Page 29 of Rite of Unity

“The Covenant States did not build those walls to keep us in.They built them to keep the darkness out.”

I pressed my thumbnail into my palm.

“The undocumented.The displaced.Those unfortunate souls lost to radiation and lawlessness who would see everything we have built here reduced to rubble.

“We in the Middle stand vigil.Between the darkness beyond our walls and the Elite born to lead and protect us all.It is no small thing to stand in that place.It is an honor.

“We are proof that this system works.That a girl born without title or legacy can stand before her nation and say: I believe in the walls.I believe in the Covenant.And I believe in the man who chose me to stand beside him.”

Every word landed exactly where it was supposed to, my tongue tasting sour.

“I am Maryn Veil.And I am ready.”

Chapter 9

Maryn

Verawasdifferentthismorning.Not soft, she was still Vera, but the sharp edges were gone.She had called my mother Okaasama.Something about it snagged, familiar in a way I couldn’t place.My mother, saying Okaasan to her own mother, years ago.Neither of us acknowledged it.Some things didn't need words.

Mom was gone again, and I was beginning to think it wasn’t accidental.

Without a job to keep me busy this week, I’d begun looking forward to my first Rite ball.This wasn’t like a social ball.The pressure of a man finding you desirable was gone.Instead, a new terror loomed over all our heads.

One woman would go home tonight.

“Why are you so red?”

Vera blotted my neck, applying another layer of concealer.I stared at her while she worked, her own cheeks flushed from the exertion, and it struck me.I knew I’d seen her before.How had I forgotten?It was only two years ago.

“Do you miss this?”

She stiffened, her brush stilling on my chest.

“I guess you’re not in shock anymore.”

“I guess not.”

She continued her work, blotting up my neck and under my chin.“I miss being the one in the chair.Not the spotlight… or the girls.”

I bit my lip.“If I get past Trial Four—”

“You won’t.”

I closed my mouth.

She continued working, dabbing my forehead, but her hands weren’t steady anymore.

“Vera.”

She set her blotting brush down, lifting a black liner pencil.

“Vera.”

She stopped, looking at me.“I’m sorry he didn’t choose you.”

She scoffed.“You think I wanted to become a Cannon?”

I studied her face.“Yes.”