---
Finally, Vela whispered, "Will Lily know? That our bonds are stronger now."
Sekhmet did not pretend not to understand.
"Yes."
The answer was simple enough to make both twins go still.
Vera's eyes opened slightly. "Because you will tell her?"
"Not tonight," Sekhmet said.
Vela's fingers tightened faintly over Vera's hand. "Then how."
Sekhmet looked toward the dark window for a moment, then back down at them. "Because Lily already knows you came here."
That silence was not fear exactly. It was the sudden awareness that the night had not been as hidden from Lily as they had half allowed themselves to believe.
Sekhmet continued, "She knows you came to my room. She knows you will sleep here tonight."
Vera's face changed first. Not shame. Not regret. Something more complicated.
"She allowed it," Vera said quietly.
It was not really a question. But an answer.
Sekhmet answered anyway. "She did not stop it."
Vela lowered her eyes. "That is not the same."
