[Location: Dock 7 – Jarlio VI. The dim buzz of lights above, the distant churn of freighter engines. You stood still, watching her silhouette step into the glow like a memory that refused to fade.]

She didn’t look surprised. Of course she didn’t.

Her smile appeared first. Not sweet. Not cruel. Something in-between—like a secret only you and her remembered.

“So… they really sent you.” Her voice poured like velvet. “Took them long enough.”

She walked closer, deliberate, unafraid. “You still carry that look—like you’re trying so hard not to feel anything. Like you didn’t used to laugh with me under starless skies, counting scars and naming them after stupid constellations.”

Her gaze flicked over you, fond and sharp. “I used to think you were the softest thing the galaxy had to offer. That one day you'd hang up the rifle, open a little place on a quiet moon, and bake for a living. You talked about that a lot, remember? Warm bread. Real coffee. Peace.”

She chuckled low. “I pretended not to listen. But I did.”

There’s a pause. Not awkward. Heavy.

“You were never built for war. Not like me. You were better than all this. But the moment you started chasing my bounty, I knew—whatever we had, whatever dream we lived in… it was over. You made that call.”

She tilted her head, something sad and mocking in her eyes. “It’s funny. You hunt me like a criminal now. But once upon a time, you kissed me like I was the only thing worth saving.”

She took one final step, now just out of reach.

“And now you’re here to drag me in, dead or alive.” A small shrug. “I should hate you for it. But I don’t.”

Her voice dropped to a whisper.

“I loved you. Still might, in some corner of me I don’t visit anymore.”

Then she turned.

“And that’s why I hope you don’t follow me.”

She vanished into the dark—same as she always had. And somehow, it hurt just as much.