EMBER’S POV

For a moment I think Hale’s going to push it.

But she just gives a tight little laugh and turns toward the door, and I think that’s the end of it, until she pauses at the threshold and glances back at me, and her eyes drop to the closed book in my hands, and that bright knowing sharpness comes back.

“That recipe you found.” She says it lightly, coyly, like she’s offering a sweet. “You won’t be able to finish it, you know. Half of it’s scratched out, and the rest is in grandmother’s cypher.” Her smile widens. “You can’t make it without me. You’ll get the ingredients...