Page 64 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

The world outside is an orange sunset, but for me, it turns gray.

And I’m falling.

I don’t realize until I’m already on the ground, with a scalding hand pressed to my forehead.

My eyes flicker, and I see the source of the touch. It’s Jun. Blazing red irises peer at me, and his lips turn into a deep frown.

“What the hell is going on with you?” Jun’s voice is rough and strained.

“Nothing…” I try to sit upright, to no avail.

He pushes gently at my shoulder, keeping me on the ground. “You’re going to make yourself sick again. Relax.”

“I’m not sick.” Despite my complaints, I remain there, my head pressed against the cool stone. My hair splays out beneath me, likely collecting twigs and autumn leaves.

“Then what the fuck is happening?”

“I haven’t been drinking enough, if you must know.”

“And why not?”

“I don’t know!” I’m alert now, if only to focus on the useless argument with Jun. “Things have been changing lately—rapidly—and it slips my mind.”

“Don’t let it slip. This shit is important. It’s not like, I don’t know, missing an assignment.”

“Oh, my God…”

“What?”

“I can’t believe you’re lecturing me.”

“And I can’t believe you’re starving yourself.”

“I’m not!” I clear my throat. “If you must know, I’m used to feeding from live sources. Right now I’m going through a… a…”

“A drought?” He offers the word.

I snort. “Sure. That.”

He snickers, standing upright and holding out a hand. “Come on, princess. Let’s get you on your feet again.”

“I hate you.” But I accept his help, grabbing his hand.

He lifts me easily, his free hand moving to cup my elbow. I have no trouble standing now, but I let the touch linger for several moments.

“You need to stop being so stubborn,” he says.

“I’m trying.”

“Good.” He puts an arm around my shoulder and leads me through the courtyard. “You know… my neck is available.”

I’m left blinking, and he’s the only thing to keep me moving. “I beg your pardon?”

“Don’t make it weird. We’re partners in this, and I need to make sure you have the energy to come out on top of these trials. Besides, I know you like my blood.”

“No.” I protest too quickly, and the lightheaded feeling returns. It’s different this time. Butterflies fill my stomach. “I don’t. Shut up.”

“All right,” he says. “I won’t push it, but don’t say I never offered.”