EMBER’S POV

We end up sitting on the floor together, our backs against the wall, the painting watching over us like a guardian.

“I’m so tired,” I admit. “Of all of this. The secrets, the games, the feeling that everyone wants something from me.”

“I know.”

“You’re the only person who doesn’t feel like they’re lying to me right now. And I don’t even trust you.”

Rafael laughs softly. “That’s fair. I haven’t given you many reasons to trust me.”

“No. You haven’t.”

We sit in silence for a while, the gallery’s hush settling around us like a blanket.

“Can I ask you something?” I say eventually.

“Anything.”

“Celeste. You...