KNOX’S POV

Queenie probably filled in some blanks. But hearing Ember say it out loud feels like reopening a wound that never properly healed.

“What do you want to know?” I ask, keeping my voice carefully neutral.

“Whatever you’re willing to tell me.”

I stare at the ceiling, jaw tight. “Celeste was my true mate. We met when I was twenty-six. Bonded within a year. I thought she was everything I’d ever need.”

“What happened?”

“She betrayed me. With my best friend.” The words come out flat, clinical. “In our bed.”

Ember makes a small, wounded sound. “I’m so sorry.”

“It was a long time ago.”

“That doesn’t mean it...