Page 181 of Rite of Unity

Elias released my hand, setting my bag down on a low table.

I turned in a slow circle, noting the map that covered most of one wall.It was a recreation of the pre-war United States.Fifty unique states, each with its own set of laws.Utter chaos to attempt to unify when the nation needed that most.

Elias cleared his throat.“What do you think?”

His voice cracked at the end, and I smiled.“I’ve never seen so much wood in one room.”

He beamed from ear to ear, stepping forward to pull the chair out from his desk.The legs were metal, but the back and seat were smooth wood.“This was made for me when I went to college.”

A sour taste flooded my mouth, but I swallowed it down.“It’s beautiful.”

Elias’s grin faltered.“The wood is reclaimed.From the remnants of old furniture.”

I nodded.“I’ve heard of that project.It’s going well?”

His lips fell into a line.“They couldn’t secure enough funding to continue.”

He looked away.

I stepped forward, running a hand over the polished wood.“Well, at least you have something to remember it.”

Elias glanced around the room, picking up a leather book.“This is an original.”

He held it out to me, and I took it, sounding out the letters on the cover.EN-CYC-LO-PE-D-IA.

He moved closer, heat radiating off him, and I leaned into his warmth.A shudder racked my limbs.

“Are you cold?”Elias took the book, pulling out his tablet and in moments, the temperature rose.

“You have heat in your room?”

Elias frowned.“Don’t you?”

I gave him a small smile.“No.”

“Come here.”

I leaned into his chest, and his arms came around me.In moments, my stiff limbs relaxed.

His head tipped, lips pressed to the top of my head.“Better?”he whispered.

I nodded against him.

His arms flexed, hugging me closer.

I rested my right cheek on his chest, careful to avoid the other side of my face—even though Vera’s drugs were miraculous and I currently felt nothing.

We stood at the center of Elias’s room for some time, pressed together.

“I don’t know what I would have done if something had happened to you.”He leaned back, looking down at me.“Maryn I…”

I searched his face, something inside me melting.

“I love you.”His words came out rough.

A tear slid down my cheek.I let it fall.It wasn’t entirely a lie.

I lifted onto my toes, pressing my lips to his.His mouth moved, lips parting as his tongue slid out.