August's POV

We entered the house in silence.

It wasn't exactly an uncomfortable silence. I could feel the unspoken agreement between us. That conversation would happen here, in the safety of our home. Away from curious eyes and overly attentive ears.

In the car, I'd watched Isabelle, lost in her own thoughts. It was impossible to ignore how much she'd changed in such a short time. Her posture was firmer, her gaze less naive, and she'd found a courage born from everything she'd endured. I