**Gaia's POV**

Chloe nods through her tears, her head bowed low.

I can't tell if those tears stem from genuine remorse or mere humiliation at being forced to kneel before me. I hope—perhaps naively—that somewhere beneath all that hatred and pride, she feels at least a flicker of true regret.

But that's not my concern anymore.

Lysander steps forward, his voice cold and final.

"Your daughter has been returned to you," ...