"I'm joining the search party," he answered.
"What?" Her voice rose, almost panicked. "No. You can't."
Before she could continue, Leora stepped forward. "There's no time for this. The advance party leaves in thirty minutes. General Magnus has already approved Isaac's involvement."
"You can't just send him—"
"Alice," Isaac cut in gently. He reached out, took her hand, and squeezed it. "It's okay. I'll be careful. I'll bring Selene back."
Alice's eyes welled up. "What if something happens to you?"
Isaac smiled, flashing that usual confident grin.
"Leora's coming with me. She's Champion rank. And I've got Tyr and the Deathwood Guardian with me. I'll be fine. No one's getting through that kind of protection."
Alice looked like she wanted to argue more but didn't. She lowered her eyes and nodded slightly.
Isaac turned to Emily and gave her a small smile, then followed Leora out of the shop.
As the door closed behind them, Catherine exhaled.
