Page 125 of Hunger & Harmony

I gather myself up, sliding the folded paper into my pocket after I stand. My parents quickly follow, my mom’s worry returning.

“You’re not leaving, are you?”

A small smile touches my lips, and I nod.

“I am.”

“Where?” my dad asks, voice just as hesitant. “Why? You know now why you shouldn’t.”

For the first time in a really long time, I open my arms. After we’ve all huddled in an embrace, I let myself relax against them. They hug me, and for once, it feels genuine. Like they’re holding me, and not just a fragile ideal.

I can finally hug them back. I don’t know how long it will take to fully forgive them, but I won’t rush myself.

When I pull back, I blink away my tears. They’re both barely holding it together.

“Trust me.”

It’s what I need more than anything right now.

“Cadence . . .”

Before my mom can finish, my phone starts ringing. I hear it from downstairs, echoing from my open bedroom. My brows crease. Who would be calling me?

Why is my pulse stuttering?

“Hold on,” I say before I turn and hurry down the ladder.

It’s not anxiety over my parents. Something different flares under my ribs, sharp and building.

When I get to my personal phone, I don’t recognize the number. Still, something in me is screaming to pick up.

“Hello?”

“Cadence!”

The pressure in my chest deepens when I hear his frantic voice.

“Ez?” I exclaim. “What? What’s wrong?”

“Where are you? I’m coming to get you,” he says, and I’m nearly breathless at how wrecked he sounds.

“My parents' house.” I clutch the phone tighter. “What’s going on? Isn’t everyone heading to Sancte Noctis?”

“His Majesty and Selene went ahead.” His voice drops, and my heart almost stops beating. “There was an ambush.”

Phantom pain crescendos, and I clutch my chest.

“How did Hunters⁠—”

My blood runs cold.

“It wasn’t them.”

30

CROWNLESS

Black plumes of smoke rise into the vermillion sky. Angry flames lick up cragged spires, the watchful gargoyles contorted in a new kind of horror.