Gaia's POV

Mia wanted to see me. The last thing I wanted was another confrontation with that woman.

But before I could respond, Astrein was already on his feet, pulling me up with him.

"Perfect timing," he said, his jaw set with determination. "I've been wanting to have a word with her myself."

We descended the stairs together, hand in hand. Mia sat enthroned on the living room sofa, sipping her evening juice with the air of a queen holding court. When she saw ...