Page 75 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

Avoiding my father isn’t an option, considering I’m trying to join his club. I hold my phone up to my ear as I stroll through the courtyard.

“Margaux,” he says on the other end. “Good morning.”

“Good morning to you as well.”

“I’m hoping you made it onto campus without a problem last evening?”

“I did… And I saw that you called.”

“Yes. I was worried when you didn’t answer, I must admit.”

Right. There was another kill on campus—but he already knows I wasn’t the one to die. Doesn’t he?

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you.” My eyes dart, noting the students scattered about. Any of them could be involved. “I was safe in my dormitory.”

Not quite, but I was safe insomeone’sdormitory.

“Good. That’s good.” Despite any barriers between us, there is a genuine relief in his voice.

I stop outside my classroom and close my eyes tightly. My father cares about me. He may also be involved in the murder of my best friend. How can I accept these two things as true when they feel so contradictory?

“There’s another reason I wanted to call you,” he says.

I swallow thickly. “Oh?”

The moment of anticipation does nothing to soothe my nerves.

Worrying about Jun leaving in the morning is stressful enough, and now my father has something to tell me.

“The first trial is tonight.”

“It is? So soon?”

He chuckles. “Relax. You’re going to do great.”

“I hope so…” But I doubt it. I’m not ready.

Jun and I are supposed to go together, of course, but things between us are so strange now, and… the timing could not be worse.

“We’re sending letters later, but I want you to be prepared. Your acceptance into the Order is important, as I’m sure you can imagine.”

“I can.” My voice is faint.

“Tonight is the mental trial. I will tell you nothing else but come with mental preparation. Be sharp. Be fed.”

Hell. Caneveryonetell I haven’t been taking care of myself?

At least, after last night, I’m strong and alert. At least I have that going for me.

“I’ll be there.”

Tobey,Caldwell, and I meet for lunch.

Well, technically, they’re having lunch together. They’re seated in a cozy corner of a mostly empty table. There are only a few tables in the dining hall, but it’s early enough that the students form small groups rather than cramming together. This doesn’t offer much privacy in a school of paranormal, but we’ll have to make it work.

I spot the pair and attack, sliding into the seat next to Tobey. There’s no time to waste. “The first trial is tonight. For the Order. No one else knows—but my father told me early.”

The others may know now, if they’re listening in. I don’t recognize any of the students from the mixer, but that means nothing.