Page 175 of Resurgent

I am at a complete loss for words as my mind tries to play catch-up. What do I even say?

“I suggest you tell me the truth.” His patience dwindles the longer I don’t answer.

I can feel eyes starting to watch the scene we are making, but I say nothing.

“I command you to tell me where you got it.”

My indignation takes over, and I can’t stifle my scoff. “You command me? Who are you to give commands?”

He unties his mask as if I’ll know who he is when I see his face. I guess maybe he is used to people obeying his commands around here.

His mask falls to the floor at the same time my heart stops beating.

“Hunter?”

Ignoring the plea in my voice, he tries again, “Tell me who gave you that dagger!”

“Hunter, stop. It’s me.”

His face turns to confusion as he pulls my mask off, then back to stone-cold anger as though he still doesn’t recognize me.

And then it hits me, he doesn't. Not through the morph.

He pulls me a few steps, forcing my back against the nearest wall. I try to side-step him, hoping to trade places, but he doesn’t budge.

“Please, I can explain everything if we can switch spots,” I beg.

Letting down my mental block, I reach for Tyr, knowing he’ll feel the change when I make it. “Don’t freak out, I’m alright,” I try to tell him, but our connection seems to be blocked.

“Your friends can’t hear you, so don’t even bother trying to call for help,” Hunter says as he begrudgingly allows us to switch, though his fingers stay wrapped so tight around my arms they may already be bruised. “There. Now, answer my questions.”

Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I let just my facial features return to my own.

I watch his mouth fall open. A look of confusion and despair flashing across his face.

"Seiri, what are you doing here?" His voice is as frantic as I feel.

“Hunt—” a deep voice belonging to a man I never heard approach starts right behind me.

Instinctively, my hand falls to my dagger as I whip around, ready to fight my way out of here if I have to.

The Prince of Clowess stands only a foot away, his mask gone, the blade in his hand reflecting the lights the same way his crown does.

His eyes go wide, at the same time my world stops spinning.

“Ana?”

Chapter fifty-two

BONUS CHAPTER—37B KORR

Every dish is washed. Every piece of laundry has been folded and put away. And yet, I still can’t manage to sit for more than a minute.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Instinctively, my hand shoots to the gun in my back holster as I take long, deliberate steps toward the front door.

As it swings open, I’m shocked to find Matt standing uncomfortably on my porch.