EMBER’S POV

I storm into the main lodge and find him exactly where I expect to find him — seated in the dining area, coffee in hand, fresh shirt, hair combed, the bruises from Knox’s fists darkening along his jaw but groomed around like he’s styled them into an accessory.

He looks up when I walk in and the smile he gives me is warm and sweet, and it makes my blood curdle.

“Good morning. You look rested.”

“Call off your men.”

“Ember—”

“Call them off, Rafael. Right now. I’m leaving.”

He sets his coffee down with such careful precision.

“The weather—”

“There is no weather. It’s clear outside. The...