Page 117 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

I understand how Tobey felt the month before, but I won’t go through the heartbreak of losing another friend. I will find her. I have to find her.

Night falls, and we return to my dormitory without a single clue.

Until…

“Look,” Caldwell whispers, pointing to the floor.

A matte black envelope, one I know so well. Blood freezes in my veins, and I exchange a look with Jun.

The Order of the Bitter Hunt. After a day of searching for Tobey, the hunt certainlyfeelslike a bitter one.

Jun bends to pick up the envelope and clears his throat. Over the thick piece of parchment, he peers at me. “Another trial. Tonight.”

“Hell.” I pace in circles, close to ripping my hair out.

What are the odds that Tobey disappears right before the next trial? It must be related. The order has already tricked us with a secret test once…

Is this another?

There’s no option but to go. It’s the only lead we have.

“I’m coming,” Caldwell says. “I know I wasn’t interested before, but… we’re all thinking it, yes? Tobey’s disappearance is likely related to this.”

They may have Tobey—myfathermay have Tobey. Caldwell doesn’t say it in so many words, but he’s right.

“I hope not.” My voice shakes like a leaf.

“But if it relates,” Jun says, “they won’t get away with this shit. This is what it’s all been for. We’re going to end this, and we’re going to get her back.”

After weeks of preparation and two trials, I still feel off. There’s so much we don’t know, but… the watch in my pocket isan anchor, and as I look between the three of us, I know we each have the charmed item to protect us.

Tobey does not.

“Professor!”I don’t lose my breath easily, but as I barge into Professor Connolly’s office, I’m struggling to catch it.

Caldwell got left behind. As annoyed with him as I may be for not taking care of Tobey, it was an accident. He’s not fast enough to keep up with me, but Jun is, standing in the doorway behind me.

Professor Connolly looks up at me with wide eyes, her reading glasses sliding down her nose. “Margaux.” She’s on her feet in an instant. “I wasn’t expecting you. What is it?”

It’s easy to forget how strong and fast Professor Connolly can be, but she’s a demoness, and a powerful one at that. There’s a sharpness about her now. Her eyes narrow, as alert as can be.

“It’s Tobey,” I say. “She’s gone.”

“And we got a letter about the last trial,” Jun says. “What are we supposed to do?”

Professor Connolly lets out a steady breath. “You go to the trial, of course.”

“But Tobey—” I start, but I never get to finish the sentence.

“That iswhyyou must go to it,” she says. “This is the only trial I don’t know a lick about, but the timing is no coincidence. If Tobey is missing, and you received a letter on the same day, there is a good reason.”

“You really can’t tell us anything?” My eyes shine as I look at her, moments from spilling bloody tears.

“I would if I could, but I cannot. Even Professor Luna could not tell me about this trial. They put a spell on her. It was strong magic, choking her every time she tried to get the words out. And no student willing to work with me has made it this far.”

“Which means,” Jun says, “we need to be the ones to live through this.”

I meet his eyes, and we share an understanding—but it hurts. How can I care about the Order when my best friend is missing and begging for help?