Ember Frost’s POV

After days of pleading, my father finally gave in.

But that was only the beginning.

This was just one mountain among many, and my mother—my gentle, unyielding mother—would never allow me to take such a risk. Not willingly. Not unless she was forced to face the truth.

So I told her.

“If you stop me,” I said quietly, “I won’t survive. I might not even last another month.” My voice trembled despite my efforts. “Mother… this is the only path ...