EMBER’S POV

I shuffle back without meaning to, staring at the room now, really seeing it — the sheeted furniture, the clouded vanity mirror, the record player in the corner, all of it kept and dusted — and then I snap my eyes back to Hale.

“What the hell are you doing bringing me here?” My voice shakes. “Does Knox know you come in here? Are you even allowed to be in this room?”

Hale tilts her head, slow, almost amused.

“I’m allowed everywhere in this house.” Light, like it’s obvious. “You forget — I’m the lady of the house.” A small pause, a smaller smile. “Well. Not anymore, I...