---
They were dressed for motion rather than display, dark fitted clothing, hair tied back, every line of them efficient. The bond in them stirred the moment their eyes found Sekhmet. Not obvious enough for outsiders to name. Very obvious to anyone paying attention.
Lily paid attention.
Her gaze moved over them carefully.
Vera bowed her head first. "Master."
Vela followed a breath later. "You called."
Sekhmet nodded once. "We are going into the Void Land."
Neither woman questioned it.
Vera simply asked, "For instruction?"
"Yes."
That made Lily glance at him briefly. She heard the word instruction and understood enough not to ask in front of the others.
Seraphiel's gaze slid toward Lily, then back to Sekhmet. "A proper lesson then."
"Yes."
Elena looked at Lily. "Do not force yourself past what your mind can hold. There is no honor in breaking for pride."
Lily met her gaze and answered honestly, "I will try not to."
