Page 125 of Rite of Unity

“It’s Elias Hale.”

The door opened, and Maryn’s father stared up at me, a hand leaning into the wall.“Hello.”

His breath was sour; I inhaled through my mouth.

“May I come in?”

He stepped back, unsteadily, and I resisted the urge to lift an arm.I’d seen my mother this way often enough to know my help wouldn’t be appreciated.

He stumbled to a chair in a small, tidy living room that looked nothing like the video I’d seen of Maryn’s acceptance speech.

I sat across from Joel Veil on a small couch, glancing around the space.“Is your wife at home?”

Joel’s glazed gaze met mine, and I was certain there was a moment of fear.“Elaine,” he called loudly.

A door opened, and a woman stepped out.She was shorter than Maryn, but her straight posture and the way she held her chin up just like Maryn almost made me smile.

“Good afternoon, Mrs.Veil.”

She nodded, sitting on the edge of her husband’s armrest.Joel wrapped his arm around her waist in a move that was both affectionate and improper in front of company.

“I apologize for the impromptu visit.”

Joel waved a hand.“You’re always welcome, Mr.Hale.”

I smiled.“Thank you.I only wanted to let you know Maryn is well and to see if you need anything.”

Joel slapped his hand on his free armrest.“I knew my girl would do great.I raised her right.”

Elaine sat rigidly, her gaze never wavering from my face, even as her husband tugged her closer to him.

“Can I bring Maryn a message from you, Mrs.Veil?I’m sure she would love to hear from her mother.”

Her stiff shoulders tightened.

Joel shook her jovially.“Elaine, give the president’s son a message.”His smile was too wide, his gaze unfocused.

I had thought of offering them money, but I didn’t think it would be appreciated in this house.

The woman across from me was a fighter.I saw it in her eyes.Her black hair and fair skin were like Maryn’s, but it was her spirit that was most similar to my match.My girl.

She had grown up more like me than she realized.

Suddenly, I understood what had drawn me to her: a kinship was built among those who had endured a certain type of parent.It was clear her father wasn’t a violent man, but everyone around him had learned to build walls, to hide truths, to shelter him, just as I had learned to do with my mom.

I stood.“Thank you for having me in your home.”

Joel climbed to his feet, dragging Elaine up with him.He leaned heavily on her as he followed me to the door.

“Come again any time,” he said as I stepped through the door.

I knew.In that moment, I knew I couldn’t let Maryn return to this place.

Chapter 30

Maryn

Ilistenedforanyclueas to where I was.The hood’s rough fabric scratched my nose, reminding me of the hemp dresses I’d worn before I reached the age of eligibility.Something clacked against the floor, and my sightless gaze jolted toward the sound.