---
That one stayed in the room after the sentence ended.
Sekhmet knew then exactly why she had offered him a worker's contract before anything deeper.
Useful first. Useful meant survival. Useful bought time. Useful gave a woman room to remain near powerful men without having to immediately trust them with her throat.
He understood it.
That did not mean he liked it.
"The Gorgons still want you?"
Mira nodded. "Yes."
"As blood."
"Yes."
"As an insult to be punished?"
"Yes."
"As unfinished business."
Her eyes held his. "Most of all that."
Clear enough.
"How close are they?"
That made her hesitate by half a breath.
Honest hesitation.
Important.
