Ember Frost’s POV

After talking to Orion for a while, a calm warmth settled over me, slowly easing the tension in my chest. I turned slowly and noticed my mother standing quietly in the hallway, watching me with a gentle gaze.

She stepped forward and sat beside me on the couch, taking my hand in hers.

“Mother…” I hurriedly wiped my cheeks and murmured, embarrassed. “I’m sorry.”

She brushed my tears away with the back of her hand and spoke softly, “Sweetheart, why are you ...