**Astrein's POV**

Watching Gaia walk away feels like being carved open. Every step pulls at the mate bond—new, fragile, desperately wanting her close.

But I let her go. Because she asked. Because she needs this.

Her past haunts me though. The pain in her eyes, the way she expected rejection the moment I learned about Lysander—it speaks to damage I don't fully understand.

And I'm jealous. Goddess help me, I'm jealous of Lysander for having years with her I'll never ...