Isolation came naturally after that.
Not imposed. Chosen.
Assignments began routing through me by default. High-risk engagements. Unstable zones. Places where the cost would otherwise spill outward.
I became efficient again—but in a different way.
Not clean.
Contained.
People noticed the pattern.
Whispers shifted tone. Not admiration. Not fear.
Avoidance.
Elian stayed.
He didn't argue anymore. He didn't accuse.
One night, standing beneath the academy's outer lanterns, he asked quietly,"When you're done… what happens to you?"
"I don't know."
He nodded. "That's honest."