Page 123 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

“This is for you,” I say. “The ceremony is starting soon. My father says you have to wear this like the others.”

Jun takes the mask without question. “What’s the plan?”

“We’re going to…” I close my eyes, scrunching them shut. “Caldwell, do you know how to use a sigil?”

He straightens up. “Yes. It’s a simple form of chaos magic, but?—”

“We’ll need you to summon Strode,” I mutter. “Before I have to sacrifice Tobey.”

“I beg your pardon. You’re going towhat?”

I ignore Caldwell. “And Jun, you’ll use the witch weapon on him. The chaos from taking down the demon may be enough to let us escape with Tobey.”

“No.” Jun reaches into his pocket. “I want you to have the dagger. You need protection more than I do.”

I hesitate, my fingers brushing against the handle of the knife. “You’re a better fighter than me, and we all need protection.”

“No, I’m not. You held your own at the second trial. If those baby demons were an actual threat, you would have saved me. You’re as good as I am.”

A smile tugs at the corner of my lips. “But I’m scared.”

“We all are,” Caldwell says. “But we’re together. Memorize our outfits and look to us if you need help. We’ll be here.”

I take the dagger, and Jun takes the mask. It’s the worst trade for him. His horns stick out, and they offer me some comfort. I know I’ll be able to spot him in the crowd.

Caldwell meets my gaze, pleading with his eyes. “Please. Don’t do anything to hurt them.”

“I wouldnever?—"

“It’s time.” My father grabs my arm before I know what’s happening, and he leads me through the dense crowd.

I don’t realize Tobey is there until I see them—higher than the rest, resting upon an obsidian throne. I’m supposed to be the star—but I think, really, they are.

My eyes widen. The flashing lights shine on their face, and in the strobing red, it’s easy to make out their features—anger is like a fire behind their eyes.

“Fuck you!” Tobey’s voice cuts through the room. They’re louder than the music, or at least loud enough formeto hear.

My eyes widen.

They have to be joking—they’re playing it up, as they should—but it still stings.

I move closer, my expression softening. Theirs doesn’t change, even as I stand beside their throne. My father moves to the other side of the room to prepare an altar. Two others in masks are at his side—likely the professors.

This is the room Poppy was in, in the vision Caldwell showed us, I realize. Everything is coming together.

That must have been Amelia’s ceremony.

“It’s fine,” Tobey whispers, though the words don’t match their face.

The nod I give is barely visible, aware that the room is watching. “We’re here for a reason. This is the end.”

My father speaks off to the side, but his words are a hum as he tells the room about the ceremony. My name is somewhere in the mix, but I pay no mind.

“I’m sorry,” I say louder, hoping to continue with the ruse.

“I will never forgive you!” Tobey yells. “My ghost will haunt these halls.”

“Tobey.” The music lowers, and my father speaks directly to them. “Settle down, please. The ceremony is about to start. We require a willing sacrifice, remember? We don’t want any interruptions.”