EMBER’S POV

I reach deep into my mind, past Knox, past Gale, past a great many memories, and I find something that brings a familiar ache back to my chest. I force my voice to remain steady when I speak.

“I wager a grey afternoon with clouds gathered, and rain on the hot pavement. I was ten years old in a blue dress. The first time I’d ever worn a dress that pretty.”

The scale glows bright, but does not move yet.

Across the table, my mother watches it carefully, and I can see her doing the math she’s done her whole life, weighing what my truth is worth against...