Page 122 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

They let out a slow breath. “I don’t have an alternative.”

“Killing Strode may be enough to stop the sacrifices,” I say. “My father says they’re making sacrifices to him for… for something. Protection, I guess. I don’t fully understand it.”

“Then the witch weapon should still be our priority.”

“Agreed.” I hesitate. “I’m so sorry, Tobey. I can’t believe my father dragged you here.”

They bite the inside of their cheek. “He didn’t drag me here. He asked me to come, and I agreed.”

“Why?”

“Because he said it needs to be a willing sacrifice.” They hold their head higher. “And I’m not about to be a fucking sacrifice, but Iamgoing to get justice for Poppy—for real this time. It’s bigger than Amelia. It’s the demon. I want him dead. I want this whole thing over with.”

My lips quirk up at the corner. “I thought you were done with revenge?”

“Yeah, well… I’m done with being done with it.” They laugh. “I have the answers now, and you know what? They aren’t that great. Let’s finish this. For Poppy.”

“And for you. This demon, this school, whatever… it won’t take another friend from me. I won’t let it. I’m going to save you.”

“You’d better.”

Even though we have something close to a plan, the question remains…

How can I pull this off?

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Ireturn to the party before my father—or anyone else—can realize the star of the show is missing. My father is by my side at once, thrusting a mask in my direction. It’s as heavy as I remember and the same stark ivory. My eyes widen.

“I really have to wear this?” I whisper, my nose curling. “It’s so…”

“No, no. It’s for Jun—and just for tonight, as part of the ceremony. You’re the only one who doesn’t have to wear one. It’syournight.”

I’m grateful I don’t have a heartbeat. He has nothing to hear, no way to tell how terrified I am.

“Does that mean I’ll have to wear it next time?” A pathetic attempt at playing along. There won’t be a next time if I can help it.

“I’m afraid so.”

“I’ll survive. What’s the point of the masks, anyway?”

“It lets Strode know you’re with us. If someone is wearing a mask, they’re off-limits. The Order is protecting them.”

Off limitsfrom what? I repress a shiver.

“Thank you for this. I’ll go find Jun and… tell him to put this on.”

“Hurry. The ceremony will start shortly.”

“Excellent. I can’t wait.”

Can’t wait?Maybe I’m laying it on a little too thick, considering the ceremony revolves around sacrificing my best friend.

I don’t take a proper breath until I walk away from my father. Finding Jun is easy, with his wings and horns. Despite the crowded room, Jun keeps his demonic features on display, and the others stay far away from him.

The party started small, with only ten students, but the room is now filled with masked faces, and it’s impossible to say who’s behind them. They all blend in… all except Jun with his wings, horns, and maskless face.

Standing beside Jun is a man several inches taller, likely Caldwell, judging by his clothes. I wear a sour look as I extend the mask to Jun.