EMBER’S POV

That lands harder than I expected.

I know I should be horrified. Mostly, I’m embarrassed that I’m not.

“Eight years is a long time to just lose,” I say quietly.

“Good,” Rayana says.

I look at her.

We both turn. Rayana props her chin on one thin hand and looks entirely unmoved.

“I mean it. Good fucking riddance.” She shrugs. “You’re both looking at me like I’m supposed to be sad for him, and I’m not. He spent years making you miserable. Now you can’t remember his face, his voice, or any of the shit he put you through. Forgive me if I’m struggling to see that part...