Gaia's POV

The rogue wolf drags me out of the Blue Note, his grip firm on my wrist. We run through the crowded street, turning into a deserted alley where shadows pool thick between buildings.

'Gaia, what the hell is happening?' Astrein's voice crashes through our mindlink, fury and panic mixing. 'I'm coming now—'

'Stop!' I send back urgently. 'Don't follow. You'll ruin everything.'

'He could hurt you—'

'He won't. I can handle this. Just... trust ...