---
Sekhmet's eyes stayed calm, but his mind remained on the new skill.
Vampire Creation.
He did not feel excitement.
He felt responsibility.
And suspicion.
Because a skill that created loyal vampires was not a small thing. It was the kind of thing that started legends. It was the kind of thing that made gods watch.
He kept his face neutral. He did not let the thought leak into his posture.
He simply walked.
Auri's voice was quiet beside him.
"Master," she said, "why do we go to the contract market?"
Sekhmet did not look at her.
"I need a solution," he replied.
Auri nodded as if that was enough. She did not ask questions she did not need to ask. That was one reason Sekhmet kept her close. She was loyal by summoning law, but she was also disciplined, and discipline was rare.
