#28

Geo'rgge gazed in wonder at his life mate, finding her genetically identical yet far more complex due to the addition of his rib. During her regeneration, her genetic codex assimilated the grafted rib and various codes he added, especially from the Dharzir and Ghezzak. The merging of Ghezzak codex with her own brought about a new complexity.

"~You can close your mouth, my shining star. I have stood bare before you many moons~," she teased playfully, breaking his gaze.

He laughed, his hand caressing the scale-like substance along her stomach. "It's not the beauty of your bare skin, my life mate, that captures me. It's the ever-changing nature of your body. Your codex is transforming with every passing moment. It's as if whatever made the Ghezzak mother is allowing you a consistent change~."

Hen're'it stared at her changing body, the colors and shapes transforming before her eyes. More importantly, her heightened senses allowed her to perceive the world beyond anyone's wildest dreams.

"The world approaches, my life mate," she said, turning to him with a smile.

Approaching were the girl they called their daughter, Zobi, and his guards. Since leaving the encampment, 25 of the best had become the tribal leaders' guards. The little girl, known as re'itt for her resemblance to the great goddess, was among them.

Before anyone could speak, Hen're'it appeared before them. "~It looks like you're finally showing your worth as a male, Zobi~," she remarked.

They stood dumbfounded, struggling to comprehend that the great goddess, declared dead by the great god, stood before them.

"~MAMA! SEE, SEE! TOLD YOU MAMA CAN'T DIE!~" exclaimed the girl, clinging to Hen're'it.

"And what do we have here? My, has my little one grown since I left," Hen're'it said to the girl as Geo'rgge approached Zobi.

Geo'rgge, unable to speak due to laughter, stood before Zobi. "~What a foolish idea to think the great goddess could die.~"

Laughter echoed, turning from the two to a collective joy of fifteen.

Yet, within this renewed joy, hidden darkness loomed. A figure watched and planned, plotting to restore order to its grand, unshakeable design. The design was simple:

Death was inescapable.