; my head fell back.I stared up, gaze tracing over the blank palette overhead.

“Maryn.”

“Yes?”

“What is your dad’s name?”

“Joel Veil.”

“Good.”

I smiled.

“Have you ever been alone with a man who was not your father?”

“Of course not.”The effort of those words pressed heavily on my chest.

Doctor Brown Eyes smiled.“You’re doing great.”He scribbled something on a pad of paper.“Have you ever wanted something you knew you weren’t allowed to have?”

I thought about it.

“I wanted to be Elite.”

He nodded, continuing to write.

“Have you ever touched a man without permission?”

“Never.”The weight was back, making it hard to breathe.

“Describe the last time your body responded to someone against your will.”

“I…”

The doctor glanced up sharply, and I gasped for air.

“Do we need to get a leech, Maryn?”

“I’m not supposed to talk about it.”A tremor rolled through me.

“It’s okay.Nothing you say here leaves this room.”

I nodded, my vision swimming out of focus.“I was on the roof.With Elias.”My throat was sticky.“I was afraid.”The trembling increased.“Then Elias wrapped his arms around me, and I felt safe.”

The doctor’s pen scratched on his pad again.“And did you feel anything else?”

I nodded, heat creeping up my neck.“Aroused.”

I tried to lift my hands, to bury my face, but they were restrained, so I closed my eyes so I wouldn’t have to look at the man asking questions.