Page 119 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

“Harder than fighting demons? I struggle to believe that.”

“Much more difficult.” My father leads us up the stairs and stops at a room, pausing outside the door. “The trial is a show of loyalty, greater than last time—and a sacrifice. I do not know if you’re ready, but I hope you are.”

I exchange a brief look with Jun. “What does that mean?”

My father’s lips twist. “The ritual for immortality requires a sacrifice. You must sacrifice the person you care for most.”

I squeeze Jun’s hand tighter. Will I have to sacrifice him, or…?

I can’t even think about the other option. The clearer option. Where did Tobey go?

“It is more than a sacrifice for immortality,” my father continues, “but the safety of us all.”

There’s too much coming at me all at once. A trial. A sacrifice. The… safety of us all? I shake my head, as if that’s enough to chase the thoughts away.

How can he be saying this as if he’s informing me about the weather?

“I know it sounds bleak, but the fate of Castine relies on these rituals. I don’t like it any more than you do.”

“Papá… I don’t understand.”

“Strode founded the school, and he requires sacrifices to keep us safe. I have prayed to him that, when this day comes, you will understand.”

I know all about Strode’s ties to the school, have pored over books in the library recently, and was forced to learn in my first semester. Nothing could have prepared me for this—for the thought of sacrificing others for our safety.

Of course, I don’t. I have a million questions. My father is a mysterious man to some, but he’s never been so ominous to me—until today. For the first time in my undead life, I understand why others consider him so intimidating. He claims to give answers, but he tells me nothing at all.

I have to pretend as if I understand. It’s the only way of getting out of this… and saving Tobey.

“I do.” I hold my head higher. “Sometimes, sacrifices are necessary. What… are we being kept safe from?”

That’s the last piece of the puzzle, the only thing I don’t understand.

He frowns, his ageless face looking just a bit older. “I am not at liberty to say, cariño. Not yet. This is a trial of trust, too.”

And for the first time in my life, I no longer trust my parents.

My father opens the door.

The large painting greets me first, stinging my eyes. The man in the painting is a stranger, I know that now, but he wears the same mask Caldwell plans to don for the evening. I’m brought back to times with Tobey—investigations, sneaking around the club together.

It’s all come full circle.

Beside me, as we speak of his demonic father, Jun is still and silent, but his heart races louder than the rest. He can’t look away from the painting.

“I’m glad you see reason,” my father says. “This should clear things up for you.”

In the room, perched daintily on the bed, is Tobey. They sit as they always do, their legs crisscross. There is nothing to keep them in place, and if I didn’t know better, I would think they are a house guest, not a sacrifice.

This is it. This is why Amelia said they were keeping Tobey around—for me to sacrifice her.

Damn it all. How could my father keep these secrets for so long? He may be a better actor than I gave him credit for.

“I see,” I breathe, doing my best to sound calmer than I feel.

Tobey stares blankly, crossing their arms.

“They are having a silent protest,” my father says, turning his back. He closes the door and chuckles without humor. “Theystopped speaking four hours ago. It’s a bit of a relief—they were rather chatty before.”