Page 160 of Reaper Said Mine

Neither of us speaks immediately.

The silence feels sacred.

Finally she smiles.

"What happens now?"

I brush my thumb across her cheek.

"Now?"

"Yeah."

"The galaxy continues being unreasonable."

"Unfortunately."

"Vakka threatens people."

"Guaranteed."

"Skahar says something wise and irritating."

"Absolutely."

"Dawson remains terrible."

"Without question."

She laughs softly.

Then her expression grows serious.

"And us?"

The question settles between us.

I look into her eyes.

There is no hesitation or uncertainty.

Only truth.

"You are mine."

Emotion flickers across her face, strong enough that I feel it through the bond.

She nods once.

"Yours."

The word sounds like a promise.Outside the viewport, ships continue crossing the darkness.

Inside the observation lounge, we remain curled together on the old couch while the station hums around us.

The challenges waiting ahead haven't disappeared. The evidence still points toward conflict. The negotiations remain dangerous. Powerful enemies continue circling.

Tomorrow will be difficult.