Page 99 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

No one moves. They’re here for a reason, and when you’re trying to seek immortality, you’re willing to do anything for it, even if that means risking your life. It makes little sense to me, which may be proof I’m not cut out for immortality.

Jun reaches for me. It’s becoming second nature to hold each other in moments like these. He grasps my hand tight, and I have his in the same iron grip.

A soothing energy washes over me, and I breathe it in.

“In exactly ten minutes,” my father says, “we will unleash forty lesser demons into this room.”

I freeze, exchanging a look with Jun.

Lesser demons.

I’ve heard of them and seen them in illustrations, but I’ve never witnessed one in person. I know they aren’t like Jun—not really. They’re wisps of energy and magic, thoughtless and primal. They have claws, teeth, and venom.

One bite, and you’re dead.

My father continues. “We will provide weapons, and you are expected to banish the demons. If you wish to surrender, lift your weapon or right hand in the air. We will escort you to safety. Do not push yourself, or you will die. Do not put your allies first, or you will die.”

A chill runs up my spine.

“To continue to the next trial, you must be standing once the demons are vanquished. There are no rules, and no more allies. Do what you can to survive. Any questions?”

A student named Rosalie raises her hand. She’s been at Strode for a few years, but she’s meek; I’ve only heard her speak in passing.

“Are we supposed tokillthe demons?” Her hand trembles as she lowers it.

“The weapons we’re providing will not kill the creatures. They return the demons to the underworld,” Professor Stark says. “Anyone else?”

The room is silent.

If there are questions, no one is brave enough to say them aloud. Professor Fairweather wheels out a case of weapons—swords and daggers, namely. I wish they offered bows. My father knows my weapon of choice—he was the one who signed me up for archery classes—but I suppose he’s done coddling me.

“You have ten minutes to prepare,” my father says.

But I’m no longer paying attention to him.

I turn to Jun with worry behind my eyes, and he’s fearless. He stands tall and brave, with his jaw clenched tight. Determination comes from him in waves.

“No more allies,” I whisper.

“Oh, fuck that.” He looks at the weapons case. “Do you know how to use any of those?”

I shake my head. “I’m all right with a dagger, but?—”

“Let me take the lead. I promise to keep you safe.”

“Okay…”

“Do you trust me?”

I never thought Jun would look at me like this—protective and earnest.

“I do.” It’s true. After my father’s speech, he’s the only person I can trust. “We are going to win this, as we did last time. Those mini demons don’t know what’s coming for them.”

His lip tugs into a half-smile. Our hands are still together as he leads me to the weapons.

My father is surely watching. I can feel his gaze on me, but I don’t pay him any mind as I choose my daggers—two made of matching silver.

Jun picks a long sword, humming thoughtfully as he inspects it.