Sarah's POV
Catherine regarded me with a cool detachment, her gaze unwavering. "There are always sacrifices in war, Sarah," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of regret. "You did what needed to be done to protect yourself and your interests."
Her words offered little comfort, and yet, there was a grim truth to them that I couldn't deny. Justin's death had been a necessary evil, a means to an end in our bid to maintain control and keep our enemies at bay.
But as I looked into Catherine's eyes, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her approval than met the eye. Beneath her facade of indifference, I sensed a flicker of something else – something akin to admiration, perhaps, or even respect.
"You have a gift, Sarah," Catherine continued, her voice taking on a softer tone. "You're not afraid to do what needs to be done, no matter the cost. It's a rare quality, one that will serve you well in the days to come."
