---
Elena turned to Sekhmet and Lily, her expression unreadable. "Your room has been prepared. The baths are drawn, and fresh clothes have been laid out. We made some changes in your room."
Sekhmet inclined his head, a gesture of acknowledgment that was almost courteous. "Leave the hall."
Elena bowed and withdrew, her footsteps silent as she disappeared the way she had come.
They were alone. A few moments later…
Sekhmet's room was a study in controlled elegance. Dark wood panels lined the walls, interrupted here and there by tapestries depicting ancient hunting scenes. The bed was massive, draped in deep burgundy and charcoal velvet. Lamps burned low on the nightstands, casting warm pools of light that did little to pierce the shadows gathering in the corners.
The scent of the night clung to them both iron and leather, sweat and smoke.
