Catherine's expression softened.
She didn't let go, but he could feel her take a slow breath before answering.
Her fingers tightened slightly on his sleeve, and her voice came out low.
"I… don't know where to start," she said quietly. "That day, I thought I lost you too. But… Mother saved you."
Isaac's eyes narrowed slightly, though his tone stayed calm. "Why?"
He made sure his voice carried no anger.
Catherine was already emotional, and he didn't want to push her further.
He needed to stay steady, for both of them.
Catherine looked away for a moment, as if searching for words. "I didn't awaken even after I thought you were dead. After that, I think my psyche would have shattered completely. So Mother made sure you were alive, and—"
"She used me as a hostage," Isaac finished for her.
Catherine's breath caught.
