EMBER’S POV

Hale’s spiteful eyes flash, and she opens her mouth to fire back—

This time, Knox pulls me back and steps between us, more in control than before but absolutely furious.

“Hale. Your rooms.” His voice instantly severs the argument. “You’ll stay in them, under armed watch, until this investigation clears you.” A beat. “Or doesn’t.”

“You believe her.” The wounded fury in her voice would convince a saint. “Seven bodies in this room, and you’d stand in front of your whole household and treat your own blood like a criminal—”

Tears pool in her eyes, spilling over her perfectly flushed cheeks.

“I cannot believe this is you. I...