223 Her Determination

Isola's gaze held Asher's, unyielding and resolute. A long moment stretched between them, the silence around them pressing in as she considered his proposition. She seemed to carry the weight of her entire race in her eyes, an oceanic depth of responsibility reflected within her gaze.

The silence was cut as she drew a slow, deep breath, her shoulders rising and falling with the motion. Then, her voice echoed in the quiet, clear, and firm, "Yes. I accept…" Isola made careful deliberation before answering, as she knew this was the only way to protect her people and Callisa while trying to help him move on from his harrowing past.

This was a necessary step she had to undertake even if her parents or her people would never want this, though they will never know.

She realized now why he granted mercy to her people instead of giving them severe punishment. He planned to use them all in the future for his vengeance.