Five days. Five agonizing, soul-killing days had gone by since Ilsa had left here feeling unwell. Five nights in Danethar's bed, trying to hold onto what was left of my sanity as he found ever more inventive ways to take his pleasure. In that activity, he seemed to make an effort to expand his limited capacity for imagination. Would that he didn't, or perhaps the nights would have passed more easily for me. Sadly, the medicines and other items I'd bought from Maddie weren't quite enough to do more than keep my injuries from getting worse. I'd had to go back to her yesterday for another healing; she told me that she could not do it again for at least another week, and that I would have to make do with her natural remedies in the meantime.
But the physical pain was the least of my worries. His constant abuse was beginning to take a toll on me, mentally. Even in the few weeks after we were married Danethar hadn't bedded me this often, preferring to go back to any one of his many mistresses to slake his appetites. And it wasn't just at night now; he would come home unexpectedly in the middle of the day. I had no respite from him or the memories anymore. They were too numerous now to fit in that box deep in the buried corner of my mind. I ate very little and slept even less. Shadows caused me to jump and I caught myself crying when no one was around. This couldn't go on.
Bathing was the only part of my day I could enjoy. For a few short hours afterwards, I almost felt clean again. So when I woke, I spent a half hour in the tub, scrubbing and soaking away Danethar's touch. Which was what I was doing right now. Well, not just yet. Right this moment I was just drifting in the steaming water with my eyes closed, trying not to think about anything. The not thinking part wasn't going so well.
With a dispirited sigh, I groped blindly for the soap and wash cloth. If I didn't open my eyes, I didn't have to see my body- the living battlefield, as I'd come to think of it. I ran the cloth over my arms, trying not to picture the rope burns that seemed permanently etched in my wrists. Or the mauve bruises on my thighs and backside. Or the hand-shaped red marks around my neck. Failed again- I saw them just as clearly on the backs of my eyelids as if I'd been looking in a mirror.
I eased the wash cloth lower, down over my belly and the inner crease of my right thigh. Already it burned, and my breath hissed inward like a serpent. No matter how much this hurt, I had to clean out the wounds or they would become infected. The sting of soap was far less painful, I reminded myself as my hand stretched lower. A reminder helped, but I still caught myself half-whimpering through my teeth as the rough material grazed torn skin. My left hand gripped the edge of the tub so tightly that the tips of my fingers were numb.
And then it was over. I slumped backwards and withdrew the rag from between my legs. It struck the tiled floor with a wet slap as I dropped it over the edge. Eyes still closed, I bent my knees and slid underwater. Ten…twenty…thirty seconds passed and I still didn't resurface. Forty…fifty…how long could I hold my breath? The searing hot water pressed in on my eyes, nose and mouth, trying to win this battle; I was awfully tempted to let it. Wouldn't of course, but tempted, nonetheless. A faint noise from above penetrated my awareness, although I couldn't make out what it was. Reluctantly, I emerged into the open air.
"Lilith!" cried an almost frantic female voice.
I opened my eyes and pawed away the mass of sodden hair blocking my view of the room. That difficult task finished, I swept my gaze over the room and confirmed I was no longer alone. Its newest- and unexpected- occupant crouched on the other side of the tub, distress evident. I managed to overcome my initial disorientation just enough to get one word out.
"Ilsa?"
"Yes it's Ilsa- who the Hel else do you think would barge in here," she snapped at me. "What were you doing, trying to drown yourself!?"
I almost said yes. Some mean-spirited part of me wanted to wound the woman in any way I could. After all, she was the one who started this. But I held back the impulse when I realized Ilsa was really and truly shaken. She thought I'd almost tried to kill myself, and probably would have fished me out if I'd stayed down any longer.
Thank the gods I heard her when I did.
I scrubbed both hands over my face and sighed heavily.
"No, Ilsa, I was not trying to drown myself. Believe me, I were looking for a way to die, this is not the method I would choose for it."
Some of the panic left the woman's face, and she considered me studiously.
"You've thought about it."
"Of course I've thought about it," I retorted, tone clipped. "Any sane person faced with this mess of a life would think about it at least once or twice. Now clear out so I can dry off and get dressed."
For several seconds…or maybe minutes, Loki was rooted to the spot, unable to make himself move. He was still caught in a maelstrom of emotions thundering through him. When he'd gotten impatient waiting for Lilith to finish, he'd had no idea what he was going to witness by coming in here. Loki's eyes were drawn to the blood-stained wash cloth near his feet as he replayed the uncomfortable image of Lilith's agony as she used it to cleanse her body. He hadn't been prepared for it- or the pain-filled sounds she'd made- and might never get either out of his mind. Was this what Berda meant by 'take care of herself'?
Anger had flashed through him, bright like the reflective edge of a honed sword. It hit Loki so fast that he didn't have time to grasp why he was reacting so strongly, or how to stop it. Behind anger, guilt and…grief…cut through him. He shrank away from both of those, afraid of what they might tell him. Or worse, what the voice might say about them. But then Lilith had gone under for so long, and he was confronted by a fear much greater. Terror had propelled him across the room as it looked as though Lilith would not resurface, and he'd nearly dragged her out of the water himself.
Loki didn't like feeling so out of control; he liked it even less that Lilith was at the heart of what was causing him to lose it. He was a god- the most clever and intelligent god of Asgard. Too intelligent to be tangled up by sentiment or emotions, which were weaknesses only fools like his brother indulged in. He was rational. Methodical. Not emotional.
I am not susceptible like those weak-willed Asgardians, he avowed fervently to himself. The words rang hollow, even to his own ears.
"Ilsa, I promise I'm not going to drown myself," Lilith repeated somewhat irritably. "You don't have to stay here to make sure."
Thankfully, she'd misinterpreted the reason for his hesitation. Loki was pathetically grateful that she hadn't sensed anything more than that. If she knew the havoc going on inside him, she might actually win their game.
And what game is that? I thought you weren't going to play with Lilith until after you were through with Danethar. Better make up your mind.
Not now, Loki begged. Please not now. I can't deal with anything more.
You'll tell me what I want to know when you're ready. Until then, I'm not going anywhere.
Too many things pulled at him. From inside; from without. What had begun as a simple game to pass the time had spiraled down into a much deeper intrigue that threatened to consume him right alongside his playing pieces. And now that he was in it, Loki wasn't sure how to get out. If he could even get out. He could only take one course of action…dive deeper into the game and stall for time until he could see a way through. So what was his next move?
Loki glanced at Lilith, whose expression could be described as politely irked. Although the 'polite' part was rapidly waning the longer he remained. He'd better do as she asked and go before she worked herself into a full temper.
"All right- I'll just be in the other room," he assured her as he stood.
"Music room or garden. Pick one and I'll meet you there."
"You might need help…"
"I've been dressing myself for a very long time now. I think I can manage."
Loki said nothing and walked out of the room. Kept on walking until he reached the garden. He needed to be outside- get into the open air where maybe he could think. Besides, he had a feeling music wasn't going to do either of them any good today. While he waited for Lilith to join him, Loki studied the various flower beds to see what she'd been up to while he'd been away. Not much, if his eyes weren't deceiving him. Several areas were already overrun by the spiky plant she'd shown him before. Strange that Lilith would have allowed things to deteriorate so severely. Alarming, too, since it begged the question how long it had been since she'd come out here- and why.
"I guess you can see that I've fallen behind a little," Lilith admitted ruefully from her vantage point near the doorway. "And you can see what I mean about the Distar plant."
"It seems to have run completely wild in a very short time," he replied with a quick glance behind him.
Lilith wore one of the dresses she'd bought the last time he saw her. Red. An all too common color in this house, and this morning in particular. He supposed she must have picked it to hide the bruises around her throat with its higher neckline. A futile effort, really, since they both knew the marks were there. She stepped further into the garden, but didn't join him. Loki sensed Lilith was about to say something, and he was pretty sure he wasn't going to like it.
"You need to leave and never come back, Ilsa."
"I've heard this speech before, so what makes you think I'll heed it this time?"
Her eyes closed briefly and she exhaled. When Lilith reopened them, Loki saw a mix of determination and fear lurking in their blue depths.
"Because this is the last time I can promise I'll give it."
"I don't recall asking you to."
"Don't you get it!?" she exploded in frustration, clenching her fists at her sides. "He'll be back in a few hours and he's determined to have you- willing or not. If you're still here…Ilsa, you don't want to experience that. Danethar has had five days to hone his appetite. He will be thorough. He will be brutal. The only way you'll escape is by doing as I say. So for the last time- go away and never return to this house."
She'll sacrifice herself in my place, he realized.
Even though she didn't overly like 'Ilsa' most of the time- or even trust her- Lilith would submit to Danethar's abuse on her behalf. Just as she had been doing over the past few days, he suspected. No doubt the warrior had demanded 'Ilsa's' return days ago, and had satisfied his unfulfilled desires with Lilith when she refused to get her maid back. And once he found out she'd turned 'Ilsa' away, Danethar's abuse would only intensify.
Loki couldn't understand why she was willing to endure it. He should be annoyed that she was once again trying to thwart his plans, but he wasn't. He was…ashamed. An entirely new feeling for him, and an unpleasant one. He could not allow Lilith to hold him hostage this way. Couldn't let her get the upper hand in the game.
"No," he refused quietly.
"Why are you determined to do this to me?"
"Do what? If I go, he'll take it out on you, right? So what am I doing wrong by staying?"
"He's going to take it out on me either way. At least if you go I can't pretend that there's a way out of this for me at your expense. But every time you refuse to leave, you make it harder not to fall into the temptation to believe that lie. This is the last chance either of us have before it's too late."
So, the Lady's motives weren't entirely altruistic. Loki was almost relieved to discover that Lilith was capable of having selfish impulses. And while he couldn't quite empathize with her apparent crisis over whether to use 'Ilsa' to distract Danethar, he could appreciate her desire to do so. After all, he'd done similar things many times for far less…personal…reasons. Maybe if Lilith listened to those impulses a bit more, she wouldn't have ended up with Danethar. Or could have found a way to be rid of the idiot permanently by now. He decided to take advantage of the opportunity she'd given him.
"What if it wasn't a lie, though? What if it worked?"
"I can't let you do it, Ilsa."
"Why not?"
She gaped at him, as if he'd uttered the most absurd thing she'd ever heard.
"For starters, unless what you told me before was a lie you haven't been with a man. Danethar is not the one you want to start with under any circumstances. And even if you were lying- I guarantee you will find only pain if you submit to him."
"You think I don't know that? I saw what he's done to you."
"You wouldn't have if you weren't prone to sneaking into rooms where you aren't invited," she pointed out. "But since you did- yeah, I'm sure you saw enough to know what he's capable of doing to a woman in bed. He won't be any kinder if you offer yourself willingly, if that's what you were thinking. So don't. You don't have to feel like you can't say no."
Anger spiked again, and Loki glared at her.
"Unlike you, you mean," he threw back at her. "Just because you're married to Danethar doesn't mean you don't have the right to say no. You were supposed to be his wife, not his slave."
"I fail to see the difference, Ilsa."
Of course she didn't. Danethar certainly treated her like his slave- worse, actually, since most masters had paid for a slave and had a monetary interest in keeping them healthy and sound. The more he considered the situation, Loki realized that the warrior wasn't the only one to send Lilith the message. Even the Allfather had told her as much, dictating that she would belong to Danethar whether she wished it or not. As if she'd been his property to turn over to someone else. Between the two of them, they'd actually convinced Lilith she had no right to complain or resist such treatment, and that infuriated him for some reason. So he considered how, as 'Ilsa', he might strike back at them. Or at least Danethar.
Never pictured you as one to seek revenge for someone else, whispered the voice. Isn't that out of character for you?
It was. Very out of character. Loki was no stranger to waging revenge, but usually for himself; injustices against others didn't concern him. Before he explored this course of action further, he ought to examine why this particular injustice bothered him enough to do anything. A logical reaction, and one more typical for him. But he hesitated, gripped by a sudden feeling of wariness. Loki wasn't sure if he really wanted to know the truth; lies suited him better, anyway. It sufficed to believe he was doing this to explore new ways of making Danethar suffer. Nothing to do with Lilith.
Have it your way, but lies won't last. One day, you'll have to answer the question.
Not today, and that's all Loki cared about. He brushed a speck of nonexistent dirt from 'Ilsa's' skirt and stared directly at Lilith.
"I'm staying."
"Then don't cry to me when it's done, because you won't get any sympathy."
Liar, he thought. She would comfort 'Ilsa' despite her present stubbornness, even if it meant Danethar would beat her for it later.
"Don't worry, Lilith, I won't ask for it."
Author's Note: The events in the short story "The Limits of Genius" take place between these two sections
Thor was finished with training the warriors for the morning. The men under his command had improved in technique since their last major battle, which was his aim in insisting that they practice. Even in times of relative peace, one could never be sure when the next invasion attempt might begin. They should always be ready to defend Asgard.
That and it gives them less time to get into trouble.
This afternoon, his father wanted the whole assembly gathered at the palace for a formal speech. Thor had spoken to him about what he'd learned during his last conversation with Danethar. And after discussing the matter with his closest advisors, the Allfather decided that he needed to readdress his edict about servant to noble relationships. Not a moment too soon, in his opinion. Despite a slackening of the rumors of abuse and the like, stories of liaisons lingered.
Thor eyed Danethar and his two constant companions, Eckert and Willem. The trio were laughing raucously over some jest that he couldn't quite make out. Over the past week, he'd kept closer watch on them- Danethar in particular. In fact, he'd tasked a page to follow the warrior during the mid-day break and in the evenings to see if he was still bedding servants, despite having a wife. The past five days the reports came back the same; Danethar went home.
So why was he still uneasy about the man? Perhaps if he visited Lilith himself, he would see all was well. Thor decided there was no time like the present, and strode over to the group. Danethar's look was borderline hostile, but he supposed the warrior was still annoyed about their last conversation.
"Is there something we can help you with, Odinson," asked Eckert.
"There is," Thor agreed with a nod to Danethar. "I've a wish to see my cousin today, so I will be accompanying you to your home, Lord Danethar."
For the briefest of moments, the man showed alarm. It quickly faded into one of irritation.
"Must it be today? I could just as easily bring her to the next feast. I've already said I would, haven't I?"
"The next feast is a week hence and I wish to see her now. Is this a problem, Danethar?"
"No, of course not."
Even I can tell that's a lie; I don't need my brother's skills to tell me that much. So why is he so put out about my request? Thor pretended he hadn't heard the lie behind the warrior's answer.
"Excellent. Why don't we go now? I want to be sure we're back in time for the Allfather's announcement this afternoon."
"Yes, Odinson, I wouldn't dream of missing it."
Sarcasm this time. Thor was truly beginning to lose patience with the man. But he said nothing, holding in his temper as they crossed the training grounds and headed for Danethar's house. The warrior was equally silent, which made for an awkward journey- though thankfully not an overly long one. They entered through the kitchen door to find Danethar's cook finishing the mid-day meal. She dropped what she'd been doing and curtsied low once she saw Thor.
"My Prince, we're honored to have you here. May I offer you anything?"
"I thank you, good woman, but I am not hungry or thirsty."
"Where's my wife," Danethar snapped irritably. Thor saw a look of pure hatred flash in the cook's eyes.
That doesn't bode well. Even his own servant finds him repulsive.
"I believe she's in the garden today, my Lord."
"She's always playing around with flowers and the like," he remarked derisively. "Womanly pursuits seem to have no purpose at all."
Thor said nothing, but the man could tell he was not amused by his comment. Amusement spoiled, the warrior's mood darkened once more.
"Well come on, then. Let's get this over with."
Danethar led the way up the stairs and down the hall. As he followed behind, Thor realized that he'd never been in this home before. He hadn't realized just how grand it was compared to those belonging to other warriors of Danethar's rank. He suspected the difference had more to do with his cousin's status than his. The Allfather would have made sure that kin of his line, no matter how distant, were well taken care of. Danethar should be grateful to enjoy such an elevated lifestyle; Thor could tell from the way he strutted around that he felt he was owed all this. His dislike for the man grew stronger.
They came to a doorway leading outside, where he could hear voices. Thor stepped into a walled garden and sought out his cousin. Two women were kneeling side by side on the opposite site of the space, their backs to him. The one on the right must be Lilith, since the one of the left had hair too dark to belong to her. He cleared his throat and their conversation halted abruptly. Before he could speak, Danethar took the opportunity to comment.
"Well, well, it appears that your absent maid has finally returned, Lilith."
Both women turned around to face them. He got the impression that neither of them were pleased by the interruption, but were doing their best not to show it. But when they saw him they sank into curtsies, just as the cook had done. Neither made any attempt to come closer, nor did Lilith respond to Danethar's odd remark. Thor could feel the tension building in the garden, but could see no cause for it. Unless his suspicions about the warrior were true.
Don't let your imagination get ahead of you. Remember what Loki said the other day- it's possible I want to see things that aren't true based on my own personal opinion of Danethar.
"Cousin," he called out heartily. "It's been too long since I'd seen you at the palace and I decided to drop by for a visit."
After a moment's pause, Lilith seemed to come to life with a slight shake. She stepped away from the woman next to her- another servant if he'd heard right and approached him. How on earth Danethar afforded to pay two salaries on his income was a mystery. Maybe Lilith had made arrangements for a maid herself.
"How kind of you to think of me," she said with a faint smile. "I suppose it has been a few months, but surely you didn't need to come all the way down here from the palace. I thought next week the Allfather was holding a banquet- you would have seen me then."
The same words Danethar had used. Thor couldn't quite dismiss it as pure coincidence. It all felt too…rehearsed. The maid seemed to agree with him, judging by the shrewd look she directed at Lilith and the warrior. Perhaps when he'd finished this visit, he'd find a way to speak to the woman as well. For now, Thor ignored those thoughts and concentrated on his cousin.
"Ah well, I suppose it can't hurt to have an extra visit."
Yes, it damn well could, I replied silently.
Today was just not going well for me. First Ilsa appears in my bathing room after I'd almost convinced myself that she was never coming back. Then we had that argument here in the garden, which I had somehow managed to lose. And now Thor just happens to drop in for a family visit. I could already see in Danethar's eyes that I was going to pay for it in some way, if only because this visit meant he lost an opportunity to bed me this afternoon. Although, as his gaze shifted behind me to Ilsa, I suspected that may now be her problem instead of mine. All too soon, my fears were confirmed.
"Ilsa, why don't we leave these two in privacy and see to a few things inside?"
I waited to hear what she would say and tried not to let my anxiety show; I was fairly certain I failed. But Ilsa walked past me, unconcerned, to join Danethar at the door. She caught my eye briefly and winked- as if this were all just a joke to her. The naïve fool. She was no match for him, no matter how clever she pretended to be. I could do nothing as he ushered her inside.
You don't know what you're doing, Ilsa.
"Cousin, are you well?"
Meanwhile…I guess I had my own trouble to handle. For whatever reason unknown to me, Thor had taken an interest in my situation. He hadn't looked at me more than a handful of times in the past decade, so why was he so interested now? I resolved to do my best to convince him that nothing here required his attention.
"Never better," I lied with a smile. "How goes the world up in the palace?"
"Well enough, I suppose. Training, meetings with the Allfather- keeping an eye on my brother."
"Yes, I remember he was present for the feast before the wedding. That must be a challenge to keep him in line."
"Yes…and no. Loki has been relatively quiet over the past few months."
"That worries you," I prompted. If I got him talking, he couldn't ask me questions.
"It's easier to have a plan of action when I know what I'm up against."
"Perhaps the Prince has learned his lesson?"
"I doubt it." Thor dismissed the idea with a shake of his head. "Loki means to take Asgard one day, and I can't ever see him giving up on that aspiration for anything. Sooner or later, he'll be up to his tricks again."
"We are what we are," I told him with a shrug.
I'd never known Loki all that well while I lived at the palace. Even as the Allfather's second Prince, he was still far more important than I ever was. During his many pranks in our younger days, I usually watched from afar. Too far out of range to be included as a participant- or, as I feared was the more likely, an unwitting target. So my impressions were limited. Surely, I'd heard of his intelligence, wit and mischievous sense of adventure. And I'd heard of his legendary temper, which made Danethar's rages pale by comparison. Not really my concern; good or bad, Loki was destined for a life that had little to do with me.
"You do have a point, and it brings me back to the purpose of my visit, Lilith."
Oh damn.
"I doubt you've heard of it yet, but some rumors have been circulating through Asgard lately."
"When aren't they?"
"This one is serious, and it concerns you, Cousin. Or at least your husband." Thor took a breath and launched into his explanation. "There's been talk of warriors who abuse women, and that some of them are overly familiar with female servants. So I came here to ask if you've noticed any of this behavior- or anything else strange- regarding Danethar."
I did not like what I was going to do next. I had no qualms about not informing the Allfather or Thor about my situation, reasoning that I had no duty to tell them what they did not ask. But now a direct question had been put to me, and I would have no choice but to lie. At least I could take comfort that Thor would not see through it, and would never know. Had this conversation been with his brother, I would not have been so confident.
"Serious indeed, Cousin. You have no cause to worry for me, or Danethar. We're well suited, so discord finds little room to grow between us."
Not outright lies…just cleverly worded half-truths. Thor frowned over them, though, as if he knew something was amiss but not what it could be. When that look faded, he stared down at me heavily. I could almost feel its weight crushing me into the graveled pathway, and worried he'd push until I told him the truth. Little did I know how much worse it could be, but I was about to find out.
"Then you have no objections to my speaking with your maid on the subject to get her opinion."
Ten times worse. I already suspected Ilsa of spreading the first rumors, so there was no telling what she'd say to Thor in person. But I couldn't tell him no, either. At least not without explaining my reasons why, and I didn't have a good one to give him. Cornered. I did not like it at all.
"Not at all," I capitulated in a tone I hoped sounded casual. "Please let me know when you would be pleased to interview her and I will send Ilsa to the palace."
"I was thinking right now," he pressed.
Shit. If Danethar is with her now, she'll be a wreck and no lie will spare me the humiliation of what will come of this.
"Are you sure there's time, Cousin? I thought the Allfather was delivering a speech this afternoon and I wouldn't want you to miss it."
"If you don't mind the loss of her for the afternoon, I can talk to the woman on the way back to the palace. Two birds, one stone."
"An excellent idea," I replied brightly. What else could I say, after all? "Why don't I go in and make sure Ilsa's not in the middle of anything." Like being raped by my husband. "I'll send her out shortly and you can be on your way before it gets too late."
Before he could stop me, I slipped past him and into the house, where I was greeted by silence. I figured Danethar had taken precautions to ensure Thor didn't overhear anything that would raise alarm. My steps did not falter or slow as I headed for his bedroom, though I knew I had no wish to see what lay on the other side of it. Not what Danethar had done- or was still doing- to Ilsa; not what he'd do to me for interrupting him.
I approached the parlor room, thinking nothing of it to see the door propped open. Just a momentary distraction as I mentally prepared myself for what was about to happen. So naturally, when Ilsa popped her head into the hallway I practically jumped out of my skin, shying to the opposite wall like a spooked horse. When my heart climbed back down out of my throat enough to speak, I swore at her.
"Shit- fuck. Gods of the Allfather. Ilsa, are you trying to scare me to death!?"
"I had a good idea where you were headed," she replied. "And thought I should stop you. Didn't realize that I would rattle you that badly."
I swallowed another curse and glanced down the hall. In all fairness, she was right; I would much rather a moment's fright over walking in that room when I didn't have to.
"Thanks." That didn't mean I didn't have questions. "Soooo….just wondering…"
She must have guessed what I wanted to know.
"I don't think he wanted to risk it with your cousin so close," Ilsa offered before I could phrase my question. "He thought better of it soon after we came in and went off to his room alone."
"A rare flash of intelligence," I observed mockingly. "Which is lucky for you, but that piper will have to be paid someday."
"Did you come looking for me for a reason?"
Well that was sudden, wasn't it? Fine, I won't try to warn her anymore if that's what she wants.
"Thor wants to talk to you- about Danethar. He's asked that you accompany him to the palace. Now."
"I'm guessing you want me to lie if he starts asking about the rumors."
"I would appreciate it, though if outright lies are a problem, a few misleading truths would work just as well. Bottom line, I don't want him asking any more questions about me or Danethar. So however it needs done, I'm asking that you see your way to do it, Ilsa."
"I still think you're crazy," the woman said after a long, measured look. "But if that's what you want, I'll do my best."
"Thanks. Thor's waiting for you in the garden."
"What about Danethar," Ilsa asked with a nod to the bedroom at the end of the hall. "He won't be happy to find out I'm going. Especially if he knows I've left with Thor."
I said nothing, expression impassive. Ilsa sighed.
"Stupid of me to even ask, I know. He'll beat you or rape you and you'll let him do it out of some twisted sense of marital duty."
A wan smile was my only reply. Ilsa shook her head and turned away, obviously at a loss over what to make of me.
"She's crazy. Absolutely crazy," I could hear her mutter under her breath as she walked away.
You're not wrong, Ilsa. But as you won't save yourself from a similar fate by walking away from here, I'm not the only one.
