**Gaia's POV**

From inside the room, I heard the faint rustle of movement, followed by the soft padding of footsteps approaching the door. My heart hammered against my ribs, each beat echoing the mix of anticipation and nerves swirling within me. This was it—the moment that would change everything between us.

The door creaked open, revealing Astrein backlit by the warm glow of firelight. His silver hair fell loose around his shoulders, and he wore only simple sleep pants, his ...