**Astrein's POV**

I watch Gaia walk away with Lucas, her spine straight, her stride confident. She moves like a true warrior—no hesitation, no backward glances.

Pride swells in my chest. And beneath it, an ache I can't quite suppress.

If only I had found her sooner. Before Lysander. Before all the pain and betrayal she endured at Silver Wing. Maybe then she wouldn't feel this desperate need to prove herself, to become stronger at any ...