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 said you knew her. What was she actually like? What was Knox like with her?”
Rafael is quiet for a long moment, considering.
“They were beautiful together,” he says fin
