**Astrein's POV**

Another person saying the same thing to me.

Honestly, I've never been one to waver based on anyone else's words. I've always trusted my own judgment, relied on my own assessments of truth and character. I pride myself on that independence, that ability to see through manipulation and find the core of any situation.

And the tragic irony is that my judgment—my own careful, rational analysis—has led me to this devastating conclusion: Gaia can't forget ...