KNOX’S POV

The words land like a punch to the gut.

I stare at him, this man who’s been by my side for over a decade, who’s bled for me and killed for me and never once questioned my judgment until now.

And I see something in his face that I don’t recognize. Fear. Not of me — Nathaniel’s never been afraid of me. Fear for me.

“What are you trying to say?” My voice comes out lower than I intended, dangerous in a way that should make him back off.

He doesn’t.

“I’m trying to say that you need to think, Knox. Really think.” He holds my gaze without...