**Gaia's POV**

I force my feet to move, leading Astrein toward the guest wing. His presence behind me is overwhelming—not threatening, but magnetic. Like every cell in my body recognizes something essential in him.

'Selene?' I reach for my wolf. 'Is he our Second Chance Mate?'

She stirs, warmth spreading through my chest. 'Follow your heart, Gaia. Trust what you feel.'

Not helpful. My wolf loves cryptic non-answers.

I stop at the guest room door, hand shaking ...