“Hello.”

The word echoed faintly through the phone, and my mind raced instantly. I searched desperately for the right way to begin. The wrong words could make him cut the call immediately. I knew Davis well enough to expect rage, accusations maybe even silence.

I needed to be careful.

I took a slow breath and decided to place respect on Ember’s name, hoping it would soften him… even if only slightly.

“Is Luna Ember still alive?” I asked. “I hope she’s not dead.”

On the other end of the line, silence descended, thick and, terrifying. He wasn’t speaking. Not a single sound. My heart thudded loudly in my chest as...