Page 123 of Rite of Unity

“I’m not sure what help I can be.”

She waved a hand.“Nonsense.You treat each of those young ladies with dignity.They knew when they joined your Rite that there was a chance they’d be going home.You never treat it as a trivial thing.”

My chest squeezed.I had tried to make it easier on them.Mrs.Silva would never know how much her words meant.She sounded like my mother.Mother.The word was tainted now somehow.

“I’ll leave you, boys.Holler if you need me.”

“Thanks, Mom.”Josh sipped his tea.“So.What’s your secret?”

It was my turn to run a hand through my hair.I had entered my Rite thinking there was only one right choice for me.I had even considered defying my father to choose her, but Maryn had been a wildcard.With Rakel, it had been a mix of strong feelings and guilt.I owed it to her to make her my wife.

But I hadn’t known if I was strong enough to face my father’s wrath.

For Maryn, I might do anything to never see another tear on those porcelain cheeks.

I shrugged helplessly.“I think… it’s love.”

Josh stared at me.

I glanced over my shoulder.“Can we go somewhere private?”

“Yeah.Let’s go to Dad’s office.He’s still at work.”

We stood, and I followed him to a small room off the main hall.

The room was decorated with pictures of Josh: Josh in school, in his football uniform—unlike my father’s office, which held only memories of his time before me.

He shut the door, clearing his throat.“Is this about Rakel?”

I stiffened.“What?”

“About the liberties you took in college?”

Color rose in my cheeks, and my hands slid behind my back, shoulders going rigid.“No.”

Josh’s eyes widened a fraction, and my posture relaxed.I would not be my father.I wouldn’t use intimidation or rank to silence those who spoke uncomfortable truths.I unclasped my hands.

“I need a favor.”

Josh nodded, sitting in his dad’s chair.

The tightness in my chest at his ease in that place made me wince.I moved to sit across from him.

“Whiskey?”

I leaned back in my chair.“No.Thank you.”

He searched my face.“What is it?”

“Does your father ever bring any of his work home with him?”

Josh’s brows bunched.“Yeah.Sometimes.”

I ran a hand through my hair.“I’m looking for information, and I think your dad may have it.”

He rested a hand on the desk, tapping his fingers over the metal.“Why not just ask him?”

I exhaled a long breath, choosing my next words.“I think… Iknowthe Centers are keeping secrets.”