**Gaia**

I brace myself for disappointment. For the inevitable moment when the warmth in Astrion's eyes fades upon learning I'm an Omega.

But what I see instead makes my breath catch painfully in my throat.

Surprise flashes across his handsome face—not disgust or dismissal, but genuine, delighted surprise that lights up his features.

"Kennet," he says, his voice filled with unmistakable wonder, "are you telling me that Gaia grew from an Omega—someone who faced ...