Xander
“Your actions are what put her in this state,” Isolde said sharply. “Being around you terrifies her.”
I gave a small shrug. “And what exactly is different here? Most people react the same way.”
“It is when you're doing it on purpose,” she shot back, cutting off any room for levity.
I tilted my head. “And?”
“You’re boxing her in.” Isolde pressed on, her patience thinning.
“Am I?” My tone stayed light. “That seems pretty obvious, doesn't it?”
She let out a slow breath, as though she was forcing herself to stay calm.
"I know what you're doing," Isolde said. "You think if you push hard enough, she'll eventually give in. That's worked for you before. But she's not like them."
I let out a short, dismissive laugh. "She's no different from the others. I've seen this before."
"I
