August's POV

I watched Isabelle for a few seconds before speaking. She sat in one of the lobby chairs, her shoulders tense, her gaze distant, like someone who knew she had crossed a line she could never uncross.

Isabelle had done the unthinkable. And yet, she had done what needed to be done.

"You know you just bought yourself a war, right?" I murmured, walking closer.

She looked up at me, exhausted but determined.

"One more war or one less doesn't make much difference. But if I hadn't