Page 58 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

I exchange a look with Jun.

The speech is typical, but there’s something more behind the words… something that may tie into the supernaturals outside of our school. It’s as I expected.

The problem at Strode is growing, and if we don’t get it under control soon, it may stretch to the rest of Castine… and beyond.

“This meeting is only the beginning,” my father says. “To be a part of this group, you must pass three trials.”

There’s a scattering of murmurs. Jun’s fingers weave with mine, surrounding me with his warmth, and he squeezes. Hard.

“Not everyone will make it through, but do not worry yet. This evening is the time to relax and enjoy each other’s presence. Drink and be merry. Make allies for the trials ahead of you. You’ve made it this far, and that is something to celebrate. So… celebrate.”

The students clap, polite but confused.

That’s it, it’s his entire speech. No clues, just tests, and trials…

If we’re going to stop this, we’ll have to perform in more ways than one. Tension sits between Jun and me until we finally leave.

I clasp his hand hard enough that he pulls it away, hissing.

“Watch it.”

“Sorry.” I cross my arms, taking a big step to the side. “I forgot my strength—or rather, I forgot that you’re weak.”

“I’m not fucking weak.”

“Who cares?” I let out a choked laugh. “Did you hear what he said in there? There are going to be trials. That means we can fail.”

“We can’t let that happen. We’re going to have to work together to make sure it doesn’t.”

“Oh, that’s impossible.”

“Your father won’t kick you out of his Order.”

“He may.”

“Margaux…” He takes my hand, stopping me in my tracks. When our eyes meet, his are dark and intense. “I’m serious. We’re a team now. Let’s act like it.”

My fingers tingle where he touches them. “…Fine.”

“Do you want to spend the night again?”

In another circumstance, I would read into his words, but thoughts of the night before come to mind. It means nothing. All we did was sleep, but having him nearby was comforting. As comforting as when his wings wrap around my back.

I shake my head. “There’s no need. Tobey and I made up.”

“That’s good.” He continues walking, heading to my dormitory. “I was going to make you take the couch tonight.”

“So much for acting like a team.”

“If we were a team… we would share the bed.” A wide grin appears on his face.

“You’re ridiculous.”

“I don’t care. I still think something is going on with the Order.”

“I think that’s obvious at this point.”

“But, now Iknowmy father is involved.”