Page 89 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

“I’m sure you do.”

She isn’t saying anything, but that makes it more torturous. The slight smile on her lips says she suspects something. We had sex, and it’s probably written all over us. It wouldn’t be as embarrassing with any other teacher, but Professor Connolly’s opinion matters to me.

What if she thinks I’m unprofessional?

“I’m walking Margaux back to her dorm,” Jun says. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure we both get back in one piece.”

“Wonderful. But…” Her gaze shifts before landing on us. “Before you go, could I have a word with the two of you in my office? It won’t take long.”

We’re done for. Not only does she know about our entanglement, but she intends to lecture us, likely on the disastrous effects of semi-public sex or coming on school property.

It’s not as if we made a mess. I’m better than that.

“Sure,” Jun says, answering for both of us.

My posture is rigid as we follow, with hesitant footsteps, into her office. It’s a place that once felt so warm, evoking memories of private conversations about my performances and pep talks from the wise demoness.

Now, it will only remind me of awkward sex talks—and this may truly be more uncomfortable than havingthe talkwith my comically old mother.

“Sit,” Professor Connolly says, gesturing to the seats on one side of her desk.

We listen.

The smile fades from her lips as soon as she takes her seat. The expression that replaces it is severe; her lips turn into a frown.

“I know what you’re doing,” she says.

I swallow, not daring to exchange so much as a look with Jun. “What do you mean, Professor?”

She’s silent for a moment, and it’s the longest of my life.

“I know about your connection to the Order,” she says.

My hand flies to my chest, and I inhale slowly, my eyes closing. “Oh, thank God.”

Better that than her catching us hooking up in a classroom.

“I have no clue what you’re referring to,” Jun says, even though I’ve likely given us away.

“Yes,” Professor Connolly says, “you do.”

His jaw tightens. Neither of us says anything.

“When I received news of you two joining the Order, I didn’t want to believe it. That two of my finest students would join such a community…” She shakes her head. “It made my heart sink.”

“What do you know about the Order?” I ask, leaning forward.

Because it sounds like she knows something, and Jun and I are still shuffling around in the dark. How does she know about the Order if she’s not a part of it?

Have we finally found another sane person?

Her lips press together. “I don’t know if I should tell you.”

Jun and I exchange a look. Our feeding bond gives me some insight into a wave of uncertainty coming from him.

I ignore it and barrel forward.

“We aren’t joining the order,” I say, turning to face her. “We’re trying to learn about it.”