---
That hit her harder than she expected. It was not because of tenderness. Because he had said it simply. There was no sermon. No half-promise. No lordly nonsense about seeing whether she had earned the right to hate properly.
Just: I will help you.
Mira bowed her head once, more deeply this time. Not submission. Acceptance.
"Then yes," she said. "I want it."
Sekhmet nodded once. "Come."
He did not explain further in the room.
No need.
She followed him out through the inner corridor and down the quieter line of halls that led toward the sealed chamber where he preferred opening the Void Land gate when privacy mattered. The house did not question his movement now. Servants saw him pass and lowered their heads. Two maids saw Mira following him and gave the smallest of glances to one another before discipline shut the curiosity away.
Let them wonder later.
