Page 34 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

“And my life isn’t the same withoutyou. Come to Paris with me.” It’s an empty offer, considering I’m not actually attending school in Paris.

She lets out a puff of laughter. “I couldn’t possibly!”

“And why not?” I pout. “I want you by my side, and Paris is the perfect place for an artist.”

“You know why not.”

“I don’t. Enlighten me.”

Her lips twist, and her smile becomes bitter. “I can’t afford it.”

Perhaps I shouldn’t have made her say it aloud.

I like to imagine there’s no resentment between us, but the smile on her face says otherwise. And whyshouldn’tshe resent me?

There’s always been a financial barrier between Poppy and me. It’s the only blockage we have in our friendship, and it doesn’t exist between her and Tobey. Not really. Tobey is right between the two of us, but their family had financial struggles, too. They can relate to one another…

I can’t. Sometimes, I wonder if Poppy hates me for my family’s wealth, even if she doesn’t realize it.

“That’s all right,” I say. “I’m only teasing. I know Castine needs you, and I’ll be back soon enough.”

She leans forward, picking up her warm cup of tea. “I suppose it does.”

Theworldneeds Poppy. They need more of her, even if they can’t see it yet. Someday, they will.

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy to be here,” Poppy says. “Really. I am. I love Castine.”

But the more she insists, the more it feels like she’s trying to convince me—and maybe herself.

Chapter Ten

The scant autumn sun warms my cool skin until a pair of large wings creates an ominous, unwelcome shade around me.

Too much. Too soon.

The devil himself lurks behind me on the way to class. Jun following me around campus is a novelty, but not one I’m fond of.

“Have you talked to him yet?” he asks.

I clutch my books closer to my chest and squint, both to block out the sunlight and glare at the demon. “I have no clue what you’re going on about.”

If only that were true. I know exactly what he’s referring to, and he’s right. Talking to my father is vital, but it’s only been a day since I agreed to Jun’s plan. I’m not ready. Even if I were, Jun’s persistent bothering would only make me dig my heels in deeper.

“You know, the longer you drag your feet, the greater the chance of students dying on your watch. How comfortable are you with blood on your hands, princess?”

“What kind of question is that?”

“A serious one.”

“I’m not comfortable with any of this, contrary to what you may think. But my father and I were arguing when we last spoke. Bringing this up now… the timing would be too suspicious.”

His head tilts back, and a long groan escapes his mouth. “You picked a bad time to start petty family drama.”

“And you picked a bad time to stalk me.” I turn away and continue the path.

Running away from Tobey is amusing, considering they can never catch up to me. Jun is different. His gait is quick and powerful, and he hardly has to exert effort to remain by my side.

“Let’s get one thing straight. I would rather eat nails for breakfast every Saturday than spend another minute talking to you. Don’t let my attention get to your head. This is a necessary evil.”