Page 43 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

It’s easy to let him brush off our latest conversation as me being in a bad mood, rather than digging into the problem.

“Oh, yes. I’m feeling much better today.”

Of course, it’s a lie. Even with a demon weapon courtesy of Caldwell, I have never felt more out of the zone than I do now. The weapon won’t work on my father, but I came with comfort in the form of a stake strapped to my thigh.

I can’t fathom using the weapon on my father. Hopefully, it won’t get to that point. If Jun is right, this conversation may be the only thing that can drive our investigation forward.

“That’s what I like to hear.” He pushes his paperwork off to the side. “Your mother will arrive in a few days. I’m sure that will lift your mood as well.”

Before finding the body, her return was all I could think of. I worried about impressing her and readied myself for thrilling stories of her travels. I’m not as focused on that now. My mind has been elsewhere, and the words come as a surprise.

I forgot about my mother’s homecoming.

“Yes. I’m sure it will.”

But it’s not that simple.

My relationship with my mother is more complicated, and her return leaves me with unanswered questions. Is my mother in on this so-called secret society, or is she as ignorant as I am?

That’s a problem for a later day.

“I came here to talk to you about something.” I clear my throat. “Something important, actually.”

So, it begins. I open the door to the question I’ve come to ask, and in doing so, I threaten the status quo I’ve become so comfortable with. It’s still hard to get the words out as quickly as I would like, shifting in my seat as I consider my next step.

If my father can tell something is off, he doesn’t show it. He doesn’t flinch. “Continue.”

I miss when I could talk to him about anything.

He would have been my first call in these situations. If I’m facing a problem, he’s the one I go to. He’ll protect me and get me out of any trouble I find myself in. Or… he would have in the past.

Now, hecan’thelp, and I’m left flopping like a fish as I formulate my words.

“I—” I pause, inhaling slowly. “I want to know more about immortality, Father. You asked me to tell you when I’m ready, and I am.”

His expression is still unmoving, but that doesn’t mean anything. He’s an actor as well, even if he’s out of practice.

I grip the corner of his desk, holding my breath as I wait for him to respond—to doanything.

A bright, proud smile takes over his features. “I’ve been waiting for you to ask.”

I always knew this day would come, and so did he, but I was waiting forhimto take the initiative. He told me immortality would arrive when I was ready, and I’ve been waiting for the right time. The wait has not been easy or fun. Immortality is never something I wanted, but…

He looks happy—proud, even.

I let out a puff of nervous laughter. “You were?”

“I was. Immortality is not a decision to be rushed, but of course, it’s what I want for all of my children.”

Most of his children were Turned, like my mother, and they alreadyhaveimmortality. I am the exception, and there is pressure that comes from it. Now, the old burden is heavy enough to crush me and all of my infinite strength.

He’s right. This decision shouldn’t be rushed, but it’s one I’m forced to make. My voice rises when I speak again, high-pitched, the only thing that could give away that I’m lying.

“I’m ready to accept it now.”

“Excellent.” He sits up straighter. “In that case… it’s time for you to learn about l’Ordre de la Chasse Amère.”

My brows furrow. The Order of the Bitter Hunt? That sounds like a secret society.