**Gaia's POV**

Astrein and I are heading toward my room when I spot a figure rushing through the corridor.

Nellie.

My adoptive mother practically runs past us, her steps hurried and unsteady. Her face is twisted with sadness and fear—deep, visceral fear that makes her shoulders hunch.

She doesn't even notice us standing there.

My stomach drops. "Something's wrong."

Astrein's hand tightens on mine. "Let me ...