---
Not hunger exactly. It was recognition. Her body had begun to understand that it had just been given something not meant for ordinary flesh.
Vera's eyes darkened with old memory.
Vela's fingers flexed once at her side.
Auri stepped half a pace forward without realizing it, then stopped herself.
Bat Bat looked scandalized and fascinated and deeply jealous all at once. "I still think this is unfair to me."
Sekhmet ignored her. He looked only at Lily.
"Can you stand?"
She nodded at once. Then frowned. "Yes. I think."
"Do not think. Tell me."
Lily took one slow breath, grounding herself. The blood inside her felt hot now. Hot enough that her skin almost tingled.
"Yes," she said more clearly. "I can stand."
"Good." He replied.
Sekhmet lifted one hand and touched the side of her face briefly, measuring the heat there. Rising already.
The time had come.
He closed his eyes for one fraction of a heartbeat and spoke inwardly.
"System. Turn Lily into my third true vampire."
