**Gaia's POV**

I jerk backward, yanking my hand free from Joels' grip. The intensity in his eyes frightens me.

Evangeline immediately steps between us, one hand raised protectively. "Beta Joels. What's wrong with you?"

Joels blinks, realizing what he's done. His eyes redden. "I—I apologize. Forgive me." His voice cracks. "You look so much like someone. Someone I loved. Someone who's gone."

"You mean your wife Bonnie?" Evangeline's ...