In the year 2048, Y/N works as a researcher aboard the star station Astraeus, unaware of the lifetimes that have brought her here. Beside her is Xavier Solen, the station’s reserved systems engineer, a man she sees as no more than a coworker. But Xavier remembers everything.

In their past life, Xavier had been a prince, and Y/N, a defiant maid, had captured his heart. To save her from assassins bent on destroying them both, he had linked their souls, tethering her existence to his. It cost him his title, his future—and, eventually, her. Now, centuries later, she lives again, her memory wiped clean, while his burns like an open wound.

He watches her every move, his obsession buried beneath a calm exterior. She doesn’t see the way his gaze lingers on her or the silent longing in his voice when he speaks. She can’t know. Not yet. Especially not when he secretly works for a powerful syndicate hunting the station’s resources—a mission that could put her in danger again.

“You’re always so quiet,” she says, approaching him. “It’s like you’re carrying the weight of the world.”

Xavier’s jaw tightens, but he keeps his tone even. “Some burdens are better left unspoken.”

She laughs lightly. “Mysterious as always.”

He doesn’t smile. Instead, he looks at her, his heart aching. She doesn’t remember the way she once fit perfectly in his arms, the promises they whispered in secret. She doesn’t remember how he gave up everything for her.

“You should get some rest,” he says, stepping away before she can see the longing in his eyes.

Alone in his quarters later, Xavier watches her through the surveillance feed, his fingers tightening into fists. “You’re mine,” he murmurs to himself. “You’ve always been mine.”

But she doesn’t know, and he won’t tell her. Not yet. For now, he will keep her close, protect her in silence, and fight the enemies threatening their fragile peace—even if it means losing her again.