Page 97 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

I look away, biting the inside of my cheek to suppress a smile. “And I couldn’t be here without you. I wouldn’t have known where to begin. Don’t forgetthat. We were lost without you.”

I yearn to touch and be close to him, my fingers twitching where they rest on the armrest. What a strange sensation. Deep down, I know he’s supposed to be the one to make the next move. He was seeing someone recently—Amelia, who turned out to be so unlike what he expected.

He may not be ready to move on, and besides, we have other things to focus on.

Was having sex with him a mistake? It doesn’t feel like one. As my eyes meet his, a wave of longing washes over me. Longing and despair. I don’t know where it’s coming from.

“We’ll stick together as long as we can,” he says. “But you’re the one who needs to make it to the next round. That’s more important.”

I look down at my feet. “If you say so…”

“Let me walk you to class,” he murmurs, standing up and offering his hand to me.

The gesture is nothing, and I’ve never been one to accept crumbs when I want a cake, but when I take his hand, it feels bigger than a crumb. Our fingers interlock as he leads me through the room for all to see.

The four ofus meet up with Professor Connolly in the afternoon. I worry about how Tobey and Caldwell will feel about the plan… and about working with the professor. It’s been hard to get them on board. Tobey seemed wary when I brought up Professor Connolly, but hopefully, this will put them at ease.

I understand their reluctance, considering my father’s involvement. He was a disappointment, but Professor Connolly won’t be. I know it.

We meet in her office again, and the four of us huddle around her little desk. Tobey and I rest on the chairs, with the other two standing behind us.

Professor Connolly hums as she looks over the envelope. “The next task will be soon, then.”

“Too soon,” Tobey says. “Is it normal for it to happen this quickly?”

“Yes. It’s taken longer this year, actually. Recruitment is usually over within the first few weeks.”

“The investigations on campus must be slowing it down,” Caldwell says.

He has been eerily quiet ever since I told him about Professor Connolly.

She lifts her gaze to meet him, a twinkle appearing in her light eyes. “Ah. Benjamin, yes?”

I look back, half-expecting to see someone else, but—ah. Caldwell’s first name. I always forget he’sBenjamin.

Caldwell’s eyes widen. “Um… yes. I am.”

“I knew your mother. I worked with her—not only at Strode but in praying for the downfall of the Order. Professor Luna was my only ally.”

“That—that is my mother’s name. Was.”

“Then she was the witch you told me about?” I ask, putting the pieces together.

Professor Connolly nods. “She was the very witch, yes. I could not have come this far without her.”

Caldwell says, “I had no idea she had allies. I thought I was alone…”

“You aren’t alone,” Tobey says, turning around to pat his hand. “You never were, and now, you’re definitely not. Look at everyone you have to help you.”

I turn again to give Caldwell a slight nod.

Caldwell’s smile is shaky, but it’s there. “May I stay with you after the others go? I would like to ask about my mother if that’s all right.”

“Of course, dear boy,” Professor Connolly says. “You can come by anytime you like. I always have tea to put on.”

“Thank you.” Caldwell turns to look out the window.

For a spell, all I hear is the crackling of the fire.