Kostos would be standing behind Isaac altogether if Isaac hadn't so recently mentioned the habit. Instead he's beside him. Almost. Maybe an inch behind him. He never knew Cassiopeia well; his tolerance for loud libertarians was already strained to its breaking point by Nell. He certainly doesn't know her now, watching through the churn of life and death between them with no idea what her tone might be leading toward.

Half his attention is on wisps. One left with a shielded view of the street, one over his shoulder. What will happen to it if it enters the ring? Maybe nothing. Unbiological, it will only grow faster if it can feel faster. But maybe something. He probably shouldn't find out in the middle of a situation that's already fraught—

So recruit or be rid of her is not a decision Kostos will be making for anyone else, unless he somehow manages to do it by accident, which is never impossible: with the half of his attention that's in the room, he snaps a sullen—if quiet—"For what?"