Epilogue: Haunt - Hunger & Harmony

Applause lingers in places like this. It clings to the walls, like stage smoke and sweat.

This stage is empty. A single bulb flickers behind me, casting shadows over the velvet seats of the auditorium. I don’t need any more light than that.

Crossing my leather boots over each other, I cast my scowl along the entrances. Still nothing. How long am I expected to wait?

I adjust my position on the ash wood stool. I’m bored with this. A miracle, considering what a disaster the past week has been.

The Midnight Crown has stabilized. Their new queen—the Exalted Resonant—has bent the prophecy back to its original form.

I knew she was special. I never anticipated that, though.

That fucking Leech King ruined everything. At some point, he might’ve been useful. But he stood in my way and took Cadence with him.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

Just as my fingers clench into fists, the screech of a door echoes. I peer through shadows, glancing over my shoulder at whose footsteps approach.

“You made it.”

His silhouette is laughably unimposing. Still, no matter what fake inflection he puts on his voice, I know his heart is winter—cold and devoid.

“You’re late,” I fire back.

“Now, now,” he says. “It’s tense all around.”

“No shit.”

Stiff silence stretches between us. He’s never appreciated my sharp tongue. Some bullshit about ladies speaking properly. I can’t find it in me to care.

“The Resonant was never meant to survive. Now, she sits on the throne.” He gestures to me, gloved hand catching the flickering light. “That wasn’t our agreement.”

My eyes narrow at him.

“Excuse me for not bending fate.”

“Ah, but it’s not about bending it, darling.”

He steps closer. My teeth clench.

“You must break it.”

I click my tongue.

Instead of answering, I reach into the purse on my lap. I find my gloss tucked in its usual pocket, uncapping it to swipe blue shimmer along my lips.

“Do you doubt me?” I ask after sliding it back in place.

“No,” he purrs. “Not that I could afford to.”

There’s something out of place. Digging in my purse again, I wrap my fingers around it. After I pull the cool, silver blade out, he continues.

“It’s not bad having a Hunter on our side.”

Sheathing the dagger into my boot, I then stand. The stage squeaks under me. These shoes are too expensive for such a place.

“Do you love wasting my time?” I snap. “Say what you need to.”

He chuckles, the sound rumbling against my ears uncomfortably. When my face twists into a scowl, I see his fangs gleam for a moment.

“We need a true Dissonant. Not one of fate, but one forged with intention.”

I cross my arms tightly. The world thinks monsters are born. I already know that’s only half of it.

“It’s a win-win, right? Your parents, and all the generations that built the Order, will be most pleased.”

My nails dig into my palm so hard, I’m nearly breaking skin.

“The Dissonant Circle is counting on you, Viola.”

I scoff quietly.

“What would you do without me?”

With a flick of my long hair, I strut past him.

“Precisely,” he says as I leave the stage. “We’ll be in contact.”

Slamming the doors open, I step into the bitter night. I won’t only be training for the stage now, but to be Dissonant. The true one. Unlike the Resonant Queen.

I stop short. On the horizon, skyscrapers pierce the clouded sky. The sound of cars is distant, not a soul daring to come close to this abandoned theater but me.

Maybe I’m foolish for it.

What choice do I have?

Cadence has her harmony now. I practically handed her the keys to fulfill her fate.

Twirling my keys around my spare fingers, I rip open my car door.

Let her keep it.

I’ve always been better at hunger.