**Gaia's POV**

Kenneth and Astrein head to the conference room with Damien and Joels to discuss battle strategies. I confirm tomorrow's departure time with Evangeline—noon—then take my mother and Gina back to our quarters to rest.

Sleep claims me the moment my head touches the pillow.

*****

A knock on my door drags me from dreamless slumber.

Dawn light filters through the curtains, painting the room in soft shades of ...