Page 6 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

They’re seated on the opposite side of the booth from me, with no space between them. Shoulders brushing, practically melding into one person.

I barely exist to them. The conversation isn’t romantic, but they don’t bother looking my way.

I roll my eyes. “Can we please talk about something other than death and decay?”

Tobey’s head snaps in my direction. “This is a pretty major topic. Whoever was on that screen, wearing that bird mask… they promised us it’s not the end, and everyone else let their guard down. Butwedon’t have to.”

“And we shouldn’t,” Caldwell says, pushing his round glasses up his nose.

Of course, they’re tag-teaming me.

“What if I want to?” I look down at my plate. “Perhaps we should alert the authorities and be done with it.”

It’s been a month now—a month of focusing on murders and waiting for the next one—but it’s been longer in reality. I spent the entire summer mourning Poppy. When, oh when, can I focus on something other than loss?

There’s a rut, we’re stuck in it, and I’m the only one who wants to get out.

“What are you talking about?” Tobey leans in, their brow furrowing under their straight-across bangs. “This isn’t something we can ignore. I thought we were over pretending everything is fine.”

“I thought so, too. You’re right. I don’t want to go back to that.”

“Then don’t.”

“This is impacting my school work now. My performance. The Tobey I know would understand.”

“I understand…” Tobey exchanges a look with Caldwell as if silently asking for his help.

“We both understand,” Caldwell says, putting care behind his words.

Somehow, this is the last straw.

Even when I need comfort, they’re offering solace together. That isn’t so terrible by itself, but in this case, it leaves me on the other side of the table, begging for someone to see me. I’m out of place, even with my oldest living friend.

“Don’t do that.” I groan loud enough to turn heads. “Stop making me feel like a third wheel.”

Caldwell’s eyes widen. “That was not our intention.”

And I know that, but Jun. His ridiculous words are stuck in my equally absurd mind.

“Ignore her,” Tobey mumbles. “She’s being unfair.”

“Am I?” I stand up, shoving my phone into my purse. “You won’t even talk to me. You’re talkingaboutme when I’m sitting right here.”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand where this is coming from. Do you want to sit down? We can talk about it some more.”

“No.” I let out a short laugh, stepping away. “You two can keep talking to each other about ghosts, kills, and the other things you adore. I’ll see you tonight, if you even decide to return to our dormitory.”

I’m being unfair. Before Tobey and Caldwell began their relationship, there were nights when I disappeared with one of my dates, leaving Tobey alone in our shared dormitory. It doesn’t matter; it has nothing to do with them. I’m still heartbroken over losing the part in the play and what that may mean for my future career.

I need a moment away from the happy couple, some time to focus on myself. That’s all.

Chapter Three

There’s always one person on campus willing to give me a second of his time. If my friends don’t want to spend time with me, that’s fine—I’ll have lunch with my father.

Hell. I’m pathetic.

As expected, my father is spending his lunch hour in his office. It doesn’t contain the same warmth as Professor Connolly’s, even though the furniture and layout are similar. The most interesting thing in the room is the large painted landscape of the Strode campus. Even his coffee mug bears the Strode crest.