ISOLDE

I had tiptoed... for what?!

I forced myself to snap out of it, giving myself a light slap in my head. He let my hand go slowly, almost like he didn’t want to, and I swallowed hard before walking toward Velin again.

“Let me help you,” I said softly, my voice calm and sweet despite the ache inside. “I won’t hurt you, I promise.”

She looked at me as though my words were poison.

“You’ve already broken me… far more than hurt. There’s nothing you can do to return ...