One hundred and fifty eight

"What did you do to Effa's mother, who started talking?" Aloha's command rang out, her eyes no longer her own, glowing with an eerie deep blue radiance. The aura emanating from her left even Ragnar, the mighty king, feeling uneasy.

In response, something inexplicable entered Daphne's body. She struggled against an irresistible urge to speak the truth. Her eyes opened wide, as if she were in a trance, compelled to divulge the well-guarded secrets she had hidden deep within.

"I've always longed for Ragnar to be mine," Daphne's voice trembled as the truth spilled out. "My world crumbled when he introduced a witch as his mate. At first, he told me it was merely for procreation, and I reluctantly accepted. But my heartache deepened when he began developing genuine feelings for her. Despite his past history with witches, his newfound connection with her grew stronger, and I felt cast aside."

Daphne's face contorted with the torment of her revelations. "Ragnar's aunt shared the same affectio