Salister Kane    

Ren knew that now wasn't the time to burden her with the complexities of his situation. They had a debt to repay, a world to explore, and a future to build together.

The revelation about his evolving condition would have to wait.

Evie's gaze still searching his eyes, appeared only partially convinced. Her concern was etched in the lines of her face, but she nodded slowly. "Are you sure?"

Ren's thumb gently traced circles on the back of her hand, his touch a soothing balm for her worries. "I'm sure," he assured her, his voice tender.

"My hair, well, it's probably just genetics, some quirk of my ancestry. The doctors couldn't explain it, but it didn't change anything. I'm fine now. In fact, I've never felt better in my life. And with you here by my side, I'm complete."

Ren's thoughts meandered in the labyrinth of his own contemplations when, suddenly, he felt a hand gracefully slip into his.