**Gaia**

I step into the reception room, forcing what I hope is a graceful, appropriate smile onto my face despite the turmoil inside me.

My heart is hammering so violently against my ribs that I'm genuinely afraid everyone in the room can hear it. Each beat feels like thunder, drowning out everything else, making it difficult to focus on anything except the fact that he's here.

Astrion is here. In this room. Just a few feet away from me.

The elegant reception room ...