Gaia's POV

The forest presses in around us, ancient trees standing as silent witnesses to my unraveling. Brian and Aurora have moved closer, their presence a warm barrier against the cold that seeps through my bones.

"Gaia." Aurora's voice is surprisingly gentle, stripped of its earlier accusation. "Listen to me. This changes nothing."

I look up at her through blurred vision, unable to process the words.

"You are still the woman my son loves." She kneels beside me, ...