Ember Frost’s POV

Once the guards finally managed to soothe the raging Northern Duke, my father shifted his attention to the witch. His voice was calm but firm, the kind that left no room for excuses. “Alright,” he said, “let’s hear everything from your own mouth.”

The witch tilted her chin up, wearing a mocking smile as if the entire situation amused her. “And what exactly do you want explained?” she replied. “I already told you—I was curious. I thought it’d be fun to ...