---
He did not react like a fool who had only heard stories.
But his gaze sharpened enough that she knew the name mattered.
Of course it mattered.
In the Lower Domain of Null, some races ruled with numbers. Some with age. Some with city power, hidden houses, or bloodline politics. Others ruled because the world itself had grown up afraid of what happened when they became angry in groups.
The Medusa and Gorgon lines belonged to that last kind.
Strongest was always a relative word in Null.
But yes.
One of the strongest races of the Lower Domain.
Ancient serpent blood. Eyes tied to curse and will. Body lines old enough that even other predators learned caution around them. Their women were feared, admired, traded around in rumor, and spoken of by weaker men with a mixture of lust and funeral dread.
Sekhmet took his time before answering.
"You have enemies among them."
"Yes."
"Family enemies?"
Mira's jaw shifted.
"Yes."
That interested him more than if she had said no.
