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Randa’s gaze flicked to the long, thick mass of braids and golden shininess. “Fine.” She agreed a bit too quickly. “I’m sure there’ll be plenty of foolish women at the singles mixer, looking for disreputable mates.”

He didn’t seem like he quite believed it was that easy to convince her. “Shorn hair is considered a dishonor in my House.” He stressed, still waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Such a paranoid man.

“I understand.”

“It must reach my shoulders to be considered appropriate for a warrior.”

“I get it.” She switched from Elemental to English, so the human hairdresser could follow along with the conversation. “His hair needs to stay long. But maybe we can make his whole barbarian style seem… intentional?”

After the clothing store, she’d dragged the Light Phases to the Mayport Oasis All-Inclusive Day Spa and Salon. The desert-colored interior was filled with everything anyone would ever need to beautify themselves for a mate. Since the Light Phases wanted to attract respectable human women, they needed to put in an effort.

And for what the complete package of treatments cost, they’d better not screw it up.

Presently, Julius had his face slathered in green goo. Rye’s feet were being scrubbed in a bubbling vat of water and tiny fish. Mannus and Daven were getting manicures in contrasting (yet somehow still matching) colors: death black and corpse white.

Kahn was having a consultation with a hair stylist.

“Your look is already great.” Andre told Kahn. “Untamed, but in a hot boyfriend way, not a sleazy deadbeat way.”

“Hot?” Kahn repeated, like he wasn’t sure what the word meant in that context. The Light House really did need to get out more.

Andre nodded distractedly. He was a human in his thirties with dreadlocks and the intense focus of a true genius. Kahn was seated in the barber chair, while Andre stood behind him. He fiddled with Kahn’s hair, studying it in the wall-sized mirror as he visualized possibilities. “We’ll stay long, but give you some shape. Sound good?”

Kahn looked at Randa. “Does that sound good?”

“Yes, I think so.”

“How do you feel about adding more highlights?” Andre asked Kahn.

Kahn kept looking at Randa. “How do I feel about highlights?”

“His natural color’s so striking.” She told Andre reluctantly. “Do you think he really needs them?”

“No, but more could help balance out this one.” His thumb ran over the black House designation at Kahn’s temple.

Kahn jolted.

Phases were particular about their House designations. The colored markers grew naturally and were more sensitive than the rest of their hair. Touching them was usually sexual.

“Um, that highlight’s probably enough.” Randa assured Andre swiftly. “And the braids are… religious? We need to keep them, too.” She gestured to the knotted sections decorating Kahn’s thick hair. The Light Phases all wore them, so she had a feeling they were a cultural thing.

Kahn watched her in the mirror, his shoulders relaxing as she worked to respect his wishes.

“How about adding layers to the rest to help bring out his eyes? Would you be okay with him losing some volume?” Andre had apparently given up on asking Kahn’s opinion and had elected her the boss of the appointment. It was a good call.

“That would be great. Thank you for all your suggestions.” Andre was so young and friendly, she couldn’t help but want to pat him on the head. Humans were just adorable! “I’m sorry to be so restrictive. I know this is your job.”

Andre waved it aside. “If I had a man who looked like yours, I’d be particular about his hair, too.” He winked at her and headed off to gather supplies.

Randa’s face flushed red. Her horrified eyes met Kahn’s in the mirror. “I think he thinks we're a couple.”

“Yep.” He didn’t seem worried about it.

Randa was worried about it. She had no idea why she was so embarrassed by the misunderstanding, but it burned inside of her. “I’ll correct him, when he comes back.”

“Does it matter what he thinks?”