Once upon a time, Gretel defeated the witch of the gingerbread cottage and saved Hansel. Now, she must face what the witch left behind... Germany, 1825. Thirteen years have passed since Gretel and her brother Hansel started new lives in a small town. She's changed her name, lived quietly, and tried to forget her terrible past-yet gossiping neighbors accuse her of being the old witch's protégé. When roguish Hansel stirs up the townsfolk's wrath, she must return to the gingerbread cottage-a place both she and her enemies fear. Deep within the forest, the white duck awaits Gretel's return. He and the enchanted forest have plans to nudge her toward a dark, magical future-whether she likes it or not. Could it be her fate to become the next cruel witch-queen to reign—and to forfeit any chance of a happily-ever-after with a kind and noble man? And what dangerous secrets does the white duck hide?