---
For the first time, Sofia's expression showed a little surprise.
Natasha looked toward the crater.
"She is stronger than her rank suggests."
Sekhmet did not answer.
Elena landed near the edge of the crater.
Her shoulder was still healing.
Stephen lay at the bottom.
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then he stood.
Blood ran from one corner of his mouth.
He wiped it away with one finger and looked at the red stain.
Elena's attack had hurt him.
Not badly.
But enough.
Stephen looked toward her again.
"You always were troublesome."
Elena's eyes narrowed. "You don't know me that well."
"I know enough about every servant of Dawn House."
He stepped out of the crater.
This time his expression had changed.
The casual patience was gone.
The pressure around him increased until Sekhmet felt his body becoming heavier despite standing far away.
Sofia and Natasha both adjusted their positions.
Sekhmet looked toward Elena.
