Ember Frost’s POV

My father had reached out to the Duke, hoping to discuss Alina’s unsettling behavior. To everyone’s astonishment, the Duke refused to take any action.

“How dare you,” he snapped. “Do you realize what you’re implying about my daughter—and about me?”

No matter how patiently my father tried to explain, the Duke wouldn’t budge. It was as though he didn’t truly care if Alina was at risk. Every justification he gave was wrapped in the claim that he was ...