Gaia's POV

The misunderstanding is cleared up. But the distance in my heart remains, a lingering shadow that no words can fully dispel. It's as if an invisible wall has formed, built from doubts and unspoken fears.

Astor trusts Isabella so completely. Admires her so openly, with an ease that stings. I'm not a saint—I can't help feeling jealous, the emotion coiling tight in my chest like a serpent ready to strike.

"I can't," I say, pulling away from his embrace. "Not right ...